Fenugreek Research Articles

Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Plant-derived Hypoglycemic Medicines: An In vivo/In vitro Systematic Review.

The activation of oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions has been associated with acceleration in diabetes (DM) onset and complications. Despite various anti-DM medications, there is a growing trend to discover inexpensive and effective treatments with low adverse effects from plants as one of the promising sources for drug development. This study aimed to systematically investigate the simultaneous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of plant-derived hypoglycemic medicines in diabetic experimental models. The search terms consisted of "diabetes", "herbal medicine", "antioxidant", "Inflammatory biomarker", and their equivalents among PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to 17 August 2021. Throughout the search of databases, 201 eligible experimental studies were recorded. The results showed that the most commonly assessed inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL) 6, IL-1β, IL-10, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO). The activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) were assessed in the present review. Among herbal treatments, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Vitis vinifera L., and Moringa oleifera Lam. were most commonly used for diabetic complications. Due to the dispersion of the treatments, meta-analysis was not applicable. Our findings showed that the application of different plant-derived hypoglycemic treatments in animal models improved diabetes and its complications, as well as modulated concomitant inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. These findings suggest that plant-based antidiabetic medicines and food supplements have the potential to manage diabetes and its complications.

The Effects of Trigonella Foenum-graecum L. on Post-surgical Adhesion Band Formation

Background: Intra-abdominal adhesions are severe complications which occur after abdominal surgery. Currently, no specific anti-adhesive medications can completely prevent Intra-abdominal adhesion formation. Therefore, recent studies are exploring new approaches for preventing this complication. Anti-inflammatory properties of Trigonella Foenum-graecum L. (Fenugreek) have been reported in various studies. In this experiment, a murine model was used to evaluate the potential anti-adhesive activity of Fenugreek in vivo. Objective: This experiment aimed to examine the anti-adhesive activity of Fenugreek in the prevention of postsurgical Intra-abdominal adhesions. Methods: We have adhered to the ARRIVE guidelines during these experimental studies. After abdominal surgery, for nine days, Fenugreek (400 mg/kg) was given by gavage to male Wistar rats (n = 6). Following that, all animals were sacrificed to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of Fenugreek using Hematoxylin & eosin staining and Masson’s trichrome staining. Results: Our results showed that Fenugreek hydro-alcoholic extract could significantly reduce the adhesion band formation based on Nair and Leach Scoring system (P < 0.01). The histological assessment also represented less inflammatory cell infiltration and less collagen deposition in the treatment group than in the positive control group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: This study showed that Fenugreek extract could attenuate post-surgical adhesion band formation by inhibiting pathological responses (Inflammation and fibrosis) following surgery.

Effect of Incorporation of Fenugreek Seed Powder and Turmeric Rhizome Powder on Performance of Broilers

Effect of Incorporation of Fenugreek Seed Powder and Turmeric Rhizome Powder on Performance of Broilers

Effects of sprouted fenugreek seeds on blood glucose level in type 2 diabetic patients with/without hepatitis C virus

Effects of sprouted fenugreek seeds on blood glucose level in type 2 diabetic patients with/without hepatitis C virus

Purification and characterization of a lectin from Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds and its porphyrin binding studies

Purification and characterization of a lectin from Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds and its porphyrin binding studies

Development of honey dessert recipes for healthy purposes

With the development of food technology, consumers plan to get as many food products as possible to meet their needs, including healthy food. Wellness desserts are one of the potential options to meet consumer needs, but modern nutrition trends place increased demands on the quality of products and their impact on human health. The use of beekeeping products and products of plant origin with the content of biologically active substances in food technologies of the dessert direction allows you to enrich them with minerals and vitamins, increase their nutritional and biological value, as well as improve their taste properties. Such a product can primarily be used by specific population groups, such as athletes, or people with impaired normal body function (health). Four recipes for health-improving desserts with various additional components were developed in this study. To develop the recipes, the ingredients were experimentally combined in different proportions to determine the optimal composition, consistency, and other organoleptic characteristics. All the developed desserts have been given working names. The products are based on honey or honey cream, dried pumpkin, and pumpkin seeds (meal). Recipes: №1 «Anti-inflammatory» additionally contained spirulina (powder) and propolis aqueous extract; №2 «Revitalizing» – freeze-dried raspberries and beebread in natural granules; №3 «Multi-Complex» – ground fenugreek seeds, freeze-dried sea buckthorn berries and crushed bee pollen; №4 «Youth and Beauty» – sesame seeds, freeze-dried apple (powder) and lactose-adsorbed royal jelly. The technological processes for the production of the new product have been developed. The technology of honey desserts for health purposes includes preparation of raw materials, mixing of ingredients for 20 minutes, aging and maturation (12 hours; t 15–25°C), packaging, labeling, and storage (t 15–25°C; φ 50–75%). Recipes for honey desserts for health purposes have been developed. Prospects for further work include organoleptic, physicochemical studies, and determination of safety indicators during storage to develop technical specifications and instructions for further practical implementation. Recipes for honey desserts for health purposes have been developed. Prospects for further work include organoleptic, physicochemical studies, and determination of safety indicators during storage to develop technical specifications and instructions for further practical implementation.

