Fenugreek Galactomannan Research Articles

Sustained-Release Microspheres of Cyclodextrin-Resveratrol Complex Using Fenugreek Galactomannan Hydrogels: A Green Approach to Phytonutrient Delivery.

Food matrices are becoming increasingly complex with the impregnation of phytonutrients with health-beneficial pharmacological effects. Herein, we report the preparation, characterization, and functional application of soluble and stable microspheres of trans-resveratrol (t-RES) developed through a water-based green process involving cyclodextrin (CD) and fenugreek galactomannan (FG). Spectroscopic and thermodynamic calculations identified γ-CD as the best CD to form a stable cyclodextrin-resveratrol inclusion complex (CD-R, 49-fold enhanced solubility); however, it exhibited a burst release profile. The sustained release of resveratrol was achieved by further encapsulating the inclusion complex within the fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel scaffold by a gel-phase dispersion process, resulting in an amorphous powder (FG-CD-R) as evident from powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies confirmed the formation of the inclusion complex with no chemical alterations. When dissolved in water, FG-CD-R swelled and released stable cuboid structures with an average particle size of 500 ± 53 nm with a zeta potential of -52 ± 5.3 mV. FG-CD-R demonstrated a sustained-release profile upon in vitro release studies. Accelerated study demonstrated its stability for a shelf-life of two years. Further it was shown to be suitable for the preparation of transparent gummies with improved sensory attributes compared to unformulated t-RES. In summary, FG-CD-R is simple to prepare and easily scalable, providing a sustained-release t-RES with a natural, food-grade, and clean label status (non-genetically modified, allergen-free, vegan, and free from residual solvents) for nutritional applications.

Co-delivery of a curcumin and asafoetida as a bioavailable complex using fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel scaffold alleviates inflammatory bowel disease on experimental animals

IntroductionInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory disorder characterised by the disruption of the epithelial barrier and formation of mucosal ulceration. Though the current treatment mainly includes synthetic drugs, herein, we hypothesised that a co-delivery of bioavailable and water-soluble forms of turmeric extract (curcumin) along with asafoetida oleo-gum-resin (hereinafter referred to as ‘CUAS’) may have synergistic effects to alleviate IBD safely. MethodsThe study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, bioavailability of the formulation was investigated and in the second phase, its effect on 2,4,6- trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced IBD model of rats were investigated. In this model, Wistar rats (n = 30) were randomised into 5 groups, [Group I-control, Group II–TNBS treated IBD group (100 mg/kg; intrarectal), Group III-Standard drug (Sulfasalazine; 50 mg/kg b. wt. orally), Group IV – standard curcumin complex (UC; 200 mg/kg b. wt.), Group V –Curcumin/asafoetida co-delivery form (CUAS; 200 mg/kg b. wt.)]. IBD was induced to group II to V animals, and then treated with the respective drugs for 24 days. Then the animals were sacrificed and various biochemical parameters including ulcer index, antioxidant levels, oxidative stress markers, and histopathological analysis of the colon were carried out. ResultsThe results revealed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) of the clinical manifestations related to IBD, along with a significant reduction (P < 0.05) for the ulcer index, oxidative stress, and significant enhancement (P < 0.05) in endogenous antioxidant enzyme levels among CUAS treated animals. Histopathological observations also showed a significant reduction in TNBS-induced colon lesions. No necrosis, cellular infiltration, haemorrhage, or oedema was observed among the CUAS-treated animals, indicating better gastroprotective effect of CUAS compared to the standard curcumin treatment. ConclusionsThe enhanced effect of CUAS was attributed to the improved bioavailability (22.8-fold) of CUAS compared to standard curcumin treated group.

