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Orobanche crenata is a major threat to grain legume production. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual legume that has been shown to effectively reduce O. crenata infection when intercropped with grain legumes. In this paper, we point that this can be attributed to allelopathy, through inhibition of the germination of O. crenata by fenugreek root exudates. The main inhibitory metabolite was isolated and characterized. Allelopathy was demonstrated in different bioassays, by inhibition of O. crenata seeds germination both by growing fenugreek and pea plants together (intercropped), and by application of fenugreek root exudates. Fenugreek root exudates were extracted with organic solvent and fractionated giving several fractions, two of which showed moderate (27%) and strong (54%) inhibition of O. crenata seed germination, respectively. The most active metabolite is a new monosubstituted trioxazonane, characterized by spectroscopic methods as the 2-butyl-[1,4,7,2]trioxazonane and named trigoxazonane.

Despite considerable progress in medical therapy, there is no satisfactory drug to treat kidney stones. Therefore, the current study aimed to look for an alternative by using Trigonella foenum graecum (Tfg) on nephrolithiasic rats as a preventive agent against the development of kidney stones, which is commonly used in Morocco as a phytotherapeutic agent. The inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract of Tfg seeds was examined on the formation of calcium oxalate renal stones induced by ethylene glycol (EG) with ammonium chloride. At the end of the experiment all kidneys were removed and examined microscopically for possible crystal/stone locations and the total calcium amount in the renal tissue was evaluated. The blood was recovered to determine the levels of calcium, phosphorus, creatinine and urea. The results showed that the amount of calcification in the kidneys and the total calcium amount of the renal tissue in rats treated with Tfg were significantly reduced compared with the untreated group. Consequently, Tfg may be a useful agent in the treatment of patients with calcic urolithiasis.

Pakistan is rich in medicinally important plants and has ancient herbal treatment methods. Present work is based on the study of six indigenous plants Eugenia jambolana, Lawsonia inermis, Momordica charantia, Morus alba, Nigella sativa and Trigonella foenum graecum which show the inhibitory effect of glucose utilization, and are in use as hypoglycemic agents of varying degree in traditional system of medicine. The glucose uptake activity of (methanolic extracts) of these plants was tested in vitro and glucose was estimated by glucose oxidase method. The results in three different media revealed that, hypoglycemic activity is more prominent in neutral and basic media as compared to acidic medium.

The present research work aimed at development and optimisation of mucoadhesive polyherbal gels (MPG) for vaginal drug delivery. As the rheological and mucoadhesive properties of the gels correlate well to each other the prepared MPGs were optimised for maximum mucoadhesion using a relationship between the storage modulus (G') and Gel Index (GI), by employing a 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken statistical design. Independent variables studied were the polymer concentration (X(1)), honey concentration (X(2)) and aerosil concentration (X(3)). Aerosil has been investigated for the first time to improve the consistency of gels. The dependent variables studied were the elastic modulus, G'(Y(1)), gel index (Y(2)), and maximum detachment force (Y(3)) with applied constraints of 500

The present study investigates the hepatoprotective effect of fenugreek seed polyphenolic extract (FPEt) against ethanol-induced hepatic injury and apoptosis in rats. Chronic ethanol administration (6 g/kg/day x 60 days) caused liver damage that was manifested by the elevation of markers of liver dysfunction--aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bilirubin and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in plasma and reduction in liver glycogen. The effects on alcohol metabolizing enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) were studied and found to be altered in the alcohol-treated group. Ethanol administration resulted in adaptive induction of the activities of cytochrome p450 (cyt-p-450) and cytochrome-b5 (cyt-b5) and reduction in cytochrome-c-reductase (cyt-c-red) and glutathione-S-tranferase (GST), a phase II enzyme. Further, ethanol reduced the viability of isolated hepatocytes (ex vivo) as assessed by the trypan blue exclusion test and increased hepatocyte apoptosis as assessed by propidium iodide staining (PI). Treatment with FPEt restored the levels of markers of liver injury and mitigated the alterations in alcohol metabolizing and detoxification enzymes and the electron transport component cytochrome-c reductase. Increased hepatocyte viability and reduced apoptotic nuclei were observed in FPEt-treated rats. These findings demonstrate that FPEt acts as a protective agent against ethanol-induced abnormalities in the liver. The effects of FPEt are comparable with those of a known hepatoprotective agent, silymarin.

