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Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Leguminosae): An Evidence-Based Systematic Review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.
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ABSTRACT
An evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology and dosing. doi:10.1300/J157v07n03_06 [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1–800-HAWORTH . E-mail address: <docdelivery@haworthpress.com> Website: <http://www.HaworthPress.com>]
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... Betulinic acid is cytotoxic to numerous tumour cell lines and causes apoptosis by inhibiting topoisomerase I, producing reactive oxygen species, inhibiting angiogenesis, and regulating pro-growth transcriptional activators [15]. Betulinic acid also promotes apoptosis via a CD 95 and p53 independent pathway, demonstrating the compound's anti-cancer potential [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. ...
Cancer is a disease that has a major global impact on people. To treat and prevent this fatal condition, there is a constant need for novel therapeutics. Natural substances are gaining attention from science and study because they are thought to have fewer hazardous side effects than existing therapies like chemotherapy. Natural secondary metabolites produced by the plant kingdom are being investigated for the possibility of anticancer properties, which might lead to the creation of brand-new pharmaceuticals. New technologies are emerging to advance the field as a result of the success of these chemicals, that have been transformed into important medications for the treatment of cancer. Nanoparticles for nanomedicines are a new technology that aims to improve the anticancer effects of compounds produced from plants by managing the compound's release and researching alternative administration techniques. This article examines the demand for naturally occurring chemicals obtained from medicinal plants and how such compounds may potentially be used to treat cancer. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that a number of fruits, vegetables, and herbs can prevent or lower the occurrence of cancer in a number of different parts of the human body. In addition, researchers discovered that they are a far good site than synthetic ones for creating novel anticancer medications that are efficient, tolerable, and safe. As a result, scientists advised that future study concentrate more on using plants as a source for secure and efficient cancer treatments. Many natural substances and their analogues have been shown to be effective anti-cancer agents, and additional plants are being found to have anti-cancer properties every day. In this study, an attempt is being made to emphasize the natural products and their analogues that have been proved to be anti-cancer agents as well as the novel plant species that have been discovered to possess anti-cancer properties in vivo or in vitro.
... Its use was suggested by most of the studies as safe while a few described about the toxicity to reproductive and gastrointestinal system. Furthermore, studies summarizing fenugreeks' evidence based toxicology results have also been published by researchers ( Ouzir, El Bairi & Amzazi, 2016 ;Ulbricht et al., 2008 ). ...
According to the data provided by International Federation of Diabetes, 537 million adults of 20-79 age group are living with diabetes. The most frequent form found in patients are type 2 diabetes which accounts for more than 90-95% of cases. The current medical approaches involved in the treatment of diabetes mostly depend upon insulin injection and oral antidiabetic agents. Despite their effectiveness, the harmful side effects, limitation of synthetic drugs, shortage, lack of equitable distribution, unaffordability are some of the notable challenges in these approaches. In this direction, there are varieties of medicinal compounds derived from plants which are being meritoriously used for curing the different human problems and are recognized for their constructive impacts. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum Linn) is one of the stimulating plants with magnificent medicinal properties which have greatly enticed the researchers to work on its encouraging biological and pharmaceutical properties. It is well-recognized for its hypoglycemic influence in diabetic animals as well as human models under studies. Chemical composition of fenugreek is the key factor responsible for its promising biological properties and medicinal virtues which generally includes proteins, mucilaginous soluble fiber, dietary fibers, steroidal saponins, essential oil, fatty acids and many more. Gentianine, trigonelline, choline, carpaine, 4- hydroxyisoleucine, diosgenin, yamogenin, and many other are generally found as minor components but also branded for their substantial biological properties and impacts. Hypoglycemic activities are due to dietary fibers as suggested by several studies. Along with different physiological positive effects of fenugreek, the hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic properties of this spice have weighty place for the present and future studies. The aim of this review is to comprehensively analyze the efficacy of fenugreek from the point of these two properties namely, hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic properties and appraises the results of clinical trials of various animals and human models. Analytical insights on fenugreeks’ pharmacological assessment provide striking information which demonstrates the fenugreek and its different parts as a treasured medicinal spice.
... Fenugreek seeds act as a dietary supplement and significantly reduce urine sugar, renal hypertrophy and glomerular filtration rate (Ulbricht et al., 2008). Trigonelline (1-Methylpyridinium-3carboxylate) is a pyridine alkaloid and a vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid) derivative (Zeiger & Tice, 1997) have many physiological effect such as anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic, anti-cancer activity anti-mutagenic, and neuroprotective (Mohamadi et al., 2018). ...
