Phytochemical investigation and assessment of the hypoglycemic activity of two herbal extracts from selected Iraqi medicinal plants in alloxan-stimulated diabetic rats: a comparative study

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.