Aqueous extracts of Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae) (Ns), Teucrium polium
(Labiatae) (Tp) and Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fabaceae) (Tf) have been
traditionally used to treat inflammations, liver disorders, and arthritis.
Experimentally, it has been demonstrated that these herbs possess antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. To evaluate their in vitro
toxicological properties and potential antimutagenic effects aqueous extracts of
the three plants were tested in primary rat hepatocyte cultures against
N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. The extracts were applied before, during
and after application of MNNG to discriminate between different mechanisms of
action. Tp itself significantly increased apoptosis, but in the combined
treatment with MNNG significantly reduced it. Post-treatment with Ns or combined
treatment with Tf significantly reduced the percentages of necrotic cells. The
three plant extracts themselves significantly increased the frequency of
chromosomal aberrations. Summarizing, our results suggest that aqueous extracts
of the three herbs have neither cytoprotective nor antimutagenic activity,
instead there is evidence for a mutagenic potential.

PMID: 17324542 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

2: Br J Nutr. 2007 Mar;97(3):514-21.

Soluble dietary fibre fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seed
improves glucose homeostasis in animal models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes by
delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and enhancing insulin action.

Hannan JM, Ali L, Rokeya B, Khaleque J, Akhter M, Flatt PR, Abdel-Wahab YH.

PMID: 17313713 [PubMed - in process]

3: J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Jan;13(1):159-76.

Algorithm for complementary and alternative medicine practice and research in
type 2 diabetes.

Bradley R, Oberg EB, Calabrese C, Standish LJ.

Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA.

Objective: To develop a model to direct the prescription of nutritional and
botanical medicines in the treatment of type 2 diabetes for both clinical and
research purposes. Methods: Available literature on nutritional and botanical
medicines was reviewed and categorized as follows:
antioxidant/anti-inflammatory; insulin sensitizer; and beta-cell
protectant/insulin secretagogue. Literature describing laboratory assessment for
glycemic control, insulin resistance, and beta-cell reserve was also reviewed
and a clinical decision tree was developed. Results: Clinical algorithms were
created to guide the use of nutritional and botanic medicines using validated
laboratory measures of glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and beta-cell
reserve. Nutrient and botanic medicines with clinical trial research support
include coenzyme Q10, carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetylcysteine, vitamin D,
vitamin C, vitamin E, chromium, vanadium, omega-3 fatty acids, cinnamon
(Cinnamomum cassia), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and gymnema (Gymnema
sylvestre). Conclusions: Clinical algorithms can direct supplementation in
clinical practice and provide research models for clinical investigation.
Algorithms also provide a framework for integration of future evidence as it
becomes available. Research funding to investigate potentially beneficial
practices in complementary medicine is critically important for optimal patient
care and safety.

PMID: 17309390 [PubMed - in process]

4: Phytochem Anal. 2007 Jan;18(1):70-6.

Influence of plant matrix on microwave-assisted extraction process. The case of
diosgenin extracted from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.).

Kaufmann B, Rudaz S, Cherkaoui S, Veuthey JL, Christen P.

Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences EPGL, University of Geneva, 20 bd d'Yvoy, CH-1211 Geneva 4,
Switzerland.

A focused microwave-assisted extraction method was developed for the extraction
of diosgenin from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds, air-dried and
fresh leaves and air-dried roots. Several experimental parameters were studied,
including extraction time, microwave power applied and percentage of 2-propanol
in the extraction mixture as well as their interactions, in order to optimize
the extraction efficiency. The two latter parameters were found to be the most
important. Response surface modelling was used to predict the extraction yield
of diosgenin in selected matrices. The analysis of diosgenin in crude extracts
was carried out by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

PMID: 17260700 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

5: Br J Nutr. 2006 Dec;96(6):1021-9.

Hypolipidaemic effect of chemically different mucilages in rats: a comparative
study.

Boban PT, Nambisan B, Sudhakaran PR.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala, Kariavattom Campus,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 581, India.

Different classes of fibres differ in their potential to lower lipid levels. In
order to examine how chemically diverse fibres differ in their hypolipidaemic
activity, mucilages of varying chemical composition isolated from three
different sources were administered to experimental animals and the metabolism
of lipids and lipoproteins was studied. The mucilages used were a galactomannan
isolated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds, a glucomannan from
Dioscorea esculenta tubers and an arabinogalactan from Colocasia esculenta
tubers. Rats were fed these mucilages at a dose of 4 mg/100 g body weight per d
for 8 weeks and the changes in the levels of total cholesterol and
triacylglycerols in serum, liver and aorta were analysed. All these mucilages
decreased lipid levels both in serum and tissues. Among these mucilages,
glucomannan showed the most hypolipidaemic effect followed by galactomannan and
arabinogalactan. Further, hepatocytes were isolated from the livers of
mucilage-fed rats and the synthesis and secretion of lipoproteins were studied
using metabolic labelling. There was a decrease in the synthesis and secretion
of apoB-containing lipoproteins, mainly VLDL, by hepatocytes isolated from
mucilage-fed rats when compared to control (P<0.05). This was further confirmed
by pulse chase analysis. Among the different mucilages, mannose-rich glucomannan
showed the most effect followed by galactomannan, and mannose-free
arabinogalactan showed minimal effect. Comparison of relative viscosity and
water-holding capacity showed that mannan-rich mucilages like galactomannan and
glucomannan, which showed greater hypolipidaemic effect, had greater relative
viscosity and water-holding capacity. The present results suggested that the
hypolipidaemic effect of dietary fibre involves a decrease in hepatic production
of VLDL and further that it varies with the nature of the fibre.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17181876 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

6: Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2006 Oct 13; [Epub ahead of print]

Uptake and translocation of metals in fenugreek grown on soil amended with
tannery sludge: Involvement of antioxidants.

Sinha S, Gupta AK, Bhatt K.

Ecotoxicology and Bioremediation Group, Environmental Sciences Division,
National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, India.

Agricultural and industrial activities cause heavy metal pollution in the soil,
which adversely affect the plant growing therein. The plants of fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) were grown in soil amended with different percent
of tannery sludge (TS) (10%, 25%, 35%, 50%, and 100% TS) in order to study the
effect on antioxidant levels due to translocation of metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr,
Pb). The accumulation of the metals was found more in shoots than roots, except
Fe and Cr. The level of metals in seeds of the plant increased with increase in
sludge amendments ratio except Mn, which decreased in roots, shoots, and seeds
of the plant. Chromium was found below detection limits in the seeds at 10% and
25% TS. Correlation coefficient (r) between total metal accumulation and
extractable metals showed that Zn (P<0.01), Cr (P<0.01), and Cu (P<0.05) are
significantly correlated, whereas, correlation with pH showed significant
positive relation with all the studied metals except Mn. Significant positive
correlation was recorded between metal accumulation (Fe, Zn, Cu) and electrical
conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and organic matter, however, Zn, Cr, and
Cu showed significant positive correlation with bulk density, nitrate, ammonia,
and available phosphorus. The analysis of the results showed that total
chlorophyll content showed significant (P< 0.5) increase in lower amendment of
sludge (up to 35% TS at 30d and 25% TS at 60d) as over their controls. In roots,
malondialdehyde, cysteine, non-protein thiol, proline, protein, ascorbic acid
contents increased up to 35% TS at 30d. Principal component analysis also showed
that strong association exists among malondialdehyde, nonprotein thiol, protein,
and cysteine contents in the plants grown on different amendments of TS. The
level of antioxidants increased which enabled the plant to cope up the stress
induced in the plants grown on lower amendments of TS, however, toxicity was
observed at higher amendments.

PMID: 17049375 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

7: J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Sep 20;54(19):7391-8.

Influence of lupin (Lupinus luteus L. cv. 4492 and Lupinus angustifolius L. var.
zapaton) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) germination on microbial
population and biogenic amines.

Martinez-Villaluenga C, Gulewicz P, Perez A, Frias J, Vidal-Valverde C.

Instituto de Fermentaciones Industriales (CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, Madrid
28006, Spain.

Microbial population and bioactive amine profile and levels of two lupin species
(Lupinus luteus L. cv. 4492 and Lupinus angustifolius L. var. zapaton) and
fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds as affected by germination were
investigated. Microbial population increased considerably mainly in the first
stage of germination (2 days), then small changes in bacterial numbers were
observed up to 5 days to levels between 7.8 and 8.9 log colony-forming units/g.
Microorganisms belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family were dominant for the
legumes tested. Ungerminated legume seeds contained putrescine, cadaverine,
histamine, tyramine, spermidine, and spermine. Bioactive amine levels found in
fenugreek seeds were between 3- and 4-fold higher than those found in lupin
seeds. The highest total amine levels were found in fenugreek seeds [162 mg/kg
of dry weight (dw)], followed by L. angustifolius var. zapaton seeds (84 mg/kg
of dw) and, finally, L. luteus cv. 4492 (46 mg/kg of dw) seeds. The
concentration of individual amines showed a gradual rising trend during the
germination period in all tested sprouts, reaching levels >3 times higher than
those found in ungerminated seeds. After 5 days of germination, the fenugreek
sprouts contained the highest amount of total bioactive amines. Tyramine was the
predominant amine in both lupin varieties, whereas cadaverine was the main
bioactive amine detected in fenugreek. The results of this work thus indicated
that microbial population and biogenic amine levels in the studied lupin and
fenugreek sprouts are not a risk for healthy consumers or for individuals with
restricted activity of detoxification enzymes.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16968110 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

8: J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2006 Aug;36(2):397-404.

Efficacy of Trigonella foenum-graecum on third stage larvae and adult fecundity
of Anopheles pharoensis.

Abdel Halim AS.

Research Institute of Medical Entomology, The General Organization for
Institutes and Teaching Hospitals, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

The insecticidal activity of Trigonella foenum-graecunm (fenugreek) against the
larval maturation and adult emergency of An. pharoensis 3rd stage was evaluated
under controlled laboratory conditions. Concentrations of 100%, 70%, 50%, 25%,
5%, 2%, 1%, 0.9%, 0.7%, 0.5% & 0.3% showed 100% larval mortality rate. 0.2% &
0.1% caused mortality of 88.9% & 66.7% respectively. On the other hand, the
fecundity of emerged adults was zero % and 33.3%. However, one control larvae
died and the nine emerged adults were fertile. So, it was recommended to be use
in controlling larvae of An. pharoensis.

PMID: 16927858 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

9: Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2006 Jun;84(6):647-54.

In vivo effect of Trigonella foenum graecum on the expression of pyruvate
kinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and distribution of glucose
transporter (GLUT4) in alloxan-diabetic rats.

Mohammad S, Taha A, Akhtar K, Bamezai RN, Baquer NZ.

Hormone and Drug Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi 110067, India.

Plasma glucose levels are maintained by a precise balance between glucose
production and its use. Liver pyruvate kinase (PK) and phosphoenolpyruvate
carboxykinase (PEPCK), 2 key enzymes of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis,
respectively, play a crucial role in this glucose homeostasis along with
skeletal muscle glucose transporter (GLUT4). In the diabetic state, this balance
is disturbed owing to the absence of insulin, the principal factor controlling
this regulation. In the present study, alloxan-diabetic animals having high
glucose levels of more than 300 mmol/L have been taken and the administration of
Trigonella seed powder (TSP) to the diabetic animals was assessed for its effect
on the expression of PK and PEPCK in liver and GLUT4 distribution in skeletal
muscle of alloxan-diabetic rats. TSP treatment to the diabetic animals resulted
in a marked decrease in the plasma glucose levels. Trigonella treatment
partially restored the altered expression of PK and PEPCK. TSP treatment also
corrected the alterations in the distribution of GLUT4 in the skeletal muscle.

Publication Types:
Evaluation Studies
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16900249 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

10: Food Chem Toxicol. 2006 Oct;44(10):1744-50. Epub 2006 Jun 3.

Aqueous extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. ameliorates additive urotoxicity
of buthionine sulfoximine and cyclophosphamide in mice.

Bhatia K, Kaur M, Atif F, Ali M, Rehman H, Rahman S, Raisuddin S.

Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard
University, New Delhi 110 062, India.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a commonly used anti-cancer drug which causes toxicity
by its reactive metabolites such as acrolein and phosphoramide mustard. In the
present study modulation of toxicity caused by concomitant exposure to CP and
l-buthionine-SR-sulfoximine (BSO) by fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)
extract was evaluated by measuring lipid peroxidation (LPO) and anti-oxidants in
urinary bladder in mice. Fenugreek, a common dietary and medicinal herb, showed
protective effect not only on LPO but also on the enzymatic anti-oxidants.
CP-treated animals exhibited a significant decrease in the activities of
glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione
peroxidase (GP) and catalase (CAT) when compared to the controls. Level of
reduced glutathione (GSH) was also reduced with an increase in LPO in CP-treated
animals. BSO treatment depicted an additive toxic effect in CP-treated animals.
Pre-treatment of herbal extract restored activities of all the enzymes and thus
showed an overall protective effect on additive effect of CP and BSO.
Restoration of GSH by extract treatment may play an important role in reversing
CP-induced apoptosis and free radical-mediated LPO in urinary bladder.
Fenugreek, known for its hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory
activity, may be a promising protective medicinal herb for consideration in
complementary therapy in cancer patients under chemotherapeutic interventions.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16828947 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

11: J Biochem Mol Biol. 2006 May 31;39(3):278-83.

Cloning, characterization and antifungal activity of defensin Tfgd1 from
Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Olli S, Kirti PB.

Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad,
India.

Defensins are small cysteine rich peptides with a molecular mass of 5-10 kDa and
some of them exhibit potent antifungal activity. We have cloned the coding
region of a cDNA of 225 bp cysteine rich defensin, named as Tfgd1, from the
legume Trigonella foenum-graecum. The amino acid sequence deduced from the
coding region comprised 74 amino acids, of which the N-terminal 27 amino acids
constituted the signal peptide and the mature peptide comprised 47 amino acids.
The protein is characterized by the presence of eight cysteine resisdues,
conserved in the various plant defensins forming four disulphide bridges, which
stabilize the mature peptide. The recombinant protein expressed in E coli
exhibited antifungal activity against the broad host range fungus, Rhizoctonia
solani and the peanut leaf spot fungus, Phaeoisariopsis personata.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16756756 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

12: Curr Med Chem. 2006;13(10):1203-18.

Antidiabetic agents from medicinal plants.

Jung M, Park M, Lee HC, Kang YH, Kang ES, Kim SK.

Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea.
mjung@yonsei.ac.kr

Currently available therapeutic options for non-insulin-dependent diabetes
mellitus, such as dietary modification, oral hypoglycemics, and insulin, have
limitations of their own. Many natural products and herbal medicines have been
recommended for the treatment of diabetes. The present paper reviews medicinal
plants that have shown experimental or clinical antidiabetic activity and that
have been used in traditional systems of medicine; the review also covers
natural products (active natural components and crude extracts) isolated from
the medicinal plants and reported during 2001 to 2005. Many kinds of natural
products, such as terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and some others,
have shown antidiabetic potential. Particularly, schulzeines A, B, and C,
radicamines A and B, 2,5-imino-1,2,5-trideoxy-L-glucitol,
beta-homofuconojirimycin, myrciacitrin IV, dehydrotrametenolic acid, corosolic
acid (Glucosol), 4-(alpha-rhamnopyranosyl)ellagic acid, and
1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucose have shown significant antidiabetic activities.
Among active medicinal herbs, Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae),
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Leguminoceae), and Trigonella foenum graecum L.
(Leguminosae) have been reported as beneficial for treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

PMID: 16719780 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

13: Mol Cell Biochem. 2006 Sep;289(1-2):137-47. Epub 2006 May 23.

Long-term effect of Trigonella foenum graecum and its combination with sodium
orthovanadate in preventing histopathological and biochemical abnormalities in
diabetic rat ocular tissues.

Preet A, Siddiqui MR, Taha A, Badhai J, Hussain ME, Yadava PK, Baquer NZ.

Hormone and Drug Research Laboratory, Applied Molecular Biology Laboratory,
School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.

Trigonella foenum graecum seed powder (TSP) and Sodium Orthovanadate (SOV) have
been shown to demonstrate antidiabetic effects by stabilizing glucose
homeostasis and carbohydrate metabolism in experimental type-1 diabetes. However
their efficacy in controlling histopathological and biochemical abnormalities in
ocular tissues associated with diabetic retinopathy is not known. The purpose of
this study was to investigate the comparative efficacy of individual as well as
combination therapy of TSP and SOV in 8 weeks diabetic rat lens and retina.
Retinas and lenses were taken from control, alloxan-induced diabetic rats and
diabetic rats treated separately with insulin, 5%TSP, SOV (0.6 mg/ml) and a
combined dose of SOV (0.2 mg/ml) and 5%TSP for 60 days. Control and each
experimental group had six rats. Alterations in the activities of enzymes HK
(hexokinase), AR (aldose reductase), SDH (sorbitol dehydrogenase), G-6-PD
(glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), GPx (glutathione peroxidase), GR
(glutathione reductase) and levels of metabolites like sorbitol, fructose,
glucose, MDA (malondialdehyde) and GSH (reduced glutathione) were measured in
the cytosolic fraction of lenses besides measuring blood glucose levels and
glycosylated haemoglobin. Histopathological abnormalities were studied in the
lens using photomicrography and retina using transmission electron microscopy.
Blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin levels and polyol pathway enzymes AR and
SDH increased significantly causing accumulation of sorbitol and fructose in the
diabetic lens and treatment with SOV and TSP significantly (p < 0.05) decreased
these to control levels. Similarly, SOV and TSP treatments modulated the
activities of HK, G-6-PD, GPx and GR in the rat lens to control values.
Ultrastructure of the diabetic retina revealed disintegration of the inner
nuclear layer cells with reduction in rough endoplasmic reticulum and swelling
of mitochondria in the bipolar cells; and these histopathological events were
effectively restored to control state by SOV and TSP treatments. In this study
SOV and TSP effectively controlled ocular histopathological and biochemical
abnormalities associated with experimental type-1 diabetes, and a combination
regimen of low dose of SOV with TSP demonstrated the most significant effect. In
conclusion, the potential of SOV and TSP alone or in low dose combination may be
considered as promising approaches for the prevention of diabetic retinopathy
and other ocular disorders.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16718375 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

14: Mol Cell Biochem. 2006 Apr;285(1-2):17-27. Epub 2006 Apr 19.

Low doses of vanadate and Trigonella synergistically regulate Na+/K + -ATPase
activity and GLUT4 translocation in alloxan-diabetic rats.

Siddiqui MR, Moorthy K, Taha A, Hussain ME, Baquer NZ.

Hormone and Drug Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi, 110067, India.

Oral administration of vanadate to diabetic animals have been shown to stabilize
the glucose homeostasis and restore altered metabolic pathways. However,
vanadate exerts these effects at relatively high doses with several toxic
effects. Low doses of vanadate are relatively safe but unable to elicit any
antidiabetic effects. The present study explored the prospect of using low doses
of vanadate with Trigonella foenum graecum, seed powder (TSP), another
antidiabetic agent, and to evaluate their antidiabetic effect in diabetic rats.
Alloxan diabetic rats were treated with insulin, vanadate, TSP and low doses of
vanadate with TSP for three weeks. The effect of these antidiabetic compounds
was examined on general physiological parameters, Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity,
membrane lipid peroxidation and membrane fluidity in liver, kidney and heart
tissues. Expression of glucose transporter (GLUT4) protein was also examined by
immunoblotting method in experimental rat heart after three weeks of diabetes
induction. Diabetic rats showed high blood glucose levels. Activity of
Na(+)/K(+) ATPase decreased in diabetic liver and heart. However, kidney showed
a significant increase in Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity. Diabetic rats exhibited an
increased level of lipid peroxidation and decreased membrane fluidity. GLUT4
distribution was also significantly lowered in heart of alloxan diabetic rats.
Treatment of diabetic rats with insulin, TSP, vanadate and a combined therapy of
lower dose of vanadate with TSP revived normoglycemia and restored the altered
level of Na(+)/K(+) ATPase, lipid peroxidation and membrane fluidity and also
induced the redistribution of GLUT4 transporter. TSP treatment alone is
partially effective in restoring the above diabetes-induced alterations.
Combined therapy of vanadate and TSP was the most effective in normalization of
altered membrane linked functions and GLUT4 distribution without any harmful
side effect.

Publication Types:
Evaluation Studies
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16622606 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

15: J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2006 Apr;36(1):329-34.

Efficacy of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) on third stage larvae and
adult fecundity of Musca domestica.

Abdel Halim AS, Morsy TA.

Research Institute of Medical Entomology, The General Organization for
Institutes and Teaching Hospitals, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

The insecticidal efficacy of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) on the 3rd
stage larvae of Musca domestica and adult fecundity was evaluated under
controlled laboratory conditions. The concentrations from 25% to 100% completely
killed the larvae. 5%, 2% and 1% caused mortality percent of 44.4, 33.3 and 22.2
respectively. Less concentration of fenugreek was not tried. On the other hand,
the fecundity of the emerged adults was 20%, Zero% and 28.6%. On the other hand,
only one control larva died and the nine emerged adults were fertile. So,
fenugreek at low concentration not only has a larvicidal action against house
fly larvae but also affected the adult fecundity.

PMID: 16605122 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

16: Alcohol Alcohol. 2006 May-Jun;41(3):267-73. Epub 2006 Mar 30.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed extract prevents ethanol-induced
toxicity and apoptosis in Chang liver cells.

Kaviarasan S, Ramamurty N, Gunasekaran P, Varalakshmi E, Anuradha CV.

Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu,
India.

