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The study was conducted to determine the effects of foliar selenium spraying on the yield and quality characteristics of fenugreek in different plant growth stages. The experiment was established according to the split-split block experimental design. In the study, the main plots, sub-plots, and sub-sub plots consist of different plant growth stages (seedling, flowering, and seed formation periods), cultivars (Gürarslan, Çiftçi, and Berkem), and selenium doses (Control, 25, 50 and 75 g ha−1), respectively. Applying selenium at different plant growth stages was a statistically significant effect on the number of pods and protein content in the first year and on the number of branches in the second year. According to different plant growth stages, the highest results for the number of pods per plant, protein content and number of branches per plant were obtained during the flowering period. Applied selenium doses were ineffective on all investigated plant parameters except for plant height and number of seeds per pod in the first year. The highest results in the plant height and the number of seeds per pod were obtained from 75 g ha−1 selenium application and the control parcels, respectively. Biological yield and protein content were significant among cultivars only in the second year. The highest results in terms of biological yield and protein content were obtained in Gürarslan and Çiftçi cultivars. This study revealed that more studies are needed to determine the effects of selenium applications on medicinal and aromatic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fenugreek plant (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is traditionally known for its anti-diabetic properties owing to its high content of furostanolic saponins, which can synergistically treat many human ailments. Non-enzymatic protein glycation leading to the formation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGE) is a common pathophysiology observed in diabetic or prediabetic individuals, which can initiate the development of neurodegenerative disorders. A potent cellular source of glycation is Methyl Glyoxal, a highly reactive dicarbonyl formed as a glycolytic byproduct. We demonstrate the in vitro glycation arresting potential of Fenfuro®, a novel patented formulation of Fenugreek seed extract with clinically proven anti-diabetic properties, in Methyl-Glyoxal (MGO) adducts of three abundant amyloidogenic cellular proteins, alpha-synuclein, Serum albumin, and Lysozyme. A 0.25% w/v Fenfuro® was able to effectively arrest glycation by more than 50% in all three proteins, as evidenced by AGE fluorescence. Glycation-induced amyloid formation was also arrested by more than 36%, 14% and 15% for BSA, Alpha-synuclein and Lysozyme respectively. An increase in MW by attachment of MGO was also partially prevented by Fenfuro® as confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis. Glycation resulted in enhanced aggregation of the three proteins as revealed by Native PAGE and Dynamic Light Scattering. However, in the presence of Fenfuro®, aggregation was arrested substantially, and the normal size distribution was restored. The results cumulatively indicated the lesser explored potential of direct inhibition of glycation by fenugreek seed in addition to its proven role in alleviating insulin resistance. Fenfuro® boosts its therapeutic potential as an effective phytotherapeutic to arrest Type 2 diabetes. HIGHLIGHTS: Fenfuro® is a novel patented formulation of Fenugreek seed extract with more than 45% furostanolic saponins and anti-diabetic property free from any side effect as established through clinical study. In the present study, the role of Fenfuro® in arresting in vitro AGE formation and glycation-induced amyloid formation has been demonstrated with the help of three amyloidogenic proteins, namely Human Lysozyme, Human alpha-synuclein and Bovine Serum Albumin using Methyl Glyoxal as the glycating agent. A 0.25% (w/v) ethanolic solution of Fenfuro® resulted in more than 50% arrest in glycation with simultaneous prevention of aggregation as demonstrated by native PAGE, DLS and inhibition of development of Thio-T positive amyloid like entities. The studies collectively aim toward the development of a safe therapeutic method for arresting protein glycation through direct physical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreek, a key medicinal-aromatic plant, offers rich bioactive compounds and nutritional value. Its diverse applications in cuisine and pharmaceuticals, coupled with health benefits like anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties, underscore its significance. Assessing genetic diversity becomes crucial for effective conservation and utilization. In this study, we examined the molecular diversity and population structure