Studies on Bioresource based Seed Production Modules in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.)

Background: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) family: fabaceae, locally known as ‘Methi’ is a self pollinated leguminous spice crop. The plant originated in India and Northern Africa. In India, it is commonly consumed a condiment and used medicinally as a lactation stimulant. There are numerous other folkloric uses of fenugreek, for example, in the treatment of indigestion and baldness. The crop has immense medicinal value and is a good source of vitamins, protein and essential oils. The leaves are used as a vegetable and the seeds as spice for adding medicinal value and flavor to the human food and also forage for cattle. Methods: The present investigation was conducted during 2017-18 and 2018-2019 under laboratory and field conditions in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP). In both the years, ten bioresources based seed production modules were tested under field conditions. The field experiment comparised of 10 bioresource based seed production modules with one untreated control was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Result: It can be concluded from the present investigation that bioresource based seed production Module-5 consist of seed treatment with Rhizobium strain-B2@ 100 ml/kg seeds, soil application of Trichoderma viride mixed with FYM @ 2 L/20 kg and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi @ 2 kg of soil inoculum/m2 and foliar application of water extracts of garlic (Allium sativum) and drake (Melia azedarach) @ 5% is an effective treatment module which improved plant growth, pod yield, seed yield and reduced the incidence of downy mildew as compared to untreated control.

Influence of herbicide-based integrated weed management strategies on growth and yield of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) it Indogangetic plains

In the present study, a field experiment was conducted over two years to evaluate the efficacy and economic performance of imidazolinones. The combined application of imidazolinones with pendimethalin exhibited enhanced effectiveness in controlling the weed populations compared to their individual application. PRE application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr (Ready mix) at 1500 g ha-1, followed by one hoeing at 3-4 leaf stage, proved highly effective in suppressing the dominant weed flora and recorded higher growth parameters and significantly increased the seed yield of fenugreek. Moreover, it emerged as a profitable alternative to the current recommendation of weed control in fenugreek, which involves two hoeing sessions at 25 and 45 days after sowing (DAS).

Harmonizing nature’s blueprint: enhanced synthesis of CuO nanoparticles using Trigonella foenum-graecum for advanced water purification

Harmonizing nature’s blueprint: enhanced synthesis of CuO nanoparticles using Trigonella foenum-graecum for advanced water purification

Investigation of bioactive fractions from fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.): chemical profiling, in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, and their potential against LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells

Investigation of bioactive fractions from fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.): chemical profiling, in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, and their potential against LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells

Pharmacological and Therapeutic Properties of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Seed: A Review

Fenugreek, scientifically known as Trigonella foenum-graecum, is a versatile annual leguminous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is cultivated worldwide and serves numerous purposes as a spice, herb, food, and medicine. Fenugreek is resilient and can thrive in various environments, including those with drought conditions. The plant is abundant in active constituents such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and steroids. Additionally, it is an excellent source of dietary fiber, protein, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and vitamins A, B1, B2, and C. Fenugreek has a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda, Unani, and Tibetan medicine. Studies have shown that it possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antiobesity, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, carminative, aphrodisiac, and emollient properties. Moreover, its seed polysaccharide content has made it useful in the food industry as a stabilizer, adhesive, and emulsifying agent. This article provides an overview of the history, cultivation, nutritional components, nutraceutical role, safety, and toxicological properties of fenugreek. Its main aim is to summarize the benefits of this "golden seed" and its associated aspects.

