Amelioration of sodium benzoate induced reproductive toxicity by Punicagranatum peel extractin female Wistar rats

The present study was carried out with 24 female wistar albino rats randomly divided into four groups (group I, II, III and IV) consisting of 6 in each. Sodium benzoate was gavaged orally using water as vehicle at a dose rate of 200 mg/kg body weight to group II. Punica granatum peel extract at a dose rate of 200 mg/kg body weight was given along with sodium benzoate to group IV for 8 weeks to study ameliorative effects. Group I and III were treated with distilled water and Punica granatum peel extract respectively. The Oxidative stress indicator serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels were increased in sodium benzoate treated rats and the levels of serum TBARS were significantly improved in ameliorated rats. Significant decrease in serum progesterone and estrogen concentration was noticed in group II rats. In Punica granatum ameliorated rats significant improvement in hormonal values were observed. Histopathological studies of uterus and ovary revealed that incorporation of Punica granatum peel extract appeared to be beneficial to rats to a great extent in attenuating and restoring the toxic damage sustained by sodium benzoate exposure.