The protective effect of a polyphenolic extract of fenugreek seeds (FPEt)
against ethanol (EtOH)-induced toxicity was investigated in human Chang liver
cells. Cells were incubated with either 30 mM EtOH alone or together in the
presence of seed extract for 24 h. Assays were performed in treated cells to
evaluate the ability of seeds to prevent the toxic effects of EtOH. EtOH
treatment suppressed the growth of Chang liver cells and induced cytotoxicity,
oxygen radical formation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Reduced glutathione
(GSH) concentration was decreased significantly (P < 0.05) while oxidized
glutathione (GSSG) concentration was significantly elevated in EtOH-treated
cells as compared with normal cells. Incubation of FPEt along with EtOH
significantly increased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, caused a
reduction in lactate dehydrogenase leakage and normalized GSH/GSSG ratio. The
extract dose-dependently reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
formation. Apoptosis was observed in EtOH-treated cells while FPEt reduced
apoptosis by decreasing the accumulation of sub-G1 phase cells. The
cytoprotective effects of FPEt were comparable with those of a positive control
silymarin, a known hepatoprotective agent. The findings suggest that the
polyphenolic compounds of fenugreek seeds can be considered cytoprotective
during EtOH-induced liver damage.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16574673 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

17: Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2005 Nov;56(7):473-81.

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of some leafy vegetables.

Bajpai M, Mishra A, Prakash D.

Nutraceutical Chemistry, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India.

Some leafy vegetables were studied for their nutritional composition,
antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. The aerial parts of
Coriandrum sativum, Spinacia oleracea, Trigonella corniculata and Trigonella
foenum-graecum showed lower inhibitory concentration values (4.1-7.9 mg/ml),
efficiency concentration values (178-321 mg/mg DPPH) and higher values of
anti-radical power (0.31-0.51) as compared with their seeds. Thermal treatment
reduced the total phenolic contents, antioxidant and free radical scavenging
activities. The leaves of C. sativum were found with good amounts of caffeic
acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid and chlorogenic acid.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16503558 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

18: Int J Obes (Lond). 2006 Aug;30(8):1298-307. Epub 2006 Feb 14.

Alleviation of hepatic steatosis accompanied by modulation of plasma and liver
TNF-alpha levels by Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seeds in Zucker obese
(fa/fa) rats.

Raju J, Bird RP.

Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: Oral supplements of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds (Fen)
have been shown to treat glucose and lipid homeostasis in several metabolic
disorders; however, its ability to alleviate obesity-associated pathologies is
not known. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Fen in
Zucker obese rats (Ob), an animal model of obesity and related disorders, such
as dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis. METHODS: Female Zucker (6-week-old) Ob
and lean (Ln) rats were randomly grouped (n = 8 rats/group) to receive either
basal or 5% Fen-supplemented AIN-93G diets for 8 weeks, and then were
euthanized. Histopathology and biochemical parameters in the liver together with
plasma biochemistry were assessed. RESULTS: Obese rats had significantly higher
(P < 0.05) body and liver weight, as well as plasma insulin, lactate,
cholesterol, triglyceride and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha compared to
their Ln counterparts. Fen significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the liver-weight of
Ob rats in comparison to Ob rats fed basal diet (Control), while no effect was
observed in the Ln rats. Fen treatment resulted in a lower P-value (P < 0.05).
In addition, Ob rats on Fen-supplemented diets had fasting plama cholesterol and
TNF-alpha levels, and significantly higher (P < 0.05) triglycerides in
comparison to the control rats. Hepatic triglyceride level was significantly
lower (P < 0.05) in Ob rats fed Fen supplemented diets in comparison to control.
The levels of bound and soluble liver TNF-alpha (26 and 17 kDa, respectively)
and TNF receptor-II (TNFR-II, 75 kDa) proteins were significantly lower (P <
0.05) in Ob than in Ln rats. Fen significantly lowered (P < 0.05) both the
soluble and bound forms of TNF-alpha protein while significantly elevating (P <
0.05) TNFR-II in the livers of Ob rats compared to Ob Controls. CONCLUSION:
These results demonstrate unequivocally that in a short-term preclinical
evaluation, dietary Fen supplementation reduced the triglyceride accumulation in
the liver, a hallmark feature of hepatic steatosis without affecting the plasma
insulin or glucose levels in Zucker obese rats and suggest that TNF-alpha may
play an important role in this process.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16477270 [PubMed - in process]

19: Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Sep;30(18):1428-30.

[Study on chemical constituents in total saponin from Trigonella foenum-graecum]

[Article in Chinese]

Yang WX, Huang HY, Wang YJ, Jia ZY, Li LL.

Changji Medical School, Changji 831100, China. ywxyt@163.com

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents in the total saponin from
Trigonellf foenum-graecum. METHOD: The compounds were isolated by column
chromatography on macroporous resin and silica gel and elucidated by physical
and chemical evidences and spectroscopic analysis. RESULT: Two compounds were
obtained and identifiedas methyl-protodioscin and methyl-protodeltonin.
CONCLUSION: Methyl-protodioscin and methyl-protodeltonin were isolated from this
plant for the first time.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 16381462 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

20: Oncogene. 2006 Mar 9;25(10):1463-73.

Diosgenin inhibits osteoclastogenesis, invasion, and proliferation through the
downregulation of Akt, I kappa B kinase activation and NF-kappa B-regulated gene
expression.

Shishodia S, Aggarwal BB.

Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin present in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
and other plants, has been shown to suppress inflammation, inhibit
proliferation, and induce apoptosis in a variety of tumor cells, but through a
mechanism that is poorly understood. In the present study, we report that
diosgenin inhibits receptor-activated nuclear factor-kappaB ligand-induced
osteoclastogenesis, suppresses tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced invasion, and
blocks the proliferation of tumor cells, all activities known to be regulated by
NF-kappaB. Diosgenin suppressed TNF-induced NF-kappaB activation as determined
by DNA binding, activation of IkappaBalpha kinase, IkappaBalpha phosphorylation,
IkappaBalpha degradation, p65 phosphorylation, and p65 nuclear translocation
through inhibition of Akt activation. NF-kappaB-dependent reporter gene
expression was also abrogated by diosgenin. TNF-induced expression of
NF-kappaB-regulated gene products involved in cell proliferation (cyclin D1,
COX-2, c-myc), antiapoptosis (IAP1, Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), Bfl-1/A1, TRAF1 and cFLIP),
and invasion (MMP-9) were also downregulated by the saponin. Diosgenin also
potentiated the apoptosis induced by TNF and chemotherapeutic agents. Overall,
our results suggest that diosgenin suppresses proliferation, inhibits invasion,
and suppresses osteoclastogenesis through inhibition of NF-kappaB-regulated gene
expression and enhances apoptosis induced by cytokines and chemotherapeutic
agents.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

PMID: 16331273 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

21: Phytother Res. 2005 Nov;19(11):977-83.

Antioxidant properties of germinated fenugreek seeds.

Dixit P, Ghaskadbi S, Mohan H, Devasagayam TP.

Department of Zoology, University of Pune, Ganeshkhind, India.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is used as a spice, vegetable and a
medicinal plant. Since antioxidant properties have been linked to health
benefits of natural products, such properties were studied in germinated
fenugreek seeds which are considered to be more beneficial than dried seeds.
Different fractions of the germinated seeds were used to determine their
antioxidant potential at different levels. The assays employed were ferric
reducing antioxidant power, radical scavenging by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,
ferrylmyoglobin/2,2'-azobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, pulse
radiolysis, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and inhibition of lipid
peroxidation in mitochondrial preparations from rat liver. An aqueous fraction
of fenugreek exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared with other
fractions. As the quantity of phenolic and flavonoid compounds can be related to
antioxidant activity, the contents from these extracts were measured. HPLC
analysis was carried out to detect polyphenols, flavonoids and other components.
This study reveals significant antioxidant activity in germinated fenugreek
seeds which may be due partly to the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16317656 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

22: Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2006 Jan 15;16(2):293-6. Epub 2005 Oct 21.

4-hydroxyisoleucine an unusual amino acid as antidyslipidemic and
antihyperglycemic agent.

Narender T, Puri A, Shweta, Khaliq T, Saxena R, Bhatia G, Chandra R.

Division of Medicinal and Process Chemistry, Central Drug Research Institute,
Lucknow, India. tnarender@rediffmail.com

Trigonella foenum-graecum, commonly known as fenugreek, is an annual herbaceous
plant. From the seeds of T. foenum-graecum an unusual amino acid,
4-hydroxyisoleucine 5, has been isolated, which significantly decreased the
plasma triglyceride levels by 33% (P<0.002), total cholesterol (TC) by 22%
(P<0.02), and free fatty acids by 14%, accompanied by an increase in HDL-C/TC
ratio by 39% in the dyslipidemic hamster model.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16246556 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

23: J Biosci. 2005 Sep;30(4):483-90.

Amelioration of altered antioxidant status and membrane linked functions by
vanadium and Trigonella in alloxan diabetic rat brains.

Siddiqui MR, Taha A, Moorthy K, Hussain ME, Basir SF, Baquer NZ.

School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India.

Trigonella foenum graecum seed powder (TSP) and sodium orthovanadate (SOV) have
been reported to have antidiabetic effects. However, SOV exerts hypoglycemic
effects at relatively high doses with several toxic effects. We used low doses
of vanadate in combination with TSP and evaluated their antidiabetic effects on
anti-oxidant enzymes and membrane-linked functions in diabetic rat brains. In
rats, diabetes was induced by alloxan monohydrate (15 mg/100 g body wt.) and
they were treated with 2 IU insulin, 0.6 mg/ml SOV, 5% TSP and a combination of
0.2 mg/ml SOV with 5% TSP for 21 days. Blood glucose levels, activity of
superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Na+/K+
ATPase, membrane lipid peroxidation and fluidity were determined in different
fractions of whole brain after 21 days of treatment. Diabetic rats showed high
blood glucose (P less than 0.001), decreased activities of SOD, catalase and
Na+/K+ ATPase (P less than 0.01, P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.01),
increased levels of GPx and MDA (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.001) and
decreased membrane fluidity (P less than 0.01). Treatment with different
antidiabetic compounds restored the above-altered parameters. Combined dose of
Trigonella and vanadate was found to be the most effective treatment in
normalizing these alterations. Lower doses of vanadate could be used in
combination with TSP to effectively counter diabetic alterations without any
toxic effects.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16184010 [PubMed - in process]

24: Mol Cell Biochem. 2005 Oct;278(1-2):21-31.

Restoration of ultrastructural and biochemical changes in alloxan-induced
diabetic rat sciatic nerve on treatment with Na3VO4 and Trigonella--a promising
antidiabetic agent.

Preet A, Gupta BL, Siddiqui MR, Yadava PK, Baquer NZ.

Hormone and Drug Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi, India.

Vanadium has been reported to have broad pharmacological activity both in vitro
and in vivo. Vanadium compound, sodium orthovanadate, Na3VO4, is well known for
its hypoglycaemic effects. However, Na3VO4 exerts these effects at relatively
high doses (0.6 mg/ml) and exhibit several toxic effects. In the present study
lower doses of Na3VO4 (0.2 mg/ml) are combined with Trigonella foenum graecum
seed powder (TSP), another hypoglycaemic agent, to reduce its toxicity without
compromising its antidiabetic potential. The efficacy of the lower doses of
Na3VO4 has been investigated in restoring the altered glucose metabolism and
histological structure in the sciatic nerves in 21 and 60 days alloxan diabetic
rats. A portion of the glucose was found to be channelled from the normal
glycolytic route to polyol pathway, evident by the reduced hexokinase activity
and increased polyol pathway enzymes aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase
activity causing accumulation of sorbitol and fructose in diabetic conditions.
Ultrastructural observation of the sciatic nerve showed extensive demylination
and axonal loss after eight weeks of diabetes induction. Blood glucose levels
increased in diabetic rats were normalized with the lower dose of vanadium and
Trigonella treatment. The treatment of the diabetic rats with vanadium and
Trigonella prevented the activation of the polyol pathway and sugar
accumulations. The sciatic nerves were also protected against the structural
abnormalities found in diabetes with Trigonella foenum graecum as well as
Na3VO4. Results suggest that lower doses of Na3VO4 may be used in combination
with TSP as an efficient antidiabetic agent to effectively control the long-term
complications of diabetes in tissues like peripheral nerve.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16180085 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

25: J Med Food. 2005 Fall;8(3):382-5.

Supplementation of fenugreek leaves reduces oxidative stress in
streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Annida B, Stanely Mainzen Prince P.

Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu,
India. psmprince@rediffmail.com

Trigonella foenum-graecum, commonly known as fenugreek, is a traditional
medicinal plant of the Leguminoseae family in India. The antioxidant effect of
fenugreek leaves was evaluated in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.
The antioxidant effect was evaluated by estimating thiobarbituric acid-reactive
substances and reduced glutathione and measuring the activities of catalase and
superoxide dismutase in liver, heart, and kidney in diabetic rats. Fenugreek
leaf powder supplementation significantly lowered lipid peroxidation and
significantly increased the antioxidant system in diabetic rats. The effect at a
dose of 1 g/kg of body weight of fenugreek leaf powder was similar to that of
glibenclamide. Insulin restores all the parameters to near normal values. Thus,
fenugreek leaf powder reduces oxidative stress in experimental diabetes.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 16176151 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

26: Se Pu. 2005 Mar;23(2):216.

[Separation and identification of diosgenin in Trigonella foenum-graecum L. and
its compound preparation by gradient thin-layer chromatography]

[Article in Chinese]

Lu X, Zhao H, Zhang C, Tang S.

lxypre@163.com

PMID: 16013580 [PubMed - in process]

27: Cell Biol Int. 2005 Aug;29(8):687-94.

Chemopreventive activities of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) against
breast cancer.

Amin A, Alkaabi A, Al-Falasi S, Daoud SA.

Biology Department, UAE University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
a.amin@uaeu.ac.ae

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Conventional therapies
cause serious side effects and, at best, merely extend the patient's lifespan by
a few years. Cancer control may therefore benefit from the potential that
resides in alternative therapies. There is thus an increasing demand to utilize
alternative concepts or approaches to the prevention of cancer. In this report,
we show a potential protective effect of Fenugreek seeds against
7,12-dimethylbenz(alpha)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in rats. At 200
mg/kg b.wt., Fenugreek seeds' extract significantly inhibited the DMBA-induced
mammary hyperplasia and decreased its incidence. Epidemiological studies also
implicate apoptosis as a mechanism that might mediate the Fenugreek's
anti-breast cancer protective effects. To our knowledge, this is the first study
that suggests significant chemopreventive effects of Fenugreek seeds against
breast cancer.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15936223 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

28: J Biosci. 2005 Mar;30(2):221-30.

Efficacy of lower doses of vanadium in restoring altered glucose metabolism and
antioxidant status in diabetic rat lenses.

Preet A, Gupta BL, Yadava PK, Baquer NZ.

Hormone and Drug Research Laboratory and Applied Molecular Biology Laboratory,
School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India.

Vanadium compounds are potent in controlling elevated blood glucose levels in
experimentally induced diabetes. However the toxicity associated with vanadium
limits its role as therapeutic agent for diabetic treatment. A vanadium compound
sodium orthovanadate (SOV) was given to alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats in
lower doses in combination with Trigonella foenum graecum, a well-known
hypoglycemic agent used in traditional Indian medicines. The effect of this
combination was studied on lens morphology and glucose metabolism in diabetic
rats. Lens, an insulin-independent tissue, was found severely affected in
diabetes showing visual signs of cataract. Alterations in the activities of
glucose metabolizing enzymes (hexokinase, aldose reductase, sorbitol
dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and antioxidant enzymes
(glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase) besides the levels of related
metabolites, [sorbitol, fructose, glucose, thiobarbituric acid reactive species
(TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH)] were observed in the lenses from diabetic
rats and diabetic rats treated with insulin (2 IU/day), SOV (0.6 mg/ml), T. f.
graecum seed powder (TSP, 5%) and TSP (5%) in combination with lowered dose of
vanadium SOV (0.2 mg/ml), for a period of 3 weeks. The activity of the enzymes,
hexokinase, aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase was significantly
increased whereas the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione
peroxidase and glutathione reductase decreased significantly in lenses from 3
week diabetic rats. Significant increase in accumulation of metabolites,
sorbitol, fructose, glucose was found in diabetic lenses. TBARS measure of
peroxidation increased whereas the levels of antioxidant GSH decreased
significantly in diabetic condition. Insulin restored the levels of altered
enzyme activities and metabolites almost to control levels. Sodium orthovanadate
(0.6 mg/ml) and Trigonella administered separately to diabetic animals could
partially reverse the diabetic changes, metabolic and morphological, while
vanadate in lowered dose in combination with Trigonella was found to be the most
effective in restoring the altered lens metabolism and morphological appearance
in diabetes. It may be concluded that vanadate at lowered doses administered in
combination with Trigonella was the most effective in controlling the altered
glucose metabolism and antioxidant status in diabetic lenses, these being
significant factors involved in the development of diabetic complications, that
reflects in the reduced lens opacity.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15886458 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

29: J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Apr 20;53(8):2838-42.

Determination of major carotenoids in a few Indian leafy vegetables by
high-performance liquid chromatography.

Lakshminarayana R, Raju M, Krishnakantha TP, Baskaran V.

Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Central Food Technological Research
Institute, Mysore 570 020, India.

Leafy vegetables [Basella rubra L., Peucedanum sowa Roxb., Moringa oleifera
Lam., Trigonella foenum-graecum L., Spinacia oleracea L., Sesbania grandiflora
(L.) Poir., and Raphanus sativus L.] that are commonly used by the rural
population in India were evaluated in terms of their main carotenoid pattern.
The extracted carotenoids were purified by open column chromatography (OCC) on a
neutral alumina column to verify their identity by their characteristic
UV-visible absorption spectra. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) on a C18 column with UV-visible photodiode array detection
under isocratic conditions was used for quantification of isolated carotenoids.
Acetonitrile/methanol/dichloromethane (60:20:20 v/v/v) containing 0.1% ammonium
acetate was used as a mobile phase. The major carotenoids identified by both
methods were lutein, beta-carotene, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, and zeaxanthin.
Among the carotenoids identified, lutein and beta-carotene levels were found to
be higher in these leafy vegetables. Results show that P. sowa and S. oleracea
are rich sources of lutein (77-92 mg/100 g of dry wt) and beta-carotene (36-44
mg/100 g of dry wt) compared with other leafy vegetables. The purity of
carotenoids eluted by OCC was clarified by HPLC, and they were found to be 92%
+/- 3% for neoxanthin, 94% +/- 2% for violaxanthin, 97% +/-2% for lutein and
zeaxanthin, and 90% +/- 3% for beta-carotene. It could be recommended to use P.
sowa and S. oleracea as rich sources of lutein and beta-carotene for health
benefits. The OCC method proposed is relatively simple and provides purified
carotenoids for feeding trials.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15826027 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

30: Biol Trace Elem Res. 2005 Mar;103(3):277-90.

Characterization of hypoglycemiant plants by total reflection X-ray fluorescence
spectrometry.

Zucchi OL, Moreira S, de Jesus EF, Neto HS, Salvador MJ.

Faculdade de Ciencias Farmaceuticas de Ribeirao Preto, Depto. Fisica e Quimica,
Universidade de Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brasil. olzucchi@fcfrp.usp.br

In this work, synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence
spectrometry (SRTXRF) was used to determine trace elements in eight
hypoglycemiant plants (Trigonella foenum graecum, Panax ginseng, Pfaffia
paniculata, Myrcia speciosa, Zea mays, Harpagophytum procumbens, Syzygium
jambolona, and Bauhinia forficate). The elements P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn,
Rb, and Sr were detected in all medicinal plants investigated, whereas Si, S,
Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Se, Nb, Mo, Sn, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb were detected only in some
of the samples. The concentration of elements in hypoglycemiant plants varied
from 0.15 microg/g of Co to 3.0 x 10(4) microg/g of K and the mean of
experimental limit of detection for these elements were 0.14 and 3.6 microg/g,
respectively.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15784959 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

31: Indian J Med Sci. 2005 Feb;59(2):64-9.

Effect of fenugreek, onion and garlic on blood glucose and histopathology of
pancreas of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Jelodar GA, Maleki M, Motadayen MH, Sirus S.

Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University,
Shiraz 71345, Iran. jelodar@shirazu.ac.ir

BACKGROUND: Many traditional treatments have been recommended in the alternative
system of medicine for treatment of diabetes mellitus; however, the mechanism of
most of the herbals used has not been defined. AIMS: This study was carried out
to clarify the effect of fenugreek, garlic and onion, recommended in Persian
folklore medicine as beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, on blood glucose
and their possible effect on pancreatic tissue. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Diabetes
mellitus was induced in 20 out of 25 adult male albino rats, using
intraperitoneal injection of 185 mg/kg BW alloxan. The diabetic rats were
divided into four groups, three of which were fed a diet containing 12.5% BW
Allium sativum (garlic), Allium cepa (onion) or Trigonella foenum-graecum
(fenugreek) for 15 days. The fourth group (positive control) received an
ordinary diet. The remaining non-diabetic rats (negative control group) received
neither alloxan nor the mentioned plants. Following consumption of plants, blood
glucose was measured every day and on the last day the pancreas were removed and
stained with H&E and Gomeri aldehyde fuchsin (GAF). Morphology of the pancreatic
sections and the following morphometric factors were studied: volume density of
B cells, volume density of islets, percent of B cells, number of islets per
square millimeter, average area of islets and average volume density of B cell
in whole pancreas. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: One-way Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) test and Duncan's multiple range tests were used to evaluate the data.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that only garlic was
able to reduce blood glucose significantly compared with the control group
(P<0.05). In the control positive group all the mentioned morphometric factors
were significantly changed in comparison with the control negative (normal
health) group, but the same did not show significant change between treated and
untreated diabetics.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 15738612 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

32: Amino Acids. 2005 Feb;28(1):71-6. Epub 2004 Dec 2.

The addition of fenugreek extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum) to glucose feeding
increases muscle glycogen resynthesis after exercise.

Ruby BC, Gaskill SE, Slivka D, Harger SG.

