Pomegranate has been cultivated since ancient times. All parts of this plant were used to treat various ailments.
It mentioned for three times in the Holy Quran under the name of Rumman in Surah (Al- Anaam) verse 99 , Surah (Al-Anaam) verse 141 and Surah (Al-Rahman)verse 68.
In Surah (Al-Anaam) verse 141.'' It is He who produce the gardens with trellises and without ,and dates and tilth with produce of all kinds and olives and pomegranates ,similar (in kind ) and different (in variety) :eat of their fruit in their season ,but the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered .But waste not by excess. For Allah loves not the wasters''.
This investigation aims to study the effect of repeated over doses of an aqueous extract of pomegranate ( Punica granatum L .) pericarps in male albino rats for a month.
Oral administration of repeated over doses ( 1.3g/k) of an aqueous extract of pomegranate ( Punica granatum L .) pericarps in male albino rats for month displayed significant increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanin aminotransferase (ALT),alkaline phosphatase and liver revealed congestion of central vein ,dilatation of sinusoids , vacuolization and (ALT) ballooning also a lot of pyknotic nuclei were detected with many necrotic areas of hepatocytes. Inflammatory cells were detected inbetween hepatocytes, dilatation of the portal tract and fibrosis noticed around it. Elevation of serum urea , creatinine ,dilatation and severe congestion of blood vessels , most glomeruli were congested ,dilatated, and some appeared degenerated. Diffuse extravagations of red blood cells between the degenerated renal tubules were noticed .Augmentation of serum total cholesterol , decreased serum triglycerides and formation of medial calcinosis in aorta. Reduction in serum testosterone level, some seminiferous tubules appeared normal but the others appeared affected.
All things must be taken in moderation because repeated high doses of an aqueous extract ofpomegranate pericarpswillbetoxic.