... It contains high amounts of fiber, steroidal saponins, an alkaloid named trigonellin", 4-hydroxyisoleucine, polyphenols, and flavonoids [11,12]. Previous studies have demonstrated that fenugreek has lipid-lowering and glucose-lowering properties, as well as antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and hepatoprotective features [13][14][15][16]. However, studies on the blood-pressure-lowering effects of fenugreek are inconsistent. ...
Introduction:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are growing health issues worldwide. Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common among CVDs in all populations. Fenugreek has recently been the center of multiple investigations.
Aim:
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed at gathering and summing up the existing literature regarding the impact of fenugreek seed on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).
Methods:
All major databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane library, EMBASE, and Web of Science) were searched from inception up to 28 June 2022. Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria were included and the required data was extracted. The pooled effects were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs). I-squared test was used to detect between-study heterogeneities. Subgroup analyses were conducted to find sources of heterogeneities. P-values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.
Results:
Six RCTs including a total of 373 participants were included in the final meta-analysis. Fenugreek seed supplementation significantly reduced SBP (WMD: 3.46 mmHg, 95% CI - 6.33, - 0.59, P=0.018), but not DBP (WMD: 3.19 mmHg; 95% CI, - 5.82 to 12.21, P=0.488). Subgroup analyses showed that fenugreek seed administered in dosages ≥ 15 g/day and durations ≤ 12 weeks significantly reduced SBP and DBP.
Conclusion:
Supplementation with fenugreek seed, especially in dosages ≥ 15 g/day and durations ≤ 12 weeks, might play a role in reducing SBP, but not DBP. However, further investigations are warranted to ensure the clinical relevance of these findings.
Paralytic ileus is a prevalent medical condition following surgery, exerting a significant financial impact on the healthcare system. Despite its considerable implications, there has been limited progress in advancing both diagnostic and curative approaches to address ileus. This study seeks to introduce alternative diagnostic methodologies rooted in Persian medicine (PM) for paralytic ileus. Our investigation involved a thorough review of literature, including The Canon of Medicine, and an exploration of various PM texts for relevant references. The findings were systematically compared with contemporary medical documentation. According to Persian medicine, paralytic ileus is classified as a type of ‘Gholanj’ disease. Persian medicine physicians extensively documented this disease, presenting detailed insights. While some aspects of PM viewpoints and the etiology of intestinal obstruction were humoral-theory-based, a majority of his definitions align with current medical concepts. Additionally, Persian medicine physicians proposed numerous therapeutic approaches for managing ileus, such as the Hoghne method, rectal suppositories, topical application of medicines, sitz baths, and the use of laxatives. Gaining a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology and exploring alternative treatment options outlined in Persian medicine can prove valuable for future studies aimed at enhancing the management of paralytic ileus.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death, despite advancements in health technologies and therapies. While effective, the treatment, chemotherapy can come with huge side effects. This review explores the diverse world of medicinal plants as potential cancer fighters. Numerous plant extracts have shown impressive anti-cancer properties in laboratory settings, offering a natural approach with potentially fewer side effects. However, further research is crucial to evaluate their efficacy and safety in human patients. This review will study the various medicinal plants and the chemical compounds that are promising as anticancer agents and will outline their potential mechanism of action.
The Breastfeeding Handbook for Physicians, 3rd Edition, is the definitive resource on breastfeeding initiation, maintenance, support, and advocacy. Jointly developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), this must-have handbook features the most important and up-to-date developments in breastfeeding practice, research, policies, and outreach guidance, assembled by an expert physician panel. Available for purchase at https://shop.aap.org/breastfeeding-handbook-for-physicians-3rd-edition-paperback/
Effect of raw, boiled and germinated fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on post-prandial levels in normal (controls) and non-insulin dependent diabetic human subjects was studied. Experimental recipes wherein powdered seeds of raw, boiled and germinated fenugreek were incorporated into the pongal (a traditional recipe) at the levels of 12.5 g each were served to the subjects at breakfast. Pongal without fenugreek was used as a control. Fasting blood glucose, mean % peak rise, area under curve (AUC) and % glycemic response were studied in all the subjects, before and after consuming the control and experimental recipes. Raw and germinated fenugreek significantly (P<0.05) reduced the post-prandial blood glucose levels in all the subjects, as compared to control recipe (without fenugreek) and boiled fenugreek.
Research has focussed on the hypocholesterolemic effects of certain types of dietary fiber such as enhancing conversion of hepatic cholesterol to bile acids or increase in catabolism of low density lipoprotein (LDL) via the apo B,E receptor.
The effect of oral administration of a unique fibre cocktail of fenugreek seed powder, guar gum and wheat bran (Fibernat) and its varied effects on some aspects of lipid metabolism and cholesterol homeostasis in rats were examined.
