The effects of Fenugreek, Nigella and Termis seeds on lipid profile in diabetic albino rats

Dyslipidemia, an established risk factor for coronary heart diseases (CHD), is strikingly common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study investigated the effects of some antidiabetic herbs used in Saudi Arabia on lipid profile in diabetic rats. Six experimental groups of adult male Albino rats each consists of twenty five rats. The first group was considered as a control group. The rest of groups were affected by induction of diabetes by Alloxan. The second group received no treatment. The third group was treated with the aqueous extract of the mixture contains an equal ratio of Fenugreek, Nigella and Termis seeds. The fourth group was treated with the aqueous extract of Nigella seeds, the fifth group was treated with the aqueous extract of Fenugreek seeds and the sixth one was treated with the aqueous extract of Termis seeds. After four weeks of treatment, biochemical parameters were performed, including: fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin (SI), and lipid profile. Pancreatic samples were obtained for microscopic and quantitative evaluation. The usage of the mixture or each plant alone improves the dyslipidemia present in diabetic rats. Also, correct the glucose and insulin level. Microscopically, all treated groups showed a significant increase in β-cell number as compared to non-treated group. The aqueous extract of the mixture of the studied herbs is useful in reducing the hyperglycemia by increasing insulin level and regenerating β-cell of the pancreas. The aqueous extract of the mixture and Fenugreek are the most powerful in amelioration of lipid abnormalities present in diabetic rats.