Pomegranate Juice Effects on Tissue Glutathione in Hypoxic Rats
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: EFFECT OF POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L) JUICE ON CHANGES IN TISSUE GLUTATHIONE LEVELS OF RATS EXPOSED TO HIGH ALTITUDE HYPOXIA
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Gaurava, Praveenvats, Radhey Shyam, Shoba Suri, MML Kumria, K Sridharan, PC Sharmaa, Som Nath Singh
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: EFFECT OF POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L) JUICE ON CHANGES IN TISSUE GLUTATHIONE LEVELS OF RATS EXPOSED TO HIGH ALTITUDE HYPOXIA
Year: 2001
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the effects of pomegranate juice (Punica granatum) on oxidative stress in rats subjected to high altitude hypoxia, a condition marked by low oxygen levels. Research has established that high altitudes increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and associated health risks. The authors note that glutathione, a key antioxidant, is negatively impacted during hypoxia, prompting the exploration of pomegranate juice as a potential natural antioxidant to counteract these effects.
Impact of Pomegranate Juice on Antioxidant Defense
The results showed that rats treated with pomegranate juice prior to and during exposure to high altitude demonstrated an alteration in glutathione levels and related enzymatic activities compared to untreated rats. Specifically, while the juice did not completely normalize food intake and body weight loss due to hypoxia, it helped moderate increases in levels of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), indicating a certain degree of protection against oxidative stress. The study found significant differences in the glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, as well as reduced lipid peroxidation in the muscle tissues of PG-treated rats, suggesting that the juice has antioxidant properties that can mitigate some of the biochemical changes associated with high-altitude exposure.
Conclusion
The findings highlight pomegranate juice as a promising natural source of antioxidants capable of alleviating some oxidative stress experienced during high altitude exposure. Although the treatment shows beneficial effects on tissue glutathione levels and reduces lipid peroxidation, further research is warranted. Future studies should aim to evaluate the long-term effects of pomegranate juice supplementation and potentially assess its health benefits in human subjects exposed to similar hypoxic conditions. The study underscores the importance of dietary antioxidants in managing oxidative stress in extreme environmental conditions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the effect of pomegranate juice on rats in hypoxia?
Pomegranate juice was found to increase glutathione levels, reduce lipid peroxidation, and restore the GSH:GSSG ratio in rats exposed to hypoxia, indicating its potential antioxidant properties.
How were the rats treated in the pomegranate juice study?
Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: one normal control, one exposed to hypoxia, and one treated with pomegranate juice for 15 days before hypoxia exposure.
What metabolic changes occur at high altitudes in rats?
Rats exposed to high altitude experienced increased oxidative stress, reduced food intake, weight loss, and alterations in blood glucose and glycogen levels, indicating significant metabolic changes.
What are the properties of pomegranate juice mentioned in the study?
Pomegranate juice contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and has hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which may be beneficial for reducing oxidative stress during high altitude exposure.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pomegranate Juice Effects on Tissue Glutathione in Hypoxic Rats”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in living organisms that transports oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste products. The study assesses blood parameters, including glutathione levels during hypoxia, revealing its significance in understanding oxidative stress and the potential protective effects of antioxidants like pomegranate juice against hypoxic conditions.
2) Pomegranate:
Pomegranate is a fruit known for its health benefits, particularly due to its antioxidant properties. The study evaluates the effects of pomegranate juice on tissue glutathione levels and oxidative stress in rats exposed to high altitude, establishing its role as a natural source of antioxidants that may mitigate damage.
3) Activity:
Activity refers to the functioning of biochemical processes, such as enzyme activities studied in this research. The specific activities of enzymes like glutathione reductase and S-transferase are measured to determine the biochemical impact of hypoxia and the protective role of pomegranate juice against oxidative stress-induced alterations in rat tissues.
4) Punica granatum:
Punica granatum is the scientific name for the pomegranate plant. This designation highlights the plant's classification and is essential in communicating its specific properties, including the antioxidant capacity of its juice, which is investigated for its potential to combat oxidative stress caused by high altitude exposure in rats.
5) Water:
Water is a crucial component of biological systems, making up a significant part of pomegranate juice. In the study, water serves as a solvent for biochemical reactions and is essential for dilution and preparation of juice extracts, emphasizing its importance for proper physiological function and hydration in experimental models.
6) Substance:
Substance refers to a particular type of matter with specific properties. In the context of this research, it relates to pomegranate juice being a natural substance with potential antioxidant properties. The study examines how such substances can influence biochemical markers and help alleviate oxidative stress imposed by environmental conditions.
7) Science (Scientific):
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. The study exemplifies this by utilizing scientific methods to explore the impacts of pomegranate juice on oxidative stress and metabolic changes in rats subjected to high-altitude hypoxia.
8) Sugar:
Sugar, a carbohydrate found in various natural sources including fruits like pomegranate, plays an important role in metabolism. The study notes the presence of sugars in pomegranate juice, which contribute to energy availability. This aspect is important for understanding nutritional sources during the stress of high-altitude exposure.
9) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and pain in the joints. The study references chronic diseases potentially linked to oxidative stress. Exploring antioxidant compounds such as pomegranate can provide insights into dietary interventions that may help manage inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.
10) Discussion:
Discussion sections in scientific studies analyze findings within a broader context, interpreting results and implications. In this research, the discussion evaluates the effects of pomegranate juice on oxidative stress markers, contrasting these outcomes with existing literature, thus providing a framework for future research and practical applications of antioxidants.
11) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine originating from India, focusing on holistic health and the use of natural remedies. The research acknowledges pomegranate as a medicinal plant within Ayurveda, linking traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific inquiry into its antioxidant properties and suggesting its value in modern dietary practices.
12) Gaurava:
Gaurava is likely a reference to one of the authors involved in the study, potentially contributing to the credibility and scholarly perspective of the research. Individual contributions provide insight into the research team's expertise, reinforcing the value of collaborative efforts in exploring scientific questions related to health and nutrition.
13) Sharman (Śarma, Sarmā, Sarma, Sharma, Śarman):
Sharmaa likely indicates another author of the study, contributing to the collective research effort. The presence of multiple authors enhances the depth of knowledge and expertise, indicating a collaborative approach to investigating the effects of pomegranate juice on oxidative stress, thus strengthening the research findings presented.
14) Cancer:
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The study relates to cancer through the exploration of oxidative stress and its role in disease progression. Investigating antioxidants like pomegranate juice offers potential insights into dietary strategies for prevention or management of oxidative stress-related conditions, including cancer.
15) Diet:
Diet refers to the kinds of food consumed regularly. The research emphasizes dietary sources of antioxidants, specifically pomegranate juice, and their impact on biochemical parameters during hypoxia. Understanding the integration of antioxidant-rich foods into diets is crucial for enhancing health outcomes, particularly under stress conditions like high altitude.
16) Hand:
Hand, while seemingly unrelated, may refer to manual interventions or actions related to the preparation or administration of pomegranate juice in the experiment. The importance of hands-on methodologies in executing scientific studies highlights the practical aspects of conducting research and ensuring accurate experimental setups for data collection.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Pomegranate Juice Effects on Tissue Glutathione in Hypoxic Rats’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Pomegranate juice, Nutritional status, Antioxidant properties, Oxidative stress, Reactive oxygen species, Lipid peroxidation, Reduced glutathione, Body weight change, Blood glucose level, Dietary Supplementation, Glutathione reductase, Glutathione-S-transferase, Glycogen levels, Experimental animal, Oxidized glutathione, Glutathione level.