Hydroalcohol extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed attenuates markers of inflammation and oxidative stress while improving exocrine function in diabetic rats

The effect of Fenugreek seed dry extract supplement on glycemic indices, lipid profile, and prooxidant-antioxidant balance in patients with type 2 diabetes: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

Introduction

This study aims to determine the effects of fenugreek seed dry extract (FDE) on the glycemic indices, lipid profile, and prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

A double-blind randomized clinical trial was carried out on 54 individuals with T2D. Participants were randomly assigned to a FDE group (received 3 tablets containing 335 mg of FDE daily for 8 weeks) or a placebo group (received tablets containing microcrystalline cellulose). Anthropometric indices, physical activity, diet, fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and PAB were assessed.

Results

An eight-week intake of 3 tablets containing 335 mg of FDE decreased serum insulin (P=0.016, P<0.001), HOMA-IR (P=0.009, P<0.001), TG (P<0.001, P=0.001), and PAB (P<0.001, P<0.001) compared to the baseline, in both placebo and intervention groups respectively. TC decreased significantly compared to the baseline in the placebo group (P=0.028), while HDL-C increased in the FDE group compared to the baseline (P<0.001) and placebo group (P=0.014).

Conclusion

In the present study even though changes of parameters were more in intervention group compared to the control group, we did not observe any significant differences between studied groups except for HDL-C. However, the effects might become apparent with a higher dosage, longer study duration, or a larger sample size compared to the placebo group. Further clinical trials are needed in this regard.

Phenolic Profiling, In Vitro Antiglycation, Antioxidant Activities, and Antidiabetic Effect of Algerian Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L. in Rats Administered a β-Cell Toxicant

This study sought to quantitatively assess individual and total polyphenols, mineral composition, antioxidant and antiglycation activities of Algerian fenugreek seeds (AFS) as well as the antidiabetic effect of its supplementation on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty rats were divided into four groups (i) non diabetic rats, (ii) non diabetic rats +10 % AFS, (iii) diabetic rats, (iv) diabetic rats +10 % AFS. Flame-SAA analysis revealed a rich content in micro-elements, HPLC DAD-FLD analysis revealed twenty components with rutin and ferulic acid being the major compounds in AFS hydro-methanolic extract while spectrophotometric assays scrutinized moderate contents in total phenolics and flavonoids. The extract was potent in scavenging ABTS⋅+ and DPPH+ (42.06±2.14 and 55.84±4.14 mg TE/g), reducing Fe3+ and Mo6+ (35.12±2.45 and 29.89±3.12 mg TE/g) and inhibiting AGEs (IC50=1.03±0.02 mg/ml). In vivo, 10 %AFS- supplemented diet (w/w) was found to elicit a significant reduction in glycemia (66.74 %), TNF α (9.4 %), IL-6 (23.74 %), CRP (31.10 %), liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation (MDA) (47.24 %;30 %), protein carbonyl (PCO) (28.35 %; 27.15 %), improvement in insulin level (79.74 %), reduced glutathione amount (GSH) (41.01 %; 16.55 %), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (45.80 %; 56.37 %), catalase (CAT) (24.44 %; 35.42 %) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) (22.78 %; 22.90 %) activities, in liver and pancreas respectively, along with a rejuvenation of hepatic and pancreatic histological features. These outcomes disclosed that AFS is endowed with biologically effective components which could be decent applicant to attain the objective of mitigating glycation, oxidative stress and diabetes-related complications.

The role of fenugreek seed extract in alleviating pancreatic toxic effects and altering glucose homeostasis induced by acetamiprid via modulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy

Acetamiprid (ACMP) is a second-generation neonicotinoid that has been extensively used in the last few years. The present study examined the toxic effects of ACMP on the pancreas and glucose homeostasis through the evaluation of histological and biochemical changes and the possible ameliorative role of fenugreek seed extract (FG). Fifty adult albino rats were divided into 5 groups: negative control, positive control, FG-treated, ACMP-treated, and ACMP + FG-treated groups by oral gavage for 12 weeks. The ACMP-treated group highlighted significant elevations in plasma glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin levels (HbA1c), serum amylase, and serum lipase, along with a decrease in plasma insulin levels. In addition, significant increases in tumour necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were associated with reductions in the levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. Moreover, glucose-6-phosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase were significantly increased, with a significant reduction in hexokinase and liver glycogen stores. These biochemical changes were associated with histological changes in pancreatic sections stained by haematoxylin and eosin, Masson stain, and Orcein stain. ACMP-treated cells showed a marked reduction in β- cell immune reactivity to insulin, with pronounced p53, and beclin 1 immune expression. The use of FG with ACMP induced partial protection except for hexokinase and glycogen phosphorylase.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves on wound healing in type 1 diabetic rats

