Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peel Supplementation on Body Weight, Glucose Levels, and Food Intake in Rats Fed a Cafeteria Diet

Introduction: Currently, scientific interest in the study of pomegranate peel has increased because it contains significant amounts of bioactive compounds: gallic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanins, lignans, and catechins, among others. These compounds
have functional properties, and beneficial therapeutic effects on health.
Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pomegranate peel supplementation on body weight, glucose levels, and food intake in diet-induced obese rats. Methods: Fifteen male Wistar rats were randomly distributedn into 3 groups: a control diet group (CTL) (3.35 kcal/g), a cafeteria diet group (CAF) (3.72 kcal/g), and a cafeteria diet group supplemented with pomegranate peel (CAF+G) (200 mg/kg body weight). Body weight was recorded once a week and food intake three times per week for 15 weeks. Finally, fasting blood glucoselevels were obtained, the rats were sacrificed, blood was collected to obtain serum samples, and tissues were extracted for further analysis. Results:A significant difference in body weight gain was found (p < 0.01) between CTL (269.98 ± 14.99 g) and CAF (408.32 ± 65.72 g). Regarding the food intake (g/day), we found a significant increase in CAF intake compared with CTL (p < 0.05). Similarly, blood glucose levels were significantly higher in CAF compared with CTL (p < 0.01). Conclusions: CAF promotes an increase in food intake, this causes a greater gain in body weight, as well as higher blood glucose
levels. Pomegranate peel supplementation induced less body
weight gain as well as lower blood glucose levels compared with CAF, but these differences were not statistically significant. Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Keywords: Obesity, Pomegranate, Food intake, Glucose, Cafeteria diet.