Synthesis and characterization of a new natural saccharide polymer (n-LTP) for adsorption of Methylene blue dye from an aqueous solution

ABSTRACT In this study, a new natural polysaccharide material, i.e., n-LTP, was synthesized by mixing Linum usitatissimum seed oil cake, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Plantago physilium husk in a 1:1:1 ratio for adsorption of Methylene blue. BET, FTIR and SEM reveal the presence of various organic and inorganic groups besides heterogeneous surfaces of the adsorbent having a surface area of 384 m2/g. It is observed that at pH values of 12, contact time of 100 min, n-LTP dose of 1.5 mg, with dye concentration of 70 ppm at 50 °C, nearly 88% of adsorption take place. Experimental data shows that the Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.96) and pseudo-first-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.9538) fit best to the process. A thermodynamic study showed that the process was spontaneous, endothermic and feasible. Electrostatic, π -π and hydrogen bonding interactions are involved in MB dye adsorption on n-LTP as confirmed by a surface complexation model (SCM). Overall, results of the study explored the potential f n-LTP for removal of MB dye from contaminated water. This study is novel as till now, to the best of our knowledge, no work has been reported on MB adsorption using n-LTP as Q5 an adsorbent specifically.

An In Vitro Study on the Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties of Yamogenin-A Plant Steroidal Saponin and Evaluation of Its Mechanism of Action in Gastric Cancer Cells.

Yamogenin is a steroidal saponin occurring in plant species such as Asparagus officinalis, Dioscorea collettii, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Agave sp. In this study, we evaluated in vitro cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of yamogenin. The cytotoxic activity was estimated on human colon cancer HCT116, gastric cancer AGS, squamous carcinoma UM-SCC-6 cells, and human normal fibroblasts with MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. The amount of apoptotic and dead AGS cells after treatment with yamogenin was estimated with flow cytometry. Also, in yamogenin-treated AGS cells we investigated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, activity level of caspase-8 and -9, and gene expression at mRNA level with flow cytometry, luminometry, and RT-PCR, respectively. The antioxidant properties of yamogenin were assessed with DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. The antimicrobial potential of the compound was estimated on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Helicobacter pylori, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Listeria monocytogenes, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria strains. Yamogenin showed the strongest cytotoxic effect on AGS cells (IC50 18.50 ± 1.24 µg/mL) among the tested cell lines. This effect was significantly stronger in combinations of yamogenin with oxaliplatin or capecitabine than for the single compounds. Furthermore, yamogenin induced ROS production, depolarized mitochondrial membrane, and increased the activity level of caspase-8 and -9 in AGS cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed that this sapogenin strongly up-regulated TNFRSF25 expression at the mRNA level. These results indicate that yamogenin induced cell death via the extrinsic and intrinsic way of apoptosis. Antioxidant study showed that yamogenin had moderate in vitro potential (IC50 704.7 ± 5.9 µg/mL in DPPH and 631.09 ± 3.51 µg/mL in ABTS assay) as well as the inhibition of protein denaturation properties (with IC50 1421.92 ± 6.06 µg/mL). Antimicrobial test revealed a weak effect of yamogenin on bacteria strains, the strongest one being against S. aureus (with MIC value of 350 µg/mL). In conclusion, yamogenin may be a potential candidate for the treatment and prevention of gastric cancers.

Determination of lethal dose (LD50) and sensitivity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) to sodium azide for induction of mutation

The present experiment was conducted in the year 2021 at Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Rajasthan, to determine the optimum dose (LD50) and duration of the chemical mutagen treatment for the induction of desirable mutation. A set of 100 pre-soaked fenugreek seeds were treated with 12 different concentrations of sodium azide, viz. 0.3 mM, 0.6 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, 3 mM, 4 mM, 5 mM, 6 mM, 7 mM, 8 mM, 9 mM and 10 mM for three different durations, viz. 3 h, 6 h and 9 h. Results showed that a dose-dependent decreasing tendency was observed in germination percentage, survival percentage, root length and shoot length with increasing concentration and duration of sodium azide treatment. Almost all the mutagenic treatments resulted in decrease in germination percentage, survival percentage and seedling height (root and shoot length) with increasing concentrations and duration of mutagen in laboratory conditions. Also, the LD50 value was observed as an 8 mM sodium azide concentration for 6 h in fenugreek. The mutagen treatments given at 9 h duration were detrimental for fenugreek. They cannot be used for mutation induction as they are utterly lethal after a 3 mM sodium azide concentration. So, lower treatments of mutagens have influenced less biological damage and would be suitable for inducing desirable mutations.