1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) is a colon carcinogen which undergoes oxidative metabolism in the liver. We have investigated the modulatory effect of fenugreek seeds (a spice) on colon tumor incidence as well as hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant status during DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. In DMH treated rats, 100% colon tumor incidence was accompanied by enhanced LPO and a decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) content as well as a fall in glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Inclusion of fenugreek seed powder in the diet of DMH treated rats reduced the colon tumor incidence to 16.6%, decreased the LPO and increased the activities of GPx, GST, SOD and CAT in the liver. We report that fenugreek modulates DMH-induced hepatic oxidative stressduring colon cancer

This study seeks to improve the beneficial effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) galactomannan (GM) in lowering the plasma lipid profile and weight. Three different combinations of diets were prepared with fenugreek GM--(a) fenugreek GM + water (GM); (b) fenugreek GM + sodium bicarbonate (GMB); and (c) fenugreek GM + bicarbonate + albumin (GMBA)--and their in vitro water retention capacity and in vivo lipid-lowering effect were studied. Distilled water and sodium bicarbonate were used as controls. The sodium bicarbonate significantly increased the in vitro water-holding capacity of fenugreek GM (49.1 +/- 8.7 vs. 21.6 +/- 0.9 g of water/g of dry weight, P < .01). Administration by oral intubation of the combination GMBA to male albino Wistar rats (250 mg/kg of body weight) over a 4-week period was the most effective in reducing body weight (-27.0 +/- 0.4%, P < .001). Within this period, the combinations GMBA and GMB brought about the most significant reduction in the levels of plasma total cholesterol (P < .005). The GMBA combination was also the most effective in reducing levels of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .001) and the atherogenicity indices. GM, GMB, and GMBA brought about significant (P < .01, .001, and .001, respectively) increases in the plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, with the highest increase coming with GMBA. A significant increase in plasma triglycerides (P < .05) was brought about by the GMBA combination, probably resulting from the rapid reduction of body weight observed. Food intake was reduced by GM, GMB, and GMBA, while water intake increased in that order. The GMB combination significantly reduced transit time (P < .01) compared to GM. On the other hand, GMB and GMBA improved glycemic control, compared to GM. We conclude that albumin and sodium bicarbonate have the ability to improve some beneficial physiological effects of fenugreek GM. This finding could have applications in the areas of human obesity, weight loss, and the control of blood lipids.

Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds have been documented as a traditional plant treatment for diabetes. In the present study, the antidiabetic properties of a soluble dietary fibre (SDF) fraction of T. foenum-graecum were evaluated. Administration of SDF fraction (0 x 5 g/kg body weight) to normal, type 1 or type 2 diabetic rats significantly improved oral glucose tolerance. Total remaining unabsorbed sucrose in the gastrointestinal tract of non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic rats, following oral sucrose loading (2 x 5 g/kg body weight) was significantly increased by T. foenum-graecum (0 x 5 g/kg body weight). The SDF fraction suppressed the elevation of blood glucose after oral sucrose ingestion in both non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic rats. Intestinal disaccharidase activity and glucose absorption were decreased and gastrointestinal motility increased by the SDF fraction. Daily oral administration of SDF to type 2 diabetic rats for 28 d decreased serum glucose, increased liver glycogen content and enhanced total antioxidant status. Serum insulin and insulin secretion were not affected by the SDF fraction. Glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and insulin action were increased by T. foenum-graecum. The present findings indicate that the SDF fraction of T. foenum-graecum seeds exerts antidiabetic effects mediated through inhibition of carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and enhancement of peripheral insulin action.

Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds have previously been shown to have hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects on type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and experimental diabetic animals. The Trigonella foenum-graecum extract has now been investigated for its effects on general properties, blood glucose and blood lipid, and hemorheological parameters in experimental diabetic rats. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were administrated by oral intragastric intubation separately with low dose (0.44 g/kg.d), middle dose (0.87 g/kg.d), high dose (1.74 g/kg.d) of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract, and Metformin HCl (0.175 g/kg.d) for 6 weeks. Compared with diabetic group, rats treated with Trigonella foenum-graecum extract had an increase in body weight and a decrease in kidney /body weight ratio (p<0.05). Compared with diabetic group, rats treated Trigonella foenum-graecum extract had lower blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholestrol and higher higher-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). The plasma viscosity, whole blood viscosity of high shear rate (200 s-1) and low shear rate (40 s-1), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, whole blood reduction viscosity and platelet conglutination were significantly reduced in diabetic rats treated with high and middle doses of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract, but not in those treated with low dose of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract. It may be concluded that Trigonella foenum-graecum extract can lower kidney /body weight ratio, blood glucose, blood lipid levels and improve hemorheological properties in experimental diabetic rats following repeated treatment for 6 weeks.

A lectin present in seeds of Trigonella foenumgraecum was isolated and purified by acid precipitation, salt fractionation, and affinity chromatography on mannan cross-linked agarose. SDS-PAGE revealed a single band corresponding to a molecular weight of 27,350 daltons. The lectin agglutinated trypsin-treated rat erythrocytes. Sugar specificity as determined by hemagglutination inhibition assay indicated that the lectin belongs to a glucose/mannose-specific group. The reaction of the lectin with glycoprotein was affected by pH changes. The carbohydrate binding specificity of the lectin was investigated by turbidity and activity measurements. As the lectin belongs to the Leguminoceae family, the specificity of the lectin for glucose/mannose renders it a valuable tool for Rhizobium-legume symbiosis.

The present research investigated the enrichment of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graceum) seed substrate with phenolic antioxidants and L-DOPA via fungal-based solid-state bioconversion (SSB) system. This approach using food grade fungus Rhizopus oligosporus, was chosen because it has been demonstrated to be effective in other seed and food substrates for improving health-relevant functionality and has long history of use for food processing in Asia. The protein content and beta-glucosidase activity of the substrate which reflects fungal growth, increased with incubation time in conjunction with enhanced phenolic content and also suggested its possible involvement in phenolic mobilization. The antioxidant activity assayed by beta-carotene bleaching and DPPH free radical scavenging methods both indicated high activity during early growth stage (days 4-6) followed by reduced activity during later growth stage (days 8-20). A direct association between higher phenolic contents during early growth stage (days 4-6) and antioxidant activity suggested a link to mobilization of polymeric and hydrophobic phenolic forms. The L-DOPA content of the fenugreek extract fluctuated during the course of bioconversion with higher levels during days 6-10 (1.5-1.7 mg/g DW). The SSB process substantially improved the in vitro porcine alpha-amylase inhibition activity by 75 % on day 4 which correlated to higher levels of total phenolics and related antioxidant activity of the extracts. The high alpha-amylase inhibitory activity also coincided with high L-DOPA content on day 6. These results have implications for diet-based diabetes management. The same bioconversion stage had Helicobacter pylori inhibitory activity, which has implications for ulcer management.

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).

