Effects of Trigonella foenum graecum L. seeds on liver structure, liver function biomarkers and some hematological and some physiological parameters in rats

Abstract

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of Trigonella foenum graecum on liver structure and functions and some physiological and hematological parameters in normal male albino rats. A total of 24 male albino rats were used and divided into four groups (6 rats per group). The first group G1 was control group, G2 rats fed normal diet + 2.5% Trigonella foenum graecum, G3 rats fed normal diet +5% Trigonella foenum graecum and G4 rats fed normal diet +7.5% Trigonella foenum graecum. Blood samples were collected after 4 and 8 weeks from the start of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrificed to obtain the livers. Results indicated that Treatment of rats with 7.5% Trigonella Foenum graecum for 8 weeks significantly increased blood platelets. Treatment of rats with 2.5% Trigonella foenum graecum did not show any significant effect on liver function (activities of ALT and AST), serum total protein and albumin Meanwhile 5% or 7.5% Treigonella foenum graecum significantly increased ALT and AST activities. The results also showed that Treatment of rats with 5% or 7.5% Trigonella foenum graecum for 8 weeks caused mild ischemic changes of liver hepatocytes. It could be concluded that 2.5% Trigonella foenum graecum is safe to be used for 8 weeks without any adverse side effects on liver structure and function.