Protective Effect of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) Seed Extract on Experimental Reflux Esophagitis in Rat

Objective- Trigonella foenum graecum, (Fenugreek) has anti-inflammation, antiseptic and antidiabetic activities in traditional medicine. This study was performed to investigate the protection effects of Fenugreek seed extract on the experimental reflux esophigitis (RE) in rats. Design- experimental study. Animals- 24 male Wistar albino rats. Procedures- Rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups including the sham-operated groups with normal saline (sham I) and extract (sham II) administration, the reflux esophagitis group (the reflux control group), and the reflux esophagitis group with extract administration (reflux extract group). Reflux esophagitis was induced by ligating the pylorus and the limiting ridge. Normal saline and Fenugreek extract were gavaged for one week before operation in the related groups. Then, the animals were euthanized and the esophagus was evaluated for gross and histopathologic features. Gross lesions in the esophagus were graded according to the scoring system of Oh and colleagues. Results- Significant difference in the gross lesions was observed between the reflux control and reflux extract groups. The reflux control group showed severe mucosal erosions and ulcers in the esophagus. Microscopic findings in the extract treatment group varied from no lesions to mild damages including hydropic degeneration, epithelial clefts and vesicles formation. Conclusion and clinical relevance- Based on the results, it can be concluded that the aqueous extract of T. foenum graecum seed have protective effects against RE and this extract can be considered as one of the therapeutic options in the clinical trial studies.