The in vitro method in use for the determination of beta-carotene bioaccessibility involves simulated gastrointestinal digestion followed by ultracentrifugation to separate the micellar fraction containing bioaccessible beta-carotene and its quantitation. In this study, the suitability of two alternatives viz., membrane filtration and equilibrium dialysis were examined to separate the micellar fraction. Values of beta-carotene bioaccessibility obtained with the membrane filtration method were similar to those obtained by the ultracentrifugation method. Equilibrium dialysis was found not suitable for this purpose. Among the vegetables analyzed, fenugreek leaves had the highest content of beta-carotene (9.15 mg/100 g), followed by amaranth (8.17 mg/100 g), carrot (8.14 mg/100 g) and pumpkin (1.90 mg/100 g). Percent bioaccessibility of beta-carotene ranged from 6.7 in fenugreek leaves to 20.3 in carrot. Heat treatment of these vegetables by pressure cooking and stir-frying had a beneficial influence on the bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from these vegetables. The increase in the percent bioaccessibility of beta-carotene as a result of pressure-cooking was 100, 48 and 19% for fenugreek leaves, amaranth and carrot, respectively. Stir-frying in presence of a small quantity of oil led to an enormous increase in the bioaccessibility of beta-carotene from these vegetables, the increase being 263% (fenugreek leaves), 192% (amaranth leaves), 63% (carrot) and 53% (pumpkin).

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.

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.

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.

The present study was designed to determine the effect of fenugreek seed extract (FG) on endurance capacity in male mice aged 4 wk. Mice were given orally either vehicle or FG (150, 300 mg/kg body weight) by stomach intubation for 4 wk. The 300 mg/ kg FG group showed a significant increase in swimming time to exhaustion as compared to the control group. In the FG groups, blood lactate concentration was significantly lower than in the control group. In the control group, plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and plasma glucose were decreased by swimming exercise. But in the FG group, NEFA and plasma glucose were significantly increased by swimming. FG treatment also significantly decreased fat accumulation. These results suggest that improvement in swimming endurance by the administration of FG is caused by the increase in utilization of fatty acids as an energy source.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the last decade, naturally occurring antioxidants continue to play an important role in the food-supplement industry. The content of antioxidants in a plant depends on the species, temperature, humidity, period of growth, harvest month, part of the plant used and many other variables. Herein, we present a new method able to determine the all over antioxidative power (AP) of plant extracts or lyophilised plant parts based on the reducing activity against a stable test radical. The method is performed by ESR spectroscopy and is based on the well-known 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) method with the major difference that both the antioxidative capacity and the antioxidative activity are used to characterise an antioxidant. The resulting antioxidative power is expressed in antioxidative units (AU), where 1AU corresponds to the activity of a 1 ppm solution of Vitamin C as a benchmark. This method allows a rapid, unexpensive and general applicable technique for the measurement of the antioxidative power of very different kinds of substances. The inclusion of the kinetic behaviour of the reducing process of the antioxidant for the determination of the AP allows the identification of the main antioxidant present in a sample. Herein, we present the application example of seeds, sprouts and adult parts of dandelion, amaranth, quinoa, fenugreek, broccoli, red clover and mugwort, where the AP method permits to characterise the plants with the highest antioxidant capacity and reaction velocity. The method permits to select active plant extracts for the food and nutrition industry.

Aim: To establish a rapid and sensitive LC-MSn method for the identification of trigonelline and its main metabolites in rat urine., Methods: After optimizing the detection conditions of LC-MSn chromatography and mass spectrometry using trigonelline, its ionization and cleavage in ESI-MS and ESI-MSn modes were summarized, then serving as the basis for the metabolite analysis of trigonelline in rat urine. The 0-48 h urine samples of rats were collected after iv 8 mg x kg(-1) trigonelline, then, the samples were purified through C18 solid-phase extraction cartridge. The purified samples were analyzed by LC-MSn., Results: The structures of trigonelline metabolites were elucidated according to the changes of the molecular weights of the metabolites (deltaM) and their cleavage pattern in ESI-ITMSn. As a result, two phase I metabolites and the parent drug were identified existing in rat urine, and two phase II metabolites were identified., Conclusion: The LC-MSn method is rapid and high sensitive and specific, it is suitable for the identification of trigonelline and its metabolites in rat urine.

