Effect of Fenugreek ( Trigonella Foenum-Graecum ) on Ethylene Glycol Induced Kidney Stone in Rats

Abstract

Fenugreek is one of several herbal medicines whose seeds and leaves are used either as food or as an ingredient in folk medicine. In the existing literature, there is evidence regarding the effects of fenugreek on ethylene glycol induced kidney stone formation of rats. Regarding the other drugs, such as Cystone, the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) are reported to have been used as anti-urolithiatic in traditional medicine. Thus, the present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of fenugreek on the prevention of kidney stone formation. Twenty male albino rats were divided into 4 groups: Normal, Ethylene Glycol (EG), Cystone and Fenugreek. The duration of the experiment was 28 days. Ethylene glycol group led to increases in kidney weight, malondialdehyde (MDA) and platelet count, while Cystone and Fenugreek combat the effect of EG. Haematological examination showed that the hemoglobin and red blood cell count in rats treated EG were significantly lower than those in the controls while Fenugreek and Cystone decreased the EG effect. Our studies demonstrate the anti-urolithiatic and anti-oxidative potential effects of T. foenum-graecum, which could exert beneficial effects against the kidney stone formation and the associated free radicals complications in kidney tissues. Further clinical trials are needed for evaluating its benefits and the possible side effects.