Exploring the therapeutic potential of pomegranate juice for uterine relaxation

ABSTRACT

Background

The effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) and its components on uterine smooth muscle are unknown. Hence, this study unequivocally demonstrates that pomegranate juice (PJ) significantly impacts myometrial function, providing crucial insights into its relaxant properties and their potential therapeutic applications for uterine-related disorders.

Research design and methods

Rat uterine smooth muscle horn strips were suspended in Krebs solution organ baths. Contractions were measured isometrically using a transducer (AD instrument Australia). The effects of PJ were evaluated on contractile activity elicited by potassium chloride (KCl 60 Mm) depolarization. Inhibitors of nitric oxide (L-NAME 3 X 10⁻⁴), guanylate cyclase (methylene blue 1 X 10⁻⁵), and Prostaglandin I₂ (indomethacin 3 X 10⁻⁵), as well as Potassium Channels blockers, were determined.

Results

The juice at concentrations from 1.5–5 mg/ml significantly decreased the rat uterine horn contraction induced by KCl. The NO, cGMP, and PGI₂ inhibitors did not block the relaxation response. Furthermore, the PGI₂ inhibitor significantly enhanced the relaxation effects; K⁺ channel blockers had no inhibitory effects on the relaxation responses. Contrarily, GLIB improved considerably relaxation.

Conclusion

Research suggests pomegranate juice’s active ingredient may reduce uterine contractions and treat uterotonic disorders, potentially preventing preterm birth and dysmenorrhea. Further research is needed to determine its mechanism of action.

Trial registration

Code: AEC-013

KEYWORDS:

• Pomegranate juice
• rat uterine horns
• K⁺-channels blockers
• Ca⁺⁺-channels blocker
• L-NAME

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the University of Zakho/College of Science/Biology Department for supporting their research.

Ethics

All animal procedures were approved by the University of Zakho Committee following the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care-accredited procedures (Trial registration: Code: AEC-013. Registered 23 October 2015).

Data availability statement

Data will be made available on request.

Author contribution

Omar A.M. AL Habib: Contributed significantly to study conception and initial draft writing. Lina N. Adam: Conceptualized the study, collected the samples, curated data, conducted statistical analysis, managed project administration, wrote the original draft, and provided extensive editing. All authors have actively participated in drafting, revising, and critically reviewing the article. They unanimously agreed on the submission journal, reviewed and approved all article versions throughout the submission, revision, and final acceptance stages, including significant changes made during proofing. The authors collectively take responsibility for the article’s content and are committed to addressing any inquiries concerning its accuracy and integrity after publication.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.