Oral administration of vanadate is an effective treatment for diabetes in animal models. However, vanadate exerts these effects at high doses and several toxic effects are produced. Low doses of vanadate are relatively safe but are unable to elicit any antidiabetic effect. The present study explored the prospect of using low doses of vanadate in combination with Trigonella seed powder (TSP) to evaluate their antidiabetic effect in alloxan-diabetic rats. Alloxan-diabetic rats were treated with insulin, vanadate, TSP and vanadate and TSP in combination for 3 weeks. The effect of these antidiabetic compounds was examined on general physiological parameters and distribution of glucose transporter (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Treatment of alloxan-diabetic rats with insulin, vanadate, TSP and vanadate in combination with TSP revived normoglycemia and restored the disturbances in the distribution of GLUT4 in skeletal muscle. TSP treatment was only partially effective in the restoration of diabetic alterations. The treatment of diabetic rats with combined doses of vanadate and TSP was most effective in the normalization of plasma glucose levels and correction of altered GLUT4 distribution.

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.

Fenugreek and Balanites are two plants commonly used in Egyptian folk medicine as hypoglycemic agents. In the present study, the effects of 21 days oral administration of Fenugreek seed and Balanites fruit extracts (1.5 g/kg bw) on the liver and kidney glycogen content and on some key liver enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism in STZ-diabetic rats were studied. In addition, the effects of these two plant extracts on the intestinal alpha-amylase activity in vitro and starch digestion and absorption in vivo were also examined. Results indicated that single injection of STZ (50 mg/kg bw) caused 5-folds increase in the blood glucose level, 80% reduction in serum insulin level, 58% decrease in liver glycogen and 7-folds increase in kidney glycogen content as compared to the normal levels. The activity of glucose-6-phosphatase was markedly increased, whereas, the activities of both glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and phospho-fructokinase were significantly decreased in the diabetic rat liver. Administration of Fenugreek extract to STZ-diabetic rats reduced blood glucose level by 58%, restored liver glycogen content and significantly decreased kidney glycogen as well as liver glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Meanwhile, Balanites extract reduced blood glucose level by 24% and significantly decreased liver glucose-6-phosphatase activity in diabetic rats. On the other hand, our results demonstrated that both the Fenugreek and Balanites extracts were able to in vitro inhibit alpha-amylase activity in dose-dependent manner. Fenugreek was more potent inhibitor than Balanites. This inhibition was reversed by increasing substrate concentration in a pattern which complies well with the effect of competitive inhibitors. Furthermore, this in vitro inhibition was confirmed by in vivo suppression of starch digestion and absorption induced by both plant extracts in normal rats. These findings suggest that the hypoglycemic effect of Fenugreek and Balanites is mediated through insulinomimetic effect as well as inhibition of intestinal alpha-amylase activity.

The title complexes shown as cationic fenugreek gum were prepared. The thermal decomposition process of fenugreek gum and cationic fenugreek gum was studied quantitatively by means of thermogravimetric analysis an dinfrared spectroscopic measurement of samples after heating at different temperatures. Additionally, according to the fact that the absorbance peak changes and theanalysis of TG-IR of cationic fenugreek gum at different temperatures, it can be drawn that the thermal decomposition of the cationic fenugreek gum might lead to a possible thermal-cracking process.

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.

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.

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.

The in vivo hypoglycaemic activity of a dialysed fenugreek seed extract (FSE) was studied in alloxan (AXN)-induced diabetic mice and found to be comparable to that of insulin (1.5 U kg(-1)). FSE also improved intraperitoneal glucose tolerance in normal mice. The mechanism by which FSE attenuated hyperglycaemia was investigated in vitro. FSE stimulated glucose uptake in CHO-HIRc-mycGLUT4eGFP cells in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was shown to be mediated by the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) from the intracellular space to the plasma membrane. These effects of FSE on GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake were inhibited by wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitor, and bisindolylmaleimide 1, a protein kinase C (PKC)-specific inhibitor. In vitro phosphorylation analysis revealed that, like insulin, FSE also induces tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of proteins including the insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1 and p85 subunit of PI3-K, in both 3T3-L1 adipocytes and human hepatoma cells, HepG2. However, unlike insulin, FSE had no effect on protein kinase B (Akt) activation. These results suggest that in vivo the hypoglycaemic effect of FSE is mediated, at least in part, by the activation of an insulin signalling pathway in adipocytes and liver cells.