Sustainable adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye using individual and combined ratios of Trigonella foenum-graecum (F) seed galactomannan and Linum usitatissimum (L) seed

Abstract This study explores the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution using different forms of fenugreek galactomannan and linseed (both individually and in combination) as an adsorbent. Characterization study of adsorbents reveal the involvement of carboxyl, hydroxyl and amine groups in MB adsorption taking place on the amorphous and porous surface of the adsorbent. BET surface area of the adsorbent (F+L) was found to be 394 m2/g. Different parameters including pH, adsorbent dose, adsorbate concentration, adsorption time and temperature were studied. Results of the study shows 86.62, 86.94, 88.04, 88.24, 88.56 and 89.09% of MB dye adsorption with F, L, F + L (1:1), F + L (1:2), F + L (2:1) and F + L (2:2) under optimized conditions. Maximum adsorption take place at pH 12, i.e., highly basic medium. Isothermal study shows the fitness of the experimental data to Langmuir isotherm model. Kinetic modeling shows that both physical and chemical interactions are involved in dye adsorption. Further, thermodynamic study confirms the spontaneity, endothermicity and feasibility of the process. Overall, current research involves the use of low-cost raw material for MB dye removal that aids in waste management and in promoting sustainability.

Fenugreek galactomannan: High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) method for identification and quantification of galactose and mannose

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a leguminous, medicinal plant that finds applications in traditional medicine and as an agent in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Its seeds contain various compounds to which numerous beneficial effects are attributed, such as soluble polysaccharides, in particular galactomannan. There are limited data reporting the determination of Bulgarian fenugreek galactomannan composition by HPTLC. The analysis was successful in separating galactose and mannose, each demonstrating different Rf values 0.36, 0.48, respectively. After developing the method with the appropriate conditions, it was validated for linearity, accuracy and precision, range, limits of detection (LD) and quantification (LQ), and robustness. The LD of galactose and mannose was found at 91.34 ng/band and 85.26 ng/band, respectively. The method confirmed the composition of hydrolyzed galactomannan from fenugreek, revealing a ratio of galactose to mannose closed to 1:1, and this capability can be of significant value in both the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Study on structure and properties of galactomannan and enzyme changes during fenugreek seeds germination

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) galactomannan play an important role in the food and pharmaceutical sectors due to its attractive physicochemical properties. In this study, the changes of structure, properties and biological activity of fenugreek galactomannan (FG) during germination are analyzed by the activity and mechanism of endogenous enzymes (α-D-galactosidase and β-D-mannanase). The enzymes generally increased during germination and synergistically altered the structure of GM by cutting down the main chains and removing partial side residues. The mannose to galactose ratio (M/G) increased from 1.11 to 1.59, which is accompanied by a drastic decrease in molecular weight from 3.606 × 106 to 0.832 × 106 g/mol, and the drop of viscosity from 0.27 to 0.06 Pa·sn. The degraded macromolecules are attributed to the increase in solubility (from 64.55 % to 88.62 %). In terms of antioxidation and antidiabetic ability, germinated fenugreek galactomannan has the ability to scavenge 67.17 % ABTS free radicals and inhibit 86.89 % α-glucosidase. This galactomannan with low molecular weight and excellent biological activity precisely satisfies the current demands of pharmaceutical reagents and food industry. Seeds germination holds promise as a means of industrial scale production of low molecular weight galactomannans.

Review: bioavailability and efficacy of 'free' curcuminoids from curcumagalactomannoside (CGM) curcumin formulation.

The golden spice turmeric with its main bioactive component curcumin is one of the most popular and extensively studied nutraceuticals. Despite numerous pre-clinical studies reporting positive pharmacodynamics of turmeric extracts and curcumin, the main issues in translating the pharmacological effects to clinical efficacy have been to overcome its poor pharmacokinetics and to deliver significant amounts of the biologically relevant forms of the actives to various tissues. This review is aimed at providing a first critical evaluation of the current published literature with the novel curcumagalactomannoside (CGM) formulation of curcumin using fenugreek galactomannan dietary fibre, specifically designed to address curcumin poor pharmacokinetics. We describe CGM and its technology as a food-grade formulation to deliver 'free' unconjugated curcuminoids with enhanced bioavailability and improved pharmacokinetic properties. The therapeutic relevance of improving bioavailability of 'free' curcuminoids and some of the technical challenges in the measurement of the 'free' form of curcuminoids in plasma and tissues are also discussed. A total of twenty-six manuscripts are reviewed here, including fourteen pre-clinical and twelve clinical studies that have investigated CGM pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy in various animal models and human conditions. Overall current scientific evidence suggests CGM formulation has improved bioavailability and tissue distribution of the biologically relevant unconjugated forms of turmeric actives called 'free' curcuminoids that may be responsible for the superior clinical outcomes reported with CGM treatments in comparison with unformulated standard curcumin across multiple studies.

