Amelioration of hyperglycemia and associated metabolic abnormalities by a combination of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds and onion (Allium cepa) in experimental diabetes.

Background: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
seeds and onion (Allium cepa) are independently known
to have antidiabetic effects through different mechanisms.
The beeneficial influence of a combination of
dietary fenugreek seeds and onion on hyperglycemia and
its associated metabolic abnormalities were evaluated in
streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Methods: Diabetes was experimentally induced with
streptozotocin and diabetic rats were fed with 10% fenugreek
or 3% onion or their combination for 6 weeks.
Results: These dietary interventions significantly
countered hyperglycemia, partially improved peripheral
insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion,
reduced β-cell mass and markedly reversed the abnormalities
in plasma albumin, urea, creatinine, glycated
hemoglobin and advanced glycation end products in
diabetic rats. These beneficial effects were highest in the
fenugreek + onion group. Diabetic rats with these dietary
interventions excreted lesser glucose, albumin, urea
and creatinine, which were accompanied by improved
body weights compared with the diabetic controls. These
dietary interventions produced ameliorative effects on
pancreatic pathology as reflected by near-normal islet
cells, restored glycogen and collagen fiber deposition in
diabetic rats.
Conclusions: This study documented the hypoglycemic
and insulinotropic effects of dietary fenugreek and
onion, which were associated with countering of metabolic
abnormalities and pancreatic pathology. It may be
strategic to derive maximum nutraceutical antidiabetic
benefits from these functional food ingredients by consuming
them together.