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.

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.

Insulin resistance (hyperinsulinaemia) is now recognized as a major contributor to the development of glucose intolerance, dyslipidaemia and hypertension in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients. Sedentary lifestyle, consumption of energy-rich diet, obesity, longer lifespan, etc., are important reasons for this rise (J. R. Turtle, Int J Clin Prac 2000; 113: 23). Aqueous extracts of Pterocarpus marsupium Linn bark (PM), Ocimum sanctum Linn leaves (OS) and Trigonella foenumgraecum Linn seeds (FG) have been shown to exert hypoglycaemic/antihyperglycaemic effect in experimental as well as clinical setting. As no work has been carried out so far to assess the effect of PM, OS and FG on fructose-induced hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia, we undertook this study to assess whether these extracts attenuate the metabolic alteration induced by fructose-rich diet in rats. Five groups of rats (eight each) were fed chow diet, 66% fructose diet, 66% fructose diet + PM leaves extract (1 g/kg/day), 66% fructose diet + OS leaves extract (200 mg/kg/day) and 66% fructose diet + FG seeds extract (2 g/kg/day) for 30 days. Fructose feeding to normal rats for 30 days significantly increased serum glucose, insulin and triglyceride levels in comparison with control. Treatment with all the three plants extract for 30 days significantly lowered the serum glucose levels in comparison with control group. However, only PM extract substantially prevented hypertriglyceridaemia and hyperinsulinaemia, while OS and FG had no significant effect on these parameters. Results of this study, in addition to previous clinical benefits of PM seen in NIDDM subjects, are suggestive of usefulness of PM bark (Vijayasar) in insulin resistance, the associated disorder of type 2 diabetes; however, OS and FG may not be useful. Though several antidiabetic principles (-epicatechin, pterosupin, marsupin and pterostilbene) have been identified in the PM, yet future studies are required to certify their efficacy and safety before clinical scenario.

To elucidate the effect of feeding fenugreek seed mucilage and spent turmeric (10%) on disaccharidases activities, the specific activities of intestinal and renal disaccharidases viz., sucrase, maltase and lactase were measured in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Specific activities of intestinal disaccharidases were increased significantly during diabetes and amelioration of these activities during diabetes was clearly visible by supplementing fenugreek seed mucilage and spent turmeric in the diet. However during diabetes renal disaccharidases activities were significantly lower than those in the control rats. Fenugreek seed mucilage and spent turmeric supplementations were beneficial in alleviating the reduction in maltase activity during diabetes, however not much change in the activities of sucrase and lactase was observed upon feeding. This positive influence of feeding fenugreek seed mucilage and spent turmeric on intestinal and renal disaccharidases clearly indicates their beneficial role in the management of diabetes.

It was found that fenugreek seed extract reduced the body weight gain induced by a high-fat diet in obese mice. The extract decreased plasma triglyceride gain induced by oil administration. The major component of the extract, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, also decreased plasma triglyceride gain. Consequently, fenugreek seed extract is expected to prevent the obesity induced by a high-fat diet.

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.

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.

Larvicidal activity of acetone and petroleum ether extracts of four plants Murraya koenigii, Coriandrum sativum, Ferula asafoetida, Trigonella foenum graceum and synthetic larvicides Fenthion and Temephos used alone and in combination was carried out against A. aegypti larvae under laboratory conditions. Optimum values were found out by using different concentrations of each plant (ranged 25 ppm-900 ppm) and both synthetic larvicides (ranged 0.01-7.5 ppm). The synergistic study was carried out by using 0.05 ppm of Temephos and Fenthion with 25ppm of M. koenigii, F. asafetida, T. foenum graceum and 100 ppm of C. sativum. All the plants showed potential synergistic activity although showed comparatively poor larvicidal activity when tested individually.

