To explore the effects of Punica granatum L. (P. granatum, Shi Liu) seed in the management of peritoneal adhesions (PAs) in rats.

The mature male rats were separated into the following groups, each containing six animals: a sham group without peritoneal adhesion induction, a negative control group, and four intervention groups with both peritoneal adhesion induction and administration of 2 mL of vehicle or 0.1%, 0.3%, 1%, or 3% w/v P. granatum seed Soxhlet (PSS). Peritoneal adhesions were assessed through macroscopic examination, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were evaluated using biochemical methods.

The findings revealed no notable differences in adhesin scores between the therapeutic and negative control groups, but PSS (1 and 3% w/v) significantly reduced TNF-α, VEGF, and TGF-β1 levels compared with those in the negative control group (all P <.01).

The results indicate that PSS is a potential treatment option for intraperitoneal adhesions.