Biodegradable composite films based on Trigonella foenum‐graceum galactomannan—xanthan gum: Effect of grape seed oil on various aspects of emulsified films

AbstractNowadays, preparing biodegradable films based on hydrocolloids has become thoroughly crucial in food packaging. Also, to enhance some of the aspects of these films, adding oil to the formulation of the films has been considered as a valid method. In this study, a variety of films based on two biopolymers (fenugreek galactomannan and xanthan gum) in the presence or absence of grape seed oil were produced and the various aspects of the obtained films were comprehensively investigated. The obtained data demonstrated that preparing composite films based on two hydrocolloids improved the aspects including film thickness, water vapor permeability (WVP), oxygen permeability (OP), mechanical and thermal properties more than films based on only one hydrocolloid. This improvement was mostly related to the good and acceptable interaction between two biopolymers. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated that all films had an amorphous or non‐crystalline structure. Also, the scanning electron microscope images demonstrated that films based on fenugreek galactomannan and composite films based on two hydrocolloids. The value of film thickness and strain at break (SAB) increased by adding oil to the formulation. Contrarily, the moisture content and absorption, WVP, OP, opacity, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) values of the films decreased by adding oil.

A comparative study on the emulsifying and foaming aspects of Gleditsia caspica galactomannan (as a new source of hydrocolloid), fenugreek galactomannan, and xanthan gum mixtures

Emulsifying and foaming aspects of samples containing three hydrocolloids (Gleditsia caspica (GG) galactomannan, xanthan gum (XG), and fenugreek galactomannan (FG)) were comprehensively investigated. By elevating the concentration of biopolymers, the values of emulsifying capacity, emulsion stability, zeta potential, and foaming stability were significantly raised. Contrarily, the values of foaming capacity, z-average, and PDI were reduced. Among the utilized hydrocolloids, the samples containing FG especially when blended with XG had higher emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability values in comparison with other samples. Also, samples containing XG had higher foaming capacity and those containing FG had higher foaming stability values compared with other samples. The samples containing FG had higher zeta potential and lower z-average and PDI values compared with other samples. Due to the obtained results, Gleditsia galactomannan could be considered as stabilizing agent in food formulations. Novelty impact statement Introducing new sources of hydrocolloids (in current research, galactomannan obtained from Gleditsia caspica seed) with appropriate emulsifying and foaming properties is known as vital issue for researchers in food industry. Also, using mixture of hydrocolloids especially when G. caspica galactomannan was used in formulation of emulsions resulted in improved emulsifying and foaming aspects particularly emulsifying capacity, emulsion stability, and foaming stability.

Rheological and Stability Evaluation of Emulsions Containing Fenugreek Galactomannan—Xanthan Gum Mixtures: Effect of Microwave and Ultrasound Treatments

The effects of treating two biopolymers (Trigonella foenum—graceum galactomannan and xanthan gum mixtures) with microwaves and ultrasound on the rheological aspects of O/W emulsions were investigated. The data obtained from steady shear flow were fitted with various models and the best were chosen due to the values of R2 and RMSE. The oscillatory shear rheology data demonstrated that the emulsions not treated with microwaves or ultrasound had viscous-like behavior and treated samples demonstrated weak gel behavior. The values obtained for various rheological parameters (especially apparent viscosity, storage modulus and loss modulus) indicated that fenugreek galactomannan had more impact on the rheological aspects of emulsions in comparison with xanthan gum. In addition, the synergistic interaction between two biopolymers, particularly in samples treated with ultrasound, resulted in better rheological aspects which could be affiliated with the strong bonds between the hydrocolloids. By treating the samples with microwaves and ultrasound, the emulsion stability values of the samples (especially those with a high ratio of galactomannan) significantly increased, which might be connected with various parameters, especially viscosity.

