Amelioration of lipids by alcoholic extract of trigonella foenum graecum linn. (tfg) seeds in atherogenic diet induced hyperlipidemia in albino rabbits.

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardio-vascular diseases. Hyperlipidemia is characterised by an abnormal elevation in one or more of the serum lipids such as total cholesterol (TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides(TG). Trigonella foenum graecum linn.resembles guargum in viscosity and is rich in high density fiber content, the property of which are found to be effective in hyperlipidaemia. The present study was taken to evaluate amelioration of lipids by alcoholic extract of Trigonella foenum graecum seeds in suitable animal experimental model. Blood samples were collected on day 0 from albino rabbit and basal serum lipid estimation was done.Hyperlipidaemia was induced with high cholesterol diet in different groups of animals. Blood samples were collected on day 31. Serum was analysed for total cholesterol, TG, HDL and LDL-cholesterol by the enzymatic method.P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Administration of TFG extract at 100,200 and 400 mg/kg dose significantly lowered the  LDL/HDL ratio and AI values comparable to the standard drug showing the beneficial effect of this plant in preventing atherosclerotic incidence.The beneficial effect of this plant may be due to the presence of diosgenin, flavanoid and antioxidant properties.