of 34 fenugreek genotypes collected from 18 countries worldwide using 24 inter-primer binding site (iPBS) markers. The iPBS primers produced 499 bands, with the total number of bands per primer ranging from 15 (iPBS-2224) to 26 (iPBS-2077), averaging 20.79. Polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.03 (iPBS-2374) to 0.34 (iPBS-2237), averaging 0.23. In the molecular analysis, the G1 genotype (Isfahan/Iran) exhibited the maximum effective number of alleles (Ne), Nie's gene diversity (He), and Shannon's information index (I) at 1.946, 0.486, and 0.679, respectively. Conversely, the G34 genotype (India/B) displayed the lowest values at 1.539, 0.350, and 0.535, respectively. Utilizing the unweighted pair-group means average (UPGMA) method, the iPBS-based tree revealed three distinct groups corresponding to the genomic constitution of fenugreek genotypes, a pattern partially corroborated by principal component analysis (PCA). Further model-based cluster analysis classified the 34 genotypes into four subpopulations, with expected heterozygosity (He) values of 0.428, 0.390, 0.426, and 0.007, respectively. The F-statistic (Fst) values for these subpopulations were 0.197, 0.210, 0.187, and 0.356, respectively. These findings underscored significant genetic variation among the tested fenugreek genotypes, thereby demonstrating the efficacy of iPBS markers in accurately assessing genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships within fenugreek populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreek extracts have remarkable antioxidant properties and can be used as natural preservatives for products containing a large amount of oil, such as mayonnaise. In this study, mayonnaise was enriched with phenolic extracts of fenugreek seeds (FSE) and fenugreek leaves (FLE), and the quality attributes of the enriched mayonnaises were investigated during storage. FSE and FLE were added to mayonnaise at three different levels (0.05, 0.10, and 0.20%), and the samples were stored at 4°C for 12 weeks and at 25°C for 6 weeks. Antioxidant activity, peroxide value, titratable acidity, color change, and microbial and sensory analysis were performed. As a result, enrichment of mayonnaise with FSE and FLE improved its quality properties during storage. The antioxidant activities of the added FSE and FLE samples were preserved ∼87% and ∼47% at 4°C, and 81% and ∼27% at 25°C, respectively. Furthermore, the increase in the peroxide values of the enriched mayonnaise with extracts during storage was less than that of the added synthetic antioxidant (EDTA) samples. The highest total color change (ΔE) was observed for FLE‐added samples for all levels of addition. Multifactorial ANOVA showed significant effects (p < 0.05) of type and concentration of additives, storage time, and their interactions on antioxidant activity, peroxide value, titratable acidity, and color change at both storage temperatures (4°C and 25°C). R2 and adj‐R2 values indicated highly accurate models for all parameters. The addition of FLE and FSE at the highest level (0.20%) prevented the growth of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria by 2.1 and 3.2 logs and the growth of total yeast/mold by 1.0 and 1.3 logs at 25°C, respectively. Sensory attributes (color, odor, taste, texture, and general acceptance) of the mayonnaises added to FSE and FLE had higher scores than the control sample at the end of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many aging men experience reduced energy and libido related to non-optimal testosterone levels. We conducted a randomized double-blind trial with TrigozimR fenugreek extract to assess impact on plasma and saliva testosterone, and some subjective effects. 95 men (40-80y) completed a 12-week intervention, taking 3 tablets daily with 0 mg (placebo; n = 22), 600 mg (n = 21), 1200 mg (n = 25) and1800 mg (n = 27) fenugreek extract and essential nutrients. Samples were collected at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 12. Participants answered a pre- and post-intervention questionnaire on lifestyle and libido. We measured total testosterone (HPLC-MS/MS) and sex hormone binding globulin (ELISA), calculated free testosterone index (FTI), and measured saliva testosterone. Plasma total testosterone and FTI increased after any dose of TrigozimR vs. baseline (13.0%, p = 1.0x10-4 and 16.3%, p = 6.2x10-6), but not vs. placebo (9.0%, p = 0.122 and 11.3% p = 0.059). 1800 mg TrigozimR resulted in 12.2% increased FTI (p = 0.025). Saliva testosterone concentration increased after any dose of TrigozimR vs. baseline (31.1%, p = 2.3x10-4) and vs. placebo (37.2%, p = 0.042). 