Animal Studies on Fenugreek Seed in the Treatment of Gastric Ulcers

Animal Studies on Fenugreek Seed in the Treatment of Gastric Ulcers

1. Gastroprotective and antioxidant properties of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed aqueous extract and omeprazole against ethanol-induced ulcers

Gastroprotective and Antioxidant Properties of Trigonella foenum-graecum Seeds Aqueous Extract (Fenugreek) and Omeprazole Against Ethanol-Induced Peptic Ulcer

Fenugreek seeds have been shown to have gastroprotective effects in rat models. Their mucilage-forming properties and antioxidant compounds may provide protection for the gastric mucosa. Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) is a plant used in traditional herbal medicine, known for anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antidiabetic, and other therapeutic properties. In this study, the protective effects of an aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds (FSAE) against ethanol (EtOH)-induced gastric ulceration in rats were investigated.

The study evaluated fenugreek seed's protective effect on ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats. The results showed that fenugreek seed extract significantly reduced gastric erosion and ulceration, suggesting potential protective effects on the gastric mucosa. In addition, fenugreek's effects were comparable to those of omeprazole, a well-known gastric ulcer medication. The study suggests that fenugreek seed extract may act as an effective gastroprotective agent against ethanol-induced gastric damage.

The experimental animals were divided into six groups:

  • Control group: received only water
  • Ethanol group: received 4 g/kg ethanol
  • FSAE groups: received FSAE at doses of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg
  • Omeprazole group: received 20 mg/kg omeprazole

Fenugreek and omeprazole were administered orally for 21 days before ethanol administration.

Results

Ulcer index: Ethanol significantly increased gastric damage. Fenugreek reduced the ulcer index in a dose-dependent manner, and at the highest dose (200 mg/kg) the effect was comparable to omeprazole.

Oxidative stress markers: Ethanol increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Fenugreek significantly reduced these concentrations.

Antioxidant enzymes: FSAE increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which ethanol had decreased.

Histopathology: Ethanol caused severe mucosal damage. Pretreatment with fenugreek protected the mucosa and reduced the extent of damage.

Conclusions

The aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds has a significant protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in rats. This effect is linked to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to improve the defensive mechanisms of the gastric mucosa. Fenugreek's effect was comparable to omeprazole, which is a commonly used ulcer medication.

2. Fenugreek seeds in experimental gastric ulcer in rats

Fenugreek seeds on gastric ulcer in experimental rats

In another study, the effect of fenugreek seed extract on gastric ulcers in rats was examined. The results showed that fenugreek seed extract significantly reduced gastric erosion and ulceration, which suggests potential protective effects on the gastric mucosa. The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effect of an aqueous extract prepared from fenugreek seeds and an isolated gel fraction against ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in a rat model. Omeprazole, a commonly used medication for gastric ulcers, was used as a reference.

  • Prevention of gastric ulcers: Both the aqueous extract and the gel fraction significantly reduced ulcer formation compared with the control group.

  • Mucosal protection: The gel fraction proved more effective than omeprazole in preventing mucosal damage.

  • Antioxidant effect: Fenugreek seed preparations inhibited the increase in lipid peroxidation, indicating antioxidant properties.

3. Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds

Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds

The study found that a gel fraction isolated from fenugreek seeds showed a significant gastroprotective effect. This suggests that fenugreek seeds may provide protection for the gastric mucosa.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effect of fenugreek seed extract against ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in a rat model. Fenugreek has traditionally been used to support gastrointestinal health.

Methods

  • Experimental animals: Wistar rats were used and divided into three groups: a control group, an ethanol group, and a treatment group that received fenugreek seed extract before ethanol administration.

  • Induction of gastric ulcer: Gastric ulceration was induced by administering ethanol orally to the rats, which causes damage to the gastric mucosa.
  • Treatment intervention: Rats in the treatment group received fenugreek seed extract orally prior to ethanol administration.

  • Assessment methods: Gastric mucosal damage was evaluated macroscopically and histologically. In addition, gastric mucosal thickness and levels of mucosal protective factors were measured.

    • Prevention of gastric ulcers: Rats that received fenugreek seed extract had significantly fewer gastric mucosal lesions compared with rats that received ethanol only.

    • Mucosal protection: In the treatment group, gastric mucosal thickness was better preserved and levels of mucosal protective factors were higher compared with the ethanol group.

    • Histological observations: Histological analysis showed that fenugreek seed extract reduced the inflammatory response and cellular damage in the mucosa.

Results

Protective effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) extract against experimental gastric ulcer in rats Published 2014

Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on experimental gastric ulcer in rats Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2002

Studies on the Mechanism of Ethanol-Induced Gastric Damage in Rats

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