Alkaloid and flavonoid rich fractions of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) with antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects

The seeds of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) have medicinal uses as hypoglycemic, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory agents. We aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the major fractions of fenugreek seeds. The methanolic extract of the plant seeds was partitioned using a liquid liquid extraction procedure to give six major fractions. Following phytochemical screening of isolated fractions, the total extract and each fraction were evaluated for their antinociception and anti-inflammatory effects using formalin and carrageenan-induced paw edema tests respectively. The methanolic extract exhibited both antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Among the tested fractions, alkaline chloroform fraction (AKC), which was alkaloid positive in screening tests, showed the most anti-nociceptive effect in a dose-dependent manner. AKC fraction was as effective as morphine (5 mg/kg) in this regard. Both aqueous and acidified chloroform fractions (ACC) could significantly inhibit paw edema at a different dose. The latter fraction dose-dependently inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema. The results of phytochemical screening tests confirmed the presence of flavonoids in both ACC and aqueous fractions. It can be concluded that the alkaloid and flavonoid content of fenugreek seeds can be responsible for antinociception and anti-inflammatory effects of the plant respectively. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.