Neuroprotective Effects of Pomegranate Juice against Parkinson’s Disease and Presence of Ellagitannins-Derived Metabolite—Urolithin A—In the Brain

Abstract

Pomegranate juice is a rich source of ellagitannins (ETs) believed to contribute to a wide range of pomegranate’s health benefits. While a lot of experimental studies have been devoted to Alzheimer disease and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, our knowledge of pomegranate’s effects against Parkinson’s disease (PD) is very limited. It is suggested that its neuroprotective effects are mediated by ETs-derived metabolites—urolithins. In this study, we examined the capability of pomegranate juice for protection against PD in a rat model of parkinsonism induced by rotenone. To evaluate its efficiency, assessment of postural instability, visualization of neurodegeneration, determination of oxidative damage to lipids and α-synuclein level, as well as markers of antioxidant defense status, inflammation, and apoptosis, were performed in the midbrain. We also check the presence of plausible active pomegranate ETs-derived metabolite, urolithin A, in the plasma and brain. Our results indicated that pomegranate juice treatment provided neuroprotection as evidenced by the postural stability improvement, enhancement of neuronal survival, its protection against oxidative damage and α-synuclein aggregation, the increase in mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, and maintenance of antiapoptotic Bcl-xL protein at the control level. In addition, we have provided evidence for the distribution of urolithin A to the brain.

Perspective of Membrane Technology in Pomegranate Juice Processing: A Review

“…These results support the development of functional foods for the prevention obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemias [32]. Studies with mice models have demonstrated that pomegranate juice exhibits a protective effect against oxidative damage in Parkinson's disease as well as antileishmanial activity [33,34].…”

Food Applications and Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate and its Derivatives

“…Effect References fruit ↓of progression of cognitive and behavioral impairments in Alzheimer's disease [65] whole fruit extract anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects [66] whole fruit extract ↓apoptosis and inflammation in liver cells [67] peel polysaccharide ↓weight loss and ↑immune organ index of immunosuppressed mice [68] peel polysaccharide protection against CCl 4 -induced liver injury [69] pomegranate aril extract inhibition of contact hypersensitivity of allergic dermatitis [70] juice ↑hypoxia-induced fetal growth and ↓apoptosis in the placenta in pregnant mice [71] juice neuroprotection and protection against oxidative damage in Parkinson's disease rat model [72] juice antileishmanial activity, probably by boosting the endogenous antioxidant activity in female BALB/c mice [73] leaf ↓total serum cholesterol and triglycerides of hyperlipidemic mice [74] peel extract contribution in prevention and treatment of Giardia lamblia infection [75] peel extract preventing bone loss associated with ovariectomy in mice [48] 3.2.1. Obesity, Diabetes…”

A New Extract from Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) By-Products as a Potential Oenological Tannin: Preliminary Characterization and Comparison with Existing Commercial Products

“…Iran and India, but also America and the Mediterranean regions, are the main producers [ 33 , 34 ]. The demand for pomegranate keeps increasing year after year, also thanks to the increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits related to the pomegranate consumption, mainly in the form of juice [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. Indeed, thanks to its high antioxidant capacity, pomegranate as a polyphenol-rich fruit is being commonly referred to as “superfruit” [ 28 , 41 ].…”