Evaluation of Ethnopharmacological Activity of Trigonellafoenum Graceum

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) (Leguminosae) is employed as a herbal medicine. Its seeds are known for their carminative, tonic and antidiabetic effects. A curative dose of Trigonella foenum-graecum also produces antiulcer action1. In this study we have investigated the Ethnopharmacological activities of the aqueous extract of the seeds Trigonella foenum-graecum in normal mice using different route of administration . The methanolic extract administered through the same route produced various effect only at the dose of 1 g/kg body weight. The aqueous extract is under further investigation to determine the chemical structure of the active component. The presence of hypoglycaemic, antiflamatory, antianalgesic activity in aqueous and methanolic extract indicates that the active compounds are polar in nature. The effects of fenugreek seed extract on the alterations in serum thyroid hormone concentrations were studied in adult male mice and rats. Simultaneously, hepatic lipid peroxidation and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, viz superoxide dismutase  and catalase were examined. Present study reports analgesic activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of leaves and seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. Key word: Evaluation, Ethno pharmacological Activity, methi seed.