Department of Health and Human Performance, The University of Montana, Missoula,
Montana 59812-1825, USA. brent.ruby@mso.umt.edu

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ingesting an oral
supplement containing 4-Hydroxyisoleucine (4-OH-Ile, isolated from fenugreek
seeds [Trigonella foenum-graecum]) with a glucose beverage on rates of
post-exercise muscle glycogen resynthesis in trained male cyclists. Following an
overnight fast (12 hr), subjects completed a 90-minute glycogen depletion ride
after which a muscle biopsy was obtained from the vastus lateralis. Immediately
and 2 hours after the muscle biopsy, subjects ingested either an oral dose of
dextrose (Glu) (1.8 g.kg BW(-1)) or 4-OH-Ile supplement (Glu+4-OH-Ile, including
2.0 mg.kg(-1) 4-OH-Ile with the same oral dose of dextrose) with a second muscle
biopsy 4 hours after exercise. Post exercise muscle glycogen concentration was
similar for both trials. Overall, there was a significant increase in glucose
and insulin concentrations from time 0 throughout the majority of the 4-hour
recovery period, with no significant differences between the two trials at any
time point. Although muscle glycogen concentration significantly increased from
immediately post exercise to 4 hr of recovery for both trials, the net rate of
muscle glycogen resynthesis was 63% greater during Glu+4-OH-Ile (10.6+/-3.3 vs.
6.5+/-2.6 g.kg wet wt.(-1).hr.(-1) for the Glu+4-OH-Ile and Glu trials,
respectively). These data demonstrate that when the fenugreek extract supplement
(4-OH-Ile) is added to a high oral dose of dextrose, rates of post-exercise
glycogen resynthesis are enhanced above dextrose alone.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15719265 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

33: Mol Cell Biochem. 2004 Nov;266(1-2):151-9.

Trigonella foenum graecum seed powder protects against histopathological
abnormalities in tissues of diabetic rats.

Thakran S, Siddiqui MR, Baquer NZ.

Hormone and Drug Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi, India.

Trigonella foenum graecum is a well-known hypoglycemic agent used in traditional
Indian medicines. It was previously reported that oral administration of its
seed powder for 3 weeks to alloxan diabetic rats stabilized glucose homeostasis
and free radical metabolism in liver and kidney. In the present study, we
further investigated the effects of 3 weeks alloxan induced diabetes on the
histological structure and function of liver and kidney and the protective
effect of T. foenum graecum seed powder (TSP) oral administration to the
diabetic rats utilizing enzyme analysis and light and transmission electron
microscopy. The activity of the enzyme, glutamate dehydrogenase was
significantly higher whereas the activity of D-beta-hydroxybutyrate
dehydrogenase enzyme was significantly lower in liver and kidney of
alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Histopathological studies showed liver
degenerative and early nephropathic changes in diabetic rats. Ultrastructure of
the diabetic liver revealed a reduction in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and
swelling of mitochondria in the hepatocytes. TSP treatment to the diabetic rats
effectively prevented the alteration in the activities of the two enzymes and
partially prevented the structural abnormalities thus suggesting a protective
effect of TSP on the liver and kidney of the diabetic rats. The role of TSP in
reversing the diabetic state at the cellular level besides the metabolic
normalization further proves its potential as an antidiabetic agent.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15646037 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

34: J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Nov;95(1):13-7.

Spinal serotonergic system is partially involved in antinociception induced by
Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) leaf extract.

Parvizpur A, Ahmadiani A, Kamalinejad M.

Department of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine,
Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 19835-355, Tehran, IR,
Iran.

It has been reported that Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) extract exerts
analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic effects in different experimental
models. The major objective of this paper was to investigate the site and
mechanism of the analgesia induced by Trigonella foenum-graecum extract. We
studied the analgesic effects of different doses of Trigonella foenum-graecum
extract after i.p., i.t. and i.c.v. administration in formalin test, using male
NMRI rats (200-250 g). Trigonella foenum-graecum extract showed analgesic
effects in i.p. (1 g/kg) and i.t. (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/rat) (P < 0.05 in all
groups) but not in i.c.v. (1 and 3 mg/rat) administrations. Based on the
similarities between the effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract with those
of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the role of 5-HT system in
analgesic effects of NSAIDs, we tried to investigate the role of spinal 5-HT
system in analgesic effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract. After
lesioning of spinal 5-HT system by 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT), it was
shown that the analgesic effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract (0.5 and 3
mg/rat) in the second phase of formalin test, was abolished completely and
reduced relatively after using a low-dose (0.5 mg/rat) and a high-dose (3
mg/rat), respectively (P < 0.05). So, the antinociception partially remained (P
< 0.05) after using the latter dose. Meanwhile, administration of naloxone
(2mg/kg, i.p.) had no effect on the Trigonella foenum-graecum extract (1 g/kg,
i.p.) analgesia. In conclusion, this study confirms the central action of
Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and that spinal 5-HT system is partially
involved in the analgesia induced by it in the second phase of formalin test and
also indicates for co-existence of other analgesic mechanism(s).

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 15374601 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

35: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004 Aug;13(8):1392-8.

Diosgenin, a steroid saponin of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek), inhibits
azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci formation in F344 rats and induces
apoptosis in HT-29 human colon cancer cells.

Raju J, Patlolla JM, Swamy MV, Rao CV.

Division of Nutritional Carcinogenesis, Institute for Cancer Prevention,
American Health Foundation Cancer Center, 1 Dana Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.

Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) is traditionally used to treat disorders
such as diabetes, high cholesterol, wounds, inflammation, and gastrointestinal
ailments. Recent studies suggest that fenugreek and its active constituents may
possess anticarcinogenic potential. We evaluated the preventive efficacy of
dietary fenugreek seed and its major steroidal saponin constituent, diosgenin,
on azoxymethane-induced rat colon carcinogenesis during initiation and promotion
stages. Preneoplastic colonic lesions or aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were chosen
as end points. In addition, we assessed the mechanism of tumor growth inhibition
of diosgenin in HT-29 human colon cancer cells. To evaluate the effect of the
test agent during the initiation and postinitiation stages, 7-week-old male F344
rats were fed experimental diets containing 0% or 1% fenugreek seed powder (FSP)
or 0.05% or 0.1% diosgenin for 1 week and were injected with azoxymethane (15
mg/kg body weight). Effects during the promotional stage were studied by feeding
1% FSP or 0.1% diosgenin 4 weeks after the azoxymethane injections. Rats were
sacrificed 8 weeks after azoxymethane injection, and their colons were evaluated
for ACF. We found that, by comparison with control, continuous feeding of 1% FSP
and 0.05% and 0.1% diosgenin suppressed total colonic ACF up to 32%, 24%, and
42%, respectively (P < or = 0.001 to 0.0001). Dietary FSP at 1% and diosgenin at
0.1% fed only during the promotional stage also inhibited total ACF up to 33% (P
< or = 0.001) and 39% (P < or = 0.0001), respectively. Importantly, continuous
feeding of 1% FSP or 0.05% or 0.1% diosgenin reduced the number of multicrypt
foci by 38%, 20%, and 36% by comparison with the control assay (P < or = 0.001).
In addition, 1% FSP or 0.1% diosgenin fed during the promotional stage caused a
significant reduction (P < or = 0.001) of multicrypt foci compared with control.
Dietary diosgenin at 0.1% and 0.05% inhibited total colonic ACF and multicrypt
foci formation in a dose-dependent manner. Results from the in vitro experiments
indicated that diosgenin inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in the HT-29
human colon cancer cell line in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, diosgenin
induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells at least in part by inhibition of bcl-2 and by
induction of caspase-3 protein expression. On the basis of these findings, the
fenugreek constituent diosgenin seems to have potential as a novel colon cancer
preventive agent.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

PMID: 15298963 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

36: J Biosci. 2004 Mar;29(1):81-91.

Effects of sodium-orthovanadate and Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds on hepatic
and renal lipogenic enzymes and lipid profile during alloxan diabetes.

Yadav UC, Moorthy K, Baquer NZ.

Hormone and Drug Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi 110 067, India. nzbaquer@hotmail.com

Sodium-orthovanadate (SOV) and seed powder of Trigonella foenum graecum Linn.
(common name: fenugreek, family: Fabaceae) (TSP) besides being potential
hypoglycemic agents have also been shown to ameliorate altered lipid metabolism
during diabetes. This study evaluates the short-term effect of oral
administration of SOV and TSP separately and in concert (for 21 days) on total
lipid profile and lipogenic enzymes in tissues of alloxan diabetic rats.
Diabetic rats showed 4-fold increase in blood glucose. The level of total
lipids, triglycerides and total cholesterol in blood serum increased
significantly during diabetes. During diabetes the level of total lipids
increased significantly (P < 0.001) in liver and in kidney by 48% and 55%,
respectively, compared to control. Triglycerides level increased by 32% (P <
0.01) in liver and by 51% (P < 0.005) in kidney, respectively, compared to
control. Total cholesterol level also increased significantly in both liver and
kidney (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). The activities of NADP-linked
enzymes; namely glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), malic enzyme (ME),
isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), and the activities of lipogenic enzymes namely
ATP-citrate lyase (ATP-CL) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were decreased
significantly in liver and increased in kidney during diabetes as compared to
control. SOV and TSP administration to diabetic animals prevented the
development of hyperglycemia and alteration in lipid profile in plasma and
tissues and maintained it near normal. Maximum prevention was observed in the
combined treatment with lower dose of SOV (0.2%) after 21 days. We are
presenting for the first time effectiveness of combined treatment of SOV and TSP
in amelioration of altered lipid metabolism during experimental type-I diabetes.

PMID: 15286407 [PubMed - in process]

37: BMC Plant Biol. 2004 Jul 30;4:13.

Assessment of genetic diversity in Trigonella foenum-graecum and Trigonella
caerulea using ISSR and RAPD markers.

Dangi RS, Lagu MD, Choudhary LB, Ranjekar PK, Gupta VS.

Plant Molecular Biology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, National
Chemical Laboratory, Pune 411008, Maharashtra State, India.
rakheesharma@yahoo.com

BACKGROUND: Various species of genus Trigonella are important from medical and
culinary aspect. Among these, Trigonella foenum-graecum is commonly grown as a
vegetable. This anti-diabetic herb can lower blood glucose and cholesterol
levels. Another species, Trigonella caerulea is used as food in the form of
young seedlings. This herb is also used in cheese making. However, little is
known about the genetic variation present in these species. In this report we
describe the use of ISSR and RAPD markers to study genetic diversity in both,
Trigonella foenum-graecum and Trigonella caerulea. RESULTS: Seventeen accessions
of Trigonella foenum-graecum and nine accessions of Trigonella caerulea
representing various countries were analyzed using ISSR and RAPD markers.
Genetic diversity parameters (average number of alleles per polymorphic locus,
percent polymorphism, average heterozygosity and marker index) were calculated
for ISSR, RAPD and ISSR+RAPD approaches in both the species. Dendrograms were
constructed using UPGMA algorithm based on the similarity index values for both
Trigonella foenum-graecum and Trigonella caerulea. The UPGMA analysis showed
that plants from different geographical regions were distributed in different
groups in both the species. In Trigonella foenum-graecum accessions from
Pakistan and Afghanistan were grouped together in one cluster but accessions
from India and Nepal were grouped together in another cluster. However, in both
the species accessions from Turkey did not group together and fell in different
clusters. CONCLUSIONS: Based on genetic similarity indices, higher diversity was
observed in Trigonella caerulea as compared to Trigonella foenum-graecum. The
genetic similarity matrices generated by ISSR and RAPD markers in both species
were highly correlated (r = 0.78 at p = 0.001 for Trigonella foenum-graecum and
r = 0.98 at p = 0.001 for Trigonella caerulea) indicating congruence between
these two systems. Implications of these observations in the analysis of genetic
diversity and in supporting the possible Center of Origin and/or Diversity for
Trigonella are discussed.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15285785 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

38: J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Aug;93(2-3):289-94.

Anti-cataract activity of Pterocarpus marsupium bark and Trigonella
foenum-graecum seeds extract in alloxan diabetic rats.

Vats V, Yadav SP, Biswas NR, Grover JK.

Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 4th Floor,
Teaching Block, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India.

Long-term complications are frequently encountered in diabetes mellitus and are
difficult to treat. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of three
antidiabetic plants on the development of cataract in rats. An aqueous extract
of Pterocarpus marsupium Linn bark (PM, Hindi name: Vijaysar) (1 g kg(-1)
day(-1)), Ocimum sanctum Linn leaves (OS, Hindi name, Tulsi) (200 mg kg(-1)
day(-1)) and alcoholic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn seeds (FG,
Hindi name, Methi) (2 g kg(-1) day(-1)) were given to alloxan (120 mg kg(-1))
diabetic rats until the development of cataract. Serum glucose and body weight
were monitored at regular intervals while cataract was examined through naked
eye as well as slit lamp at 75, 100 and 115 days after alloxan administration.
Administration of all the three plant extracts exerted a favorable effect on
body weight and blood glucose, the effects were best with PM followed by FG and
OS. On the course of cataract development, PM followed by FG exerted
anti-cataract effect evident from decreased opacity index while OS failed to
produce any anti-cataract effect in spite of significant antihyperglycemic
activity.

PMID: 15234767 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

39: Phytother Res. 2004 Apr;18(4):280-4.

Protective effects of selected medicinal plants against protein degradation,
lipid peroxidation and deformability loss of oxidatively stressed human
erythrocytes.

Suboh SM, Bilto YY, Aburjai TA.

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

The effects of seven medicinal plants including Artemisia herba-alba, Ferula
hermonis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Nigella sativa, Teucrium polium, Trigonella
foenum-graecum, and Allium sativum on protein degradation, lipid peroxidation,
erythrocyte deformability and osmotic fragility of erythrocytes exposed in vitro
to 10 mM H(2)O(2) for 60 min at 37 degrees C have been examined. Preincubation
of erythrocytes with Nigella sativa and Allium sativum protected erythrocytes
against protein degradation, loss of deformability and increased osmotic
fragility caused by H(2)O(2), while the other plants failed to protect
erythrocytes against these damages. Artemisia herba-alba did not protect
erythrocytes against lipid peroxidation, while Trigonella foenum-graecum
unexpectedly increased lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes exposed to H(2)O(2).
Ferula hermonis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Nigella sativa, Teucrium polium and Allium
sativum protected erythrocytes against lipid peroxidation. The results indicate
the importance of oxidatively damaged cellular proteins in compromising the
rheologic behaviour of the erythrocytes, and that the medicinal plants which
have anti-protein-oxidant activity (e.g. Nigella sativa and Allium sativum)
could be rheologically useful, particularly in pathological conditions related
to free radicals. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15162361 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

40: Clin Chim Acta. 2004 Apr;342(1-2):105-14.

Lower doses of vanadate in combination with trigonella restore altered
carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant status in alloxan-diabetic rats.

Mohamad S, Taha A, Bamezai RN, Basir SF, Baquer NZ.

School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110 067, India.

BACKGROUND: Vanadate treatment to diabetic rats has been reported to correct the
altered carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant status. However, vanadate exerts
these effects at relatively high doses and several toxic effects are produced.
We used low doses of vanadate in combination with Trigonella foenum graecum seed
powder (TSP) and evaluated their effect on the enzyme changes in diabetic rats.
METHODS: Alloxan-diabetic rats were treated separately with insulin, vanadate
(0.6 mg/ml), TSP and a combined dose of Vanadate (0.2 mg/ml) and TSP for 21
days. At the end of the experimental period, blood glucose levels and activities
of pyruvate kinase (PK), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), glutathione
peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and
catalase (CAT) were measured in cytosolic fraction in the liver and kidney.
RESULTS: Blood glucose levels increased markedly in diabetic rats. Treatment
with antidiabetic compounds resulted in the reduction of glucose levels. Rats
treated with combined dose of vanadate and trigonella had glucose levels
comparable to control ones. Similar results were obtained with the activities of
PK, PEPCK, SOD, GPx, GR, and CAT in liver and kidney of diabetic rats. Combined
dose of vanadate and Trigonella was found to be most effective in correcting
these alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Lower doses of vanadate could be used in
combination with TSP to effectively counter diabetic alterations without any
toxic side effects.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15026271 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

41: Phytomedicine. 2003 Nov;10(8):665-8.

The combined effects of Trigonella and Allium extracts in the regulation of
hyperthyroidism in rats.

Tahiliani P, Kar A.

Thyroid Research Unit, School of Life Sciences, UTD, Devi Ahilya University,
Takshashila Campus, Indore, India.

The combined effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum and Allium sativum extracts
were evaluated for their ameliorative potential in the L-thyroxine-induced
hyperthyroidic rat model to contribute to an understanding of interaction
between the two extracts. The investigation was carried out using two different
doses. A comparison was made with the response of individual plant extracts at
the previously studied effective dose in adult Wistar rats rendered
hyperthyroidic by daily injections of L-thyroxine (300 microg/kg body wt.,
s.c.). Propylthiouracil (PTU), an antithyroid drug, was used as a reference
compound. Alterations in serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), glucose,
hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) and oxygen consumption were studied as
end parameters. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, lipid
peroxidation (LPO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were examined to reveal any
toxic effects of the drugs. The combined effects of Trigonella and Allium at 200
and 500 mg/kg body wt. respectively, were equipotent as compared to the
individual extracts in lowering the serum concentrations of T3 and T4 in
hyperthyroidic rats. Our findings reveal that some plant extracts in combination
may not always prove to be synergistic. It is therefore suggested that
Trigonella foenum-graecum and Allium sativum extracts may be used individually
and not together in the regulation of hyperthyroidism.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14692727 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

42: Ukr Biokhim Zh. 2002 May-Jun;74(3):109-12.

[Carbohydrate specificity of lectins from plants of the genus horsetail]

[Article in Ukrainian]

Antoniuk VO, Dubits'kyi OL.

Institut Cell Biology, NAS of Ukraine, Lviv.

Carbohydrate specificity of partially purified lectins from 4 species of plants:
horse-tail genus Equisetum (Equisetum arvense L., E. sylvaticum L., E. hyemale
L. and E. tempatelia Ehrh.) has been studies. The obtained lectins have similar
carbohydrate specificity. Among the tested carbohydrates the best inhibitor of
activity is phenyl-2-acetamido-alpha-D-glucosaminopyranoside. Lectins poorly
interact with yeasty mannan and galactomannan Trigonella foenum graecum seeds.
Among glycoproteins the best inhibitor of activity is ovomucoid.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
English Abstract

PMID: 12916246 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

43: Phytother Res. 2003 Aug;17(7):737-43.

Protective effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds in experimental
ethanol toxicity.

Thirunavukkarasu V, Anuradha CV, Viswanathan P.

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai
Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India.

The study investigates the effect of aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds
(Trigonella foenum graecum) on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in
experimental ethanol toxicity in rats. The ability of the seed extract to
prevent iron-induced lipid peroxidation in vitro was also investigated. Ethanol
feeding for 60 days resulted in significant increases in the activities of serum
aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. The
levels of serum lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
in liver and brain were also significantly elevated. Significantly lower
activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase,
glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase were observed in liver and
brain accompanied by depletion in glutathione, ascorbic acid and
alpha-tocopherol concentrations. Activity of Ca(2+) ATPase in brain was
significantly lowered. Simultaneous administration of aqueous extract of
fenugreek seeds with ethanol prevented the enzymatic leakage and the rise in
lipid peroxidation and enhanced the antioxidant potential. The seeds exhibited
appreciable antioxidant property in vitro which was comparable with that of
reduced glutathione and alpha-tocopherol. Further, histopathological examination
of liver and brain revealed that, aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds could offer
a significant protection against ethanol toxicity. Copyright 2003 John Wiley &
Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 12916070 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

44: J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Sep;88(1):73-7.

Effect of soluble dietary fibre fraction of Trigonella foenum graecum on
glycemic, insulinemic, lipidemic and platelet aggregation status of Type 2
diabetic model rats.

Hannan JM, Rokeya B, Faruque O, Nahar N, Mosihuzzaman M, Azad Khan AK, Ali L.

Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and
Metabolic Disorders, 1000 Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The soluble dietary fibre (SDF) fraction of Trigonella foenum graecum (Tf-sdf)
has previously been shown to reduce postprandial elevation in blood glucose
level of Type 2 model diabetic rats by delaying the digestion of sucrose. The
Tf-sdf has now been investigated for its chronic effect on serum fructosamine,
insulin and lipid levels, and on platelet aggregation in Type 2 diabetic rats.
Tf-sdf was administered orally twice daily at a dose of 0.5 g kg(-1) for 28
days. It lowered the serum fructosamine level (P<0.05) with no significant
change in the insulin level as compared with the control. Atherogenic lipids,
i.e. triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were found to decrease
significantly in Tf-sdf fed rats (P<0.01). HDL-cholesterol showed an opposite
trend (P=0.024), but serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) values paralleled
the atherogenic lipids (P=0.001). No significant effect on platelet aggregation
(%) was found although there was a tendency to lower the aggregation (P=0.069).
It is concluded that Tf-sdf has a beneficial effect on dyslipidemia and has a
tendency to inhibit platelet aggregation in Type 2 model diabetic rats.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12902054 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

45: Mol Cell Biochem. 2003 May;247(1-2):45-53.

Oral administration of orthovanadate and Trigonella foenum graecum seed power
restore the activities of mitochondrial enzymes in tissues of alloxan-induced
diabetic rats.

Thakran S, Salimuddin, Baquer NZ.

Hormone and Drug Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi, India.

