The protective effect of pomegranate peel aqueous extract on selenite-induced cataract in rats

The present study was performed to evaluate the preventive effect of pomegranate peel extract on sodium-induced cataract in rats. Sprague-Dawley suckling male rats were divided into four groups: group C: rats received no treatment, group P: rats received pomegranate peel aqueous extract (PPE) orally, group Se: rats received an injection of sodium selenite, group Se + P: rats received PPE and sodium selenite concomitantly. After 4 weeks, rats were sacrificed, and their lenses were homogenized and evaluated for biochemical parameters and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the Se group, developed cataract with significant lens opacity was observed. Other changes in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, oxidative parameters, solubility of proteins, in NO and Ca levels and the electrophoresis pattern of proteins were observed in lenses of the Se group compared to control groups. After the preventive administration of PPE, most of these parameters were normalized due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extract. Practical applications Cataract is one of the leading causes of vision impairment among the elderly, and surgery is the major therapeutic step taken to cure it. However, surgery has its limitations and complications. Therefore, prevention of cataract development, especially in high-risk individuals, can be better than cure. Pomegranate peel extract has a high potential to prevent cataract in these people.