Abstract:
Herbal medicine is used by millions of diabetic
patients due to economic and cultural factors. The current study
investigates the antidiabetic potential of fenugreek (Trigonella
foenum-graecum) seed extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg in a
Streptozocin-induced diabetic model. Male Sprague-Dawley
rats received either intraperitoneal fenugreek [daily (ED) or
every other day (EOD)] or oral fenugreek supplement daily,
for four weeks. Results show that fenugreek significantly
reduced blood glucose. Urea levels were reduced after daily
intraperitoneal injection, and creatinine levels dropped after
oral treatment, respectively. AST and ALT levels were reduced
following fenugreek treatment, while protein levels significantly
increased. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased after
daily injections, while triglycerides decreased significantly in
all groups. Glutathione S-transferase and catalase increased
with treatment, while peroxidase antioxidant enzyme levels
were reduced. Glutathione peroxidase levels increased only
after daily injection. Histologically, fenugreek mildly protected
hepatic, renal, and pancreatic tissues. In conclusion, the current
study shows some potential benefits of fenugreek use. Oral and
injectable fenugreek showed improvement in blood glucose,
renal and liver functions. Although triglyceride levels decreased
