Hexane and methanol extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seeds: Hypotensive effects on normotensive cats
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fenugreek) contains a broad spectrum of therapeutic properties: galactagogue and antidiabetic, among others, in traditional medicine practice. The present research was conducted to determine the effects of hexane and methanol extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seeds on blood pressure. Intravenously administered doses (0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml) of the extracts to anaesthetized normotensive cats were used for the studies. Organ bath connected to Ugo Basile twin-channel recorder (Model 7090). The blood pressure parameters were recorded on the filter paper of the micro-dynamometer.The results of the study produced a decrease in mean diastolic, systolicand mean arterial pressures in a graded dose-response manner, but the decrease was significant as on diastolic blood pressure was 14.50 ± 0.50 mmHg (hexane extract) and 13.50 ± 2.50 mmHg (methanol extract), while the dose of Ach 10µg/ml produced a fall in mean diastolic, systolic, and mean arterial pressure of 13.5 ± 2.50 mmHg, 22 ± 4.0 mmHg, and 16.3 ± 2.5 mmHg, respectively. Atropine (25 mg/ml) at all tolerable doses did not block the hypotensive effect of both extracts but rather potentiated the effect of the extracts. Results of the studies indicated that the seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. has hypotensive properties and, therefore, lends pharmaco-physiological credence to folkloric and ethnomedicinal use of the plant in the management and/or control of high blood pressure in some rural communities.
Keywords: fenugreek, hypotensive properties, high blood pressure, Trigonella foenum-graecum L.
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