Diabetes describes a group of metabolic disorders characterised by increased blood glucose concentration. People living with diabetes have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality than the general population. In 2015 it was estimated that there were 415 million (uncertainty interval: 340-536 million) people with diabetes aged 20-79 years, and 5.0 million deaths attributable to diabetes. When diabetic patients develop an ulcer, they become at high risk for major complications, including infection and amputation. The pathophysiologic relationship between diabetes and impaired healing is complex. Vascular, neuropathic, immune function, and biochemical abnormalities each contribute to the altered tissue repair. The use of herbal medicine has increased and attracted the attention of many researchers all over the world. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of 500mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves (TFG-E) on wound healing in diabetic rats using a full-thickness cutaneous incisional wound model. Wounds of treated animals showed better tensiometric indices, accelerated wound contraction, faster re-epithelialisation, improved neovascularisation, better modulation of fibroblasts and macrophage presence in the wound bed and moderate collagen formation.

Effect of aqueous extract of Trigonellafoenum-graecum L. seeds on Acetic acid- induced Ulcerative colitis in rats

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disorder affecting the colonic mucosa, characterized by intense inflammation and mucosal damage. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of the Trigonellafoenum-graecum L. (TFG) seeds in acetic acid-induced UC in rats. Materials and Methods: Male rats (n=30) were distributed into 5 groups as normal control, UC, standard, and two test groups. Colitis was induced by acetic acid in all the groups except the normal control group. Normal control and UC group received distilled water, the standard group was administered sulfasalazine at 100mg/kg body weight (bw), and test groups, TFG-I, and TFG-II received TFG seed extract at 500 and 1000 mg/kg bw, respectively. The duration of treatment was 7 days, and colitis was induced on day 8. Animals were sacrificed on day 9 and colonic tissue was dissected and collected for biochemical, molecular, and histological analysis. Results: The disease activity index score in standard, TFG-I, and TFG-II (3.33±0.21, 2.66±0.21, and 3.50±0.22) was significantly lesser (P<0.05) than scores in the UC group (4±0.01). The macroscopic score indicating the intensity of mucosal inflammation was significantly decreased (P≤ 0.01) to4.0±0.25, 3.16±0.30, and 3.83±0.40 in standard, TFG-I, and TFG-II groups, respectively compared to the UC group (4.66±0.21). Similarly, there was a significant reduction (P≤0.05) in histological scores of the standard, TFG-I, TFG-II (3.5±0.34, 1.25±0.34, 3.25±0.34) groups compared to the UC group (4.75±0.34). Biochemical assessment in the standard and test groups showed significant increase (P<0.05) in total protein, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels whereas significant reduction (P<0.01) in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to UC group. The pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in standard, TFG-I, and TFG-II (-1.75±0.007, -0.27±0.17 and -0.51±0.002) when compared to the UC group (0.20±0.02). Conclusion: The study demonstrates the ability of TFG seeds in reducing the inflammatory and oxidative stress induced mucosal damage in acetic acid-induced UC in rats.

Fenugreek Seed Galactomannan Aqueous and Extract Protects against Diabetic Nephropathy and Liver Damage by Targeting NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2 Axis

This investigation was conducted to test the potential of the galactomannan (F-GAL) and aqueous extract (FS-AE) of the Fenugreek seed aqueous to prevent liver and kidney damage extracts in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1DM in rats. Non-diabetic and diabetic rats received the normal saline as a vehicle or were treated with FS-EA or F-GAL at a final concentration of 500 mg/kg/each. Treatments with both drugs reduced fasting hyperglycemia and improved serum and hepatic lipid profiles in the control and diabetic rats. Additionally, F-GAL and FS-AE attenuated the associated reduction in the mass and structure of the islets of Langerhans in diabetic rats and improved the structure of the kidneys and livers. In association, they also reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxides, factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nuclear levels of NF-κB p65, and improved serum levels of ALT, AST, albumin, and creatinine. However, both treatments increased hepatic and renal superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the livers and kidneys of both the control and diabetic-treated rats, which coincided with a significant increase in transcription, translation, and nuclear localization of Nrf2. In conclusion, FS-AE and F-GAL are effective therapeutic options that may afford a possible treatment for T1DM by attenuating pancreatic damage, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic and renal damage.

