Effect of Pomegranate Peel Extract on Submandibular Salivary Glands of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats: Histological, Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is a significant healthcare problem concern worldwide. It has different pathological effects on body tissues and organs especially on the major salivary glands. Pomegranate considers a native fruit that contains numerous polyphenolic antioxidant ingredients when compared to other fruits and vegetables. The aim of the current study was to explore the biological impact of Pomegranate Peel Extract on streptozotocin induced diabetes in submandibular salivary gland of albino rats.

Methods: 30 male adult albino rats were separated into 3 groups: Group I (control), group II (diabetic group without any treatment), group III (diabetic group + Pomegranate Peel Extract). Diabetes induction was done by single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin. Plasma glucose and insulin levels were measured, submandibular salivary glands were isolated and examined histologically using routine Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain, immunohistochemically for detection of anti-apoptotic marker, Beta cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) to investigates the diabetes mellitus effects on both the structure and function of the submandibular salivary gland and ultrastructural investigations of submandibular salivary glands.

Results: The obtained results revealed tissue alterations and common complications in submandibular glands of diabetic rat. While the antioxidant (Pomegranate Peel Extract) treated rats had fewer tissue alterations than untreated animals.

Conclusions: It was concluded that pomegranate peel extract has marked improving effects against diabetic submandibular salivary gland complications.