Diabetes and the related complications continue to be a major medical problem in Egypt. In spite of the warning of adaptation for regime diet, practicing exercise and administering hypoglycaemic drugs.
The toxic side effects, contraindication and sometimes diminutions in response after prolonged use of antidiabetic drugs encouraged to search for therapeutic herbal remedies for safety, efficacy and economy . Diabetes is manifested by multiple disturbances in the metabolic processes of the body, which are attributed to an insufficient supply of insulin. Many plants were known for their activity as antidiabetic agents
This investigation aims to clarify the role of fenugreek seed aqueous extract in its therapeutic dose on beta cells number, blood glucose and plasma insulin levels in alloxan diabetic rats. Also to illustrate the functional biochemical changes and the associated histopathological alternations in pancreas, liver, kidney, aorta and testes as influenced by fenugreek and alloxan induced diabetes for 4-weeks of treatment.
24 adult male albino rats were divided into four groups, control, diabetic, diabetic rats treated with 0.1mg/kg B.W. of fenugreek seed aqueous extract and 0.1mg/kgB.W. fenugreek treated group for 4-weeks.The results indicated that, in the diabetic state significant increase in plasma glucose accompanied by significant reduction in plasma insulin and beta cells number. Significant increase in serum AST, ALT and ALP associated with dilatation and severe congestion of central vein and sinusoids, vacuolization and necrotic areas. Inflammatory area around portal tract. Significant increase in serum urea and creatinine accompanied by atrophy of most glomerular tuft, others displaying swelling and hyperemia. Diffuse extravagations of red blood cell between the degenerated renal tubules. Dilatation and severe congestion of blood vessels. Dilated convoluted tubules, contain hyaline casts in their lumens were observed. Significant increase in serum total cholesterol and triglycerides accompanied by degenerative changes in aorta and formation of medial calcinosis in some cases, significant decrease in serum testosterone levels associated by germ cells depletion as well as sloughing and degeneration of sperms.
In conclusion, fenugreek seeds exhibited antioxidant property could ameliorate the alternations induced in diabetes.
This investigation recommended that higher concentrations of debitterized fenugreek seeds may double the regeneration of beta ācells in pancreas, further studies would be done in mammals.
Fenugreek seed aqueous extract exhibited antioxidant property which ameliorated the biochemical and histopathological alternation induced by alloxan.
In conclusion, higher concentrations of debitterized fenugreek seeds can regenerate beta cells in pancreas; further studies would be done in mammals.