Study on the structure and physicochemical properties of fenugreek galactomannan modified via octenyl succinic anhydride

To improve the mechanical strength of borax-crosslinked fenugreek galactomannan hydrogels and broaden the application field of galactomannan-based hydrogels, fenugreek galactomannan (FG) was esterified via octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA), and the parameters affecting the esterification reaction were systematically studied. The optimum process for OSA-modified FG (OFG) was as follows: FG concentration 1.5 wt%, n (OSA): n (FG) = 2, n (4-dimethylamino-pyridine, DMAP): n (FG) = 4, and reaction time 12 h. Under this condition, the degree of substitution (DS) was 0.31, and the product yield was 115.05 %. Characterization of FT-IR, H1 NMR, and HPLC confirmed that the OSA group was successfully introduced into the FG skeleton. The mechanical strength of borax crosslinked OFG hydrogel (OFGH) is 18 times higher than that of FG hydrogel. OFGH shows excellent self-healing, injectable properties and electrical conductivity. This will further expand the application of borax crosslinked galactomannan-based hydrogels in the fields of sensors, drug delivery, and wound dressing.

Selective and effective adsorption of malachite green and methylene blue on a non-toxic, biodegradable, and reusable fenugreek galactomannan gum coupled MnO2 mesoporous hydrogel

A new FG-g-AM-cl-MBA-MnO2 hydrogel has been synthesised via a free radical cross-linking reaction using fenugreek gum containing macromolecular galactomannan units, acrylamide, N, N′-methylenebisacrylamide, potassium persulfate, and MnO2 for removal of methylene blue and malachite green dyes from water. Surface morphology of synthesised hydrogel was porous and rough as determined by FESEM. The presence of functional groups and cross-linking mechanism were validated by FTIR spectroscopy. TGA revealed that FG-g-AM-cl-MBA-MnO2 hydrogel is thermally stable up to 700 °C and mass ratio of MnO2 was found to be 25.9%. BET technique gave surface area as 5.59 m2/g with a pore radius of 3.654 nm. The swelling ratio of FG-g-AM-cl-MBA-MnO2 hydrogel was 1862% at 313 K. To evaluate the influence of adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature, pH, and dye concentration on adsorption behaviour of hydrogel several batch experiments were conducted. The hydrogel preferentially removes MG (98.5%) and MB (96.3%) effectively following Langmuir model with 526.31 and 483.09 mg/g adsorption capacity, respectively. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and thermodynamics study revealed that process is endothermic and spontaneous. The hydrogel retained more than 85% adsorption capacity even after ten cycles of dye adsorption-desorption process and thus, serves as a proficient, reusable, and eco-friendly adsorbent for wastewater remediation.

Micelle/Hydrogel Composite as a "Natural Self-Emulsifying Reversible Hybrid Hydrogel (N'SERH)" Enhances the Oral Bioavailability of Free (Unconjugated) Resveratrol.

