Evaluation of antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. in rats subjected to weight loaded forced swim test

Abstract

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fabaceae) is commonly known as fenugreek. Aim of the present study was to assess anti fatigue potential of fenugreek hydro-alcoholic extract (FHE). The anti fatigue activity of FHE was investigated in in vivo rat model subjected to weight loaded forced swim test (WFST) at a dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight. In vitro antioxidant activities were carried out by spectrophotometric methods. Exhaustive swimming time in WFST was increased by more than 2-fold in FHE supplemented group to that of control group on day 13. The FHE treatment lowered malondialdehyde and lactic acid levels in liver and muscle tissues compared with control exercised group (p < 0.05). FHE also reduced serum lactic acid, blood urea nitrogen and creatine phosphokinase activities significantly to that of control. Administration of FHE significantly protected the depletion of serum glucose, liver and muscle glycogen, and activities of antioxidant enzymes i.e. SOD, CAT and GPx (6.05 ± 0.5; 22.0 ± 1.1 and 2084 ± 158 U/mg protein, respectively). In the present study we report that FHE ameliorates various impairments associated with physical fatigue.