The effect of pomegranate juice (Punica granatum L.) on the oxidative stress of 15-17 year old girls in Arak

An imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defense system causes oxidative stress which can create different diseases. This study has attempted to measure the possible effect of pomegranate juice (PJ) as an antioxidant on oxidative stress.

This semi experimental study was performed on 30 girl students, 15-17 years old. They were asked to complete a questionnaire based on study criteria and then were asked to drink 100 ml of PJ per day for 14 days. The oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant capacity, total thiol and lipid peroxidation levels) were measured before and 14 days after using the PJ. Paired t-test was used for data analysis.

The students showed a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation (11.3±5.93 versus 6.4±3.3, P<0.01). The total serum antioxidant capacity (1.95±0.36 versus 2.26±0.54) and total serum-thiols (0.3±0.19 versus 0.43±0.27) were also significantly increased (P<0.05).

PJ has a remarkable antioxidant characteristic, and due to its poly-phenolic flavenoids has antioxidant characteristic and reduces oxidative stress.