Anti-inflammatory and Subacute Safety Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Rind Extract in Recurrent Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation in BALB/c Mice

Jonas, Twahafifwa Nghuuluka Kanemo and Waihenya, Rebecca Wanjiku and Kariuki, Daniel Wainaina (2026) Anti-inflammatory and Subacute Safety Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Rind Extract in Recurrent Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation in BALB/c Mice. World's Veterinary Journal. 312 - 323. ISSN 23224568

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Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) contains a high level of polyphenols and has anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is limited available data on the safety and effectiveness of pomegranate use during prolonged inflammatory conditions. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties and subacute toxicity profile of a 70 ethanolic extract of Punica granatum (P. granatum) rind in carrageenan-induced mice. A total of 30 male mice, aged five weeks and weighing 22�23 grams, were randomly assigned to five groups of six mice each. The study included a negative control group that received normal saline, a positive control group that received meloxicam at 2 mg/kg, and three treatment groups that received P. granatum rind extract at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg orally over 28 days. Inflammation was induced once weekly in all experimental groups by 1 carrageenan injection into the right hind paw, after which the edema was measured with a digital vernier caliper. The toxicity of the pomegranate extract was assessed using hematological and biochemical profiles of hepatic and renal parameters. Tissue samples from the heart, spleen, kidney, lungs, and liver were collected on day 29. To assess the inflammation status, concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-10 were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The P. granatum rind extract significantly reduced paw edema without mortality or observable toxicity, compared to the negative control group. Mice maintained their normal feeding habits, and body weight increased normally across all groups. Hematological parameters, hepatic, and renal markers were within the normal physiological range across all groups. Histopathological analysis revealed no abnormalities in extract-treated groups. Extract-treated groups demonstrated a dose-dependent elevation of IL-10, peaking at 200 mg/kg, and a reduction in TNF-α level across all doses, with the highest suppression observed at 100 mg/kg compared to the negative control. Daily oral administration of P. granatum rind extract for 28 days exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects, as evidenced by reduced paw edema and modulation of cytokines. The absence of systemic toxicity across all tested doses suggested that P. granatum rind extract can be a safe therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory conditions. © The Author(s) 2026. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Anti-inflammatory; Biochemical marker; Carrageenan; Cytokine; Hematological parameter; Inflammation; Punica granatum
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SF Animal culture
Divisions:	World's Veterinary Journal (WVJ)
Page Range:	312 - 323
Journal or Publication Title:	World's Veterinary Journal
Journal Index:	Scopus
Volume:	16
Number:	2
Publisher:	Scienceline Publication
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.54203/scil.2026.wvj30
ISSN:	23224568
Depositing User:	Dr. Alireza Sadeghi
URI:	https://eprints.science-line.com/id/eprint/1698

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