The Effects of Fenugreek Extract on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indexes, Immunity and NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Broiler

In order to study the regulation of Fenugreek seed extract (FSE) on the immunity of broilers, and explore the appropriate amount of FSE in broilers' production, 1-day-old yellow feather broilers with a total of 420 birds were randomly allocated into seven treatments. Each treatment had six replicates, with 10 birds per replicate. The two control groups were the basic fodder group fed with basal diet and the bacitracin zinc group added 30 mg/kg bacitracin zinc to the basal diet. Experimental groups included five levels of FSE (50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg FSE to the basal diet, respectively). The pre-test period was 7 days and the formal test lasted for 56 days. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of 50 and 800 mg/kg FSE groups was significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the feed to gain ratio (F/G) of FSE groups was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) compared with the basic fodder and the bacitracin zinc groups. Compared with the basic fodder group, the serum total cholesterol (TC) content in the FSE groups was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), the serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) content of 50, 100, and 800 mg/kg FSE groups was significantly lower than that of the basic fodder group (P < 0.05). Compared with the basic fodder and bacitracin zinc groups, the serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) content of 100 and 200 mg/kg FSE groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the bacitracin zinc group, the serum interleukins (IL-1, IL-10) content of 400 mg/kg FSE group were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05), and the serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ) content of 100 and 200 mg/kg FSE groups was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the basic fodder group, the lower doses (0–400 mg/kg) of FSE had no significant effect on the mRNA expression of toll-like receptors 4/ myeloid differentiation factor 88/ nuclear factor-κB (TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB) signaling pathways (P > 0.05). The 800 mg/kg FSE treatment group significantly increased the expression levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) mRNA in the spleen of broilers (P < 0.05). The zinc bacitracin group significantly increased the expression levels of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) mRNA (P ≤ 0.05). The results showed that FSE could promote the secretion of immunoglobulins, regulate the body's cytokines, and have a positive effect on immunity in broilers. Furthermore, the recommended supplement of FSE is 100 mg/kg in the broiler diet.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potentials of Solidago virgaurea extract in alloxan-induced diabetes type 1

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current study is to investigate the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potentials of Solidago virgaurea extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were orally administered a dose of Solidago virgaurea extract (250 mg/kg body weight) daily for 15 days. Then blood glucose, insulin, serum lipid profile, amylase, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), and liver glycogen were determined. Besides, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in pancreatic tissue were assessed.

RESULTS

Solidago virgaurea extract significantly reduced blood glucose level, serum amylase activity, TNF-α level, and pancreatic MDA level as well as increasing the serum insulin, liver glycogen level, pancreatic SOD, and catalase activities in comparison with their corresponding diabetic rats, p < .05.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study support the ethnomedicinal use of Solidago virgaurea extract as an antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Chemical Fingerprinting, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Hydroethanolic Extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum

In the current study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of hydroethanolic extract of T. foenum-graecum seeds was evaluated. Phenolic profiling of T. foenum-graecum was conducted through high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) as well as through the mass spectrometry technique to characterize compounds responsible for bioactivity, which confirmed almost 18 compounds, 13 of which were quantified through a chromatographic assay. In vitro antioxidant analysis of the extract exhibited substantial antioxidant activities with the lowest IC50 value of both DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) inhibition assays. The extract was found to be non-toxic against human RBCs and murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, the extract significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), intrlukin-6 (IL-6), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) in RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The hydroethanolic extract of T. foenum-graecum exhibited considerable anti-inflammatory potential by decreasing the cellular infiltration to the inflammatory site in both carrageenan-induced peritonitis and an air pouch model of inflammation. Pretreatment with T. foenum-graecum extract caused significant improvement in antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), CAT (catalase), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) against oxidative stress induced by carrageenan. Based on our results of in vivo and in vitro experimentation, we concluded that hydroethanolic extract of T. foenum-graecum is a potential source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

Fenugreek attenuates obesity-induced inflammation and improves insulin resistance through downregulation of iRhom2/TACE

AIMS

We previously reported that fenugreek-derived 4-hydroxyisoleucine ameliorates insulin resistance via regulation of TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) expression. In the present study, we further investigate the effects and mechanisms of fenugreek on obesity-induced inflammation and insulin signaling in the high-fat diet (HFD)-challenged obese mice.

MAIN METHODS

After 12 weeks of HFD intervention, mice were treated with the low or high dosages of fenugreek. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, inflammation cytokines, and adipokines were detected. Macrophage infiltration and adipose tissue morphology were observed. Western blot was conducted to investigate the expressions of inactive rhomboid 2 (iRhom2) and TACE as well as other signaling pathways in subcutaneous adipose tissue.