The effect of oral administration of sodium orthovanadate (SOV) and Trigonella
foenum graecum seed powder (TSP), a medicinal plant used extensively in Asia, on
the mitochondrial metabolism in the alloxan diabetic rats has been investigated.
Rats were injected with alloxan monohydrate (20 mg/100 g body wt) or vehicle
(Na-acetate buffer), the former were treated with either 2 IU insulin i.p., 0.6
mg/ml SOV ad libitum, 5% TSP ad libitum, and a combination of 0.2% SOV and 5%
TSP ad libitum for 21 days. Selected rate-limiting enzymes of the tricarboxylic
acid cycle, hydrogen shuttle system, ketone body metabolism, amino acid
metabolism and urea cycle were measured in the mitochondrial and cytosolic
fractions of liver, kidney and brain tissues of the experimental rats. Majority
of the mitochondrial enzymes in the tissues of the diabetic rats had
significantly higher activities compared to the control rats. Similarly, the
activities of mitochondrial and cytosolic aminotransferases and arginase were
significantly higher in liver and kidney tissues of the diabetic rats. The
separate administrations of SOV and TSP to diabetic rats were able to restore
the activities of these enzymes to control values. The lower dose of SOV (0.2%)
administered in combination with TSP to diabetic rats lowered the enzyme
activities more significantly than when given in a higher dose (0.6%)
separately. This is the first report of the effective combined action of oral
SOV and TSP in ameliorating the altered mitochondrial enzyme activities during
experimental type-1 diabetes. Our novel combined oral administration of SOV and
TSP to diabetic rats thus conclusively proves as a possible method to minimize
potential vanadate toxicity without compromising its positive effects in the
therapy of experimental type-1 diabetes.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12841630 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

46: J Fam Pract. 2003 Jun;52(6):468-78.

Herbs for serum cholesterol reduction: a systematic view.

Thompson Coon JS, Ernst E.

Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and
Plymouth, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NT, United Kingdom.
jo.thompson-coon@pms.ac.uk

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the clinical evidence for herbal medicinal
products in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic
review of randomized clinical trials of herbal medicinal products used to lower
serum cholesterol. Systematic literature searches were conducted in 6 electronic
data-bases. The reference lists of all papers and our files were searched for
more relevant publications. Experts in the field and manufacturers of identified
herbal medicinal products were contacted for published and unpublished data. No
language restrictions were imposed. OUTCOMES MEASURED: All randomized clinical
trials of serum cholesterol reduction, in which mono-preparations of herbal
medicinal products were administered as supplements to human subjects, were
included. RESULTS: Twenty-five randomized clinical trials involving 11 herbal
medicinal products were identified. Guggul (Commiphora mukul), fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum-graecum), red yeast rice, and artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
have been most extensively studied and have demonstrated reductions in total
serum cholesterol levels of between10% and 33%. The methodological quality as
assessed by the Jadad score was less than 3 (maximum, 5) for 13 of the 25
trials. CONCLUSIONS: Many herbal medicinal products have potential
hypocholesterolemic activity and encouraging safety profiles. However, only a
limited amount of clinical research exists to support their efficacy. Further
research is warranted to establish the value of these extracts in the treatment
of hypercholesterolemia.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

PMID: 12791229 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

47: Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2002 Mar;27(3):194-6.

[Determination of trigonelline in Trigonella foenum-graecum by HPLC]

[Article in Chinese]

Zhao HQ, Qu Y, Wang XY, Zhang HJ, Li FM, Masao H.

Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Pharmaceutical College, Shenyang 110015,
Liaoning, China.

OBJECTIVE: A HPLC method is established to determine the content of trigonelline
in Trigonella foenum-graecum. METHOD: The medicinal material was extracted by
petholeum ether-ethanol. Asahipak NH2P-50 column was used, mobilephase consisted
of acetonitrile-water(75:25) and detection wavelength was set at UV 265 nm.
RESULT: The standard curve was linear in the range of 3.68-73.60 micrograms.mL-1
with the correlation coefficient of 0.9999. The average recovery rate and RSD
were 97.4% and 1.83% (n = 6) respectively. CONCLUSION: It provides scientific
indexes for quality control of T. foenum-graecum.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 12774399 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

48: Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2002 Apr;27(4):277-9.

[Studies on chemical constituents from the seed of Trigonella foenum-graecum]

[Article in Chinese]

Shang MY, Cai SQ, Lin WH, Wang MC, Park JH.

School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
my-shang@263.net

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents from the seed of Trigonella
foenum-graecum. METHOD: The compounds were isolated with silica gel
chromatography and their structures were identified by physical, chemical
properties and spectral analysis. RESULT: Seven compounds were isolated and
identified as N,N'-dicarbazyl, glycerol monopalmitate, stearic acid,
beta-sitosteryl glucopyranoside, ethyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside,
D-3-O-methyl-chiroinsitol and sucrose. CONCLUSION: All the compounds were
obtained from this plant for the first time and N,N'-dicarbazyl is a new natural
product.

Publication Types:
English Abstract
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12774372 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

49: Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2002 Oct;46(4):457-62.

Mechanism of action of a hypoglycemic principle isolated from fenugreek seeds.

Puri D, Prabhu KM, Murthy PS.

Department of Biochemistry, University College of Medical Sciences, Dilshad
Gardan, Delhi-110 095.

Mechanism of action of an orally active hypoglycemic principle isolated from
water extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) was investigated
in alloxan induced subdiabetic and overtly diabetic rabbits of different
severities. The active principle was orally administered to the subdiabetic and
mild diabetic rabbits (five in each group) at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight for
15 days. The treatment produced significant attenuation of the glucose tolerance
curve and improvement in the glucose induced insulin response, suggesting that
the hypoglycemic effect may be mediated through stimulating insulin synthesis
and/or secretion from the beta pancreatic cells of Langerhans. Prolonged
administration of the same dose of the active principle for 30 days to the
severely diabetic rabbits (n = 5) lowered fasting blood glucose significantly,
but could elevate the fasting serum insulin level to a much lower extent, which
suggests an extra-pancreatic mode of action for the active principle. The effect
may also be by increasing the sensitivity of tissues to available insulin. The
hypoglycemic effect was observed to be slow but sustained, without any risk of
developing severe hypoglycemia.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 12683221 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

50: Phytother Res. 2003 Mar;17(3):294-6.

Mitigation of thyroxine-induced hyperglycaemia by two plant extracts.

Tahiliani P, Kar A.

Thyroid Research Unit, School of Life Sciences, D. A. University, Khandwa Road,
Indore - 452 017MP, India.

Extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) seed and Allium sativum (AS) bulb
were evaluated for their efficacy to ameliorate l-thyroxine (l-T4) induced
hyperglycaemia in rats. Simultaneously, the serum cholesterol concentration, a
supporting parameter for thyroid function, was also estimated. Thyroxine
treatment in rats (300 microg/kg b. wt./day) increased the levels of both the
thyroid hormones, namely thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) with a
concomitant elevation in serum glucose concentration and a reduction in serum
cholesterol level. Administration of TFG (220 mg/kg/day) and AS (500 mg/kg/day)
extracts in hyperthyroid animals decreased the serum glucose concentration as
well as the serum thyroid hormones. For comparison, propyl thiouracil (PTU), an
antithyroid compound, was used as the standard at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg. The
reductions in serum glucose and thyroid hormone concentrations in the plant
extract treated groups were comparable to that in PTU treated animals. Our
findings indicate that TFG seed and AS bulb extracts may prove to be effective
in the treatment of thyroxine-induced hyperglycaemia. Copyright 2003 John Wiley
& Sons, Ltd.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12672166 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

51: Plant Physiol. 2003 Mar;131(3):1487-95.

Tobacco transgenic lines that express fenugreek galactomannan
galactosyltransferase constitutively have structurally altered galactomannans in
their seed endosperm cell walls.

Reid JS, Edwards ME, Dickson CA, Scott C, Gidley MJ.

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA,
United Kingdom. j.s.g.reid@stir.ac.uk

Galactomannans [(1-->6)-alpha-D-galactose (Gal)-substituted
(1-->4)-beta-D-mannans] are major cell wall storage polysaccharides in the
endosperms of some seeds, notably the legumes. Their biosynthesis in developing
legume seeds involves the functional interaction of two membrane-bound
glycosyltransferases, mannan synthase (MS) and galactomannan
galactosyltransferase (GMGT). MS catalyzes the elongation of the mannan
backbone, whereas GMGT action determines the distribution and amount of Gal
substitution. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) forms a galactomannan with a
very high degree of Gal substitution (Man/Gal = 1.1), and its GMGT has been
characterized. We now report that the endosperm cell walls of the tobacco
(Nicotiana tabacum) seed are rich in a galactomannan with a very low degree of
Gal substitution (Man/Gal about 20) and that its depositional time course is
closely correlated with membrane-bound MS and GMGT activities. Furthermore, we
demonstrate that seeds from transgenic tobacco lines that express fenugreek GMGT
constitutively in membrane-bound form have endosperm galactomannans with
increased average degrees of Gal substitution (Man/Gal about 10 in T(1)
generation seeds and about 7.5 in T(2) generation seeds). Membrane-bound enzyme
systems from transgenic seed endosperms form galactomannans in vitro that are
more highly Gal substituted than those formed by controls under identical
conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of structural
manipulation of a plant cell wall polysaccharide in transgenic plants via a
biosynthetic membrane-bound glycosyltransferase.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12644698 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

52: Int Immunopharmacol. 2003 Feb;3(2):257-65.

Immunomodulatory effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) extract in
mice.

Bin-Hafeez B, Haque R, Parvez S, Pandey S, Sayeed I, Raisuddin S.

Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard
University, New Delhi 110 062, India.

Immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract of Trigonella foenum graecum L., a
widely used medicinal and dietary herb, was evaluated in male Swiss albino mice.
Mice were treated with three doses of extract (50, 100 and 250 mg/kg body weight
per os) for 10 days. Body weight, relative organ weight, cellularity of lymphoid
organs, delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response, plaque-forming cell
(PFC) assay, haemagglutination titre (HT), quantitative haemolysis of SRBC (QHS)
assay, phagocytosis, and lymphoproliferation were studied in various groups of
animals. At doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in
relative organ weight of thymus was observed but there was no effect on kidney
and spleen weights. Liver weight also increased significantly at doses of 100
and 250 mg/kg. However, no elevation in the levels of liver function test (LFT)
enzymes was observed. As regards lymphoid organ cellularity, spleen recorded no
significant increase at any dose, whereas cellularities of thymus and bone
marrow were significantly increased. T. foenum graecum extract elicited a
significant (p < 0.001) increase in the DTH response at doses of 50 and 100
mg/kg, but the change at higher dose of 250 mg/kg was not statistically
significant. Humoral immunity as measured by PFC showed an elevated response at
a dose of 100 mg/kg, but at 50 and 250 mg/kg, no significant effect was
observed. In the HT test, plant extract also showed modulatory effect at all the
doses. Plant extract elicited a significant increase in phagocytic index and
phagocytic capacity of macrophages. Stimulatory response of plant extract was
also observed in lymphoproliferation assay but the response was weak. Overall,
T. foenum graecum showed a stimulatory effect on immune functions in mice. As it
is used for a variety of medicinal purposes, its immunostimulatory effect, as
reported in this study, strengthens the rationale of its use in several
Ayurvedic and Unani drugs. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12586606 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

53: Br J Nutr. 2002 Dec;88 Suppl 3:S287-92.

New legume sources as therapeutic agents.

Madar Z, Stark AH.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Agricultural, Food and
Environmental Quality Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and
Nutrition, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot, 76100, Israel. madar@agri.huji.ac.il

This review evaluates the potential health benefits of three legume sources that
rarely appear in Western diets and are often overlooked as functional foods.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) and isolated fenugreek fractions have been
shown to act as hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolaemic agents in both animal and
human studies. The unique dietary fibre composition and high saponin content in
fenugreek appears to be responsible for these therapeutic properties. Faba beans
(Vicia faba) have lipid-lowering effects and may also be a good source of
antioxidants and chemopreventive factors. Mung beans (Phaseolus aureus, Vigna
radiatus) are thought to be beneficial as an antidiabetic, low glycaemic index
food, rich in antioxidants. Evidence suggests that these three novel sources of
legumes may provide health benefits when included in the daily diet.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 12498629 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

54: Meded Rijksuniv Gent Fak Landbouwkd Toegep Biol Wet. 2001;66(2a):103-15.

Remarkable, overlooked and new microfungi in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Ale-Agha N, Feige GB, Linke K.

Botanisches Institut, Universitat Essen Universitatsstrasse 5 D-45117 Essen,
Germany.

During our investigations of the micro flora in NRW in the years of 1999 and
2000 we were able to collect and identify some new and rare species of micro
fungi as parasites and saprophytes on wild and ornamental plants. Some of them
are new for Germany: Podosphaera xanthii on Coreopsis verticillata; Cercospora
traversiana on Trigonella foenum-graecum; Passalora dubia on Atriplex hortensis;
Ophiobolus cirsii on Carduus spec.; Periconia britannica on Polemonium
coeruleum; Ascochyta leptospora on Agropyron repens; Apomelasmia urticae on
Urtica dioica; Cryptodiaporthe salicina on Salix caprea; Dasyscyphus nidulus on
Anemone hupehensis; Rhopographus filicinus on Pteridium aquilinum; Sillia
ferruginea on Corylus avellana; Sirococcus spiraeae on Spiraea spec. and
Forsythia x intermedia. Examples of these findings are in the Herbarium ESS
(Mycotheca Parva, Slg. Feige/Ale-Agha).

PMID: 12425026 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

55: Int J Exp Diabetes Res. 2001;2(2):91-9.

In vitro effect of fenugreek extracts on intestinal sodium-dependent glucose
uptake and hepatic glycogen phosphorylase A.

Al-Habori M, Raman A, Lawrence MJ, Skett P.

Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Sana'a, Republic of Yemen.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seed) is a food with traditional
medicinal use in diabetes. Beneficial effects have been demonstrated in diabetic
animals and both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects.
Effects of a lipid extract A, crude ethanolic extract B, further sub-fractions
of B (saponin-free C, saponin D and sapogenin E) and a gum fibre fraction F on
intestinal sodium-dependent glucose uptake were investigated in vitro using
rabbit intestinal brush border membrane vesicles. All fractions except A
inhibited glucose-uptake at 0.33 and/or 3.3 mg/mL (p < 0.001). Greatest
inhibition was observed with fractions D and E. Diosgenin and trigonelline
(compounds reported in fenugreek) also inhibited glucose-uptake (IC50 values
approximately 3 mg/ml, equivalent to 8 mM and 19 mM respectively) but did not
account for the activity of the crude extracts. Fenugreek extracts had no effect
on basal levels of glycogen phosphorylase a (HGPa) activity in rat hepatocyte
suspensions. However fractions C and E caused a marginal but statistically
significant inhibition (18.9 and 15.1% respectively, p < 0.05) of glucagon
induction of this enzyme suggesting a glucagon-antagonist effect. Diosgenin
(1.65 mg/ml; 4 mM) inhibited glucagon-induced HGPa activity by 20% (p < 0.05),
and was more effective than trigonelline (non significant inhibition of 9.4% at
1.65 mg/ml, 10 mM).

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12369721 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

56: J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Oct 9;50(21):5994-7.

Variation in diosgenin levels among 10 accessions of fenugreek seeds produced in
western Canada.

Taylor WG, Zulyniak HJ, Richards KW, Acharya SN, Bittman S, Elder JL.

Saskatoon Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 0X2. taylorw@em.agr.ca

A collection of 10 accessions of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), an
annual legume, was grown during two summers at three plot locations in western
Canada to assess whether genetic (accession) and environmental factors (site and
year of production) influenced levels of diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin. The
60 harvested seed samples, each analyzed by single determinations on three
subsamples of defatted and dried seed material, were hydrolyzed by a microscale
procedure in water containing 2-propanol (70%) and sulfuric acid (1 M). The
extracts were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography with 6-methyldiosgenin as
internal standard. Diosgenin levels from mature seeds ranged from 0.28 to 0.92%
(28-92 microg/10 mg). Analysis of variance on combined diosgenin levels from the
three sites and two years revealed that accession, accession x year, and site x
year effects were significant for diosgenin content, whereas site, year, and
site x accession effects were not. Four accessions, CN 19062, CN 19067, CN
19070, and CN 19071, were identified with high levels of diosgenin on the basis
of the 2-year data set. In these accessions, mean levels of diosgenin plus
yamogenin from seven site years were estimated at 0.70, 0.98, 0.84, and 0.87%,
respectively.

PMID: 12358471 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

57: Mol Cell Biochem. 2002 Jul;236(1-2):7-12.

Alterations in antioxidant enzymes and oxidative damage in experimental diabetic
rat tissues: effect of vanadate and fenugreek (Trigonellafoenum graecum).

Genet S, Kale RK, Baquer NZ.

Hormone and Drug Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi, India.

With the premise that oxygen free radicals may be responsible for the severity
and complications of diabetes, the level of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT),
superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as the
oxidative damage were examined in the tissues of control, diabetic and treated
rats. After 3 weeks of diabetes, the activity of CAT was significantly increased
in heart in diabetes (about 6-fold) but decreased in liver. The SOD activity
decreased significantly in liver but increased in brain. The activity of GPx
decreased significantly in liver and increased in kidney. A significant increase
was observed in oxidative damage in heart and kidney and a small increase in
brain with decrease in liver and muscle. Vanadate and fenugreek (Trigonella
foenum graecum) administration to diabetic animals showed a reversal of the
disturbed antioxidant levels and peroxidative damage. Results suggest that
oxidative stress play a key role in the complications of diabetes. Vanadate and
fenugreek seeds showed an encouraging antioxidant property and can be valuable
candidates in the treatment of the reversal of the complications of diabetes.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12190123 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

58: J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Aug;81(3):393-7.

Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on
experimental gastric ulcer in rats.

Pandian RS, Anuradha CV, Viswanathan P.

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai
Nagar-608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.

The effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) compared to omeprazole
was studied on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. The aqueous extract and a gel
fraction isolated from the seeds showed significant ulcer protective effects.
The cytoprotective effect of the seeds seemed to be not only due to the
anti-secretory action but also to the effects on mucosal glycoproteins. The
fenugreek seeds also prevented the rise in lipid peroxidation induced by ethanol
presumably by enhancing antioxidant potential of the gastric mucosa thereby
lowering mucosal injury. Histological studies revealed that the soluble gel
fraction derived from the seeds was more effective than omeprazole in preventing
lesion formation. These observations show that fenugreek seeds possess antiulcer
potential.

PMID: 12127242 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

59: Plant Physiol. 2002 Jul;129(3):1391-7.

Transfer specificity of detergent-solubilized fenugreek galactomannan
galactosyltransferase.

Edwards ME, Marshall E, Gidley MJ, Reid JS.

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA,
Scotland.

The current experimental model for galactomannan biosynthesis in membrane-bound
enzyme systems from developing legume-seed endosperms involves functional
interaction between a GDP-mannose (Man) mannan synthase and a UDP-galactose
(Gal) galactosyltransferase. The transfer specificity of the
galactosyltransferase to the elongating mannan chain is critical in regulating
the distribution and the degree of Gal substitution of the mannan backbone of
the primary biosynthetic product. Detergent solubilization of the
galactosyltransferase of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) with retention of
activity permitted the partial purification of the enzyme and the cloning and
sequencing of the corresponding cDNA with proof of functional identity. We now
document the positional specificity of transfer of ((14)C)Gal from
UDP-((14)C)Gal to manno-oligosaccharide acceptors, chain lengths 5 to 8,
catalyzed by the detergent-solubilized galactosyltransferase. Enzymatic
fragmentation analyses of the labeled products showed that a single Gal residue
was transferred per acceptor molecule, that the linkage was (1-->6)-alpha, and
that there was transfer to alternative Man residues within the acceptor
molecules. Analysis of the relative frequencies of transfer to alternative Man
residues within acceptor oligosaccharides of different chain length allowed the
deduction of the substrate subsite recognition requirement of the
galactosyltransferase. The enzyme has a principal recognition sequence of six
Man residues, with transfer of Gal to the third Man residue from the nonreducing
end of the sequence. These observations are incorporated into a refined model
for enzyme interaction in galactomannan biosynthesis.

PMID: 12114592 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

60: J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jun;81(1):81-100.

Medicinal plants of India with anti-diabetic potential.

Grover JK, Yadav S, Vats V.

Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari
Nagar, New Delhi-110049, India. jkgrover@hotmail.com

Since ancient times, plants have been an exemplary source of medicine. Ayurveda
and other Indian literature mention the use of plants in treatment of various
human ailments. India has about 45000 plant species and among them, several
thousands have been claimed to possess medicinal properties. Research conducted
in last few decades on plants mentioned in ancient literature or used
traditionally for diabetes have shown anti-diabetic property. The present paper
reviews 45 such plants and their products (active, natural principles and crude
extracts) that have been mentioned/used in the Indian traditional system of
medicine and have shown experimental or clinical anti-diabetic activity. Indian
plants which are most effective and the most commonly studied in relation to
diabetes and their complications are: Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Aloe vera,
Cajanus cajan, Coccinia indica, Caesalpinia bonducella, Ficus bengalenesis,
Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia, Ocimum sanctum, Pterocarpus marsupium,
Swertia chirayita, Syzigium cumini, Tinospora cordifolia and Trigonella foenum
graecum. Among these we have evaluated M. charantia, Eugenia jambolana, Mucuna
pruriens, T. cordifolia, T. foenum graecum, O. sanctum, P. marsupium, Murraya
koeingii and Brassica juncea. All plants have shown varying degree of
hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic activity.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 12020931 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

61: Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2001 Oct;45(4):408-20.

Restoration on tissue antioxidants by fenugreek seeds (Trigonella Foenum
Graecum) in alloxan-diabetic rats.

Anuradha CV, Ravikumar P.

Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar-608 002.

The influence of fenugreek seed powder supplementation in the diet on lipid
peroxidation and antioxidant status was studied in normal and alloxan-diabetic
rats. The protective effect of the aqueous extract of the seeds on the activity
of calcium-dependent adenosinetriphosphatase (Ca2+ ATPase) in liver homogenate
in the presence of Fe2+/ascorbate in vitro was also investigated. Normal and
diabetic rats were provided with a diet supplemented with fenugreek seed powder
for 30 days at a dosage of 2 g/kg body weight. The diabetic rats exhibited
enhanced lipid peroxidation and increased susceptibility to oxidative stress
associated with depletion of antioxidants in liver, kidney and pancreas.
However, treatment with fenugreek seed powder normalised the alterations. In
normal rats supplementation resulted in increased antioxidant status with
reduction in peroxidation. Ca2+ ATPase activity in liver was protected by the
aqueous extract to nearly 80% of the initial activity. The findings suggest that
the soluble portion of the seeds could be responsible for the antioxidant
property.

