Interaction of Aqueous Extract of Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seeds with Glibenclamide in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Problem statement: Interaction between herbs and drugs may increase or decrease the pharmacological or toxicological effects of either component. Herb traditionally used to decrease glucose concentrations in diabetes could theoretically precipitate hypoglycaemia if taken in combination with conventional drugs. Approach: The present study was undertaken to determine the interaction of Glibenclamide, a Sulphonylurea with Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract, an herbal drug widely used as a antidiabetic agent. The pharmacodynamic interaction was evaluated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Glibenclamide was given orally in two different doses of 0.25 and 0.50 mg kg^-1. Trigonella seed extract was administered at a dose of 20 mL kg^-1. The blood glucose estimation was carried out. Results: Both glibenclamide and Trigonella seed extract showed hypoglycemic effect. The hypoglycemic effect observed with combination of glibenclamide and Trigonella seed extract was significantly more than either of drug given alone. Conclusion: It is concluded that Trigonella seed extract shows synergistic effect with glibenclamide. This could be important in reducing the dose of glibenclamide to achieve enhanced therapeutic effect with minimum adverse effect.