1800 mg TrigozimR for 12 weeks resulted in 19.6% (p = 0.006) increased saliva testosterone. Compliance was confirmed by enhanced plasma concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3. We observed no subjective effects or side-effects of TrigozimR. TrigozimR increased saliva and plasma testosterone concentration during intervention but only for saliva vs. placebo. Saliva may be preferred for measuring free testosterone due to no protein-bound testosterone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreeks (Trigonella L. spp.), are well-known herbs belonging to the family Fabaceae, whose fresh and dried leaves have nutritional and medicinal value. In the present study, the content of phytochemical traits (essential oil, diosgenin, trigonelline, total phenol, total flavonoid, total saponins, and total tannins), bitterness value, pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoid, β-carotene, and anthocyanin), vitamins (group B vitamins and ascorbic acid), minerals, and antioxidant activity of thirty cultivated populations belonging to ten Trigonella species were evaluated. The species and populations were significantly different in all studied parameters. A significant positive and negative correlation (p < 0.05) was also observed between the studied parameters. In total, T. teheranica, T. elliptica, and T. foenum-graecum were distinguished as superior species. The results showed that fenugreeks leaves can be considered as a valuable source of food and phytochemical compounds. The obtained data can be help to expand the inventory of wild and cultivated Trigonella species for further exploitation of rich chemotypes in the new foods and specific applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum) is a widely grown dietary herb in Asia, and its seeds are traditionally used for several diseases, including diabetes. The seeds and leaves possess a variety of compounds that play an important role in regulating their hypoglycemic effect. However, so far, no extensive systematic review exists on its antidiabetic effect, highlighting the molecular mechanisms and isolated compounds. The purpose of this review is to summarize the preclinical and clinical antidiabetic properties of fenugreek and its isolated compounds by focusing on underlying mechanisms. PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus databases were searched to retrieve articles until June, 2024. Preclinical studies demonstrated that the antidiabetic effect of fenugreek was mostly associated with enhanced glucose transporter type‐4 (GLUT4) translocation and hexokinase activity, decreased glucose‐6‐phosphatase and fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase activities, inhibited α‐amylase and maltase activities, protected β cells, and increased insulin release. Furthermore, few studies have reported its role as a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) modulator, 5′‐AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK) activator, and dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitor. Further clinical trials showed that fenugreek seeds improved blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles. This study highlights significant evidence of the antidiabetic effect of fenugreek and its isolated compounds; therefore, it could be a potential therapy for diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual, dicotyledonous medicinal plant which belongs to the Leguminosae family, and its leaves and seeds are widely used and cultivated throughout the world. Their widespread utilization is attributed to the great variety of primary and secondary metabolites they contain, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroidal saponins, tannins, as well as carbohydrates, in particular galactomannan, which is the focus of the current study. The presence of an equal number of galactose and mannose residues (Gal/Man ratio of 1:1) prevents the formation of hydrogen bonds between the mannose ones. This determines the good solubility of fenugreek galactomannan in cold water, even at low concentrations. The water solubility would be significantly better than that of carob and even slightly higher than that of guar gum, precisely due to their structural characteristics, which contribute to their possible advantages. Moreover, it is a good alternative as an excipient for the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms, as well as in the preparation of food products, affecting not only their structure but also their shelf life. Furthermore, it has promising applications not only in the fields of medicine and pharmaceutics but also offers environmental benefits. All of the above-mentioned factors are of high interest and qualify fenugreek galactomannan as a versatile polysaccharide, which is the reason for summarizing its benefits in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen indices could be used to evaluate organic and inorganic fertilization because they provide quantitative measures of nitrogen availability in the soil, allowing for a more accurate assessment of