The effect of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) crude saponins on Hisex-type chicks.

The effects of po and parenteral administration of various doses of fenugreek crude seed saponins were measured in Hisex-type chicks. Forty-nine 7-d-old Hisex chicks were assigned to 1 of 5 groups: no fenugreek; 10 mg fenugreek/kg BW im; 50 mg fenugreek/kg BW ip; 50 mg fenugreek/kg BW sc; or 500 mg fenugreek/kg BW in drinking water. Daily dosing was for 21 d. Body weights were depressed and serum LDH and GOT activities and uric acid concentration were significantly elevated. Pathological changes were liver fatty cytoplasmic vacuolation and necrosis of hepatocytes with lymphocytic infiltration, epithelial degeneration of renal tubules, catarrhal enteritis, and varying degrees of hemorrhage in the thigh and breast. Myositis and peritonitis were observed in chicks given fenugreek crude saponins respectively im or ip.