Effect of Trigonella foenum gracecum (fenugreek) Seed Extract in Experimentally Induced Gastric Ulcer in Wistar Rats

Abstract

India is facing an era of faster lifestyle and unhealthy diet. In this current scenario Gastric ulcer stands out as a detrimental problem in the society. Point prevalence of gastric ulcer in India is 4.72% and lifetime prevalence is 11.22%. 1 Western studies reveal that 5-10% of adult populations are more prone for gastric ulcer. The prevalence of gastric ulcer is more discernible in regions where there is increased consumption of sloppy food like cooked rice, Tapioca, sattoo, sambar and buttermilk. 2 These foods can be easily gobbled down without getting chewed, thus mixing of saliva is reduced. The other factors for high gastric ulcer rate in India are chewing betal nut, tobacco, smoking and faster competing lifestyle. Gastric ulcer generally presents with abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, hematemesis, nausea, vomiting and dark colored stool. Peptic ulcer is more common among middle age and older adults. Trigonella foenum graceum is called as fenugreek; its seeds are used commonly in Indian medicine system to treat many gastrointestinal disorders. 3 Lysine and L-tryptophan are the active alkaloids found in fenugreek. It contains mucilage and galactomannans used in protection of gastric mucosa. Fenugreek seeds have inhibitory action on the secretion of hydrochloric acid