Protective role of sub-fractions from fenugreek seeds on alloxan induced diabetes mellitus in rats

ABSTRACT

Antidiabetic activity of various sub-fractions of alcoholic extract of the seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum L. [Leguminosae] was evaluated in alloxaninduced diabetic rats. The effect of these fractions on lipid profile and liver function tests were also assessed to evaluate their activity in controlling the diabetes related metabolic alterations. The parameters measured were plasma glucose, total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, SGOT and SGPT. The results indicate effective role of Trigonella foenum graecum on the above mentioned parameters indicating that Trigonella foenum graecum can also control the diabetes related metabolic alterations apart from controlling the glucose levels. Among the fractions tested chloroform sub-fraction was found to be more active in comparison to other sub-fractions. It can be concluded that chloroform sub-fraction of the alcoholic extract of Trigonella foenun graecum exhibited significant antidiabetic activity and corrected the metabolic alterations in diabetic rats and this activity may resemble to insulin-like properties