nutrient-management practices and optimization of crop yields. This study investigates the impact of different fertilization types and salinity on various soil parameters in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) cultivation and nitrogen indices. A field experiment was established at the Agricultural University of Athens during the cropping period of 2018–2019 (CP I), 2019–2020 (CP II), and 2020–2021 (CP III) in a split-plot design with two main salinity treatments (high salinity, HS, and conventional salinity, CS) and five fertilization treatments (biocyclic–vegan humus soil (BHS), manure (FYM), compost (COMP), inorganic fertilization (11–15–15), and the control (C). The Nitrogen Balance Intensity (NBI) was statistically significantly affected by the factors of fertilization (p ≤ 0.01) and salinity (p ≤ 0.001) for CP I. The maximum NUEcrop value was recorded in the FYM treatment (0.83 ± 0.04) and the minimum in the COMP treatment (0.64 ± 0.04). Physiological efficiency (PE) was not significantly affected by any treatment for CP III. The fertilization factor significantly affected the NUEsoil index (p ≤ 0.001) for all three CPs. For CP I, the highest Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency (NUpE) value was recorded in the BHS treatment (27.08 ± 7.31) and the lowest in the C treatment (13.22 ± 7.31). There were no significant differences in CP I and CP II NUEbalance values among the NPK, BHS, and FYM treatments. These findings underscore the potential of organic fertilizers in addressing the global nitrogen challenge and promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreek gum FG is one kind of watersoluble natural polysaccharides extracted from the endosperm of fenugreek legumes. It has appropriate physical and chemical properties, such as water solubility, water binding capacity, thickening ability, thermal stability, emulsifying ability, film-forming property, as well as salutary pharmacological actions like hypoglycemic activity, antihyperlipidemic effect, and antioxgenation property. Moreover, its physical, chemical properties and application performance can be significantly improved by physical modification, chemical modification, blending modification and enzymatic modification. Therefore, fenugreek gum has been gained more and more attention in many fields, including daily-use chemical industry, food processing industry, pharmaceutical industry, and oil recovery. In this paper, the name, extraction source, chemical structure, the main physicochemical properties of fenugreek gum along with its extraction and purification technologies, common modification methods are briefly presented. Furthermore, the application areas of fenugreek gum and its modified products, and the current challenges faced in its development, as well as the future research direction and prospects for the development of fenugreek gum are also discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current work, we studied hairy root induction in Trigonella foenum graecum, which is an important medicinal plant, and examined the impact of different elicitors on some phytochemical characteristics and metabolites production in hairy root cultures. Accordingly, some factors such as five strain types of Agrobacterium rhizogenes (1724, 15834, A4, A13 and MSU) and three different explants, namely leaf, cotyledon and hypocotyl were studied. The results showed that different A. rhizogenes strains exhibited different infection efficiency. MSU and 15834 had highest efficiency of hairy root induction than other strains. Also, hairy root induction frequency in leaf explants was higher than in other explants. Salicylic acid (SA), nitric oxide (NO), CaCl2 and penconazole (PEN) were used in elicitation process. Hairy roots were treated with SA (0.1 and 0.5 mM), NO (10 and 50 µM), CaCl2 (5 and 10 mM) and PEN (5 and 10 mg/L). Applied elicitors enhanced antioxidant enzymes activities and reduced oxidative stress markers; this observation might be ascribed to regulation of the oxidative status of the elicited cells. Significant increase of antioxidant metabolites (total phenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin) in PEN-treated hairy roots was associated to phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity, indicating an up-regulation of phenylpropanoid/flavonoid metabolism. PEN and CaCl2 treatment enhanced steroidal sapogenin in hairy root cultures. These results suggested that use of elicitors can enhance the production of secondary metabolites in transformed hairy roots. Among the elicitors applied, CaCl2 and PEN were the most effective in increasing secondary metabolite production in transformed hairy roots of T. foenum graecum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing yield, profitability, and environmental sustainability in terms of soil quality as the goal variables, we