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Rezayee H. The Effects of Afghan Pine Nut (Pinus gerardiana) on Serum Lipid Profile in High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats. KJMS 2025; 10 (19) :48-56
URL: http://kjms.knu.edu.af/article-1-76-en.html

Introduction: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and fatty liver disease. In recent years, natural compounds and herbal remedies have gained increasing attention as alternatives to conventional pharmacological treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different doses of Afghan pine nut (Pinus gerardiana) on serum lipid profiles in rats.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce hyperlipidemia. The animals were then divided into five groups: normal control, high-fat control, and three treatment groups receiving 6%, 12%, or 25% pine nut along with the high-fat diet. After four weeks of intervention, plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL were measured.
Results: The high-fat diet significantly increased triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL compared to the normal group. The 25% pine nut dose significantly reduced triglycerides and LDL. The 12% dose showed no significant change, while the 6% dose unexpectedly increased triglycerides and decreased HDL.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that Afghan pine nut, when administered at an appropriate dose, can improve lipid profiles and exhibits hypolipidemic properties. Due to its bioactive compounds such as unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, it has potential as a safe and effective dietary supplement for the prevention and management of hyperlipidemia. However, its efficacy is highly dose-dependent, and improper use may lead to adverse effects. Further clinical studies are required to validate these results in humans.