Effect of low molecular weight galactomannans from fenugreek seeds on animal models of diabetes mellitus

BackgroundPlant-derived polysaccharides such as galactomannans (GAL) have very interesting and useful applications in the biomedical and biopharmaceutical field. GAL from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) seeds has been shown to have promising but inconsistent anti-hyperglycemic activity due to variable composition.AimWe have isolated and characterized low molecular weight GAL fraction from fenugreek seeds (LMWGAL-TF) and evaluated its anti-hyperglycemic potential.Materials and methodsLMWGAL-TF was isolated, well characterized (HPLC and LC-MS) and evaluated for anti-hyperglycemic activity after acute and subacute oral treatment in doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg in alloxan-induced hyperglycemia in mice.ResultsThe isolated LMWGAL-TF was of 91.5% purity with low molecular weight. LMWGAL-TF showed dose-dependent anti-hyperglycemic activity against alloxan-induced hyperglycemia without body weight gain, and protected mice pancreas from alloxan-induced histological changes.ConclusionsLMWGAL-TF showed promising and dose-dependent anti-hyperglycemic effects in animal model of DM.