Preclinical investigation of the acute effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed powder on blood glucose in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits

To investigate the blood glucose lowering effect of the seed powder of T. foenum-graecum Linn (Papilionaceae) in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. The blood glucose lowering effect of the seed powder was determined in normal and alloxan-induced (100 mg/kg, i.v.) diabetic rabbits, after oral administration of doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected from the marginal ear vein before and also at 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20 and 24 h after drug administration and blood glucose was analysed by Nelson-Somogyi's method using a visible spectrophotometer. The data was compared statistically by using Student's t-test. The seed powder of T. foenum-graecum produced a dose-dependent reduction in blood glucose of both normal and diabetic rabbits and comparable with that of standard drug, glibenclamide. The results indicate a prolonged action in reduction of blood glucose by T. foenum-graecum and the mode of action of the active compound (s) of T. foenum-graecum is probably mediated through enhanced secretion of insulin from the b-cells of Langerhans or through extrapancreatic mechanism. The present study clearly indicated a significant anti-diabetic activity with the seed powder of T. foenum-graecum and supported the traditional usage of the seed powder by Ayurvedic physicians for the control of diabetes.