Effects of fenugreek, Nigella, and termis seeds in nonalcoholic fatty liver in obese diabetic albino rats

Background and study aimNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs in approximately 80% of cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study investigated the effects of some plants used in Saudi Arabia as antidiabetic agents on T2DM and associated fatty liver.Materials and methodsA total of 150 adult male albino rats were divided into six experimental groups, each consisting of 25 rats. Twenty-five rats were considered as the control group. Experimental diabetes was induced in the remaining rats by administering a subcutaneous injection of 120 mg/kg of freshly prepared alloxan solution; these rats were classified into five groups: one group did not receive any treatment; the second group was treated with an aqueous extract of a mixture containing fenugreek, Nigella, and termis seeds; the third group was treated with an aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds; the fourth group was treated with an aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds; and finally the fifth group was treated with an aqueous extract of termis seeds at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. After 4 weeks of treatment, biochemical parameters were calculated, including blood sugar and serum insulin levels. Pancreatic and liver samples were obtained and processed for microscopic evaluation.ResultsThe usage of each plant alone or a mixture of the plants corrected the glucose and insulin levels. Microscopically, a definite improvement in the number and diameter of β-cells in the diabetic group was observed. Furthermore, considerable improvement in fatty changes occurring in the liver of experimental animals was observed. The activity of the mixture was the most effective.ConclusionsThe aqueous extract of the seed mixture of the used plants appeared to be a useful agent in improving fatty changes in the liver texture associated with T2DM by reducing hyperglycaemia through an increase in insulin levels, regeneration of β-cells of the pancreas, and an amelioration of associated dyslipidemia.