Abstract
This study investigated the comparative antidiabetic activity of the plant Trigonella foenum graecum and Glycyrrhiza glabra, both of which belong to the family Fabaceae. An ethanolic extract of T. foenum graecum (fenugreek) and Glycyrrhiza glabra was prepared. The phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant action of both plant extracts were performed. Diabetes was established in Wistar rats by administering alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally at a dosage rate of 120mg/kg body weight. Animals were split into six groups, with six rats per each. Different doses of both plant extracts were administered by oral route and continued for 21 days. The standard group received Metformin (500mg/kg body weight). The body weight, fasting blood glucose, and physical parameters of rats were measured on alternate days. Both plants showed considerable reduction in blood glucose levels (p<0.05) and improve body weight of diabetic rats, so that the 500mg/kg of T. foenum graecum and of G. glabra were the efficacious dose strengths. Hence, the experimental study establishes the fact that Trigonella foenum graecum and Glycyrrhiza glabra possess antidiabetic potential when given separately and markedly improve fasting blood glucose and body weight of rats when given in combination of both extracts. So, this study may be considered for the isolation of novel chemically active elements having antidiabetic activity for new drug development.