Effects of Pomegranate, Lactobacillus, and Tempeh Combination on Metabolism, Oxidative Stress, and Intestinal Health in High-Fat Diet Mice

Pomegranate polyphenols, particularly ellagic acid, regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, while reducing oxidative stress through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Lactobacillus supports gut health by enhancing the intestinal barrier function and modulating microbial populations. This study aimed to examine the effect of pomegranate juice, either alone or in combination with Lactobacillus or Tempeh, on the metabolic health of Wistar rats. Rats were divided into six treatment groups: K1 (normal control), K2 (high-fat diet control), K3 (pomegranate seeds), K4 (pomegranate seeds and peel), K5 (pomegranate seeds + Lactobacillus), and K6 (pomegranate seeds + tempeh). The outcomes assessed included the lipid profile, glucose levels, oxidative stress markers, fecal pH, and histological analysis. Significant differences were found across the treatment groups for lipid profile, blood glucose, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), fecal pH, and intestinal histological parameters (p<0.01). Among the pomegranate-treated groups, K5 exhibited the lowest total cholesterol (92.70±4.29), triglycerides (84.28±2.31), LDL (28.00±2.92), and blood glucose (85.41±2.09), while showing the highest HDL (79.12±1.64) and SOD (79.67±3.40). The lowest MDA level was found in K6 (2.58±0.13), whereas K3 had the lowest fecal pH (6.94±0.05). Mucosal thickness and villus length differed significantly (p<0.01), whereas the goblet cell count did not (p=0.19). K3 exhibited the greatest mucosal thickness (577.34±76.39) and villus length (296.13±39.42), K5 had the lowest villus destruction (60% intact), and K6 had the highest goblet cell count (143.40±32.75). Pomegranate juice, with Lactobacillus or Tempeh, improves lipid and glucose metabolism, reduces oxidative stress, and enhances gut health in rats.