PMID: 11883146 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

62: J Assoc Physicians India. 2001 Nov;49:1057-61.

Comment in:
J Assoc Physicians India. 2001 Nov;49:1055-6.

Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds on glycaemic control and
insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo
controlled study.

Gupta A, Gupta R, Lal B.

Jaipur Diabetes and Research Centre.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek)
seeds on glycemic control and insulin resistance, determined by HOMA model, in
mild to moderate type 2 diabetes mellitus we performed a double blind placebo
controlled study. METHODS: Twenty five newly diagnosed patients with type 2
diabetes (fasting glucose < 200 mg/dl) were randomly divided into two groups.
Group I (n=12) received 1 gm/day hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek seeds and
Group II (n=13) received usual care (dietary control, exercise) and placebo
capsules for two months. RESULTS: At baseline both the groups were similar in
anthropometric and clinical variables. Oral glucose tolerance test, lipid
levels, fasting C-peptide, glycosylated haemoglobin, and HOMA-model insulin
resistance were also similar at baseline. In group 1 as compared to group 2 at
the end of two months, fasting blood glucose (148.3 +/- 44.1 to 119.9 +/- 25 vs.
137.5 +/- 41.1 to 113.0 +/- 36.0) and two hour postglucose blood glucose (210.6
+/- 79.0 to 181.1 +/- 69 vs. 219.9 +/- 41.0 to 241.6 +/- 43) were not different.
But area under curve (AUC) of blood glucose (2375 +/- 574 vs 27597 +/- 274) as
well as insulin (2492 +/- 2536 vs. 5631 +/- 2428) was significantly lower (p <
0.001). HOMA model derived insulin resistance showed a decrease in percent
beta-cell secretion in group 1 as compared to group 2 (86.3 +/- 32 vs. 70.1 +/-
52) and increase in percent insulin sensitivity (112.9 +/- 67 vs 92.2 +/- 57) (p
< 0.05). Serum triglycerides decreased and HDL cholesterol increased
significantly in group 1 as compared to group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Adjunct
use of fenugreek seeds improves glycemic control and decreases insulin
resistance in mild type-2 diabetic patients. There is also a favourable effect
on hypertriglyceridemia.

Publication Types:
Clinical Trial
Comparative Study
Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 11868855 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

63: J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jan;79(1):95-100.

Evaluation of anti-hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effect of Trigonella
foenum-graecum Linn, Ocimum sanctum Linn and Pterocarpus marsupium Linn in
normal and alloxanized diabetic rats.

Vats V, Grover JK, Rathi SS.

Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari
Nagar, 110 049, New Delhi, India.

The hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous (Aq) extract of the bark of Pterocarpus
marsupium (PM) and alcoholic (Alc) extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum
(FG) and leaves of Ocimum sanctum (OS) was investigated in both normal and
alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The Aq extract of PM (1 g/kg PO) significantly
(P<0.001) reduced the blood sugar levels from 72.32+/-5.62 to 61.35+/-1.2 mg% 2
h after oral administration of the extract and also significantly lowered the
blood glucose in alloxan diabetic rats from 202.91+/-5.44 to 85.22+/-11.28 mg%
21 days after daily oral administration of the extract (P<0.001). Similarly,
reduction was seen with Alc extract of FG (74.33+/-4.77 to 60.56+/-1.9 in normal
rats and 201.25+/-7.69 to 121.25+/-6.25 in diabetic rats) (P<0.001) and OS
(204.48+/-11.0 to 131.43+/-7.86 in normal rats and 73.54+/-3.7 to 61.44+/-2.3 in
diabetic rats) (P<0.001). In addition, the extract also showed a favorable
effect on glucose disposition in glucose fed hyperglycemic rats.

PMID: 11744301 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

64: J Agric Food Chem. 2001 Dec;49(12):6012-9.

Sotolone production by hairy root cultures of Trigonella foenum-graecum in
airlift with mesh bioreactors.

Peraza-Luna F, Rodriguez-Mendiola M, Arias-Castro C, Bessiere JM, Calva-Calva G.

Centro de Investigacion y Graduados Agropecuarios/Instituto Tecnologico
Agropecuario de Jalisco, Tlajomulco de Zuniga, Jalisco, Mexico.

3-Hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone (sotolone) and
3-amino-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone, the postulated precursor of sotolone, were
detected in hairy root cultures of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) by
GC-MS. The hairy root cultures in both conical flasks and airlift with mesh
bioreactors were achieved from hypocotyl of seedling by infection with
Agrobacterium rhizogenes. In flasks, the mathematical relationship between hairy
root growth and conductivity was established and afterward used to evaluate the
biomass evolution in bioreactor cultures due to the difficulty of obtaining
direct biomass samples from the bioreactor. The GC-MS analyses of ethanolic
extracts from hairy roots revealed the presence of two important compounds:
sotolone (1.2% of the volatile fraction) and 3-amino-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone
(17% of the volatile fraction). These results point out that biotechnological
production of sotolone in bioreactors is possible. Additionally, these hairy
root cultures offer, for the first time, an excellent biological model to study
the biosynthetic pathway of sotolone in fenugreek.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 11743801 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

65: Biol Trace Elem Res. 2001 Summer;82(1-3):217-29.

Uptake of 45Ca by mitochondria of Trigonella foenum-graecum as influenced by
selenium and mimosine--detailed kinetic analyses.

Sreekala M, Lalitha K.

Cellular Biochemistry and Biophysics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.

Mitochondria from Trigonella foenum-graecum seedlings grown independently in the
presence of either selenium (0.75 ppm) or mimosine (0.1 mM) exhibited
respiration-stimulated energy-dependent uptake of Ca2+. Uptake studies were
carried out independently at a series of Ca2+ concentrations at two different
levels: (1) 1-20 MM and (2) 25-1,500 microM. Levels of uptake were 50-100%
higher in the mitochondria of seedlings of both the Se and mimosine groups.
Detailed kinetic analyses revealed negative cooperative effects operative during
uptake of Ca2+ at 25-1,500 microM given in the medium. Hill coefficients for
Ca2+ uptake by the mitochondria of different groups remained unchanged (nH,
0.75). Biphasic Scatchard plots were concave upward, suggestive of two classes
of binding sites. High-affinity binding sites were estimated to be 16 nmol/mg
protein with dissociation constant (KCa) of 2.5 x 10(9) L/mol. In contrast,
graphical analyses of the uptake of Ca2+ in the range 1-20 microM in the medium
revealed cooperative effects of positive nature. The present study demonstrates
mixed cooperative effects during Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria from seedlings of
T. foenum-graecum.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 11697770 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

66: Mol Cell Biochem. 2001 Aug;224(1-2):45-51.

Trigonellafoenum graecum (fenugreek) seed powder improves glucose homeostasis in
alloxan diabetic rat tissues by reversing the altered glycolytic, gluconeogenic
and lipogenic enzymes.

Raju J, Gupta D, Rao AR, Yadava PK, Baquer NZ.

Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.

Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seed powder has been suggested to have
potential antidiabetic effects. The effect of oral administration of Trigonella
whole seed powder (5% in the diet) for 21 days on glycolytic, gluconeogenic and
NADP-linked lipogenic enzymes were studied in liver and kidney tissues of
alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetic rats were characterised by a
4-fold higher blood glucose level and a 0.7-fold lower body weight compared to
normal controls. The activities of the glycolytic enzymes were significantly
lower in the diabetic liver and higher in the diabetic kidney. The activities of
gluconeogenic enzymes were higher in both liver and kidney during diabetes,
however the activities of the lipogenic enzymes were decreased in both tissues
during diabetes. Trigonella seed powder treatment to diabetic rats for 21 days
brought down the elevated fasting blood glucose levels to control levels. The
altered enzyme activities were significantly restored to control values in both
the liver and kidney after Trigonella seed powder treatment. The therapeutic
role of Trigonella seed powder in type-1 diabetes as exemplified in this study
can be attributed to the change of glucose and lipid metabolising enzyme
activities to normal values, thus stabilizing glucose homeostasis in the liver
and kidney. These biochemical effects exerted by Trigonella seeds make it a
possible new therapeutic in type-1 diabetes.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 11693199 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

67: Phytochemistry. 2001 Oct;58(4):577-80.

Flavonol glycosides from the stems of Trigonella foenum-graecum.

Han Y, Nishibe S, Noguchi Y, Jin Z.

Research Department of Chinese Materia Medicine, Pharmaceutical Institute of
Tianjin, No. 308 Anshanxi Road, Nankai District, 300193, Tianjin, China.

Two kaempferol glycosides [kaempferol
3-O-beta-D-glucosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactoside 7-O-beta-D-glucoside and
kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-glucosyl(1-->2)-(6"-O-acetyl)-beta-D-galactoside
7-O-beta-D-glucoside] as well as the quercetin glycoside [quercetin
3-O-beta-D-glucosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactoside 7-O-beta-D-glucoside] were
isolated from the stems of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Leguminosae) along with
a known kaempferol glycoside, lilyn [kaempferol
3-O-beta-D-glucosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-galactoside]. Their structures were
established by analysis of chemical and spectral evidence.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 11576601 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

68: Phytother Res. 2001 Sep;15(6):538-40.

Nematicidal activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Zia T, Siddiqui IA, Nazrul-Hasnain.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi - 75270, Pakistan.

The aqueous, methanol and chloroform extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum
caused significant (p < 0.05) mortality of Meloidogyne javanica larvae. The
methanol soluble fraction eluted from pure distilled water showed the highest
(>92%) nematicidal activity compared with the fractions eluted from pure
methanol and different ratios of chloroform and methanol indicate that the
nematicidal compound was polar in nature. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 11536387 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

69: Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2001;56(3):285-95.

Retention of quality characteristics of dehydrated green leaves during storage.

Negi PS, Roy SK.

Division of Fruits and Horticultural Technology, Indian Agricultural Research
Institute, New Delhi.

Green leafy vegetables are the most underexploited class of vegetables despite
high nutritional value. Reports on nutritional composition and storage of some
of the fresh leaves are available but the storage behavior of dehydrated leaves
apparently has not been studied. Therefore, in the present study, two green
leafy vegetables, savoy beets (Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis) and fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum graecum) were dehydrated in a low temperature drier and
stored for 9 months under ambient and cold stored conditions after packaging in
single or double layers of high density polyethylene film (200 gauge). The
quality was determined on the basis of retention of beta-carotene, ascorbic acid
and chlorophyll, and the extent of browning during storage. Retention of these
quality characteristics depended on the crop and storage conditions. Double
packed and cold stored samples of fenugreek retained 67% beta-carotene, whereas
savoy beet leaves retained only 57% of the initial beta-carotene under similar
conditions. Similarly, higher retention of ascorbic acid and chlorophyll, and
lower browning was observed in double packed, cold stored samples. Results
indicated the efficacy of double packed and cold stored samples over other
combinations.

PMID: 11442228 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

70: East Mediterr Health J. 2000 Jan;6(1):83-8.

Hypoglycaemic effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Trigonella
foenum-graecum in healthy volunteers.

Abdel-Barry JA, Abdel-Hassan IA, Jawad AM, al-Hakiem MH.

Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Basra, Basra,
Iraq.

The safety and efficacy of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract was investigated
using 20 male volunteers aged 20-30 years. They were randomly treated with
either 40 mg/kg aqueous extract powder in 10 mL distilled water or 10 mL
distilled water in which coffee simulated the extract. The extract significantly
lowered blood glucose level by 13.4% 4 hours after ingestion. A significant
change of 14.1% was observed in potassium levels. No significant alteration in
serum cholesterol, total serum protein and blood urea occurred. Approximately
one-third experienced feelings of hunger, frequency of micturition or dizziness
during the 24 hours after ingestion. The aqueous extract effectively reduced
blood glucose in normal subjects safely. Its hypokalaemic effect merits further
investigation.

Publication Types:
Clinical Trial
Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 11370345 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

71: Biol Trace Elem Res. 2001 Mar;79(3):271-85.

Kinetic analyses of mitochondrial 75selenium uptake in Trigonella foenum-graecum
seedlings exposed to selenium and mimosine.

Sreekala M, Lalitha K.

Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai.

Uptake of (75Se) added in vitro was followed in mitochondria isolated from
Trigonella foenum-graecum seedlings grown under different Se status (0.5-1.0
ppm) and with added mimosine (0.1 mM). Uptake of 75Se followed with added Na2
75SeO3 upto 20 microM in the medium was nonlinear in all the groups. Kinetic
analyses of the uptake of 75Se for 1 min were carried out for all the groups.
The results indicated a cooperative effect during Se transport. Graphical
analyses using the Hill plot and Scatchard plot confirmed the existence of
negative cooperativity during 75Se uptake. Scatchard plots were biphasic,
suggesting the probable presence of two classes of binding sites. The presence
of succinate or ATP in the incubation medium inhibited 75Se uptake by 40%.
Studies with mitochondrial respiratory inhibitors indicated the uptake to be
energy independent. A decrease in the uptake of 75Se by 40% effected by HgCl2,
N-ethyl maleimide, and iodoacetate confirmed the interaction of active thiols in
the process. The present study confirms the controlled nature of 75Se uptake by
plant mitochondria.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 11354351 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

72: Phytother Res. 2001 May;15(3):257-9.

Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seed extract as an antineoplastic agent.

Sur P, Das M, Gomes A, Vedasiromoni JR, Sahu NP, Banerjee S, Sharma RM, Ganguly
DK.

Division of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Indian Institute of
Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Calcutta - 700 032, India.

The antineoplastic effect of Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract has been
evaluated in the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model in Balb-C mice.
Intra-peritoneal administration of the alcohol extract of the seed both before
and after inoculation of EAC cell in mice produced more than 70% inhibition of
tumour cell growth with respect to the control. Treatment with the extract was
found to enhance both the peritoneal exudate cell and macrophage cell counts.
The extract also produced a significant antiinflammatory effect. We report here
the antiinflammatory and antineoplastic effects, of Trigonella foenum graecum
seed extract. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 11351364 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

73: J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 May;75(2-3):283-6.

Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves
extract in the rat.

Ahmadiani A, Javan M, Semnanian S, Barat E, Kamalinejad M.

Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shaheed Beheshti University of
Medical Sciences, PO Box 19835-355, Tehran, Iran. aaz@hbi.dmr.or.ir

Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of the Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG)
leaves extract, an Iranian medicinal plant, were examined. For anti-inflammatory
activity, the formalin-induced edema model was used. Hyperthermia was induced by
intraperitoneal injection of 20% (w/v) aqueous suspension of brewer's yeast.
Sodium salicylate (SS) was used as a positive control. Both TFG and SS
significantly reduced formalin-induced edema in single dose (TFG 1000 and 2000
mg/kg, SS 300 mg/kg) and chronic administration (TFG 1000 mg/kg and SS 300
mg/kg). TFG and SS also significantly reduced hyperthermia induced by brewer's
yeast in 1 and 2 h after their administration. The results indicate that the TFG
leaves extract possess anti-inflammatory as well as antipyretic properties in
both i.p. and p.o. administration. Phytochemical studies indicate that
alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and phenols are the major component in the
extract. Although existence of three anti-inflammatory, analgesic and
antipyretic effects in this extract suggest a NSAID-like mechanism for it, but
the presence of alkaloids, the absence of other effective compounds such as
flavonoids, saponins, steroids, etc., and also its analgesic effect on
tail-flick test that usually is not produced by NSAIDs, suggest another
mechanism for the extract. So the possibility of alkaloids as effective
compounds, in this extract, increases.

PMID: 11297864 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

74: J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 May;75(2-3):191-5.

Evaluation of the oral hypoglycaemic effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.
(methi) in normal mice.

Zia T, Hasnain SN, Hasan SK.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, 75270, Karachi, Pakistan.

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) (Leguminosae) is employed as a herbal
medicine. Its seeds are known for their carminative, tonic and antidiabetic
effects. A curative dose of Trigonella foenum-graecum also produces antiulcer
action. In this study we have investigated the hypoglycaemic activities of the
aqueous extract of the seeds Trigonella foenum-graecum in normal mice using oral
route of adminstration. The methanolic extract administered through the same
route produced hypoglycaemic effect only at the dose of 1 g/kg body weight. The
aqueous extract is under further investigation to determine the chemical
structure of the active component. The presence of hypoglycaemic activity in
aqueous and methanolic extract indicates that the active compounds are polar in
nature.

PMID: 11297850 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

75: J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Nov;48(11):5206-10.

Microdetermination of diosgenin from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
seeds.

Taylor WG, Elder JL, Chang PR, Richards KW.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 0X2. taylorw@em.agr.ca

Sulfuric acid hydrolysis of steroidal glycosides of Amber fenugreek was studied
by capillary gas chromatographic analysis of diosgenin [(25R)-spirost-5-en-3-ol]
and isomeric spirostadiene artifacts from 100 mg samples of seed material.
Following extraction with 80% ethanol, highest recoveries of diosgenin occurred
when hydrolyses were conducted in sulfuric acid, prepared at 1 molar (M)
concentration in water containing 60-80% 2-propanol. Compared to a previous
method with aqueous hydrochloric acid, the selected conditions of hydrolysis at
100 degrees C for 2 h with sulfuric acid in 70% 2-propanol reduced diene
formation but did not completely eliminate these artifacts. Extraction of
steroidal saponins with various alcohol/water mixtures prior to sulfuric acid
hydrolysis gave similar recoveries of diosgenin. Application of the quantitative
method to experimental samples of Amber, Quatro, and ZT-5 fenugreek, using 10 mg
subsamples of crushed seed that had been defatted with petroleum ether and dried
at 60 degrees C, gave diosgenin levels of 0.55, 0.42, and 0.75%, respectively.
Levels of smilagenin and sarsasapogenin were very low in hydrolyzed seed
extracts from ZT-5, a Canadian breeder line of fenugreek.

PMID: 11087460 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

76: Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2000 Jul;48(7):994-1000.

Medicinal foodstuffs. XVII. Fenugreek seed. (3): structures of new
furostanol-type steroid saponins, trigoneosides Xa, Xb, XIb, XIIa, XIIb, and
XIIIa, from the seeds of Egyptian Trigonellafoenum-graecum L.

Murakami T, Kishi A, Matsuda H, Yoshikawa M.

Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Misasagi, Kyoto, Japan.

Six new furostanol-type steroid saponins called trigoneosides Xa, Xb, XIb, XIIa,
XIIb, and XIIIa were isolated from the seeds of Egyptian Trigonella
foenum-graecum L. (Leguminosae) together with six known furostanol-type steroid
saponins: trigoneosides Ia, Ib, and Va, glycoside D, trigonelloside C, and
compound C. The structures of trigoneosides Xa, Xb, Xlb, XIIa, Xllb, and XIIIa
were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence as
26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5alpha-furostane-2alpha+
++,3beta,22xi,26-tetraol
3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-,beta-D-glucopyranoside,
26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5alpha-furostane-2 alpha,beta,22xi,26tetraol
3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(l -->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside,
26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5alpha-furostane2alpha++ +,beta,22xi,26-tetraol
3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl(l -->4)-beta-D-glucopyranoside,
26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-furost-4-ene-3beta,22xi,26- triol
3-O-Ca-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside,
26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-4-ene-3beta,22xi+ ++,26-triol
3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and
26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(25S)-furost-5-ene-3beta,22xi,26-t riol
3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl
(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1--4)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively.

PMID: 10923829 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

77: J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Apr;70(1):65-8.

Acute intraperitoneal and oral toxicity of the leaf glycosidic extract of
Trigonella foenum-graecum in mice.

Abdel-Barry JA, Al-Hakiem MH.

Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah,
Iraq.

The present study was carried out to determine the acute toxicity of the leaf
glycosidic extract of Trigonealla foenum-graecum by estimation of its medium
lethal dose (LD(50)) after oral and intraperitoneal administration to mice and
also to identify the target organs for its possible toxic effects. The main
target organ affected among the four organs studied (liver, kidney, stomach,
small and large intestine) was the liver, where early degeneration with
infiltration of mononuclear and mild hepatitis was found in some animals treated
with toxic doses of glycosidic extract. It is concluded that the glycosidic
extract of T. foenum-graecum leaves is considered to be safe and have minimal
adverse effect.

PMID: 10720790 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

78: Indian J Exp Biol. 1999 Feb;37(2):200-2.

Effects of vanadate, insulin and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) on
creatine kinase levels in tissues of diabetic rat.

Genet S, Kale RK, Baquer NZ.

School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.

The in vivo effects of insulin, and other insulino mimetic agents like vanadate
and fenugreek (T. foenum graecum) were followed on the changes in the activities
of creatine kinase in heart, skeletal muscle and liver of experimental diabetic
rats. As compared to control rats, creatine kinase activities were found to
decrease significantly in the tissues during experimental diabetes. All the
antidiabetic compounds used namely, insulin, vanadate and Fenugreek seed powder
normalised the decreased activities to almost control values. The effects of
insulin and vanadate were comparable in restoring normoglycemia and the creatine
kinase activities.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 10641147 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

79: Indian J Exp Biol. 1999 Feb;37(2):196-9.

Modulation of some gluconeogenic enzyme activities in diabetic rat liver and
kidney: effect of antidiabetic compounds.

Gupta D, Raju J, Baquer NZ.

School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.

