Phytochemical Study and Protective Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek Seeds) Methanolic Extract Underlying the Mechanism of Action on Diabetic Nephropathy in Experimental Rats

Background Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) buildup and hyperglycemia both contribute significantly to the onset of diabetic nephropathy. A plant with high flavonoid content, Fenugreek Seeds Extract (FSE), may be able to reduce the activity of oxidative stress in cells and tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine if Fenugreek Seeds Extract (FSE) could prevent kidney damage in diabetic rats caused by the production of AGEs in the renal glomerulus. Objective The current study aimed to estimate phytochemical screening, in-vitro antioxidant activity, and nephron-protective effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek Seeds) methanolic extract. Methods We have demonstrated the phytochemical composition of extract of fenugreek seeds. The antioxidant activity of the extract was determined using DPPH assay. Total of thirty six albino wistar rats were used for diabetic nephropthic activity. Normal control rats and diabetic rats were given low doses of fenugreek seed extract (100 mg/kg), medium doses (200 mg/kg), and high doses (400 mg/kg) by oral gavage for 8 weeks before being put to sacrificed. Adiponectin, renal function markers, pro-inflammatory markers, antioxidative markers, and glucose concentration were all measured. Results It has been found that FSE treatment significantly prevented in STZ-induced increases in urine production, urinary albumin excretion, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and markedly attenuated STZ-induced renal damages. Levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and malondialdehyde of kidney tissue were lower in extract treated groups than in contrast agent treated group, but the decrease in serum MDA was significant in the group given FSE. Serum antioxidant capacity was higher in the FSE contrast agent group than in the contrast agent group. Kidney tissue anti-oxidant capacity was significantly higher in the group given FSE than the contrast agent group. Conclusion This study demonstrated that an appropriate amount of FSE 200 mg/kg in rats, could prevent diabetic nephropathy by improving antioxidant status and inhibiting inflammation in renal tissue. FSE extract may be effective in treating high-glucose-induced nephropathy.