created a methodological protocol for a thorough assessment of nutrient management (NM) technologies for feasibility and optimized fenugreek production employing organic sources of nutrients in the acid soil of Northeast India. Five organic nutrient management technologies were tried and tested comprising T1: absolute control; T2: 2.5 t ha−1 vermicompost (VC) + 250 kg ha−1 lime; T3: 5 t ha−1 farmyard manure (FYM) + 250 kg ha−1 lime; T4: 10 t ha−1 FYM + 250 kg ha−1 lime; and T5: 5 t ha−1 VC + 250 kg ha−1 lime with four replications laid out in a randomized block design for two consecutive growing seasons during 2018–2020. Results indicated that across the differential levels of organic amendments (treatments) employed, the addition of maximum doses of VC and FYM, in general, excelled over the other treatments concerning fenugreek seed yield, its yield attributes, soil properties, and better economic returns. Thus, the overall findings elucidated that the addition of higher doses of organic amendments (VC and FYM) can sustainably improve fenugreek productivity, soil properties, and economic returns for fenugreek growers in the acid soil of Northeast India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in Kayseri ecological conditions in 2022 to determine the effects of bacterial inoculation on some agricultural and quality characteristics of fenugreek cultivars. In the study, the experiment was set up according to the experimental design of randomized blocks split plots with four replications. Bacterial inoculation (with and without bacteria) was placed in the main plots, and cultivars (Güraslan, Çiftçi and Berkem) were placed in the sub-plots. In the experiment, plant height varied between 43.73-46.38 cm, first pod height varied between 17.10-21.08 cm, pod length varied between 11.59-12.69 cm, number of pods per plant varied between 11.50-16.38 pods plant-1, number of seeds per pod varied between 7.70-9.06 seeds pod-1, thousand seed weight varied between 17.93-19.80 g, biological yield varied between 375.73-473.49 kg da-1, seed yield varied between 75.98-109.62 kg da-1, harvest index varied between 19.04-25.35% and crude oil content varied between 5.26- 5.74%. At the end of the study, bacterial inoculation was found to be statistically insignificant. In addition, cultivars were found to be statistically significant in thousand seed weight and biological yield, and bacterial inoculation x cultivar interaction was found to be statistically significant in seed yield and harvest index. Eight different fatty acid components were identified and the main component of these was linoleic acid. Consequently, it can be said that the cultivation of Berkem cultivar without bacterial inoculation in terms of seed yield, and the cultivation of Gürarslan cultivar inoculated with bacteria in terms of UFA (unsaturated fatty acids) are the most suitable practices for fenugreek cultivation in Kayseri conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigonella filipes Boiss, Trigonella strangulata Boiss., and Trigonella uninata Banks and Sol., are three commonly used species that grow well in Iraq's northern suburbs and are frequently consumed and used in traditional medicine. The current study was planned to assess and identify the active chemicals in these plant species, as well as to analyze their anticancer and antiprofeliration effects in rats treated with alcohol and cholesterol. Plant extracts were tested for oxidative stress index (OSI), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS). Administration of Trigonella foenum-graecum and Trigonella monantha significantly improved these changes in diseased rats. MTT cytotoxicity test was used to investigate the cytotoxic properties of Trigonella filipes, Trigonella strangulata, and Trigonella uncinata plant extracts on three distinct cell lines in varied concentrations (1–10–100–1000 g/mL) after 24 h of incubation. The results were supported that these three plant taxa have high phytochemical compounds that have physiological effects such as inhibit cell proliferation, improving the function of liver and kidney function, and antioxidants effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. commonly known as fenugreek, is an important economic and medicinal plant cultivated in various regions of the world. Fenugreek produces several important active chemical constituents that determine its pharmacological properties. The aim of this research was to analyze the volatile constituents spontaneously emitted by eight samples of fenugreek seeds purchased from different Middle Eastern drugstores, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, and Iran. A total of 70 constituents belonging to different chemical classes, including monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, phenylpropanoids, apocarotenes, nitrogen/sulfur derivatives, and