The effects of insulin, sodium orthovanadate and a hypoglycemic plant material,
Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seed powder were studied on the activities
of glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase in diabetic liver and
kidney. The significantly increased activities of the two enzymes during
diabetes in liver and kidney were found to be lowered to almost control values
by the use of the antidiabetic compounds. Diabetic liver exhibited a much
greater increase in the activities of the two enzymes than diabetic kidney. The
highest percentage of reversal to normal values was seen using the combination
of vanadate and Trigonella seed powder. The lowered rate of growth of the
animals as well as the increased blood sugar were reversed almost to the control
levels by the Trigonella seed powder and vanadate treatment. The inclusion of
the Trigonella seed powder overcame the toxicity of vanadium encountered when it
was given alone as insulin mimetic agent. Much lower levels of vanadate were
needed when it was given in combination with Trigonella seed powder. Their
combined effects were better at restoring the above parameters than those
induced by insulin administration.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 10641146 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

80: Indian J Exp Biol. 1999 Feb;37(2):193-5.

Effect of antidiabetic compounds on glyoxalase I activity in experimental
diabetic rat liver.

Raju J, Gupta D, Rao AR, Baquer NZ.

Hormone and Drug Research Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru
University, New Delhi, India.

The activity of glyoxalase I from the soluble fraction of diabetic rat liver was
found to decrease as compared to the control. Sodium orthovanadate in drinking
water and Trigonella foenum graecum seed powder when administered to these
diabetic animals were found to reverse the activity of glyoxalase I to control
values. A combination of the above two antidiabetic compounds showed a better
reversal. Vanadate and Trigonella seed powder treatment separately to diabetic
rats also normalized hyperglycemia together with glyoxalase I activity. A
combination of vanadate and Trigonella seed powder also restored the other
general parameters of the diabetic animals.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 10641145 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

81: Biol Trace Elem Res. 1999 Dec;70(3):209-22.

Oxidative stress during selenium deficiency in seedlings of Trigonella
foenum-graecum and mitigation by mimosine Part II. Glutathione metabolism.

Santosh TR, Sreekala M, Lalitha K.

Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai.

Adaptive alterations in glutathione (GSH) metabolism were studied during
oxidative stress induced by selenium (Se) deficiency in germinating seedlings of
Trigonella foenum-graecum grown for 72 h and the response to supplementation
individually of Se or mimosine was explored. Growth enhancement with improved
mitochondrial efficiency was elicited by supplementation of Se at 0.5-0.75 ppm
or mimosine at 0.1-0.2 mM. Total thiol and protein levels of mitochondrial and
soluble fractions, in general, did not vary significantly with supplementation
of either Se or mimosine except that the mitochondrial protein levels in
mimosine groups (0.1-0.2 mM) decreased by 20-30%. Mitochondrial glutathione
peroxidase (GSH-Px) increased by twofold in activity toward H2O2, cumene
hydroperoxide (CHP), and t-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) in Se groups, and by
50-60% increase toward H2O2 and CHP but by a twofold enhancement in enzyme
activity with tBHP in mimosine groups. Soluble GSH-Px activity increased by
30-40% only in mimosine groups and remained unaltered in Se groups. Glutathione
S-transferase activity (GST) in the soluble fraction of both Se and mimosine
groups increased dramatically by fivefold to sixfold. Distinct differences were
noted in the response of the stressed seedlings toward exposure to Se or
mimosine and included a decline in glutathione reductase (GR) activity by 50-60%
in both mitochondria and soluble fractions of Se groups and an increase in GR
activity of the mitochondria by twofold and of the soluble enzyme activity by
30% in the mimosine groups. Mimosine exposure resulted in a dose-dependent
decrease in the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels, but, in contrast, a
significant enhancement by 50% was noted in the Se group at 0.75 ppm. The
results including the differential response of GR activity to Se or mimosine
supplementation are reflective of an effective reductive environment in Se
groups and increased turnover of GSH in the presence of mimosine.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 10610060 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

82: Biol Trace Elem Res. 1999 Dec;70(3):193-207.

Oxidative stress during selenium deficiency in seedlings of Trigonella
foenum-graecum and mitigation by mimosine. Part I. Hydroperoxide metabolism.

Sreekala M, Santosh TR, Lalitha K.

Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai.

Oxidative stress during selenium (Se) deficiency in the seedlings of Trigonella
foenum-graecum grown for 72 h was investigated and the response to supplemented
levels of Se (0.5-1 ppm) and mimosine (0.05-1 mM) was evaluated. Beneficial
effects of Se was maximal at 0.75 ppm. Mimosine, a toxic amino acid, was also
found to be beneficial to the growth of the seedlings exposed up to 0.2 mM. When
compared to the stressed seedlings, mitochondrial oxygen uptake from seedlings
of Se (0.75 ppm) group and mimosine (0.2 mM) group exhibited threefold
enhancement in state 3 respiration rate and a controlled state 4 rate, with
respiratory control ratios of 5-8. Upon supplementation at the optimal levels,
superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were enhanced fourfold with Se and
eightfold with mimosine in the mitochondria. The soluble activity in mimosine
groups increased twofold, but only by 75% in Se groups. Peroxidase activity
registered a significant increase by threefold in mitochondria and fourfold in
soluble fraction in both Se and mimosine groups. Exposure to Se or mimosine
exhibited a differential response in the mitochondrial catalase and ascorbate
peroxidase (Asc-Px) activities. In the Se groups, both catalase and Asc-Px in
mitochondria decreased by 50-60%, which was contrasted by 60% increase in Asc-Px
activity and 40% in catalase activity in mimosine groups. Supplementation with
either Se or mimosine evoked similar responses of increases with respect to
soluble catalase by twofold to threefold and Asc-Px by 90%. The results of the
present study reveal (1) the prevalence of oxidative stress in T. foenum-graecum
during Se deficiency, (2) enhanced mitochondrial functional efficiency mediated
by Se and mimosine independently, and (3) an antioxidative role for mimosine
during Se deficiency. The study demonstrates for the first time that mimosine, a
naturally occurring toxic amino acid, could be a beneficial growth factor in
concentrations between 0.1 and 0.2 mM.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 10610059 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

83: J Agric Food Chem. 1999 Feb;47(2):462-7.

Enhancement of beta-glucosidase and beta-galactosidase of Trigonella
foenum-graecum by exposure to the allelochemical mimosine.

Santosh TR, Balasubramanian KK, Lalitha K.

Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India.

Glycohydrolases assume significance in the metabolism of biological systems and
have important industrial applications in the areas of pharmaceuticals, food,
and medicine. Glycosidases were screened in germinating seeds, and attempts were
made to enhance their levels. Screening of glycosidases in the seedlings during
a 72 h germination period revealed higher levels of beta-glucosidase and
beta-galactosidase in Trigonella foenum-graecum compared to Cicer arietinum and
Vigna radiata. Activity of beta-galactosidase was in general higher than that of
beta-glucosidase in all the seedlings tested. During growth, exposure of the
seedlings to an allelochemical, mimosine, at 0.1 mM resulted in the enhancement
of enzyme levels by 50% in the seedlings of T. foenum-graecum, whereas the
addition of mimosine to the assay medium in vitro did not affect the enzyme
activities. Hydrolytic activity was enhanced by addition of glycerol in the
medium up to 0.1 M in the case of beta-glucosidase and with 0.05 M in the case
of beta-galactosidase. In general, the hydrolytic rate was higher by about 30%
in the seedlings exposed to mimosine compared to that of the control.
Concomitant enhancement in the rates of transgalactosidation by 51% and
transglucosidation by 23% was also noted, underscoring the relevance of plant
glycohydrolases for appropriate applications.

PMID: 10563917 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

84: Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1999;53(3):255-63.

Effect of domestic processing on total and extractable calcium and zinc content
of bathua (Chenopodium album) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) leaves.

Yadav SK, Sehgal S.

Department of Foods and Nutrition, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar,
India.

Bathua (Chenopodium album) and fenugreek (Trigonellafoenum graecum) stored in
polyethylene bags and without packaging for 24 or 48 hours in a refrigerator at
5 or 30 degrees C in polyethylene bags. The fresh leaves were also dried (oven
and sun); blanched (5, 10 or 15 min) and cooked in an open pan and a pressure
cooker. The processed leaves were analyzed for total and extractable calcium and
zinc content. The Ca and Zn content of these leaves varied from 970 to 2230 and
10.50 to 12.30 mg/100 g DM and the percentage HCl-extractability was 80.34 to
83.04 and 82.43 to 83.90, respectively. Non significant effects of drying and
storage were observed on total Ca and Zn content and HCl-extractability while
blanching and cooking resulted in significant improvement of HCl-extractability
of these two minerals. Thus, cooking and blanching are good ways to improve the
HCl-extractability of Ca and Zn.

PMID: 10517284 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

85: Food Chem Toxicol. 1999 Aug;37(8):831-8.

Acute and subchronic toxicity assessment of debitterized fenugreek powder in the
mouse and rat.

Muralidhara, Narasimhamurthy K, Viswanatha S, Ramesh BS.

Department of Biochemistry & Nutrition, Central Food Technological Research
Institute, Mysore, India.

Increased human use of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) entails the
generation of toxicity data in experimental animals. In this investigation,
toxic effects of debitterized fenugreek (DFG) powder have been assessed
following acute and subchronic regimens in mice and rats. In the acute study,
DFG powder intragastrically administered to albino mice (CFT-Swiss, Mus
musculus) and albino rats (CFT-Wistar, Rattus norvegicus) of both sexes failed
to induce any signs of toxicity or mortality up to a maximum practical dosage of
2 and 5 g/kg body weight, respectively. Further, no significant alterations
either in relative organ weights or their histology were discernible at terminal
autopsy. In the 90-day subchronic study, DFG fed to weanling rats of both sexes
at dietary doses of 0, 1, 5 and 10% in a pure diet had no effect either on the
daily food intake or growth. Terminal autopsy revealed no alterations in
relative organ weights of various vital organs, or their histoarchitecture.
Haematological constants in DFG-fed rats were on par with those of controls.
Further, biochemical measurements in serum and liver of DFG-fed rats revealed no
appreciable changes in various parameters such as enzyme levels of GPT , GOT and
ALP, as well as many serum constituents such as proteins, cholesterol, urea and
creatinine at any of the dietary levels. From these results, it may be concluded
that DFG does not produce any significant acute and cumulative toxicity at the
doses administered, as reflected by the various parameters investigated.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 10506006 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

86: Phytother Res. 1999 May;13(3):197-201.

Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in
diabetic rats.

Ravikumar P, Anuradha CV.

Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India.

The effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on blood lipid
peroxidation and antioxidant status in alloxan diabetic rats was studied.
Increased lipid peroxidation and alterations in circulating antioxidants were
observed in the diabetic state. The levels of glutathione, ascorbic acid and
beta-carotene in blood were significantly lowered and alpha-tocopherol content
was increased. Supplementation of fenugreek seeds in the diet lowered lipid
peroxidation. The contents of glutathione and beta-carotene were increased and
the alpha-tocopherol content was lowered. The level of ascorbic acid was
unaltered. The level of antioxidants were higher in normal rats which were fed
with the fenugreek supplemented diet compared with control animals which were
fed commercial rat chow. The study shows that disrupted free radical metabolism
in diabetic animals may be normalized by fenugreek seed supplementation in the
diet.

PMID: 10353156 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

87: Folia Med (Plovdiv). 1998;40(3B Suppl 3):110-3.

Central effects of AC-1 and TFG-1.

Balabanov P, Karamanos AP.

Department of Pharmacology and Drug Toxicology, Higher Medical Institute,
Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

AC-1 and TFG-1 are both herb extracts from Avena Sativa and Trigonella Foenum
Graecum respectively. In folk medicine, Trigonella Foenum Graecum is used as
appetiser and general tonic as well as for pellagra treatment and for treatment
of pulmonary disorders. Avena Sativa is another commonly used appetiser and
tonic. In our study we examined the influence of AC-1 and TFG-1 on some of the
major functions of the central nervous system. We divided the test animals in
three groups and after administering the herb extracts we monitored different
pharmacological parameters-Phenamine toxicity and stereotypy, Hexobarbital
sleep, elementary conditioned reflexes and antiseizure activity.

PMID: 10206008 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

88: Biol Trace Elem Res. 1998 Summer;64(1-3):247-58.

Selenium-mediated differential response of beta-glucosidase and
beta-galactosidase of germinating Trigonella foenum-graecum.

Sreekala M, Lalitha K.

Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai.

Beta-glucosidase and beta-galactosidase activity profile tested in different
seeds during 24 h germination revealed reasonably high levels of activity in
Vigna radiata, Cicer arietinum, and Trigonella foenum-graecum. In all seeds
tested, beta-galactosidase activity was, in general, higher than that of
beta-glucosidase. T. foenum-graecum seedlings exhibited maximal total and
specific activities for both the enzymes during 72 h germination. Se
supplementation as Na2SeO3 up to 0.75 ppm was found to be beneficial to growth
and revealed selective enhancement of beta-galactosidase activity by 40% at 0.5
ppm Se. The activities of both the enzymes drastically decreased at 1.0 ppm
level of Se supplementation. On the contrary, addition of Na2SeO3 in vitro up to
1 ppm to the enzyme extracts did not influence these activities. Hydrolytic
rates of beta-glucosidase in both control and Se-supplemented groups were
enhanced by 20% with 0.05 M glycerol in the medium and 30% at 0.1 M glycerol.
The rates were marginally higher in Se-supplemented seedlings than the controls,
irrespective of added glycerol in the medium. In contrast, hydrolysis by
beta-galactosidase showed a trend of decrease in Se-supplemented seedlings
compared to the control, when glycerol was present in the medium. Addition of Se
in vitro in the assay medium showed no difference in the hydrolytic rate by
beta-galactosidase when compared to control, while the activity of
beta-glucosidase declined by 50%. Se-grown seedlings showed an enhancement of
transglucosidation rate by 40% in the presence of 0.1 M glycerol. The study
reveals a differential response to Se among the beta-galactosidase and
beta-glucosidase of T. foenum-graecum with increase in the levels of
beta-galactosidase activity.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 9845479 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

89: J Ethnopharmacol. 1997 Nov;58(3):149-55.

Hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaf
in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Abdel-Barry JA, Abdel-Hassan IA, Al-Hakiem MH.

Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Basrah, Iraq.

The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaf were tested
for hypoglycaemic activity in normal and alloxan-diabetic rats. Graded amounts
(0.06, 0.2, 0.5, 1 g/kg, i.p. and 1, 2, 8 g/kg, p.o.) of the aqueous extract of
Trigonella foenum-graecum leaf when given to both normal and alloxan-diabetic
rats, a significant reduction of blood glucose concentration was noticed. On the
other hand ethanolic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaf produced no
reduction in blood glucose concentration in normal rats but intra-peritoneal
administration of 0.8 g/kg of the ethanolic leaf extract to diabetic rats
produced a significant reduction of blood glucose concentration (p < 0.02) at 2
and 24 h only. Intraperitoneal and oral acute toxicity (LD50) and target organ
effects were studied for the aqueous extract of Trigonella leaf in mice. LD50 of
i.p. and oral administration were 1.9 and 10 g/kg respectively. The main organ
affected after i.p. administration of the aqueous extract was the liver while
oral administration of the aqueous extract of Trigonella did not produce any
sign of organ damage. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of
Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves given both orally and intraperitoneally
possesses a hypoglycaemic effect in normoglycaemic and alloxan induced
hyperglycaemic rats.

PMID: 9421250 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

90: J Ethnopharmacol. 1997 Oct;58(2):125-9.

Antinociceptive effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves extract.

Javan M, Ahmadiani A, Semnanian S, Kamalinejad M.

Department of Pharmacology, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences,
Tehran, Iran.

There are some reports concerning the antinociceptive effects of the plant
Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) in Iranian traditional medicine. Because of the
side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive drugs, and in
search for more potent and less harmful compounds, we tried to study the
antinociceptive effects of TFG leaves by using tail-flick and formalin tests.
Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 500 mg/kg of TFG extract and 100 and
300 mg/kg of sodium salicylate (SS), as a positive control, did not show any
effect in the tail-flick test, but the 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of the extract
produced significant increase in the tail-flick latency. SS (300 mg/kg, i.p.)
induced antinociception in the second phase of the formalin test. TFG (500
mg/kg, i.p.) demonstrated antinociception only in the first phase, but 1000 and
2000 mg/kg, i.p. doses alleviated the pain in both phases. Preliminary LD50 of
the extract was very close to 4000 mg/kg, i.p. We conclude that: (1) the extract
of TFG leaves produces antinociceptive effects through central and peripheral
mechanisms; (2) the antinociceptive effects of 2000 mg/kg of the extract was
more potent than 300 mg/kg of SS.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 9406901 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

91: J Ethnopharmacol. 1997 Sep;58(1):45-54.

Phytotherapy of hypertension and diabetes in oriental Morocco.

Ziyyat A, Legssyer A, Mekhfi H, Dassouli A, Serhrouchni M, Benjelloun W.

Department of Biology, University Mohamed the First, Faculty of Sciences, Oujda,
Morocco.

In order to select the main medicinal plants used in folk medicine to treat
arterial hypertension and/or diabetes, a survey was undertaken in different
areas of oriental Morocco. The patients (370 women and 256 men) were divided
into three groups: diabetics (61%), hypertensives (23%) and hypertensive
diabetic persons (16%). On average, 67.51% of patients regularly use medicinal
plants. This proportion is perceptibly the same in all groups and does not
depend on sex, age and socio-cultural level. This result shows that phytotherapy
is widely adopted in northeastern Morocco. For diabetes, 41 plants were cited,
of which the most used were Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Leguminosae),
Globularia alypum L. (Globulariaceae), Artemisia herba-alba Asso. (Compositae),
Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) and Tetraclinis articulata
Benth. (Cupressaceae). In the hypertension's therapy 18 vegetal species were
reported, of which the most used were Allium sativum L. (Liliaceae), Olea
europea L. (Oleaceae), Arbutus unedo L. (Ericaceae), Urtica dioica L.
(Urticaceae) and Petroselinum crispum A.W. Hill (Apiaceae). Among the 18 species
used for hypertension, 14 were also employed for diabetes. Moreover, these two
diseases were associated in 41% of hypertensives. These findings suggest that
hypertension observed in this region would be in a large part related to
diabetes.

PMID: 9324004 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

92: Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1997 Aug;22(8):486-7, 512.

[Chemical constituents of the stems and leaves of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.]

[Article in Chinese]

Wang D, Sun H, Han Y, Wang X, Yuan C.

Heilongjiang University of TCM, Harbin.

Two compounds were isolated from the leaves and stems of Trigonella
foenum-graecum, and on the basis of spectral analysis, their structures were
elucidated as gamma-schizandrin and scopoletin. They were isolated from T.
foenum-grecum for the first time.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 11038916 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

93: Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1997 Mar;78(3):297-300.

Allergy to fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum).

Patil SP, Niphadkar PV, Bapat MM.

Institute of Science, Bombay, India.

BACKGROUND: Allergic reactions after consumption of spices are well-known. In
Asia, fenugreek seeds are consumed as spices and also as medicines. Literature
survey carried out does not reveal reports of allergic reactions to fenugreek.
In our survey carried out on patients with food allergy, we found two cases of
severe allergy to fenugreek. METHODS: We report here two cases of immediate
allergy following ingestion, inhalation, and external application of fenugreek
seed powder. In the first case, inhalation of the fenugreek seed powder resulted
in rhinorrhea, wheezing, and fainting. The second case was of a patient with
chronic asthma who developed numbness of head, facial angioedema, and wheezing
after application of fenugreek paste to her scalp as a treatment for dandruff.
Skin scratch test was performed with fenugreek and other members of the
Leguminosae family as fenugreek also belongs to Leguminosae. Objective evidence
of the reaction was obtained by conducting double-blind placebo-controlled
challenges (DBPCFC). For detecting IgE binding by immunoblotting method, the
proteins of the fenugreek extract were resolved using sodium dodecyl sulphate
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Skin scratch tests for the patients
revealed strong sensitivity to fenugreek and chickpeas. None of the controls
showed such response with fenugreek extract. During DBPCFC, both patients showed
> 20% drop in peak flow rate after consumption of fenugreek and chickpea.
Immunoblots demonstrated binding of specific IgE from the patients' sera with
the protein from extracts between 20 kD to 70 kD bands. CONCLUSION: This case
report has enlarged the list of food allergens with the addition of fenugreek.

Publication Types:
Case Reports
Clinical Trial
Controlled Clinical Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 9087156 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

94: Phytochemistry. 1997 Feb;44(4):563-6.

Characterization of a dioxygenase from Trigonella foenum-graecum involved in
4-hydroxyisoleucine biosynthesis.

Haefele C, Bonfils C, Sauvaire Y.

Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Substances Naturelles Vegetales, UPR ES 1677,
CP 024, Universite Montpellier II, France.

A study was made of the enzyme in fenugreek implicated in the biosynthesis of
4-hydroxyisoleucine, which is an unusual amino acid known for its insulin
stimulating effect. 4-Hydroxyisoleucine was detected by HPLC following
isoleucine incubation with a cell-free extract from etiolated 6-day-old
fenugreek seedlings in the presence of various cofactors. The reaction showed
that 4-hydroxyisoleucine formation is dependent on the presence of Fe2+,
2-oxoglutarate, ascorbate and oxygen. This suggests that a 2-oxoacid dependent
dioxygenase plays a key role in this biosynthetic pathway.

PMID: 9041713 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

95: Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1997;50(3):239-47.

Effect of home processing and storage on ascorbic acid and beta-carotene content
of Bathua (Chenopodium album) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) leaves.

Yadav SK, Sehgal S.

Department of Foods and Nutrition, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar,
India.

The present investigation was conducted to study the effect of selected
processing and storage methods on the concentration of ascorbic acid and
beta-carotene in Bathua and fenugreek leaves. Methods included storage of leaves
with or without polythene bags for 24 and 48 h in a refrigerator at 5 degrees C;
at 30 degrees C in polythene bags; drying (sun and oven); blanching (5, 10, 15
min); open pan and pressure cooking. Ascorbic acid content of fresh leaves was
220.97 to 377.65 mg and beta-carotene content was 19.00 to 24.64 mg/100 g, DW.
The percent loss of ascorbic acid ranged from 2.03 to 8.77 and 45.15 to 66.9
while lower losses (0.0 to 1.75 and 1.63 to 2.84) of beta-carotene were observed
in leaves stored in the refrigerator and at 30 degrees C, respectively. A
markedly greater reduction in ascorbic acid and beta-carotene was observed in
dried, blanched and cooked leaves. The study data suggest that storage of leaves
in refrigeration, drying in oven, blanching for a short time and cooking in a
pressure cooker results in better retention of these two vitamins.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 9373874 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

96: Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1997 Jan;45(1):81-7.

