Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study investigated the antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and hepatoprotective effects of two fenugreek seed varieties, Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) and Trigonella corniculata (TC), and analyzed their bioactive potential using various solvents, doses, and biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant analyses, including ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, were conducted, and interventional studies were performed on rats divided into groups receiving disease + standard basal diet (G(0)), standard basal diet only (G(1)), and disease + standard basal diet supplemented with TC or TFG at 400 mg/kg/day (G(2), G(3)) and 800 mg/kg/day (G(4), G(5)). Biochemical blood tests assessing lipid profiles and liver function parameters, coupled with histopathological examination of the liver and heart tissues, were also performed. Results: Antioxidant assessments indicated that TFG exhibited greater free radical scavenging ability, higher total phenolic content, and stronger ferric-reducing power than TC did. In the in vivo experiments, both TFG and TC significantly enhanced lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol VLDL-c, and triglycerides while boosting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels (p < 0.001). Liver function tests indicated significant decreases in bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels with dose and plant effects, particularly at 800 mg/kg (G(5)). Histopathological examination revealed that TFG at a dose of 800 mg/kg led to an almost normal liver structure and intact myocardial fibers with minimal inflammation, whereas TC groups displayed slight vacuolation of hepatocytes and some inflammatory responses. Conclusions: In conclusion, TFG shows the superior functional food properties of TFG in managing oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in comparison to TC. Future studies should aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms, optimize dosing regimens, and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy to support clinical applications.