The poor oral bioavailability, rapid biotransformation to less active metabolites, and fast elimination from systemic circulation have been identified as the major limitations responsible for the clinical insignificance of many drug candidates and phytonutrients. Despite the technological advancements in the nanoformulations of synthetic drugs, there exist many challenges for nutritional therapy, due to the regulatory issues, use of high levels of synthetic emulsifiers and polymers, low stability, low loading levels, mainly liquid state, etc. Herein, we report the characterization and human pharmacokinetics of a natural self-emulsifying hybrid-hydrogel formulation of trans-resveratrol prepared by uniformly impregnating resveratrol micelles into the fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel scaffold to form a water-soluble micelle/hydrogel composite in powder form (RF-20). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated the uniform impregnation of resveratrol micelles within the galactomannan hydrogel matrix to form a soluble (average particle size of 172.0 ± 10.4 nm and −21.0 ± 2.5 mV zeta potential) and amorphous powder form with smooth and translucent surface morphology for RF-20, with no chemical alterations. Upon pharmacokinetic studies on healthy human subjects (n = 16) following a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, 2-arm, 4-sequence crossover design and tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS), 80 mg of trans-resveratrol from RF-20 provided enhanced free resveratrol bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties compared to the unformulated resveratrol with 98% purity. The enhancement in bioavailability was more when supplemented in sachet (12.98-fold) form than the capsule (10.48-fold) with improved absorption (Cmax = 50.97 ± 15.82 ng/mL), circulation half-life (t1/2 = 7.01 ± 1.44 h), and sustained delivery (Tmax = 4.71 ± 0.73 h), as compared to the unformulated form (Cmax = 15.07 ± 5.10 ng/mL; t1/2 = 1.58 ± 0.65 h; Tmax = 1.21 ± 0.42 h).

Extraction, Purification, Optimization, and Application of Galactomannan-Based Edible Coating Formulations for Guava Using Response Surface Methodology

Galactomannan from fenugreek and guar seeds were extracted, purified, and used in edible coatings, optimized via response surface methodology. The results showed that the emulsifying capacity and stability of fenugreek galactomannan (FG) and guar galactomannan (GG) increased with increase in the concentration of galactomannan up to 0.5–1%. The average optimized values of FG and GG in edible coatings were predicted to be 1.71% and 2.11% for weight loss, 0.72% and 2.14% for firmness, 1.02% and 1.44% for TSS, 0.83% and 1.36% for pH, 1.03% and 1.44% for acidity, respectively. Significant decrease in weight loss and maximum retention of firmness was observed in coated guava. The TSS increased up to a certain storage period in all treatments and decreased as the storage period progressed, whereas pH exhibited an increasing trend while a significant decrease in acidity was observed. The findings revealed that the shelf life of guava could considerably be improved by incorporating 1.24% galactomannan from GG and 1.01% from FG in the edible coating.

Natural self-emulsifying reversible hybrid-hydrogel delivery (N'SERH) of tocopherol enhances bioavailability and modulates alcohol-induced reproductive toxicity in rats.

Alpha-tocopherol (α-Toc), an antioxidant vitamin, has been widely prescribing in the treatment of infertility, in spite of its limited oral bioavailability. The present study describes the enhanced bioavailability and efficacy of a novel 'natural self-emulsifying reversible hydrogel' (N'SERH)-based oral delivery form of α-Toc-rich sunflower oil (Tα-fen) using fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel scaffold (hybrid-FENUMATTM ). Tα-fen was characterised by FTIR, SEM, TEM and DLS as a hybrid-hydrogel powder. The bioavailability study on thirty (n=30) male Sprague Dawley rats randomised into two groups indicated 4.84-fold increase in the oral bioavailability when the formulation was provided at 15mg/kg b. wt. of α-Toc by oral gavage. The efficacy study on 24 animals randomised into four groups as control, ethanol treated (4mg/kg b. wt.), ethanol+unformulated, UTα (15mg/kg b. wt.) and ethanol+formulation, Tα-fen (15mg/kg b. wt.) revealed significant improvement (*p<0.05) and reversal of alcohol-induced reproductive toxicity as evident from the enhanced sperm count, motility and viability parameters, testosterone levels, fructose content, and SDH activity and plasma antioxidant status among Tα-fen-treated rats, compared with unformulated, UTα-treated group. Histopathology further confirmed the reversal of the alterations in the testes morphology of Tα-fen-treated animals, indicating its promising potential in the treatment of reproductive health issues.