Benchmarking docking, density functional theory and molecular dynamics studies to assess the aldose reductase inhibitory potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum compounds for managing diabetes-associated complications

Inhibition of aldose reductase (AR) could be a beneficial strategy for managing diabetes-associated complications. Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) is used around the globe as a traditional medicine for the management of diabetes. Our study aimed to assess the potential of TFG phytocompounds as inhibitors of AR in the context of diabetes-related complications. Our research work employed molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) to evaluate the efficacy of TFG compounds. The study compared the predictive power of AutoDock and AutoDock Vina docking software and found that AutoDock Vina performs better in ranking and discriminating actives and decoys. The research identified five compounds as potential AR inhibitors from fifty-eight reported TFG phytoconstituents. Tigogenin and Gitogenin stood out as the most promising AR inhibitors. The electronic properties of the compounds were analysed through DFT studies and provided insights into their binding potential. Finally, the results of MD simulations indicated that Tigogenin and Gitogenin bound robustly with AR throughout the simulation period. This study predicted the AR inhibitory potential of TFG compounds for managing diabetes-associated complications and supports further drug development from TFG. The benchmarking approach used in this study improves the accuracy and dependability of bioactivity prediction.

Checklist of the medicinal flora used by the local population in the province of Taza (north-eastern Morocco) through an ethnobotanical study

Background: Taza province presents enormous richness and biodiversity. Updating their medicinal plant inventories is crucial for conserving traditional knowledge, sustainable use, health and well-being, economic opportunities and collaborative research.
 Question: What new species and families of medicinal plants can we report by widening the ethnobotanical study area in Taza province compared to previous work?
 Studied species: 202 medicinal plant species.
 Study site and dates: 28 communities in the province of Taza (Morocco), between March and October 2021.
 Methods: An ethnobotanical survey including 340 interviewees using a semi-structured questionnaire.
 Results: 91 medicinal taxa belonging to 48 families were inventoried. 12 species including three spontaneous: Atriplex halimus L., Citrullus colocynthis L. Sch and Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb. were reported for the first time. The most frequent species are respectively Salvia officinalis L., Trigonella foenum-graecum L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. The most frequent families are respectively Lamiaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae. Seven new vernacular names have been listed. Most of the plants were spontaneous (55.9 %). The comparative analysis with previous work led to obtaining a checklist of 202 taxa (75 families) of which 65 have specific endemism and 77 (48 spontaneous) are on the red list. The scientific names of 28 species and nine families have been updated.
 Conclusions: This checklist (202 taxa) traduces the plant heritage richness of Taza province and constitutes a great database for future scientific research. The 12 newly listed species constitute an added value that deserves to be valued through ethnopharmacological studies.

Transcriptomic data reveals the dynamics of terpenoids biosynthetic pathway of fenugreek

Medicinal plants are rich sources for treating various diseases due their bioactive secondary metabolites. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is one of the medicinal plants traditionally used in human nutrition and medicine which contains an active substance, called diosgenin, with anticancer properties. Biosynthesis of this important anticancer compound in fenugreek can be enhanced using eliciting agents which involves in manipulation of metabolite and biochemical pathways stimulating defense responses. Methyl jasmonate elicitor was used to increase diosgenin biosynthesis in fenugreek plants. However, the molecular mechanism and gene expression profiles underlying diosgening accumulation remain unexplored. In the current study we performed an extensive analysis of publicly available RNA-sequencing datasets to elucidate the biosynthesis and expression profile of fenugreek plants treated with methyl jasmonate. For this purpose, seven read datasets of methyl jasmonate treated plants were obtained that were covering several post-treatment time points (6–120 h). Transcriptomics analysis revealed upregulation of several key genes involved in diosgenein biosynthetic pathway including Squalene synthase (SQS) as the first committed step in diosgenin biosynthesis as well as Squalene Epoxidase (SEP) and Cycloartenol Synthase (CAS) upon methyl jasmonate application. Bioinformatics analysis, including gene ontology enrichment and pathway analysis, further supported the involvement of these genes in diosgenin biosynthesis. The bioinformatics analysis led to a comprehensive validation, with expression profiling across three different fenugreek populations treated with the same methyl jasmonate application. Initially, key genes like SQS, SEP, and CAS showed upregulation, followed by later upregulation of Δ24, suggesting dynamic pathway regulation. Real-time PCR confirmed consistent upregulation of SQS and SEP, peaking at 72 h. Additionally, candidate genes Δ24 and SMT1 highlighted roles in directing metabolic flux towards diosgenin biosynthesis. This integrated approach validates the bioinformatics findings and elucidates fenugreek’s molecular response to methyl jasmonate elicitation, offering insights for enhancing diosgenin yield. The assembled transcripts and gene expression profiles are deposited in the Zenodo open repository at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8155183.

