Pomegranate Supplementation Improves Affective and Motor Behavior in Mice after Radiation Exposure

Figure 5

Pomegranates may protect the brain (and therefore behavior) from the effects of radiation by a number of potential mechanisms. Particles can strike DNA, causing damage and apoptosis. Particles can also strike water molecules, generating reactive oxidative species that cause inflammation, vascular damage, and suppressed neurogenesis. Pomegranate’s neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and provascular (via nitric oxide synthase) properties may protect against these effects.