Neuropharmacological Activity of Trigonella foenum graecum Linn. Seeds

Objective: To evaluate the neuropharmacological activity of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) seeds. Methods: Total alcoholic extract (TA), Total aqueous extract (TQ), Petroleum ether extract (PE), Total alkaloidal extract (TK), Total glycosidal extract (TG), Fenugreek oil (FO), Diosgenin (DI) and Trigonelline (TR) were assessed for their neuropharmacological activity in primary screening studies, locomotor activity and phenobarbitone induced sleeping time using albino Wistar rats. The extracts TA, TQ, PE and FO were administered 100 mg/kg b.w. and TK, TG, DI and TR were administered 50 mg/kg b.w. intraperitoneally. Caffeine (CF) (48 mg/kg) and Chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CP) (150 μg/kg) were used as standard drugs. Results: In all the studies, all the extracts and active principles except TQ showed significant central nervous system (CNS) stimulant activity, while TQ alone showed significant CNS depressant activity. Conclusion: Thus from the above studies, the active compounds present in the fenugreek seed extracts possess CNS stimulant and depressant activities.