Effects of the extraction conditions on functional and structural characteristics of proteins from fenugreek seeds.

The aim of this study is to optimize the extraction process and characterize the proteins found in fenugreek seeds. The water and oil holding capacities, coagulated protein content, foaming and emulsification properties of the isolated proteins at all extraction conditions were investigated. Also, solubility, molecular weights, structural and thermal properties were determined. In the extraction processes carried out at different pHs (pH 6.0-12.0) and solid:solvent ratios (20-60 g/L), it was determined that the highest extraction yield (94.3±0.3%) was achieved when the pH was 11.47 and the solid-solvent ratio was 34.50 g/L. Three distinct bands (46, 59 and 80 kDa) in the range of 22-175 kDa were determined for the fenugreek seed protein isolate obtained at optimum extraction conditions. Protein secondary structures were achieved using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectra and it was determined that β-sheet structures were highly present. In addition, denaturation temperatures and denaturation enthalpy were calculated as ~119°C and 28 mJ/g, respectively.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING LACTATION IN NIGERIA AND THE USA

This paper seeks to undertake a comparative analysis of the nutritional strategies utilized in Nigeria and the United States to enhance lactation, with a specific focus on dietary approaches and supplements. Through an exploration encompassing cultural relevance, regulatory approval, effectiveness, and safety of these strategies in both nations, this study endeavors to shed light on the multifaceted landscape of lactation support. In Nigeria, where cultural traditions intertwine with dietary practices, conventional approaches to lactation enhancement often revolve around the consumption of specific foods believed to stimulate milk production. Fenugreek seeds, moringa leaves, and papaya are commonly incorporated into maternal diets, reflecting longstanding cultural beliefs aimed at bolstering lactation. Additionally, traditional soups and stews rich in nutrients derived from fish, meats, and green leafy vegetables play a pivotal role in replenishing maternal health postpartum. In contrast, the United States exhibits a diverse array of dietary approaches and supplements utilized to support lactation, influenced by cultural diversity and healthcare practices. While there is no prescribed "lactation diet," breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to maintain a well-balanced diet comprising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Conversely, in the United States, a myriad of lactation supplements, including herbal formulations and galactagogues, are subject to regulatory oversight by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensuring safety and efficacy. By examining the cultural relevance, regulatory frameworks, effectiveness, and safety of nutritional strategies in Nigeria and the United States, this paper aims to elucidate the nuanced nuances and commonalities underlying lactation support practices. Understanding these disparities and similarities holds immense potential in informing global initiatives aimed at enhancing lactation support systems and addressing the diverse needs of mothers and infants worldwide.
 Keywords: Lactation, Nutrition, Dietary Approaches, Supplements, Cultural Relevance, Safety.

Spectrophotometric Determination of Selenium in Food Items

Selenium (Se) is an essential element that is obtained from food. To increase the level of selenium in the body, we should consume selenium-rich foods in our diet. The objective of this study was to develop a simple spectrophotometric method for the quantitative analysis of selenium present in food. This study included six food items such as broccoli, cabbage, red cabbage, fenugreek, garlic, and ginger. The new method is based on the yellow colour complex formed by the reaction between 2% potassium iodide and 0.2% pyridine in acidic medium with the selenium. Absorbance was measured at 400 nm against the reagent blank. The results of the above proposed method were compared with the reference method of using potassium iodide and starch as reagents. The selenium content in the examined food samples was determined from the regression equation of the calibration curve y= 0.0799x+0.3477 respectively. All the analyses were performed in triplicate, and the results are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The highest mean selenium value was obtained in ginger and garlic 18.70 & 18.32 µg/g, respectively among all the studied samples, while the lowest value was in fenugreek seeds 7.38 µg/g. The proposed method is simple, rapid, sensitive, and obeys Beer–Lambert’s law. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine food items. Selenium has been quantitatively analysed for its potential to protect the body from many degenerative diseases. Selenium-rich food, as studied here, should be used as a supplement in the human diet.