A novel bioavailable curcumin-galactomannan complex modulates the genes responsible for the development of chronic diseases in mice: A RNA sequence analysis

BackgroundChronic diseases or non-communicable diseases are a major burden worldwide due to the lack of highly efficacious treatment modalities and the serious side effects associated with the available therapies. Purpose/study designA novel self-emulsifying formulation of curcumin with fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel scaffold as a water-dispersible non-covalent curcumin-galactomannan molecular complex (curcumagalactomannosides, CGM) has shown better bioavailability than curcumin and can be used for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. However, the exact potential of this formulation has not been studied, which would pave the way for its use for the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic diseases. MethodsThe whole transcriptome analysis (RNAseq) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the liver tissues of mice treated with LPS to investigate the potential of CGM on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Expression analysis using DESeq2 package, GO, and pathway analysis of the differentially expressed transcripts was performed using UniProtKB and KEGG-KAAS server. ResultsThe results showed that 559 genes differentially expressed between the liver tissue of control mice and CGM treated mice (100 mg/kg b.wt. for 14 days), with adjusted p-value below 0.05, of which 318 genes were significantly upregulated and 241 were downregulated. Further analysis showed that 33 genes which were upregulated (log2FC > 8) in the disease conditions were significantly downregulated, and 32 genes which were downregulated (log2FC < −8) in the disease conditions were significantly upregulated after the treatment with CGM. ConclusionOverall, our study showed CGM has high potential in the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic diseases.

Brain regional pharmacokinetics following the oral administration of curcumagalactomannosides and its relation to cognitive function

ABSTRACT Objective Though a number of bioavailable formulations of curcuminoids have been reported and available commercially as nutraceuticals for brain health, systematic informations on their blood–brain-barrier permeability and brain tissue distribution have not been reported. The present study was aimed to investigate the brain regional pharmacokinetics of curcuminoids following both single dose and repeated dose oral administration of a self-emulsifying food-grade formulation of curcuminoids using fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel scaffold as 'curcumagalactomannosides’ (CGM), and its influence on cognitive functions in comparison with unformulated natural curcuminoids (NC) in Wistar rats. Methods CGM was given to animals in single dose (100 mg curcuminoids/kg b. wt.) and repeated dose (100 mg curcuminoids/kg b. wt. for 28 days) and the concentration of total curcuminoids at various parts of brain was evaluated at different time points using Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization triple quadruple tandem mass spectroscopy (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) system. Another set of animals were also fed with CGM at single dose (100 mg curcuminoids/kg b. wt.) and repeated dose (100 mg curcuminoids/kg b. wt. for 28 days) and the behavioural studies were conducted using open field test and radial arm maze. Results UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analyses of plasma revealed significant absorption of unconjugated (free) curcuminoids upon both single and repeated dose administration of CGM with maximum concentrations of 173.34 ± 27.12 ng/mL and 223.22 ± 32.73 ng/mL, respectively. Further analysis of brain tissues demonstrated significant blood–brain-barrier permeability. Brain regional pharmacokinetics (AUC, C max and t 1/2) indicated a relative distribution order of hippocampus > striatum > cerebellum > cerebral cortex > brain stem. Supplementation of CGM for 28 days also offered significant (p < 0.05) improvement in locomotor activity and reduction in spatial memory errors as compared to NC. The NC treatment also improved the behaviour better than the vehicle-treated group. Conclusion CGM could distribute significant amount of free curcuminoids, in brain especially in the hippocampus at both single and repeated dose administration with an elimination half-life of 2.6 h. CGM also showed a positive impact in behaviour of animals in comparison with normal unformulated curcuminoids.

Enhanced absorption of curcuminoids and 3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid from fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel beadlets: A natural approach to the co-delivery of lipophilic phytonutrients

Simultaneous oral delivery of bioactive molecules with enhanced bioavailability is of great significance, especially when delivered from single beadlets. Here, we report the formulation, characterization, and pharmacokinetic properties of two poorly bioavailable lipophilic phytonutrients with synergistic effects, curcuminoids and 3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), following their co-delivery using fenugreek dietary fiber (Galactomannans)-based hydrogel beadlets (CGM-BSW). These beadlets are capable of extensive swelling and sustained-release of self-emulsified colloidal particles (150 – 200 nm) containing curcuminoids and AKBA allowing for improved absorption. The results of our double-blinded 4-way crossover, 4-sequence study (n = 14) demonstrated that a single dose of 250 mg of these beadlets enhanced the absorption of unconjugated curcuminoids (24.8-fold) and AKBA (6.9-fold) compared to their unformulated counterparts. The absorption of CGM-BSW formulated curcuminoids was also 5.6-fold higher than that of those formulated with turmerones (UCT). UPLC-ESI-QQQ-MS/MS was used to quantify both the curcuminoids and AKBA concentration in the plasma samples and this data was used to determine their pharmacokinetic characteristics.

