Determination of antioxidant activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. in mice

The objective of this study is to determine the in vivo effect of methanolic extracts of leaves and seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. in blood plasma of mercuric chloride induced oxidative stress in mice, with respect to the levels of different antioxidant enzyme systems like catalase, Super oxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase enzyme activities. DPPH assay of the methanolic extracts of the seeds and leaves were conducted and it was seen that the free radical scavenging activity of seed was better than that of methanolic extract of leaves as seen by a lower E.C.(50) value obtained for seed as compared to a higher E.C.(50) value for the leaves. It was seen that there was an enhanced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels were significantly decreased in blood plasma of mercuric chloride treated mice. Subsequent oral administration of methanolic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. seeds and leaves for seven days, demonstrated decreased lipid peroxidation in blood plasma of mice almost to the normal control range. Antioxidant enzyme levels post extract feeding also increased in contrast to decrease in their levels on mercuric chloride administration. However, the seeds were found to have a better antioxidant potential than the leaves in vivo.