Effect of a traditional Algerian two plants combination: Date fruit <em>(Phoenix dactylifera)</em> and Fenugreek seeds <em>(Trigonella foenum-graecum)</em> on phagocytic activity and hepatic glutathione

Abstract

Background: Plants have been used medicinally since ancient times and still exist today. Initially, the trial and error method was used to treat diseases or simply to feel better, and in this way, useful plants with beneficial effects were identified.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an Algerian traditional combination of two plants Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) and Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on phagocytic activity and the hepatic glutathione.

Methods: The phagocytic activity measured by a carbon clearance rate test, and the hepatic glutathione measured by a spectrophotometric determination of glutathione (GSH) from the liver homogenate.

Results: The study results showed that both phagocytic activity and GSH values were significantly important in animals injected with the combination of P = 0.000. The carbon clearance rate was significantly faster in the group of mice treated with the combination of plants (FG / PD) (14.66 ± 4.143) compared to NaCl (49.77 ± 16.98). Additionally, the phagocytic index increased significantly in the group (FG / PD) (7.128 ± 0.823) compared to the other groups (Fenugreek (FG) = 4.082 ± 0.306; Phoenix dactylifera (PD) = 4.87 ± 0.608). The hepatic GSH levels were significantly higher in the (FG / PD) group compared to the other groups (P = 0.040).

Conclusion: The combination of dates and fenugreek possesses synergic effect by stimulating the immune system and reducing which may be useful for the production of new drugs of natural origin.