Composition of the diet played an important role in the management of lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in blood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pomegranate peels and Iranian fenugreek extracts on the liver, cardiac and antioxidant status of the serum and tissues from diet-induced hypercholesterolemic guinea pigs. The guinea pigs were divided into six groups (10 per group). The first group served as normal control. The second and third groups were treated with Iranian fenugreek and pomegranate extract alone, respectively. The fourth group was fed with hypercholesterolemic diet only for 30 days; whereas the fifth and sixth groups were treated with Iranian fenugreek extract or with pomegranate extract respectively and fed with hypercholesterolemic diet also for 30 days. Blood and tissue were removed for further biochemical analysis. Oral treatment with extracts of pomegranate peel and Iranian fenugreek demonstrated significant protective effects on all the biochemical parameters studied including lipid profile, antioxidant status and liver functions tests. These results suggest that pomegranate and Iranian fenugreek extended protection against various biochemical changes in hypercholesterolemic guinea pigs. Thus, methanolic extract of pomegranate and Iranian fenugreek are recommended to prevent the development of hypercholesterolemic and its complications.
 

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