Fermented and Germinated Samh Seeds Reduces Hyperlipidemia, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Rats a Fed High-Fat...

Hyperlipidemia contributes to hepatic dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study examines the protective effects of raw (raw samh seed flour [RSSF]), germinated (germinated samh seeds flour [GSSF]), and fermented (fermented samh seeds flour [FSSF]) samh seed flour against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic disturbances in rats.Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups and fed either a standard diet, HFD, or HFD supplemented with 15% RSSF, GSSF, or FSSF for 8 weeks. The FSSF group exhibited the most pronounced reduction in body weight gain, fasting glucose, insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]), and serum/liver lipids. FSSF also significantly decreased proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interleukin 6 [IL-6], and interleukin-1 beta [IL-1β]) and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA]), while enhancing antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and total glutathione [GSH]) and IL-10 levels. Histological analysis revealed marked improvements in liver structure in the FSSF group compared to the HFD group.Fermented samh seed flour notably attenuates hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress while preserving hepatic integrity, highlighting its potential as a functional dietary intervention for managing metabolic syndrome and related liver disorders.