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.

A polyphenol-rich extract from the seeds of fenugreek was evaluated for its protective effect against hydrogen peroxide(H202)-induced oxidation in normal and diabetic human erythrocytes (RBCs). RBCs, preincubated with increasing amounts of fenugreek seed extract and challenged with H2O2, were analyzed for hemolysis and lipid peroxidation. RBCs from diabetic subjects were more susceptible to oxidative hemolysis and lipid peroxidation than those from normal subjects. However preincubation with the polyphenol-rich extract significantly reduced the oxidative modifications in both the groups. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation was concentration-dependent up to 100 microl of extract, which contained 0.75mM gallic acid equivalent (GAE) of phenolic compounds. These findings demonstrate the potent antioxidant properties of the fenugreek seeds.

Wheat flour was separately substituted with fenugreek flour (raw, soaked, and germinated) at 5-20% levels for product making. Nutrient analysis of the blends, product development, and their acceptability were carried out. Replacement of wheat flour with fenugreek flour increased the protein, fat, lysine, minerals, and dietary fibre contents proportionately to the level of substitution. Among the composite flours, the blends containing germinated fenugreek flour were found superior in nutritional quality compared to others. However, products, viz., bread, biscuits, noodles, and macaroni prepared from the wheat-fenugreek blends at 10, 15, and 20% levels, were found organoleptically acceptable.

The total phenolics and antioxidant activities of fenugreek, green tea, black tea, grape seed, ginger, rosemary, gotu kola, and ginkgo extracts, vitamin E, and tert-butylhydroquinone, were determined. Grape seed and green tea were analyzed for their phenolic constituents using high-performance liquid chromatography. The total phenolics of the plant extracts, determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, ranged from 24.8 to 92.5 mg of chlorogenic acid equivalent/g dry material. The antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts determined by conjugated diene measurement of methyl linoleate were 3.4-86.3%. The antioxidant activity of the extracts using chicken fat by an oxidative stability instrument (4.6-10.2 h of induction time) followed a similar trend in antioxidant activity as determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Seven phenolics in grape seed and green tea extracts were identified that ranged from 15.38 to 1158.49 and 18.3 to 1087.02 mg/100 g of extract, respectively. Plant extracts such as green tea and grape seed extracts can be used to retard lipid oxidation in a variety of food products.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of fenugreek leaves in diabetes mellitus. Albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: normal untreated rats; streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats; STZ-induced rats + fenugreek leaves (0.5 g/kg of body weight); STZ-induced rats + fenugreek leaves (1 g/kg of body weight); STZ-induced rats + glibenclamide (600 microg/kg of body weight); and STZ-induced rats + insulin (6 units/kg of body weight). Rats were made diabetic by STZ (40 mg/kg) injected intraperitoneally. Fenugreek leaves were supplemented in the diet daily to diabetic rats for 45 days, and food intake was recorded daily. Blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids were determined in serum, liver, heart, and kidney. Our results show that blood glucose and serum and tissue lipids were elevated in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Supplementation of fenugreek leaves lowered the lipid profile in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

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.

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.

