Gastroprotective and Antiulcerogenic Impacts of Pomegranates ( <scp> <i>Punica granatum</i> </scp> ) Peel Extract: In Vivo and In Vitro Study

Some natural items' anti-ulcer properties were studied as possible alternative medications, most likely because of their efficacy and safety. Omeprazole is a cornerstone in the treatment of gastric ulcers, not only promoting ulcer healing but also preventing recurrence by reducing gastric acid secretion and aiding in mucosal regeneration. Pomegranate has been suggested as a potential protective food supplement to attenuate several pathological disorders such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and tumors because of its rich composition of bioactive substances that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles. The present work aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective and antiulcerogenic properties of Pomegranates peel extract by comparing it with Omeprazole. The phenolic content of Pomegranates peel extract was determined by using HPLC. Further in vitro investigations of Pomegranates peel extract, as anti-inflammatory and anti-<i>Helicobacter pylori</i> activities, were carried out. The in vivo animal study included four groups of albino rats that were used in this study (control g., indomethacin ulcerated g., indomethacin + Omeprazole group, and indomethacin + Pomegranates peel extract group). In vivo studies included measuring gastric juice volume, biochemical evaluation of gastric free and total acidity, macroscopic ulcer index scoring, and microscopic histopathological examinations. Results exhibited that Pomegranates peel extract was rich in phenolic compounds and recorded significant anti-inflammatory and anti-<i>H. pylori</i> activities. The in vivo animal study showed that both omeprazole and pomegranate peel extract achieved ameliorative gastroprotective and antiulcerogenic impacts against pathological alterations induced by indomethacin as the gastric injury decreased, and acidity improved, the gastric tissue returned to normal, and the ulcers healed. In conclusion, pomegranate peel extract accelerates gastric ulcer healing and shows anti-<i>H. pylori</i> and anti-inflammatory activities.