Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Agriculture - Department of Agricultural Biochemistry

In ancient times Egyptians regarded pomegranate fruit as a symbol of fertility due to the round shape and abundant seeds .They used it to heal many ailments. Pomegranate fruit mentioned in our holy Quran not less than three times and paid attention for its importance. Most pomegranate (Punica granatum Linn., Punicaceae) fruit parts are known to possess enormous antioxidant activity. The present study was carried out to determine the phenolic and flavonoid contents of pomegranate juice and nanoparticles pomegranate juice. It was an attempt to evaluate the toxic effect of chlorpyrifos (CPF) with either pomegranate juice or nanoparticles pomegranate juice treatments and as antioxidant agents. Therefore, the present study also aimed to elucidate the possible ameliorative role of pomegranate juice (PJ) or nanoparticles pomegranate juice (NPJ) in CPF toxicity when given to male rats and compared with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) drug. This was done through studying the effects of CPF on serum and antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidneys as well as histopathological changes in vital organs such as liver and kidney. Results showed that CPF-intoxicated rats caused significant changes in serum enzyme activity in liver and kidneys, liver function and kidneys function, when compared with normal control. Ingestion of CPF along with PJ or NPJ or UDCA drug improved those parameters. Histopathological reports also revealed that there is a regenerative activity in the liver and kidney cells

Issued also as CD