The phenylpropanoid pathway (PPP) was stimulated in fenugreek sprouts through the pentose phosphate and shikimate pathway, by natural elicitors such as Fish Protein Hydrolysates (FPH), Lactoferrin (LF) and Oregano Extract (OE). Among treatments 0.5 ml/L FPH elicited fenugreek sprouts had the highest phenolic content of 0.75 mg/g FW on day 3 of germination which was approximately 25 % higher than control on the same day. The antioxidant activity estimated by beta-carotene assay was highest for LF and OE elicited sprouts on day 2 and 4, respectively with an antioxidant protection factor (APF) of 1.47 for both. In all treatments and control, higher antioxidant activity was observed during early germination, which correlates to higher phenolic content, suggesting that initially phenolics are antioxidant in nature. This increased activity also correlates with high guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity indicating that the polymerized phenolics required for lignification with growth have antioxidant function. The antioxidant activity as estimated by beta-carotene and 1,1,-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assays indicate that fenugreek sprout extract can quench the superoxide free radical and also possibly scavenge the hydrogen peroxide generated in the reaction mix. OE elicited the highest levo dihydroxy phenylalanine (L-DOPA) synthesis of 1.59 mg/g FW, followed by FPH with 1.56 mg/g FW and LF 1.5 mg/g FW all on day 2 which was 24.5%, 23 % and 20 % higher than control, respectively. Higher L-DOPA content was observed in the elicited fenugreek sprouts during early germination, correlating to high phenolics and antioxidant activity, suggesting that L-DOPA also contributes to the high antioxidant activity. The glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity was higher during early germination (day 1-4) and gradually decreased during later stages (day 5-8) for all treatments and control. The early increase is possibly due to the carbohydrate mobilization from the cotyledons directed towards the high nutrient requirements of the growing sprout. As mobilization occurred, an allosteric feedback inhibition by sugar-phosphates is suggested, as lower G6PDH activity was observed on days 6-8. The elevated levels of GPX during early germination coincide with the higher phenolic synthesis; SOD activity and antioxidant activity suggests the elevated production and quenching of reactive oxygen species by elicitation. High antimicrobial activity against peptic ulcer-linked Helicobacter pylori was observed in the fenugreek sprout extract from control and LF treatments only. We hypothesized that in fenugreek sprouts, simple free phenolics that are less polymerized have more antimicrobial function.

The effect of blending of fenugreek (raw, soaked, and germinated) flour (Trigonellafaenum graecum) from 5 to 20% in wheat flour on the rheological and sensory evaluation of bread, biscuit, noodle, and macroni was studied. Farinograph water absorption, dough development time, mixing tolerance index, and dough stability increased significantly with increased amount of fenugreek flour. Incorporation of fenugreek flour in wheat flour increased the protein and fat contents of blends but decreased the gluten contents. Among the supplemented blends, blends containing germinated fenugreek flour had higher protein contents (13.83-16.30%) up to 20%. Overall acceptability scores of bread, biscuit, noodles, and macroni were found highly acceptable up to 15, 10, and 20% levels, respectively.

Aim: To develop a sensitive and specific HPLC method for determination of trigonelline in rabbit plasma, and study the pharmacokinetics in rabbit., Methods: After ig of fenugreek extract and i.v. of trigonelline in rabbit, the biological samples could be well purified after precipitation of protein with methanol and acetonitrile. Asahipak NH2P-50 column was used, the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-water (90:10) at a flow-rate of 1.2 mL.min-1, and detection wavelength was set at UV 265 nm. The column temperature is 30 degrees C., Results: The calibration curve was linear in the range from 0.98 mg.L-1 to 31.28 mg.L-1, with r = 0.9986, the detection limit of this method was 50 micrograms.L-1. The concentration-time curves of trigonelline in rabbits after ig and i.v. administration were shown to fit one-compartment and two-compartment open model, respectively. The main parameters after ig of fenugreek extract were as follow: T1/2(Ka) was 0.9 h, T1/2(Ke) was 2.2 h, V was 0.64 L.kg-1, AUC was 1.93 mg.min.L-1. The main parameters after i.v. of trigonelline were as follows: T1/2 alpha was 10.8 min, T1/2 beta was 44.0 min, K21 was 0.044 min-1, K10 was 0.026 min-1, K12 was 0.017 min-1, AUC was 931.0 mg.min.L-1., Conclusion: Trigonelline showed a middle rate of absorption and fast rate of elimination in rabbit. Meanwhile, the method is simple, accurate, with a good reproducibility, and it provide a basic method for the investigation of trigonelline and fenugreek pharmacokinetics.