Metformin inhibits macrophage cholesterol biosynthesis rate: Possible role for metformin-induced oxidative stress

•We analyzed the effect of metformin (MF) on J774A.1 macrophages.•MF significantly inhibits macrophage cholesterol biosynthesis via HMGCoA-reductase.•Metformin significantly enhanced macrophage oxidative stress.•Pomegranate juice and vitamin E significantly decreased MF-induced oxidative stress.•These antioxidants abolished MF-induced reduction in cholesterol biosynthesis.