Abstract
Background: Cyperus rotundus and Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) have been utilized for many years as medical applications, mostly as traditional natural medications. The present research was designed to assess the hypoglycemic activity of the ethanol extract of Iraqi fenugreek seeds and tuberous roots of C. rotundus in alloxan-stimulated diabetic rats and to evaluate the diverse phytochemicals found in ethanol extracts that may have therapeutic activity. Methods: Qualitative assessment of diverse secondary metabolites by corresponding chemical tests was been used to specify each group of compounds in the crude extracts of both plants. Male Wistar rats (n=40) were subdivided randomly into four main groups: group A, alloxan-stimulated diabetic rats with administered with distilled water (10mL/kg; control); group B-D, alloxan-stimulated diabetic rats administered with ethanol extract of C. rotundus (10 mg/kg; group B), glibenclamide (10 mg/kg; group C), and ethanol extract of fenugreek seeds (15mg/kg; group D). These medications were given orally for 6 weeks. Blood glucose of the rats was measured at baseline and after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after administration of medication. Results: Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of many secondary metabolites including alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, and steroids, in the crude extracts of C. rotundus and fenugreek seeds. After 6 weeks all groups of rats showed a significant decline in blood sugar level compared to the control group. Group C (glibenclamide) showed the lowest value, followed by group D (fenugreek seeds) and group B (C. rotundus). Conclusions: Ethanol extract of both plants possess considerable hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-stimulated diabetic rats, with superior efficacy shown by fenugreek seed extract, after 6 weeks of study.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of syndromes characterized by high blood sugar; modulated metabolism of lipids, carbohydrate and proteins; and an elevated risk from vascular diseases
Any reports and responses or comments on the article can be found at the end of the article. Ethanol extract of both plants possess considerable hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-stimulated diabetic rats, with superior efficacy shown by fenugreek seed extract, after 6 weeks of study
Phytochemical analysis The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of many secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, and steroids (Table 3)
Summary
Ethanol extract of both plants possess considerable hypoglycemic activity in alloxan-stimulated diabetic rats, with superior efficacy shown by fenugreek seed extract, after 6 weeks of study. Keywords Trigonella foenum graecum, Cyperus rotundus, alloxan-stimulated diabetes rats, hyperglycemia effects
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