Rats were administered Fibernat along with the atherogenic diet containing 1.5 % cholesterol and 0.1 % cholic acid. Amounts of hepatic lipids, hepatic and fecal bile acids and activity of hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL) were determined. Transmission electron microscopic examination of the liver tissue and extent of uptake of (125)I-LDL and (125)I-VLDL by the hepatic apo B,E receptor was carried out.
Food intake and body weight gain were similar between the 3 different dietary groups. Fibernat intake significantly increased apo B,E receptor expression in rat liver as reflected by an increase in the maximum binding capacity (B(max)) of the apo B,E receptor to (125)I-LDL and (125)I-VLDL. The activity of HTGL was increased by approximately 1.5-fold in Fibernat-fed rats as compared to those fed the atherogenic diet alone. A marked hypocholesterolemic effect was observed. Cholesterol homeostasis was achieved in Fibernat-fed rats.
Two possible mechanisms are postulated to be responsible for the observed hypocholesterolemic effect a) an increase in conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and b) possibly by intra-luminal binding which resulted in increased fecal excretion of bile acids and neutral sterols. The resulting reduction in cholesterol content of liver cells coupled with upregulation of hepatic apo B,E receptors and increased clearance of circulating atherogenic lipoproteins-LDL and very low density lipoprotein (LDL and VLDL)-is the main mechanism involved in the hypocholesterolemic effect of Fibernat. The results suggest that Fibernat's effect on plasma LDL concentration is also possibly mediated by increased receptor-mediated catabolism of VLDL. Thus, Fibernat therapy is an effective adjunct to diet therapy and might find potential use in the therapy of hyperlipidemic subjects.
In this study the effect of varying levels of fenugreek were examined on the plasma lipids of animals pretreated with either a control diet or a high-fat diet for 9 weeks. Although the plasma cholesterol was significantly reduced in both groups, triglyceride levels were only reduced in animals pretreated with the high-fat diet. HDL-cholesterol levels were not significantly altered in and case. In addition, the effect of fenugreek seed powder and some of its extracts were investigated for the determination of the active fraction. Fenugreek seed powder and its extracts at 30% of the animals' diet were observed to greatly affect the plasma lipids when added to animals pretreated with a high-fat. Fenugreek and its extracts reduced the levels of cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol with no effect on the HDL-cholesterol. This selective reduction in LDL-cholesterol results in the improvement of the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to LDL-cholesterol which is beneficial in the prevention of atherosclerosis. In addition, the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol was reduced. This hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek was associated with the defatted fraction of the seed powder, and among the extracts analysed, the crude saponin extract was the most effective fraction with respect to the fenugreek seeds. The improvement of the plasma lipid profile by fenugreek treatment further supports the use of fenugreek seeds as a hypolipidaemic agent in the improvement of lipid disorders. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The lipid lowering activity of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) was studied in 60 non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects. Isocaloric diets without and with fenugreek were given for 7 days and 24 weeks respectively. Ingestion of an experimental diet containing 25 g fenugreek seed powder resulted in a significant reduction of total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These results indicate the beneficial effect of fenugreek seeds in diabetic subjects.
Toxicological evaluation of fenugreek seeds was made in 60 NIDDM subjects in a 24 week study in which changes in body weight, clinical signs and symptoms and serum parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, creatinine and blood urea, together with haematological parameters, was studied. Ingestion of an experimental diet containing 25 g fenugreek seed powder resulted in no renal or hepatic toxicity, but interestingly blood urea levels were seen to decrease after week 12.
The seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) have been reported to have antidiabetic and hypocholesterolaemic properties in both animal models and humans. Activity has been attributed largely to fenugreek's saponin and high fibre content, and is probably not related to its major alkaloid trigonelline. Antihyperglycaemic effects have been linked to delayed gastric emptying caused by the fibre content, and to (unidentified) components that inhibit carbohydrate digestive enzymes. Fenugreek administration may increase plasma insulin levels in vivo. Its major free amino acid, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, stimulates insulin secretion from perfused pancreas in vitro. The hypocholesterolaemic effect has been attributed to increased conversion of hepatic cholesterol to bile salts due to loss, in the faeces, of complexes of these substances with fenugreek fibre and saponins. Fenugreek treatment selectively reduces the LDL and VLDL fractions of total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol has also been reported to increase in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and type II diabetic individuals following treatment with fenugreek. Fenugreek administration has not been reported to cause any toxicological effects. Its regular consumption may therefore be beneficial in the management of diabetes and the prevention of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) was evaluated in ten hyperlipidaemic subjects. Isocaloric diets with and without fenugreek were each given for 20 days. Ingestion of experimental diets, containing 100 g of debitterized fenugreek powder, resulted in a significant reduction in the serum total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. HDL cholesterol levels were not altered but the ratio with total cholesterol and LDL and VLDL cholesterol were significantly increased. These results indicate the beneficial effect of fenugreek seeds in hyperlipidaemic patients.