Citrullus colocynthis as a bioavailable source of β-sitosterol, antihyperlipidemic effect of oil in rabbits

A phytochemical study on the seed and kernel of Citrullus colocynthis has been carried out in the present paper. The results revealed the presence of the β-sitosterol in the kernel and seed in different percent (seed contain 16.92% and the kernel contain 6.62%). The lipid lowering active compound (β-sitosterol) has been detected by using TLC, IR, UV and H1-NMR. The present study was designed to reveal the hypocholesterolemic effect of β-sitosterol on the serum total cholesterol and triglyceride in rabbits. Significant drop in serum total cholesterol and triglyceride was observed at 120 h after first administration. These results support the suggestion of Citrullus colocynthis oil as a treatment for hyperlipidemia.