KEY FINDINGS

We showed that fenugreek significantly suppressed body weight gain and fat accumulation in HFD-challenged obese mice. Meanwhile, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR in fenugreek-treated mice were remarkably decreased, which were properly explained by fenugreek-induced activation of the insulin receptor signaling pathway. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of fenugreek were shown by the decrease of systemic and local expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as reduced macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue. Additionally, fenugreek markedly deactivated NF-κB and JNK pathways. Finally, we demonstrated that fenugreek strikingly repressed the transcriptions and expressions of iRhom2 and TACE.

SIGNIFICANCE

Fenugreek shows an encouraging and promising property in ameliorating insulin resistance and suppressing inflammation in obesity, which might be realized by fenugreek-mediated inhibition of iRhom2/TACE axis-facilitated TNF-α release from adipocytes.

Reduction of blood glucose by plant extracts and their use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus; discrepancies in effectiveness between animal and human studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The global problem of diabetes, together with the limited access of large numbers of patients to conventional antidiabetic medicines, continues to drive the search for new agents. Ancient Asian systems such as traditional Chinese medicine, Japanese Kampo medicine, and Indian Ayurvedic medicine, as well as African traditional medicine and many others have identified numerous plants reported anecdotally to treat diabetes; there are probably more than 800 such plants for which there is scientific evidence for their activity, mostly from studies using various models of diabetes in experimental animals.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

Rather than a comprehensive coverage of the literature, this article aims to identify discrepancies between findings in animal and human studies, and to highlight some of the problems in developing plant extract-based medicines that lower blood glucose in patients with diabetes, as well as to suggest potential ways forward.

METHODS

In addition to searching the 2018 PubMed literature using the terms 'extract AND blood glucose, a search of the whole literature was conducted using the terms 'plant extracts' AND 'blood glucose' AND 'diabetes' AND 'double blind' with 'clinical trials' as a filter. A third search using PubMed and Medline was undertaken for systematic reviews and meta-analyses investigating the effects of plant extracts on blood glucose/glycosylated haemoglobin in patients with relevant metabolic pathologies.

FINDINGS

Despite numerous animal studies demonstrating the effects of plant extracts on blood glucose, few randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have been conducted to confirm efficacy in treating humans with diabetes; there have been only a small number of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of clinical studies. Qualitative and quantitative discrepancies between animal and human clinical studies in some cases were marked; the factors contributing to this included variations in the products among different studies, the doses used, differences between animal models and the human disease, and the impact of concomitant therapy in patients, as well as differences in the duration of treatment, and the fact that treatment in animals may begin before or very soon after the induction of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The potential afforded by natural products has not yet been realised in the context of treating diabetes mellitus. A systematic, coordinated, international effort is required to achieve the goal of providing anti-diabetic treatments derived from medicinal plants.

Anil Kumar N, Sharopov F, Ramírez-Alarcón K, Ruiz-Ortega A, Abdulmajid Ayatollahi S, Valere Tsouh Fokou P, Kobarfard F, Amiruddin Zakaria Z, Iriti M, Taheri Y, Martorell M, Sureda A, N. Setzer W, Durazzo A, Lucarini M, Santini A, Capasso R, Adrian Ostrander E, -ur-Rahman A, Iqbal Choudhary M, C. Cho W, Sharifi-Rad J. Antidiabetic Potential of Medicinal Plants and Their Active Components

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major health problems in the world, the incidence and associated mortality are increasing. Inadequate regulation of the blood sugar imposes serious consequences for health. Conventional antidiabetic drugs are effective, however, also with unavoidable side effects. On the other hand, medicinal plants may act as an alternative source of antidiabetic agents. Examples of medicinal plants with antidiabetic potential are described, with focuses on preclinical and clinical studies. The beneficial potential of each plant matrix is given by the combined and concerted action of their profile of biologically active compounds.

