The Effect of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Seed and 17-β Estradiol on Serum Apelin, Glucose, Lipids, and Insulin in Ovariectomized Rats

Modulation of inflammatory markers by petroleum ether fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seed extract in ovariectomized rats

This study evaluates the modulation of inflammatory markers by petroleum ether fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (PE-TFG) seed extract in ovariectomized rats. The HPTLC method was used for standardization and to quantify the diosgenin in PE-TFG. For testing PE-TFG in rats, the total duration of treatment was 12-weeks, and the rats were sacrificed on week 12. The tissue samples such as blood, liver, heart, and aorta were isolated for testing inflammatory markers such as adiponectin, leptin, PPAR-γ, TNF-α, lipid profile, hepatic markers, antioxidants, and oxidative stress markers. The PE-TFG treatment decreased the elevation of total cholesterol, triglyceride, AST, and ALT. Upon PE-TFG treatment, there was a significant increase in adiponectin and PPAR-γ mRNA expression. Leptin and TNF-α were normal after treatment with PE-TFG seed extract. Further, micro-steatosis of hepatocytes marked glomerular hypertrophy in the kidney and increased thickness of tunica intima and media of common carotid artery was reversed after treatment with PE-TFG. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. is a curative plant used to treat inflammatory conditions like diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, arthritis, cancer, and digestive disorders. In our study, PE-TFG supplementation has a protective effect on OVX-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, mRNA expression of adiponectin and PPAR-γ, hepatic steatosis, and decreased thickness of tunica intima and media of common carotid artery.

Dose-dependent effects of fenugreek seed extract on the biochemical and haematological parameters in high-fat diet-fed rats

Objective

The present study was carried out to assess the effects of fenugreek seed extract on various biochemical and haematological parameters in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats.

Methods

Female Wistar rats were allocated into five groups (n = 6): 1) control rats, 2) HFD-fed control rats 3) rats fed with HFD and fenugreek (FG) seed extract at doses of 200 mg/kg/day, 300 mg/kg/day, and 400 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks. Blood was collected to examine the biochemical and haematological parameters using a veterinary blood cell counter; blood indices such as MCV, MCH, MCHC, red blood cell distribution width, haemoglobin (Hb) levels, haematocrit, and platelet counts were measured. Blood samples were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min at room temperature to obtain serum for the estimation of lipid profiles, and aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels.

Results

Rats fed with FG at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day showed a significant increase in the red blood cell count, Hb levels, haematocrit, and MCV, and a significant decrease in the lymphocyte count. The total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in rats from the HFD control group, compared to those in the normal control group, but decreased significantly in rats fed with 400 mg/kg/day of FG.

Conclusion

The results of the current study suggest that FG seed extract exhibits hypolipidaemic activity and significantly improves the activity of hepatic enzymes, and the blood counts and indices in rats with HFD-induced obesity.