Protective Effect of Pomegranate Seed Oil against D-Galactose-Induced Aging in Rats

Background and Objective: Aging is a natural phenomenon which can cause changes in most organs and cells. Numerous mechanisms including oxidative stress and free radical generation is involved in the progression of the aging process. Pomegranate seed oil (PSO), has different therapeutic properties including anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this research, the effect of PSO against D-galactose-induced aging is investigated. Materials and Methods: D-galactose, 500 mg/kg, injected subcutaneously (S.C.) to induce aging in rats. Animals in treatment groups received PSO, 0.4 and 0.8 ml/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.). After 42 days, behavioral test was evaluated by passive avoidance (PA). Then animals killed, blood samples collected by cardiac puncture, and brain and liver removed. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) measured in serum. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol contents of brain and liver homogenized tissue samples were determined. Results: D-galactose increased lipid-peroxidation in liver and brain tissues as well as elevation of ALT, AST, but the level of thiol contents decreased in homogenized tissues. Both doses of PSO attenuated d-galactose-induced injury in liver and brain by decreasing ALT, AST, MDA and elevation of thiol content. The PA test showed that PSO increased the latency time to enter the dark chamber compared to the control group. Conclusion: PSO decreased D-galactose-induced aging in rats via prevention of oxidative stress. This effect may be related to the presence of various compounds and their anti-oxidant properties, which is found in PSO.