Medicinal foodstuffs. IV. Fenugreek seed. (1): structures of trigoneosides Ia,
Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, and IIIb, new furostanol saponins from the seeds of Indian
Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Yoshikawa M, Murakami T, Komatsu H, Murakami N, Yamahara J, Matsuda H.

Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Japan.

Six new furostanol saponins called trigoneosides Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, and
IIIb were isolated from a medicinal foodstuff, fenugreek seed, the seed of
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Leguminosae) originating from India, together with
two known saponins, glycoside D and trigofoenoside A. The structures of
trigoneosides Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, and IIIb were determined on the basis of
chemical and physicochemical evidence as 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5
alpha-furostane-2 alpha,3 beta,22 zeta,26-tetraol 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1
--> 6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)- 5
alpha-furostane-2 alpha,3 beta,22 zeta,26-tetraol 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl
(1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5
beta-furostane-3 beta,22 zeta,26-triol 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1 -->
6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5 beta-furostane-3
beta,22 zeta,26-triol 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->6)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside,
26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25S)-5 alpha-furostane-3 beta,22 zeta,26-triol
3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and
26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-5 alpha-furostane-3 beta,22 zeta,26-triol
3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 2)]-beta-D-glucopyranoside, respectively.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 9023970 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

97: Environ Pollut. 1996;91(1):121-5.

The impact of SO2 and SO2 + ascorbic acid treatments on growth and partitioning
of dry matter in Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Krishnayya NS, Date MV.

Department of Botany, M. S. University, Baroda 390002, India.

To study the impact of SO(2) and SO(2) + ascorbic acid on growth and
partitioning of dry matter in Trigonella foenum-graecum L., two-week-old plants
were exposed to SO(2) for 2 h daily over a 42 day period. One of the exposed
sets was treated with ascorbic acid. Plants were grown in a wire house and
unexposed plants were used as controls for comparison. The parameters measured,
such as dry weights of leaf, stem and root per plant, were found to be lower in
the exposed sets than in the controls. The reductions were greater in dry
weights of stem and root as compared with weights of leaves, indicating that the
partitioning of the dry matter was altered. Greater amounts of soluble sugars
and starch in the leaves of exposed plants, compared with the stem, also
revealed that translocation was hampered. Reductions were greater in fruiting
than in flowering, suggesting that fruit abortion was high. Although ascorbic
acid treatment could mitigate the effect of SO(2), the differences were not
found to be statistically significant. Significant changes were seen in fruit
yield, suggesting that the effect of ascorbic acid is cumulative. The impact of
SO(2) and SO(2) + ascorbic acid on partitioning of dry matter to different
'sinks' is discussed.

PMID: 15091459 [PubMed]

98: Steroids. 1995 Oct;60(10):674-80.

Steroid saponins from fenugreek seeds: extraction, purification, and
pharmacological investigation on feeding behavior and plasma cholesterol.

Petit PR, Sauvaire YD, Hillaire-Buys DM, Leconte OM, Baissac YG, Ponsin GR,
Ribes GR.

Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Faculte de Medcine, Universite Montpellier I,
France.

The seeds of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) are traditionally assumed
to have restorative properties. We have recently shown that a fenugreek seed
extract containing steroid saponins increased food consumption and induced
hypocholesterolemia in rats. This study aims to investigate the specific role of
purified steroid saponins in these properties. For this purpose, an original
technique for extraction and purification of steroid saponins was carried out.
Thereafter, the effects of these steroid saponins were investigated on feeding
behavior and metabolic endocrine changes in normal and diabetic rats. All the
steroid saponins (furostanol type) were extracted from the seeds and separated
from all other constituents of the entire extract by using several purification
procedures to give an extract containing at least 90% of steroid saponins.
Pharmcological experiments were performed in vivo in normal and streptozotocin
diabetic rats: steroid saponins were administered chronically mixed with food
(12.5 mg/day per 300 g body weight). Our data show that the treatment with
steroid saponins significantly increased food intake and the motivation to eat
in normal rats, while modifying the circadian rhythm of feeding behavior; it
also stabilized the food consumption in diabetic rats, which resulted in a
progressive weight gain in these animals, in contrast to untreated diabetic
controls. Both in normal and diabetic rats, steroid saponins decreased total
plasma cholesterol without any change in triglycerides. In conclusion, the
present work reports a clear methodology to obtain all the steroid saponins and
demonstrates that these saponins enhance food consumption and motivation to eat,
and reduce plasma cholesterol levels in rats.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 8539775 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

99: Planta Med. 1995 Aug;61(4):358-60.

Characterization of the hypoglycemic effects of Trigonella foenum graecum seed.

Ali L, Azad Khan AK, Hassan Z, Mosihuzzaman M, Nahar N, Nasreen T, Nur-e-Alam M,
Rokeya B.

The whole powder of Trigonella foenum graecum seeds and its extracts were tested
for their hypoglycemic effect on normal and diabetic model rats. The powder, its
methanol extract, and the residue remaining after methanol extraction had
significant hypoglycemic effects when fed simultaneously with glucose. The water
extract of the methanol extractive-free residue of the seed powder showed
significant hypoglycemic activity at different prandial states. The Soluble
Dietary Fibre (SDF) fraction showed no effect on the fasting blood glucose
levels of nondiabetic or NIDDM model rats. However, when fed simultaneously with
glucose, it showed a significant hypoglycemic effect (p < 0.05) in NIDDM model
rats. Chemical analysis showed that the major constituent of the SDF is a
galactomannan. The results confirm the involvement of SDF in the hypoglycemic
effect of T. foenum graecum seeds. However, compound(s) other than SDF is (are)
also involved in the hypoglycemic activity.

Publication Types:
Letter
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 7480183 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

100: Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1995 Apr;39(2):173-4.

Effect of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) on blood glucose in normal and
diabetic rats.

Khosla P, Gupta DD, Nagpal RK.

Department of Pharmacology, Pt. B. D. Sharma Medical College, Rohtak.

Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) was administered at 2 and 8 g/kg dose
orally to normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. It produced a significant
fall (P < 0.05) in blood glucose both in the normal as well as diabetic rats and
the hypoglycemic effect was dose related.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 7649611 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

101: Health Phys. 1994 Nov;67(5):529-34.

Laboratory evaluation of interception and translocation of 131I in fenugreek and
okra plants.

Singhal RK, Narayanan U, Bhat IS.

Environmental Studies Section/Health Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research
Centre, Trombay, Bombay, India.

The work reported here deals with the study of interception and translocation of
airborne 131I in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and okra (Hibiscus
esculentus), two very common vegetables in India. Activity was injected into the
experimental chamber in the form of iodide aerosols having a size distribution
of 0.3 to 5.0 microns (AMAD). Samples of plants were collected over a period of
a few days at different time intervals after injection of the aerosols.
Evaluation of interception with deposition and translocation of 131I was done
from the activity measured in air and in plant parts. For the deposition factor,
the values are 1.22 m3 kg-1 for fenugreek leaves, and 1.49 m3 kg-1 for the plant
as a whole. For okra plants these values are 0.02 and 0.16 m3 kg-1 in edible
okra and leaves, respectively. For the okra plant as a whole, the value is 0.19
m3 kg-1. The translocation factors vary from 0.62 to 0.86 and 0.47 to 0.87 for
leaves and stem, respectively, in the case of fenugreek plants. For okra plants,
the translocation factor varies from 0.21 to 0.82, 0.53 to 0.93, and 0.42 to
0.81 in edible okra, leaves, and stems, respectively.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 7928364 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

102: Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1994 Jul;46(1):77-84.

Changes in the anti-nutritional factors of developing seeds and pod walls of
fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.).

Singh J, Gupta K, Arora SK.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar, India.

Anti-nutritional factors of developing seeds and pod walls of fenugreek were
evaluated which affect their nutritional value. Sucrose, raffinose and stachyose
decreased with maturity of seeds in all the cultivars. Total, non-reducing
sugars increased and reducing sugars decreased at maturity in all the cultivars.
The reducing sugars decreased with maturity of pod walls. The flatus producing
sugars were maximum in PEB pod walls. Saponin content increased towards maturity
of seeds but decreased at maturity of seeds and decreased at maturity in pod
walls of all cultivars. Phytate increased with seed maturity up to 95 days after
anthesis, while phytate decreased in pod walls of all the cultivars with
maturity. Total phenol, catechol and flavonol decreased with advancement of pod
wall development. Total phenol decreased except HM 46 a maturity of seeds.

PMID: 7971790 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

103: Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1994 Feb;45(2):119-25.

In vitro availability of iron from cereal meal with the addition of protein
isolates and fenugreek leaves (Trigonella foenum-graecum).

Jonnalagadda SS, Seshadri S.

Department of Human Nutrition and Foods, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
State University, Blacksburg 24061-0430.

In vitro iron availability was determined from a standard cereal meal (C) with
and without the addition of protein isolates from bovine milk (BP), groundnut
milk (GP) and soybean milk (SP). A second set of studies were done to
investigate the potentially available iron from fenugreek leaves per se and the
effect of their addition on the available iron from the cereal meal. The
potentially available iron from the meal increased from 4.91% to 6.73% on the
addition of BP. The next best enhancer was GP (4.91% to 6.17%). Although the
addition of SP increased the total iron content of the cereal meal
significantly, the percent available iron decreased compared to the other milk
proteins. The addition of fenugreek leaves (100 g/meal) to the meal increased
the total iron content of the meal significantly (3.24 mg to 9.12 mg) (p <
.001), however, the available iron was observed to decrease (4.91% vs 4.34%).

PMID: 8153062 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

104: Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1993 Jun;45(2):369-74.

Effects of a fenugreek seed extract on feeding behaviour in the rat:
metabolic-endocrine correlates.

Petit P, Sauvaire Y, Ponsin G, Manteghetti M, Fave A, Ribes G.

Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, CNRS URA 599, Faculte de Medecine, Montpellier,
France.

Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) are assumed to have restorative
and nutritive properties. The present work was designed to investigate the
effects of a fenugreek seed extract on feeding behaviour. Experiments were
performed to determine food consumption and motivation to eat as well as
metabolic-endocrine changes in chronically treated animals. Male Wistar rats
were given the seed extract orally (10 and 100 mg/day per 300 g body weight),
mixed together with food, and control animals were monitored in parallel. The
results show that chronic oral administration of the fenugreek extract
significantly increases food intake and the motivation to eat. The treatment,
however, does not prevent the anorexia nor the decreased motivation to eat
induced by d-fenfluramine (2 mg/kg, IP). An increase in plasma insulin and a
decrease in total cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein
(VLDL)-low-density lipoprotein (LDL) total cholesterol were also observed. In
conclusion, chronic administration of a fenugreek seed extract enhances food
consumption and motivation to eat in rats and also induces hyperinsulinemia as
well as hypocholesterolemia.

PMID: 8327543 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

105: Br J Nutr. 1993 Jan;69(1):277-87.

The effect of an ethanol extract derived from fenugreek (Trigonella
foenum-graecum) on bile acid absorption and cholesterol levels in rats.

Stark A, Madar Z.

Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Hebrew
University, Rehovot, Israel.

The hypocholesterolaemic properties of an ethanol extract from defatted
fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds were investigated. Purification of
the crude extract by dialysis produced an isolated component with haemolytic
properties. The dialysate was also found to contain saponins demonstrated by
thin-layer chromatography. Experiments in vitro employing the everted-sac
technique showed that the ethanol extract had the ability to inhibit
taurocholate and deoxycholate absorption in a dose-dependent manner. In two
separate feeding experiments, hypercholesterolaemic rats were fed on 30 or 50 g
ethanol extract/kg for a 4-week period. Reductions in plasma cholesterol levels
ranged from 18 to 26% and a tendency for lower concentrations of liver
cholesterol was observed. These results indicate that the ethanol extract from
fenugreek seeds contained hypocholesterolaemic components which appear to be
saponins that interact with bile salts in the digestive tract.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 8457534 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

106: Vet Hum Toxicol. 1991 Dec;33(6):561-4.

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

Nakhla HB, Mohamed OS, Abu IM, Fatuh AL, Adam SE.

Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Sudan.

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.

PMID: 1808831 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

107: Z Lebensm Unters Forsch. 1991 Oct;193(4):321-5.

Inhibitors of human and bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin in fenugreek (Trigonella
foenum-graecum L.) seeds. Reaction with the human and bovine proteinases.

Weder JK, Haussner K.

Institut fur Lebensmittelchemie, Technische Universitat Munchen, Federal
Republic of Germany.

The reaction between the three Bowman-Birk proteinase inhibitors isolated from
fenugreek seeds (TFI-B2, TFI-N2 and TFI-A8) and the human and bovine proteinases
was investigated by studying the complexes formed and their properties. TFI-B2,
the Lys-Leu trypsin chymotrypsin inhibitor, can bind 1.9 mol human trypsin (HT),
1.3 mol bovine trypsin (BT) and/or 0.4 mol human (HCT) or bovine (BCT)
chymotrypsin per mole of inhibitor. HT was bound at the two reactive sites and
BT mainly at the lysine-containing trypsin-reactive site, whereas HCT and BCT
were only bound at the leucine-containing chymotrypsin-reactive site. TFI-N2,
the Arg-Leu trypsin chymotrypsin inhibitor, could bind 1 mol BT and BCT, but 1.3
mol HT and 1.2 mol HCT per mole of inhibitor. In addition to the usual binding,
the human enzymes could also be bound at the respective "wrong" reactive site.
TFI-A8, the Arg-Arg trypsin inhibitor, binds 2 mol HT or BT per mole of
inhibitor at the two trypsin-reactive sites, whereas HCT and BCT (about 0.2
mol/mol) are bound to one of the two "wrong" reactive sites.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 1767594 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

108: Z Lebensm Unters Forsch. 1991 Sep;193(3):242-6.

Inhibitors of human and bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin in fenugreek (Trigonella
foenum-graecum L.) seeds. Reactive sites and C-terminal sequences.

Weder JK, Haussner K.

Institut fur Lebensmittelchemie, Technische Universitat Munchen, Garching,
Federal Republic of Germany.

The reactive sites and the C-terminal sequences of three trypsin chymotrypsin
inhibitors from fenugreek seeds (TFI-B2, TFI-N2, and TFI-A8) were determined by
chemical modification and carboxypeptidase degradation of native und
enzymatically modified inhibitors. TFI-B2 contained lysine and leucine in the
trypsin- and chymotrypsin-reactive sites, respectively, and -(Lys)-Phe-Leu-Ile
was the C-terminal sequence. TFI-N2 possessed arginine and leucine in the
trypsin- and chymotrypsin-reactive sites, respectively, and -(Tyr)-Lys-Ile-Leu
at the C-terminus. TFI-A8 contained two arginines, one in each of the two
reactive sites. At least one of these sites, although mainly directed against
trypsin, could also bind some chymotrypsin. -(Leu)-Phe-Ile-Arg was found to be
the C-terminus in TFI-A8. These results confirmed that all three fenugreek
inhibitors belong to the Bowman-Birk proteinase inhibitor family.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 1962506 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

109: Mol Plant Microbe Interact. 1991 Sep-Oct;4(5):512-20.

Sequence and analysis of the nodABC region of Rhizobium fredii USDA257, a
nitrogen-fixing symbiont of soybean and other legumes.

Krishnan HB, Pueppke SG.

Department of Plant Pathology, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211.

We cloned and analyzed nodABC from Rhizobium fredii USDA257. These genes are
thought to have common functions in initiation of nitrogen-fixing nodules by all
rhizobia. In USDA257, they were located in a 9.2-kb EcoRI fragment that was not
closely linked to either of two copies of the regulatory gene, nodD. nodABC was
present in a 3,094-base pair (bp) sequenced region, which also included a
consensus nod-box promoter. The three open reading frames contained 654, 642,
and 1,239 bp, respectively, and encoded deduced proteins of 21.9, 23.4, and 44.7
kD. The sequence of the nodABC region of USDA257 was generally homologous with
corresponding regions from other rhizobia, but it diverged significantly in the
5' non-translated region and in the 3'terminus of nodC. nodC was not
translationally coupled to nodSU, as in another soybean symbiont, Bradyrhizobium
japonicum, and the deduced NodC protein was the shortest of any such proteins
yet described. Site-directed mutagenesis of the 9.2-kb EcoRI fragment confirmed
that nodA, nodB, and nodC are essential for nodulation of soybean, but failed to
identify other linked nod genes. Daidzein, a major isoflavone from soybean
roots, was the most potent of nine tested flavonoids in activating a
plasmid-borne nodC::lacZ fusion. The 9.2-kb fragment complemented nodA-, nodB-,
and nodC- mutants of R. meliloti to the Nod+ phenotype on Medicago sativa, M.
truncatula, and Trigonella foenum-graecum. Nodule numbers, percentage of
nodulated plants, and shoot dry weights, however, were considerably less than in
plants inoculated with mutants complemented with nodABC from R. meliloti.

Publication Types:
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

PMID: 1799701 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

110: Z Lebensm Unters Forsch. 1991 Jun;192(6):535-40.

Inhibitors of human and bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin in fenugreek (Trigonella
foenum-graecum L.) seeds. Isolation and characterization.

Weder JK, Haussner K.

Institut fur Lebensmittelchemie, Technische Universitat Munchen, Federal
Republic of Germany.

Three fenugreek inhibitors (TFI-A8, TFI-N2, and TFI-B2) were isolated from an
inhibitor preparation by anion exchange chromatography and subsequent
preparative isoelectric focusing using immobilized pH gradients and the canal
technique. The purified inhibitors inhibited the enzymes tested differently:
TFI-A8 exhibited a high inhibition of trypsin (8.2 mg human trypsin/mg and 8.1
mg bovine trypsin/mg) and a very low inhibition of chymotrypsin (0.8 mg human
chymotrypsin/mg and 1.0 mg bovine chymotrypsin/mg). TFI-N2 inhibited the four
enzymes to about the same extent (5.0 mg/mg human and 4.1 mg/mg bovine trypsin;
4.9 mg/mg human and 3.7 mg/mg bovine chymotrypsin). TFI-B2 displayed a high
inhibition of trypsin (7.5 mg/mg human and 5.1 mg/mg bovine) and a low
inhibition of chymotrypsin (1.8 mg/mg human and 1.9 mg/mg bovine). On average,
the human enzymes were inhibited better than the bovine ones by the purified
inhibitors. The inhibitors contained high amounts of cystine (five or six
disulfide bridges per molecule), aspartic acid, threonine, serine and proline,
no valine and methionine and two of them also no tryptophan. Their molecular
masses were about 6 kDa. Their inclusion into the Bowman-Birk soybean proteinase
inhibitor family is discussed.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 1872034 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

111: Z Lebensm Unters Forsch. 1991 May;192(5):455-9.

Inhibitors of human and bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin in fenugreek (Trigonella
foenum-graecum L.) seeds. Demonstration and purification.

Weder JK, Haussner K.

Institut fur Lebensmittelchemie, Technische Universitat Munchen, Garching,
Federal Republic of Germany.

Fenugreek contained proteinase inhibitors inhibiting 5-9 mg human trypsin, 5-7
mg bovine trypsin, 2-6 mg human chymotrypsin, and 1-3 mg bovine chymotrypsin per
g seed material. About 30 inhibitors were electrophoretically detected, and 23
of them, inhibiting all the four enzymes, were characterized by means of their
isoelectric points: a group of acid inhibitors (TFI-A1 to A10, pI 4.48-5.12), a
group of neutral inhibitors (TFI-N1 to -N6, pI 5.91-6.71), and a group of basic
inhibitors (TFI-B1 to -B7, pI 7.76-9.77). To eliminate the galactomannans which
complicate further purification, coarsely ground seeds were separated by density
into two fractions, seed coats + endosperm and cotyledons + embryos (C + E).
Isolation of the fenugreek inhibitors by extraction of fraction C + E, followed
by ammonium sulfate fractionation and affinity chromatography on
anhydrotrypsin-Sepharose, resulted in an about 700-fold enrichment.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 2058314 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

112: Environ Pollut. 1991;69(2-3):131-49.

Sensitivity of three leguminous crops to O3 as influenced by different stages of
growth and development.

Kasana MS.

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lancaster, Bailrigg, Lancaster,
LA1 4YQ, UK.

The sensitivity of Cicer arietinum, Vigna mungo and Trigonella foenum-graecum to
O(3) has been assessed at different stages of growth and development. Plants of
different ages (0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks old) were fumigated with 0 and 120 nl
litre(-1) O(3), from 09.30 h to 16.30 h each day for four weeks, in
hemispherical chambers located out-of-doors. Seed germination was not affected
by O(3) in any of the species, but there were responses (differing between
species) on the cotyledons. True leaves were fairly resistant when young but
later they became more sensitive. Premature senescence and earlier abscission of
leaves (in C. arietinum and T. foenum-graecum) and flowers and abortive fruit
drop (in C. arietinum) were also observed. Of the five growth stages examined,
2- and 4-week-old plants seemed to be most sensitive except for Trigonella where
sensitivity decreased with increasing age of the plants. The partitioning and
distribution of dry matter among different plant parts was also significantly
disturbed and root, leaf and stem were adversely affected in a decreasing order.
However, the percentage reductions in dry weight per plants for Cicer and Vigna
increased with age up to four weeks, then declined abruptly. Growth reductions
at the 0- and 6-week-old stages differed only slightly and were very small in
magnitude. It may, therefore, be suggested that the plants of these legumes in
early stages of exponential growth are more vulnerable to O(3) damage and that
the developmental or physiological age is an important factor in O(3)
sensitivity.

