OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the comparative effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed extract (FSE) alone and in combination with an antidiabetic conventional medicine, glibenclamide (GLB), on the inhibition of in vitro lipid peroxidation (LPO) in liver, the major target organ of a drug. METHODS: LPO was induced by ferrous sulphate (FeSo), hydrogen peroxide (HO) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl) and the effects of test seed extract and/or GLB were evaluated. RESULTS: While FeSo, HO and CCl markedly enhanced the hepatic LPO, simultaneous administration of FSE reduced it in a concentration dependent manner. However, when both FSE and GLB were added to the incubation mixture, chemically induced hepatic LPO was further inhibited. The test extract also exhibited high antioxidative activity in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and in 2,2'-azinobis, 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical scavenging assays. CONCLUSION FSE therapy in moderate concentration along with a hypoglycemic drug may prove to be advantageous in ameliorating diabetes mellitus and other diseases that are LPO mediated.