Effect of Trigonella Foenum Graecum Seed Extract on Entero- Insular Axis by Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in Albino Rats

The research study evaluates the effect of Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract on the entero-insular axis and the hyperglycemia due to oral glucose tolerance test in albino rats. Methanolic seed extract of Trigonella foenum graecum was prepared by Sami labs, Bangalore and used for the study. Institutional Animal ethical committee clearance obtained. Male albino rats (155–215 g) were divided into 4 groups each having 6 albino rats were randomly assigned Control (Normal saline) group, Standard (Vildagliptin 50 mg/kg group), Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract (100 mg/kg) and (200 mg/kg) groups. After overnight fasting the baseline biochemical evaluation in the fasting state blood glucose, Insulin level, Glucagon level, GLP- 1 (Glucagon like peptide-1), GIP (Glucose dependent Insulinotropic peptide) level were measured at -30 minutes for all the above groups. Control, Vildagliptin (STD) and the extracts were orally administered by using rat oral feeding tube. 30 minutes later oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done. Blood samples were evaluated for blood sugar, Insulin, Glucagon, GLP- 1and GIP at -30, 0, 15 and 45 minutes after oral glucose load. Trigonella foenum graecum (2 gm/kg) showed significant reduction in blood glucose (p= <0.001) at 45 minutes when compared to control. Trigonella foenum graecum (1 gm/kg and 2 gm/kg) showed significant (p=<0.001) increase in GIP levels at 45 minutes of OGTT and (1 gm/kg) showed reduction in glucagon levels (p=< 0.001) at 15 minutes and at 45 minutes (p=<0.05). Trigonella foenum graecum extracts showed significant antihyperglycemic and incretin enhancing effects through entero-insular axis. Further in-depth animal and clinical studies are necessary to bring out the therapeutic potential of this seed extract for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.