Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of boiled extracts of fenugreek seeds on some physiological and productive traits and some biochemical parameters as glucose and lipid profiles in male and female rabbits, as well as, their reflection on food intake, feed efficiency. The study was carried on rabbits (8-10 weeks old) divided. Into 3 groups (each group included 6 males & 6 females). The1st group was drenched with distilled water and served as control group, the 2nd group was treated with fenugreek seeds boiled extract (2500 mg/kg B. w. t.) orally daily for 10 weeks. To determine the hypoglycemic effect per se of fenugreek seeds animals in the 3rd group, the animals treated with Daonil (200 mg/kg B. w. t.) orally daily for 10 weeks. Then blood obtained at the end of 10th week of treatment. Results showed a significant decrease in blood glucose level in the treated groups. These effects were associated with a significant decrease in food intake with a tendency to increase body weight and a significant improvement in feed efficiency. The response was better in females than in males. Treatment with fenugreek seeds boiled extract caused a significant decrease in cholesterol level in female rabbits, and produced a significant increase in HDL-C in male rabbits, while it caused a significant decrease in LDL-C in both sex, these alterations in HDL-C and LDL-C were reflected in the significant improvement of risk ratio. The fenugreek seeds effects was paralled to those of Daonil. To determine the duration of the hypoglycemic effect of the fenugreek seeds extract, a separate experiment was carried out on both sex, glucose level was measured at 3, 12 and 24 hrs follows fenugreek extracts administered the hypoglycemic effects continued significantly for 3 hrs in the fenugreek seeds treated on males and 12 hrs in the fenugreek seeds treated on females. In general, it is concluded that the fenugreek seeds Posses an insulin – like compounds, and the variations observed the present study may due to the presence of several compounds in fenugreek seeds which enhances its effects in this regard.