PMID: 15092157 [PubMed]

113: Environ Pollut. 1991;72(3):225-37.

Perspectives of recycling gamma irradiated sewage-sludge in agricultural
applications: a study on methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.: leguminosae).

Pandya GA, Banerjee S, Modi VV.

Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology Centre, Faculty of Science, M.S.
University of Baroda, Baroda-390 002, India.

The effects of gamma-irradiated sludge on the growth and yield of methi
(Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) in pot cultures have been studied.
Gamma-irradiated sludge was found to inhibit the shoot length after 45 and 90
days of plant growth compared to plants grown in soil containing unirradiated
sludge. The untreated sludge did not exhibit any detrimental effect on the shoot
length of plants compared to the control. The root length of plants grown in
soil supplemented with either gamma-irradiated or unirradiated sludge was found
to be inhibited after 45 days of growth. However, irradiation of sludge resulted
in the higher inhibition of root length of plants compared to when unirradiated
sludge was used. The gamma-irradiated sludge appeared to negatively affect the
physical growth parameters of the plant. The significant positive effect of
gamma-irradiated sludge was observed on the biochemical growth parameters and
yield of methi plants. There was a 3.5-, 1.7- and 2-fold increase in the total
protein content, total soluble sugars and starch content, respectively, of
plants grown in soil supplemented with gamma-irradiated sludge after 45 days of
growth. The gamma-irradiated sludge did not show any detrimental effect on any
of the three biochemical parameters studied, even after 90 days of plant growth.
The sludge obtained from the conventional treatment process was found to be
inhibitory to the protein and starch content of plants in the latter stages of
plant growth. A significant increase in the yield of methi plants, after 45 as
well as 90 days, grown in the presence of gamma-irradiated sludge indicates a
beneficial effect of recycling of irradiated sludge for agricultural
applications.

PMID: 15092103 [PubMed]

114: Mycopathologia. 1990 Dec;112(3):179-86.

Further toxic properties of the fungal metabolite dothistromin.

Stoessl A, Abramowski Z, Lester HH, Rock GL, Towers GH.

Agriculture Canada, London Research Centre, Ontario, Canada.

The toxicity of the fungal phytotoxin dothistromin (l) to microorganisms, its
lysis of human red blood corpuscles and beetroot tissue, and its unexpectedly
selective inhibition of radicle elongation for Trigonella foenum-graecum were
strongly light-dependent. Dothistromin was also toxic to Artemia salina but
without requiring light activation. It was not active as a wilt or necrosis
toxin, possible because of its ready adsorption onto external plant tissue.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 2089260 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

115: Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1990 Oct;40(4):267-74.

Changes in some nutrients of fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum graecum L.) seeds
during water boiling.

Abdel-Nabey AA, Damir AA.

Department of Agricultural Industries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of
Alexandria, Egypt.

Fenugreek seeds were boiled in water for various lengths of time (5, 10 and 15
min). Changes in weight, volume, moisture content, total sugars, nitrogen
compounds, minerals, phosphorus compounds, phytic acid, amino acids and the in
vitro digestibility of the seeds as well as the total solids of the boiling
water were determined. Data indicated that there was an increase in both weight
and volume as well as the in vitro digestibility of fenugreek seeds especially
after the first 5 minutes of boiling. On the other hand, a decrease in the
content of total sugars, protein compounds, calcium, magnesium, phytic acid,
phosphorus and amino acids was observed. The reduction was accompanied by a
gradual increase in the total solids of boiling water.

PMID: 2247433 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

116: Plant Physiol. 1990 Aug;93(4):1417-1421.

d-Galactose Uptake by Fenugreek Cotyledons : Effect of Water Stress.

Zambou K, Spyropoulos CG.

Institute of General Botany, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens
15784, Greece.

The uptake of d-galactose was studied in detached fenugreek (Trigonella
foenum-graecum L.) cotyledons. Uptake kinetics and treatment with
p-chloromercury-benzenesulfonic acid indicated that at low concentrations
d-galactose was taken up by a carrier. At higher concentrations a diffusion-like
component existed. Proton flux and pH studies, treatment with
alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid, and uptake experiments under water stress
conditions suggested that d-galactose was not taken up via H(+) contransport.
However, d-galactose uptake was under metabolic control. Uptake kinetics under
water stress conditions suggested that moderate water stress either increased
the K(m) of the carrier or decreased the V(max). However, prolonged stress
transformed the carrier-mediated uptake into a diffusion uptake transport. The
uptake of d-galactose by fenugreek cotyledons was very low before and just after
germination, was maximum after 35 hours imbibition, and started decreasing
thereafter. The different uptake rates of d-galactose with imbibition times were
attributed to the operation of the carrier. At low uptake rates the carrier did
not operate. Treatment with cycloheximide suggested that the carrier was
synthesized de novo just after germination and stopped operating when all
galactomannan hydrolysis was over. Results were discussed in the context of
control of endosperm galactomannan hydrolysis by the cotyledons of fenugreek
embryo.

PMID: 16667633 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

117: Eur J Clin Nutr. 1990 Apr;44(4):301-6.

Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes.

Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Rao NS.

National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad.

The effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on blood glucose and
the serum lipid profile was evaluated in insulin-dependent (Type I) diabetic
patients. Isocaloric diets with and without fenugreek were each given randomly
for 10 d. Defatted fenugreek seed powder (100 g), divided into two equal doses,
was incorporated into the diet and served during lunch and dinner. The fenugreek
diet significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and improved the glucose
tolerance test. There was a 54 per cent reduction in 24-h urinary glucose
excretion. Serum total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides
were also significantly reduced. The HDL cholesterol fraction, however, remained
unchanged. These results indicate the usefulness of fenugreek seeds in the
management of diabetes.

Publication Types:
Clinical Trial
Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 2194788 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

118: Plant Physiol. 1990 Jan;92(1):61-65.

Direct Observation of Cell Wall Structure in Living Plant Tissues by Solid-State
C NMR Spectroscopy.

Jarvis MC, Apperley DC.

Agricultural Chemistry, Glasgow University, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland.

Solid-state (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of the following
intact plant tissues were recorded by the crosspolarization magic-angle spinning
technique: celery (Apium graveolens L.) collenchyma; carob bean (Ceratonia
siliqua L.), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), and nasturtium
(Tropaeolum majus L.) endosperm; and lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl.) seed
cotyledons. All these tissues had thickened cell walls which allowed them to
withstand the centrifugal forces of magic angle spinning and which, except in
the case of lupin seeds, dominated the NMR spectra. The celery collenchyma cell
walls gave spectra typical of dicot primary cell walls. The carob bean and
fenugreek seed spectra were dominated by resonances from galactomannans, which
showed little sign of crystalline order. Resonances from beta(1,4')-d galactan
were visible in the lupin seed spectrum, but there was much interference from
protein. The nasturtium seed spectrum was largely derived from a xyloglucan, in
which the conformation of the glucan core chain appeared to be intermediate
between the solution form and solid forms of cellulose.

PMID: 16667266 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

119: J Ethnopharmacol. 1989 Oct;26(3):249-54.

Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum and Ammi majus on calcium oxalate
urolithiasis in rats.

Ahsan SK, Tariq M, Ageel AM, al-Yahya MA, Shah AH.

Research Centre, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Trigonella
foenum-graecum seed and Ammi majus fruit on experimentally-induced kidney
stones. Oxalate urolithiasis in male rats was produced by the addition of 3%
glycolic acid to their diet. After 4 weeks, highly significant deposition in the
kidneys was noticed and changes in water intake and body weight recorded. Daily
oral treatment with T. foenum-graecum significantly decreased the quantity of
calcium oxalate deposited in the kidneys thus supporting its use in Saudi folk
medicine. The effects obtained by A. majus were, however, not significant.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 2615405 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

120: Diabetes Res. 1989 Feb;10(2):69-73.

Glycaemic effects of traditional European plant treatments for diabetes. Studies
in normal and streptozotocin diabetic mice.

Swanston-Flatt SK, Day C, Flatt PR, Gould BJ, Bailey CJ.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.

Twelve plants used for the traditional treatment of diabetes mellitus in
northern Europe were studied using normal and streptozotocin diabetic mice to
evaluate effects on glucose homeostasis. The plants were administered in the
diet (6.25% by weight) and/or as decoctions or infusions in place of drinking
water, to coincide with the traditional method of preparation. Treatment for 28
days with preparations of burdock (Arctium lappa), cashew (Anacardium
occidentale), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), elder (Sambucus nigra),
fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), guayusa (Ilex guayusa), hop (Humulus
lupulus), nettle (Urtica dioica), cultivated mushroom (Agaricus bisporus),
periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), sage (Salvia officinale), and wild carrot
(Daucus carrota) did not affect the parameters of glucose homeostasis examined
in normal mice (basal plasma glucose and insulin, glucose tolerance,
insulin-induced hypoglycaemia and glycated haemoglobin). After administration of
streptozotocin (200 mg/kg) burdock and nettle aggravated the diabetic condition,
while cashew, dandelion, elder, fenugreek, hop, periwinkle, sage and wild carrot
did not significantly affect the parameters of glucose homeostasis studied
(basal glucose and insulin, insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, glycated haemoglobin
and pancreatic insulin concentration). Guayusa and mushroom retarded the
development of hyperglycaemia in streptozotocin diabetes and reduced the
hyperphagia, polydipsia, body weight loss, and glycated haemoglobin. Mushroom
also countered the initial reduction in plasma insulin and the reduction in
pancreatic insulin concentration, and improved the hypoglycaemic effect of
exogenous insulin. These studies suggest the presence of potentially useful
antidiabetic agents in guayusa and mushroom.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 2743711 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

121: Appl Environ Microbiol. 1988 Jan;54(1):94-97.

Nodulation, Nitrogen Fixation, and Hydrogen Oxidation by Pigeon Pea
Bradyrhizobium spp. in Symbiotic Association with Pigeon Pea, Cowpea, and
Soybean.

Nautiyal CS, Hegde SV, van Berkum P.

Nitrogen Fixation and Soybean Genetics Laboratory, Agricultural Research
Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center West, U. S. Department of
Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, and Agronomy Department, University of
Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742; and Department of Microbiology,
University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore 560 065, India.

The pigeon pea strains of Bradyrhizobium CC-1, CC-8, UASGR(S), and F4 were
evaluated for nodulation, effectiveness for N(2) fixation, and H(2) oxidation
with homologous and nonhomologous host plants. Strain CC-1 nodulated
Macroptilium atropurpureum, Vigna unguiculata, Glycine max, and G. soja but did
not nodulate Pisum sativum, Phaseolus vulgaris, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and
Trifolium repens. Strain F4 nodulated G. max cv. Peking and PI 434937 (Malayan),
but the symbioses formed were poor. Similarly, G. max cv. Peking, cv. Bragg, PI
434937, PR 13-28-2-8-7, and HM-1 were nodulated by strain CC-1, and symbioses
were also poor. G. max cv. Williams and cv. Clark were not nodulated. H(2)
uptake activity was expressed with pigeon pea and cowpea, but not with soybean.
G. max cv. Bragg grown in Bangalore, India, in local soil not previously exposed
to Bradyrhizobium japonicum formed nodules with indigenous Bradyrhizobium spp.
Six randomly chosen isolates, each originating from a different nodule, formed
effective symbioses with pigeon pea host ICPL-407, nodulated PR 13-28-2-8-7
soybean forming moderately effective symbioses, and did not nodulate Williams
soybean. These results indicate the six isolates to be pigeon pea strains
although they originated from soybean nodules. Host-determined nodulation of
soybean by pigeon pea Bradyrhizobium spp. may depend upon the ancestral
backgrounds of the cultivars. The poor symbioses formed by the pigeon pea
strains with soybean indicate that this crop should be inoculated with B.
japonicum for its cultivation in soils containing only pigeon pea Bradyrhizobium
spp.

PMID: 16347542 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

122: Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1986 Jun;182(2):159-66.

Antidiabetic effects of subfractions from fenugreek seeds in diabetic dogs.

Ribes G, Sauvaire Y, Da Costa C, Baccou JC, Loubatieres-Mariani MM.

We have previously shown that the antidiabetic property of fenugreek seeds
(Trigonella foenum graecum L.) is associated with the defatted seed material
which is rich in fibers, saponins, and proteins. In the present work this
defatted preparation was divided into two subfractions: subfraction "a" which
contains the testa and endosperm and is rich in fibers (79.6%); and subfraction
"b" which contains the cotyledons and axes and is rich in saponins (7.2%) and
proteins (52.8%). We investigated the effects of each subfraction on
hyperglycemia and the levels of pancreatic hormones when chronically
administered to alloxan-diabetic dogs. Each subfraction was studied separately
and was given to the dogs per os (mixed with the two daily meals), in addition
to the insulin treatment (which was kept the same throughout the experiment) for
a period of 21 days. The addition of subfraction "a" to insulin treatment
resulted in a clear decrease of hyperglycemia and glycosuria accompanied by a
reduction of the high plasma glucagon and somatostatin levels in diabetic dogs.
The treatment also decreased the hyperglycemic response to the oral glucose
tolerance test. In contrast the chronic administration of subfraction "b" had no
effect on hyperglycemia or on the levels of pancreatic hormones in diabetic
dogs. Our results show that the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek seeds are
contained in the testa and endosperm. Although this subfraction is rich in
fibers (high viscosity; 115 cP), it is not possible to exclude the existence of
one or more unknown active pharmacological compounds in this subfraction of the
seed.

PMID: 2871558 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

123: Arch Toxicol Suppl. 1983;6:194-6.

Examples of poisonous plants in Israel of importance to animals and man.

Shlosberg A, Egyed MN.

Several plants causing poisoning in herbivores in Israel have an association
with human health. Ferula communis (giant fennel) contains a potent
anticoagulant and induces severe haemorrhagic diathesis in grazing ewes, or
similar changes in utero in lambs. These and other teratogenic changes have been
seen in babies from mothers receiving the anticoagulant warfarin during
pregnancy. The Ferula interaction in sheep may be used as a model to study this
embryotoxicity in man. Ammi majus (bishops weed) causes severe ophthalmic
changes, in particular pigmentary retinopathy in photosensitized domestic fowl.
The photoactive principle is currently used in the treatment of psoriasis in
man, and such patients should be examined for possible ocular toxicity.
Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) caused myopathy in ruminants and is
ingested by certain ethnic groups. Oxalis pes-caprae (Bermuda buttercup) causes
large-scale oxalate poisoning in sheep and is avidly eaten by children.

PMID: 6578721 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

124: Biochem J. 1981 Apr 1;195(1):333-5.

Transglycosylation reactions catalysed by two beta-mannanases.

Coulombel C, Clermont S, Foglietti MJ, Percheron F.

By using [3H]mannobiose as a labelled acceptor, it was possible to demonstrate
transfer reactions catalysed by two beta-mannanases, with mannotetraose and
mannopentaose as substrates. The enzyme from Streptomyces transfers one mannose
unit from the oligosaccharides, whereas the enzyme from fenugreek (Trigonella
foenum-graecum) seeds is able to transfer oligomannose residues.

PMID: 7306059 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

125: Cesk Farm. 1978 Jun;27(5):221-4.

[Steroidal sapogenins. II. The determination of diosgenin in Trigonella
foenum-graecum L. by means of gas chromatography and spectrophotometry]

[Article in Czech]

Reichelt J, Cizek J.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 709613 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

126: Eur J Biochem. 1978 Mar 15;84(2):551-9.

Properties of four molecular forms of N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase isolated
from germinating seeds of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum).

Bouquelet S, Spik G.

PMID: 25183 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

127: Z Ernahrungswiss. 1977 Sep;16(3):158-62.

Vitamins content of fruits and vegetables in common use in Egypt.

Saleh N, El-Hawary Z, El-Shobaki FA, Abbassy M, Morcos SR.

The vitamin content, namely vitamin C, carotene, riboflavin and nicotinic acid,
of some popular vegetables and fruits was determined. It was found that the
green parts of the plants were the most rich in these four vitamins. Trigonella
foenum-graecum (Helba) was the richest of all vegetables and fruits in vitamin C
(207 mg%). Scandicium stellatum (Shabat contains the highest value for carotene
(57.3 mg%). Solanum tuberosum (Batatis) was the richest in riboflavin (0.3 mg%)
and Pisum sativum (Busselah) in niacin (1.8 mg%).

PMID: 919638 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

128: Pahlavi Med J. 1977 Jan;8(1):14-25.

Antagonism of cadmium and alloxan-induced hyperglycemia in rats by Trigonella
foenum graecum.

Ghafghazi T, Sheriat HS, Dastmalchi T, Barnett RC.

This study was stimulated by popular belief that Trigonella foenum graecum has
antidiabetic activity in which the hypoglycemic effect has been confirmed by
several investigators. However, the mode of action appears to be unclear. To
gain some insight, the stems and leaves of the plant as well as the known active
seeds were extracted at room temperature (ca 20 C) for three days with water or
acetone and by soxhlet 70 C, and tested by oral administration to rats. Acetone
and CC14 extracts before use, were evaporated below 30 C under vacuo, and the
residue dissolved in distilled water containing Tween 80. Hypoglycemic activity
of these extracts were tested on 20 hour fasted normal, alloxan and cadmium
treated rats. The latter has been shown to cause hyperglycemia by releasing
epinephrine in intact rats and inhibiting insulin release in the isolated
perfused rat pancreas. Results showed that with seeds the CC14, soxhlet acetone
extracts were inactive in normal animals as were the water and acetone extracts
of stems and leaves. These observations may be compared with room temperature
acetone extraction of seeds which exhibited what appeared to be dose related
hypoglycemic effects. The hyperglycemia induced by cadmium or alloxan was
antagonized by room temperature acetone seed or stem and leaves extracts.
Tentative interpretation of the above results, are that Trigonella acetone
extract appears to act, at least in part, at the cellular level to produce its
hypoglycemic effects on normal rats or those as treated with cadmium or alloxan.

PMID: 834467 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

129: FEBS Lett. 1976 Mar 15;63(1):95-101.

Characterization and localization of four forms of
N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase from fenugreek (trigonella foenum graecum)
germinated seeds.

Bouquelet S, Spik G.

PMID: 1261693 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

130: Cytologia (Tokyo). 1974 Sep;39(3):473-82.

Studies on the effect of gamma rays on Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Raghuvanshi SS, Singh AK.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 4442285 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

131: Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther. 1974 Jul;210(1):27-37.

Hypoglycaemic effect of Trigonella foenum graecum and Lupinus termis
(leguminosae) seeds and their major alkaloids in alloxan-diabetic and normal
rats.

Mishkinsky JS, Goldschmied A, Joseph B, Ahronson Z, Sulman FG.

PMID: 4280278 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

132: Cytobios. 1974 Mar-Apr;9(35):103-7.

Influence of auxins on growth ans cytohistology of fenugreek (Trigonella
foenum-graecum L.) calli.

Gupta KC.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 4847627 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

133: Biochim Biophys Acta. 1973 Apr 11;299(4):564-7.

Methylation patterns of ribonucleic acids from chloroplasts and cytoplasm of
fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) cotyledons.

Rijven AH, Zwar JA.

PMID: 4708036 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

134: C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D. 1972 Jan 3;274(1):130-2.

[Presence of an oligomannoside -1,4 orthophosphate mannosyl transferase
(oligomannosyl -1,4 phosphorylase) in the germinated seeds of fenugreek
Trigonella foenum graecum L]

[Article in French]

Foglietti MJ, Percheron F.

PMID: 4622028 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

135: Planta Med. 1971 Nov;20(3):224-9.

[C-flavonoid glycosides in the seeds of Trigonella Foenum Graecum]

[Article in German]

Adamska M, Lutomski J.

PMID: 5125489 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

136: Plant Physiol. 1971 Jan;47(1):59-64.

Action of Kinetin on Cotyledons of Fenugreek.

Rijven AH, Parkash V.

Division of Plant Industry, Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research
Organization, Canberra, Australia.

Isolated cotyledons of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.), which respond
rapidly and specifically to the application of cytokinins with stimulated
expansion, have been used to study the primary action of kinetin. Gross chemical
analysis showed that ribonucleic acid increased within 24 hours in response to
kinetin application. 8-Azaguanine inhibited both kinetin-induced expansion and
RNA synthesis; 5-fluorodeoxyuridine inhibited only the RNA synthesis.Cotyledons
produced nitrate reductase activity in response to 20 mm nitrate only in the
presence of either light or kinetin and especially in the presence of both.
Abscisic acid and inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis depressed this
response. Inhibitors affecting chloroplast development and function did not
reduce the response in the presence of light and kinetin.In vitro incorporation
of (14)C-l-leucine and (14)C-l-phenyl-alanine into protein by various
recombinations of microsomal and 160,000g supernatant fractions varied according
to the pretreatment which the cotyledons had received before the preparation of
the fractions. Stimulatory effects were mainly associated with the microsomal
fractions.The formation of leucine-, valine-, and tyrosine-tRNA complexes by
high speed supernatant fractions from differently pretreated cotyledons was also
compared. The sharp stimulation of the process by adding tRNA was found to be
independent of the kind of preincubation that the cotyledons used for the tRNA
extraction had received.It is concluded that the evidence is not in favor of
kinetin correcting specific tRNA deficiencies. Kinetin removes a limitation that
prevents the synthesis of RNA and genome expression.

PMID: 16657578 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

137: Planta Med. 1969 Feb;17(1):14-8.

Experimental studies on the effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum.

Abdo MS, al-Kafawi AA.

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138: Indian J Biochem. 1964 Jun;1(2):104-6.

Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn.) supplementation on the
biological value of rice & black gram (Phaseolus mungo) diet.

Rajalakshmi R, Subbulakshmi G.

PMID: 4243507 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

139: Ann Biochem Exp Med. 1962 Nov;22:289-94.

Nutritive value of some leaf-proteins. I. Amino-acid composition of Trigonella
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TALWALKAR RT, PATEL SM.

PMID: 13984795 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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