Study of steroidal compounds from peel and seed of some pomegranate cultivars (Punica granatum L.) and investigating the effect of pomegranate seed oil on blood lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Background: High level of blood cholesterol can cause diseases such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and increase the chance of apoplexy and fatty liver. Unsaturated fatty acids play important roles in preventing cardiovascular diseases because they decrease total cholesterols and LDL-C in the blood. Objective: The study investigates some sterol compounds of Iranian pomegranate seed oil and their effects on decreasing the level of cholesterol in hypercholesterolaemia rabbits. Methods: Three different varieties of pomegranate were selected and oil extraction was done from powdered tissue by Soxhlet extractor. Then, the extract was transfused into GC-MS for Identification Sterol Compounds. Oil extracted from pomegranate was taken into the diets of hypercholesterolemia rabbits. Results: The results showed that the major phytosterols in pomegranate seed and skin tissues were stigmasterols, ∆5-avenasterols, campsterols and beta-sitosterols, among which the β-sitosterols most dominant phytosterols. Studying the influence of oil extracted on decreasing cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic rabbits show that using 5 and 10 g/kg extracted oil from pomegranate seeds in the diet of hypercholesterolemic rabbits (tested with cholesterol 1%) can decrease significantly total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C of hyperlipidemia against neutral sample and it can increase significantly HDL-C. Conclusion: The role of the pomegranate seed oil in improving the lipid profile of the plasma and reducing undesirable fats may be can have a considerable effect on human health and lowering blood lipids and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Increasing awareness of the potential capacity of this valuable fruit can help to play a ‎better role in the various industries.