Surface-engineered liposomal particles of calcium ascorbate with fenugreek galactomannan enhanced the oral bioavailability of ascorbic acid: a randomized, double-blinded, 3-sequence, crossover study.

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, anti-thrombotic, and antiviral effects along with its protective effects against respiratory infections have generated a great interest in vitamin C (vitC) as an attractive functional/nutraceutical ingredient for the management of COVID-19. However, the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of vitC have been shown to be complex and exhibit dose-dependent non-linear kinetics. Though sustained-release forms and liquid liposomal formulations have been developed, only marginal enhancement was observed in bioavailability. Here we report a novel surface-engineered liposomal formulation of calcium ascorbate (CAAS), using fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel in powder form, and its pharmacokinetics following a randomized, double-blinded, single-dose, 3-way crossover study on healthy human volunteers (n = 14). The physicochemical characterization and in vitro release studies revealed the uniform impregnation of CAAS liposomes within the pockets created by the sterically hindered galactomannan network as multilaminar liposomal vesicles with good encapsulation efficiency (>90%) and their stability and sustained-release under gastrointestinal pH conditions. Further human studies demonstrated >7-fold enhancement in the oral bioavailability of ascorbate with a significant improvement in pharmacokinetic properties (Cmax, Tmax, T1/2, and AUC), compared to the unformulated counterpart (UF-CAAS) when supplemented at an equivalent dose of 400 mg of CAAS as tablets and capsules.

Effect of high voltage atmospheric cold plasma on extraction of fenugreek galactomannan and its physicochemical properties

Fenugreek is a good source of galactomannan, however, conventional methods for its extraction are generally time-consuming and have relatively low recovery rates. In this study, we applied high voltage atmospheric cold plasma (HVACP) as a pretreatment and investigated its effects on galactomannan extraction from dry fenugreek seeds and soaked seeds in NaCl solution, as well as its physicochemical properties. Results showed that HVACP treatment with air at 80 kV for 30 min caused apparent structural disruption on fenugreek seed surface and decreased the pH of extracting solution, resulting in increased galactomannan extraction yields, by 122% from soaked seeds and 67% from dry seeds. Galactomannan treated with HVACP had higher water-binding capacity, swelling index and viscosity, as well as lower melting enthalpy. HVACP treatment also altered the surface morphology of galactomannan due to plasma etching, but no significant changes in its molecular and crystalline structures were observed. The findings of this study prove that HVACP can be a green approach, in terms of reduced chemical use, to effectively enhance the extraction efficiency of fenugreek galactomannan and modify its functional properties, hence facilitate more diverse applications in both food and polymer industries.

Borax crosslinked fenugreek galactomannan hydrogel as potential water-retaining agent in agriculture

In order to explore a novel type of agricultural water-retaining agent, borax crosslinked fenugreek galactomannan-borax hydrogel (FGB) was synthesized. The hydrogel was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR, XRD, and SEM. The largest swelling index of FGB (115) was higher than that of guar gum hydrogel (70) at pH 9. The water absorption capacity of sandy soil was studied by mixing the hydrogel with soil, then FGB was evaluated as a latent water retention agent. Results showed that the swelling index of sandy soil increased from 16.28% to 35.53% with 0.5 wt.% hydrogel added. The water retention time increased from 2 to 11.5 days at 20 °C and 60 % humidity. Furthermore, more than ten cycles of water absorption and water loss of soil-FGB were carried out at 50 °C at a relatively stable water retention capacity. This low-cost, environmentally friendly hydrogel has great application potential in agriculture for soil water conservation.