Anti-inflammatory Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum l.) Peel Ethanol Extract on the Progression of Kidney Damage in Sepsis Rat Models

Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency resulting from the body's immune response to infection, which can lead to organ dysfunction and death. Pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.) contains bioactive metabolites known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pomegranate peel ethanol extract on the progression of kidney damage in sepsis rat models. In vivo experiment using 30 male rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced with intraperitoneal E. coli divided into five groups: negative control, pomegranate peel extract with 300 mg/kgBW (KP1), 600 mg/kgBW (KP2), 300 mg/kgBW plus antibiotic (KP3), or antibiotic only (KP4). Endpoints include tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB), and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels, and kidney damage degree based on histopathological examination. The lowest TNF-α, NF-κB, and urinary NGAL levels (6.40 ± 0.33 pg/mL, 72.27 ± 2.16 pg/mL, and 26.90 ± 1.12 pg/mL, respectively) were found in the KP3 group, whereas KP4 exhibited the highest damage score. Post Hoc analysis revealed significant differences among all treatment groups across all variables (p