Influence of Dietary Supplementation of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Serum Biochemical Parameters of Rats Fed High Cholesterol Diet

Abstract

Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups (8 rats/each) named as 1, 2, 3 and 4. Group 1 kept on basal diet and served as a control group. Whereas, group 2 kept on the basal diet mixed with 1% cholesterol (high cholesterol diet). Groups 3 and 4 kept on the high cholesterol diet mixed with Fenugreek seed powder 5 and 10%, respectively. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activity were significantly increased (32.4±0.2; 12.2±1.5 mg dLG 1 ; 26.5±0.6 IU LG 1 ) whereas, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) concentration was decreased significantly (11.9±1.6 mg dLG 1 ) in rats fed high cholesterol diet compared to control group (28.1±0.1; 6.0±1.3; 22.7±0.4; 13.9±1.5), respectively. Inclusion of both concentrations of Fenugreek in high cholesterol diet reduced serum total cholesterol (30.5±0.1; 29.5±0.5) and ALT activity (22.1±0.5; 21.7±0.7), respectively compared to rats fed high cholesterol diet and control groups. Histopathological findings revealed fatty changes in liver of rats fed high cholesterol diet which recovered by dietary supplementation of Fenugreek seed powder. Only, inclusion of lower concentration of Fenugreek in diet of rats fed high cholesterol reduced LDL-c concentration (6.2±1.2) and increased HDL-c concentration (15.0±1.0) compared to rats fed high cholesterol diet and the control group. Conclusively, inclusion of low dose of Fenugreek (5%) in ration of rats was recommended than the high dose (10%).

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

“…These results are similar to those reported by Elmahdi and El-Bahr (2015) who reported that dietary supplementation with 5 or 10% Trigonella foenum graecum to rats fed high cholesterol diet did not show any significant effect on serum total protein and albumin. Khalil (2004) reported that non diabetic rats treated with fenugreek recorded nonsignificant increase in serum total protein, albumin and globulin compared with the control ones.…”

Review: Ischemic Heart Disease and the Potential Role of Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum Graecum Linn.) in Cardioprotection

“…The present study shows that fenugreek as growth promoter and has many therapeutic properties in animal's metabolism and physiology [118], [119]. It reduces plasma cholesterol levels [120], enhances food consumption, indicates a stimulatory influence on immune functions [121], decreases kidney/body weight ratio [122], blood glucose [116], blood lipid levels and improves hemorheological parameters. Since the systemic studies on the effect of fenugreek on heart are very limited as only on the in vivo, the study on in vitro aimed to investigate the mechanistic action of fenugreek as therapeutic cardioprotectant agents suitable as a daily food supplement against ischemic heart injury.…”

“…Additionally, fenugreek can reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels in diabetic patients. A low dose of fenugreek (less than 5%) improves the rats' liver function [120]. Fenugreek contains a healthy polysaccharide that triggers the breakdown of fat and sugar metabolism in the body.…”

“…To date, there are limited studies available on cardiovascular drugs which can either cure or prevent heart diseases since many studies focus only on a few number of heart diseases such as heart attack involving clear-up the clogged arteries [181], blood pressure lowering [120] and cholesterol reduction for clearing up plaque formation [182].…”