Modulation of blood cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic male rats by dietary administration of either fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) leaves or seeds

The leaves or seeds powder of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) were orally administered in the diet to hypercholesterolemic male rats for 8 weeks to test their effect on lipid profile, antioxidants enzymes and lipid peroxide. Twenty four male rats weighing 150-170 gm were divided into four groups. The first group is untreated (control group), fed basal diet, the second group, fed on 2% cholesterol in diet to induce hypercholesterolemia (positive control group), the third and the fourth group fed 2% cholesterol (to induce hypercholesterolemia) and treated with 500 mg/kg body weight fenugreek leaves or seeds, respectively for 8 weeks. The positive control group showed a significant increase in lipid profile, liver enzyme, lipid peroxide and kidney function parameters, and serum electrolytes and decrease in antioxidant enzymes activity. In addition, heart, liver, kidney and testes showed histopathological changes compared with the negative control. Treating the hypercholesterlemic rats with fenugreek leaves or seeds improved the biochemical blood tests and the histology of the studied organs tissues and restored them to the normal state. In conclusion, fenugreek leaves and fenugreek seeds have an anti-oxidant activity and ameliorated the hyperlipidemia, improved liver and kidney functions and decreased lipid peroxide in hypercholesterlemic male rats. The antihyperlipidemic activity of fenugreek could be attributed to inhibiting oxidative stress. [Abdulbasit I. I. Al-Sieni. Modulation of blood cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic male rats by dietary administration of either fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) leaves or seeds. Life Sci. J 2014; 11(10):351361] (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 49