Paper Title
Neuroprotective Effects of Trigonellafoenum-Graecum in a Rodent Model of Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion-Induced Neurodegeneration

Abstract
Trigonellafoenum-graecum (TFG) has been documented to have neuroprotective properties. AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of crude extract of Trigonellafoenum-graecum in a rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Methods: Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion was created by permanent ligation of the common carotid arteries bilaterally (a two-vessel occlusion) in male Sprague–Dawley rats. The experimental groups were divided into three groups: a sham (control) group, a two-vessel occlusion group without any treatment, a two-vessel occlusion group that was administered orally with the Trigonellafoenumgraecum extract (100 mg/kg/day) from 3 days before the date of a two-vessel occlusion surgery and continued until the end of the 8th postoperative week. Spatial memory performance was assessed by the Morris water maze test. Malondialdehyde and C-reactive protein concentration, superoxide dismutase and glutathione activities were measured in serum. Results: Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion resulted in spatial memory impairments, increased malondialdehyde and C-reactive protein concentration, and decreased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione level in serum. Oral administration of TFG extract markedly improved memory impairment, decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde and C-reactive protein, and increased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione level. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that TFG extract offer potential neuro protective effects that may be beneficial in vascular dementia. These beneficial effects may be related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the TFG extract. Keywords - Fenugreek seeds, Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, Oxidative stress, Rat spatial learning and memory.