The serum/glucose deprivation (SGD)-induced cell injury in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line represents a useful in vitro model for studying the induction of cell injury following brain ischemia and other neurodegenerative disorders. Pomegranate (Punicagranatum L.) has been known for its antioxidant constituents. To elucidate the neuroprotective effects of pomegranate, we have evaluated pulp aqueous (PHE) and hydro-alcoholic(PAE) extracts, on viability of cultured PC12 cells under serum/glucose deprivation conditions. PC12 cells were grown in DMEM media, supplemented with 10% FCS, and 1% antibiotic, containing 100 IU/ml penicillin and 100 μg/ml streptomycin. After seeding overnight, cells were depriviated from serum/glucose for 6 and 12 hrs. In treatment groups, cells were pre-incubated with PHE and PAE (6.25-800 μg/ml) for 2 h before inducing SGD, in which the same treatments were applied. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Exposure of PC12 cells to SGD condition for 6 and 12 hrs induced a significant decline in cell viability (p < 0.001). Treatment of PC12 cells for 6 and 12 h with PHE, PAE (6.25–800 μg/ml) significantly reduced the SGD-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells Herein, we have shown that PHE, PAE increased cell viability following serum/glucose deprivation in PC12 cells. It emphasizes the potential therapeutic properties of pomegranatepulpin alleviating the pathogenic disturbances associated with cerebral ischemia and other neurodegenerative disorders.

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