Haemato-protective influence of dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) seeds is potentiated by onion (Allium cepa L.) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

We have recently reported the beneficial modulation of metabolic abnormalities and oxidative stress in diabetic
rats by dietary fenugreek seeds and onion. This investigation evaluated the protective influence of dietary fenugreek
seeds (100 g kg−1) and onion (30 g kg−1) on erythrocytes of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats,
through modulation of reduced haematological indices and antisickling potency. This study also evaluated the
altered erythrocyte membrane lipid profile and beneficial countering of increased lipid peroxidation, osmotic
fragility, along with reduced membrane fluidity and deformability, nitric oxide production and echinocyte
formation. Dietary fenugreek seeds and onion appeared to counter the deformity and fragility of erythrocytes
partially in diabetic rats by their antioxidant potential and hypocholesterolemic property. The antisickling potency
of these spices was accomplished by a substantial decrease in echinocyte population and AGEs in diabetic
rats. Further insight into the factors that might have reduced the fluidity of erythrocytes in diabetic rats revealed
changes in the cholesterol: phospholipid ratio, fatty acid profile, and activities of membrane-bound enzymes.
Dietary fenugreek seeds and onion offered a beneficial protective effect to the red blood cells, the effect being
higher with fenugreek+onion. This is the first report on the hemato-protective influence of a nutraceutical food
component in diabetic situation.