Diosgenin and Its Fenugreek Based Biological Matrix Affect Insulin Resistance and Anabolic Hormones in a Rat Based Insulin Resistance Model

Fenugreek is known since ancient times as a traditional herbal medicine of its multiple beneficial effects. Fenugreek's most studied and employed effect is its hypoglycemic property, but it can also be useful for the treatment of certain thyroid disorders or for the treatment of anorexia. The regulation of glucose homeostasis is a complex mechanism, dependent on the interaction of different types of hormones and neurotransmitters or other compounds. For the study of how diosgenin and fenugreek seeds modify insulin sensitivity, we used a rat insulin resistance model induced by high-fat diet. Diosgenin in three different doses (1mg/bwkg, 10mg/bwkg, and 50 mg/bwkg, respectively) and fenugreek seed (0.2 g/bwkg) were administered orally for 6 weeks. Insulin sensitivity was determined by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamp method. Our research group found that although glucose infusion rate was not significantly modified in either group, the increased insulin sensitivity index and high metabolic clearance rate of insulin found in the 1 mg/kg diosgenin and the fenugreek seed treated group suggested an improved peripheral insulin sensitivity. Results from the 10 mg/kg diosgenin group, however, suggest a marked insulin resistance. Fenugreek seed therapy results on the investigated anabolic hormones support the theory that, besides insulin and gastrointestinal peptides, the hypothalamic-hypopituitary axis regulated hormones synchronized action with IGF-1 also play an important role in the maintaining of normal glucose levels. Both diosgenin and fenugreek seeds are capable of interacting with substrates of the above-mentioned regulatory mechanisms, inducing serious hormonal disorders. Moreover, fenugreek seeds showed the ability to reduce the thyroid hormone levels at the periphery and to modify the T4/T3 ratio. It means that in healthy people this effect could be considered a severe side effect; however, in hypothyroidism this effect represents a possibility of alternative natural therapy.

Diosmin Modulates the NF-kB Signal Transduction Pathways and Downregulation of Various Oxidative Stress Markers in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy

Hyperglycaemia-mediated oxidative stress plays an imperative role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. NF-kB is an important transcription factor in eukaryotes which regulates a diverse array of cellular process, including inflammation, immunological response, apoptosis, growth and development. Increased expression of NF-kB plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases including diabetic nephropathy. Hence, the present study was designed to explore the nephroprotective nature of diosmin by assessing the various biochemical parameters, markers of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokine levels in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Type 2 diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg body weight). Seventy-two hours after the conformation of diabetes (blood glucose level ≥ 250 mg/dl), the rats were segregated into four groups, each group having six animals. Diabetic rats were treated with diosmin at a dose of 50 mg and 100 mg/kg body weight respectively. After the 28th day of treatment, rats were sacrificed, blood serum, plasma and kidney tissue were collected for various biochemical analysis. Inflammatory cytokine levels were measured through ELISA kit. Diosmin treatment produces significant reduction in the blood glucose and plasma insulin level and increases the body weight when compared with diabetic rats. Elevated level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly restored after 28 days of diosmin treatment. Diosmin treatment group also restores the normal architecture of the kidney tissue which was confirmed by histopathological examination. Moreover, oral administration of diosmin shows a significant normalization in the level of NF-kB, proving its pivotal role in maintaining renal function. The above ameliorative effects were more pronounced with diosmin at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. The above results permit us to conclude that treatment with diosmin halts hyperglycaemia-mediated oxidative stress and decline in pro-inflammatory cytokines and thus has beneficial anti-diabetic activity.

Efficacy of Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract in Reducing Metabolic and Inflammatory Alterations Associated With Menopause

Background:

Several experimental and clinical studies support beneficial effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) in the management of metabolic diseases and inflammatory disorders.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of T. foenum-graecum seed extract in reducing the metabolic and inflammatory alternations associated with menopause.

Materials and Methods:

In this experimental study, 49 rats were divided into seven groups: (I) sham-control, (II) ovariectomized-control, (III and IV) ovariectomized treated with 50 and 150 mg/kg of T. foenum-graecum seed ethanolic extract, (V and VI) ovariectomized treated with 50 and 150 mg/kg of T. foenum-graecum hexanic extract, (VII) ovariectomized-positive control treated with 10 µg/kg of estradiol. The extracts were injected intraperitoneally one day after ovariectomy and the treatments were lasted for 42 days.

Results:

Fasting blood glucose and body weight gain increased significantly in the ovariectomized-control group compared with that in the sham animals (P < 0.05). Administration of estradiol and T. foenum-graecum (50 and 150 mg/dL of hexanic extract and 150 mg/kg of ethanolic extract) significantly diminished the increase in glucose and body weight (P < 0.05). The serum level of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the ovariectomized control group was significantly higher than those in the sham animals (P < 0.05). Both hexanic and ethanolic extracts as well as estradiol were able to decrease level of these cytokines in the serum of ovariectomized rats (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The results of the present study show that administration of T. foenum-graecum corrects metabolic and inflammatory alterations associated with ovariectomy and has a potential for the management of menopause.