non-terpene derivatives, were characterized in the volatile emissions of the eight samples, some components with significant olfactory properties were detected such as γ-nonalactone, cumin aldehyde, (E)-cinnamaldehyde, p-anisaldehyde, and eugenol. PCA showed two macro-clusters; the first comprised two sub-groups, while the second included only Yemeni samples. The findings of this study demonstrate that the significant variation for volatile profiles in fenugreek samples which are prone to variations in the geographical origin of these samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxymethyl fenugreek seed mucilage-grafted poly-N-isopropylacrylamide/montmorillonite [CFSM-g-PNIPA/MMT] nanocomposites (NCs) were dually crosslinked with gellan gum (GG) to afford interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) matrices for effective delivery of erlotinib HCl (ERL) to the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. The IPN matrices with different reinforcing clay (MMT) contents (0–20%) demonstrated comparable size (1.64–1.80 mm) and acceptable drug loading capacity (DEE, 47.97–89.35%). The infrared, thermal and X-ray analyses implied the compatibility between drug and matrix constituents, and the SEM studies conferred the spherical morphology of the IPN matrices. Moreover, these hydrogel matrices portrayed temperature-responsive swelling profiles and their molar masses between crosslinks M ¯ c were increased with temperature. Among different matrices, the composites containing 20% MMT (F-3) revealed the sustained drug release profiles, which were best fitted to the Higuchi model with an anomalous transport-driven mechanism. These matrices (F-3) also exhibited pH-dependent swelling and drug release patterns. Furthermore, these matrices evidenced a slower biodegradability as compared to the reference composites (F-1,0% MMT). The mucin adsorption ability of matrices followed the Freundlich isotherm. The matrices (F-3) also displayed enhanced anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing potentials on TNBC cells relative to pure ERL. Thus, the GG/CFSM-based IPN matrices could be employed as efficient drug delivery vehicles for breast cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fenugreek paste, which contains fenugreek and spices, is a popular food in Kayseri and the surrounding region of Türkiye. This study aims to evaluate the antitumor effects of an extract derived from fenugreek paste in Balb/C mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT). Materials and Methods: In the in vivo experiments, fenugreek paste extract was administered at concent rations of 200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg. For the in vitro study, extract concentrations of 250, 500, and 1000 µg/mL were used. At the end of the experiment, the volume of abdominal ascites fluid was measured, and cell counts were performed. Results: Fenugreek paste extract delayed weight gain due to EAT cell proliferation in the treatment groups and caused a significant decrease in the number of cells in the ascites fluid in the 400 mg/kg extract group (47.28×106) compared to the control group (67.60×106; p=0.041). Histopathological analysis revealed that EAT cells adhered intensely to tissues in the control group but adhered less in the treatment groups. The most significant decrease was observed in the 400 mg/kg fenugreek extract group. After 24 hours of culture, there was a substantial difference in EAT cell viability between the control group (5.9±0.2) and the treatment groups receiving 250, 500, and 1000 µg/mL of fenugreek paste extract (5.7±0.2, 5.7±0.2, and 5.6±0.1, respectively; p=0.013). Conclusion: The study results suggested that fenugreek paste extract had an antitumor effect on EAT cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a sodium salt derived from glutamic acid, is widely used in commercial food products to improve taste, quality, and preservation. However, its consumption may have detrimental effects on male reproductive function. Nevertheless, plant extracts, such as Lepidium meyenii (Maca), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), Spirulina platensis (Spirulina), and Tribulus arabica (Tribulus), may ameliorate these adverse effects. To this effect, the phytochemical properties of Lepidium meyenii, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Spirulina platensis, and Tribulus arabica were assessed, and their potential impact on MSG-induced impairment of reproductive parameters was examined. The phytochemical composition (steroids, terpenes, phenols, flavonoids) of the plants was profiled through spectrophotometry and the antioxidant activity was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups at random: a control group receiving distilled water, and five experimental groups (MSG, Maca, Fenugreek, Spirulina, and Tribulus) receiving 900 mg/kg/day of MSG dissolved in water for 45 days. Subsequently, the animals in the experimental groups were administered 500 mg/kg/day of the respective plant extract via oral gavage for an additional 35 days, while the MSG group continued to receive water only. Following the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed, and their reproductive tract organs were collected, weighed, and subjected to further analysis. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of diverse bioactive elements in the plant extracts, including phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Exposure to MSG negatively impacted total and progressive sperm motility, which was ameliorated by Lepidium meyenii treatment. Sperm morphology showed no significant differences among groups. Treatment of the phytochemical agents diminished histomorphometric alternations of the testicular length, germinal epithelium height, and number of cells in seminiferous tubules, which were caused by the initial administration of MSG. Testosterone and LH levels were reduced in the MSG group but improved in extract-treated groups. The study suggests Lepidium meyenii as a potential remedy for reproductive dysfunction. However, further investigation into its mechanisms and human safety and efficacy is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual, dicotyledonous medicinal plant which belongs to the Leguminosae family, and its leaves and seeds are widely used and cultivated throughout the world. Their widespread utilization is attributed to the great variety of primary and secondary metabolites they contain, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroidal saponins, tannins, as well as carbohydrates, in particular galactomannan, which is the focus of the current study. The presence of an equal number of galactose and mannose residues (Gal/Man ratio of 1:1) prevents the formation of hydrogen bonds between the mannose ones. This determines the good solubility of fenugreek galactomannan in cold water, even at low concentrations. The water solubility would be significantly better than that of carob and even slightly higher than that of guar gum, precisely due to their structural characteristics, which contribute to their possible advantages. Moreover, it is a good alternative as an excipient for the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms, as well as in the preparation of food products, affecting not only their structure but also their shelf life. Furthermore, it has promising applications not only in the fields of medicine and pharmaceutics but also offers environmental benefits. All of the above-mentioned factors are of high interest and qualify fenugreek galactomannan as a versatile polysaccharide, which is the reason for summarizing its benefits in this review.

Abstract Fenugreeks (Trigonella L. spp.), are well-known herbs belonging to the family Fabaceae, whose fresh and dried leaves have nutritional and medicinal value. In the present study, the content of phytochemical traits (essential oil, diosgenin, trigonelline, total phenol, total flavonoid, total saponins, and total tannins), bitterness value, pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoid, β-carotene, and anthocyanin), vitamins (group B vitamins and ascorbic acid), minerals, and antioxidant activity of thirty cultivated populations belonging to ten Trigonella species were evaluated. The species and populations were significantly different in all studied parameters. A significant positive and negative correlation (p

Nitrogen indices could be used to evaluate organic and inorganic fertilization because they provide quantitative measures of nitrogen availability in the soil, allowing for a more accurate assessment of nutrient-management practices and optimization of crop yields. This study investigates the impact of different fertilization types and salinity on various soil parameters in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) cultivation and nitrogen indices. A field experiment was established at the Agricultural University of Athens during the cropping period of 2018–2019 (CP I), 2019–2020 (CP II), and 2020–2021 (CP III) in a split-plot design with two main salinity treatments (high salinity, HS, and conventional salinity, CS) and five fertilization treatments (biocyclic–vegan humus soil (BHS), manure (FYM), compost (COMP), inorganic fertilization (11–15–15), and the control (C). The Nitrogen Balance Intensity (NBI) was statistically significantly affected by the factors of fertilization (p ≤ 0.01) and salinity (p ≤ 0.001) for CP I. The maximum NUEcrop value was recorded in the FYM treatment (0.83 ± 0.04) and the minimum in the COMP treatment (0.64 ± 0.04). Physiological efficiency (PE) was not significantly affected by any treatment for CP III. The fertilization factor significantly affected the NUEsoil index (p ≤ 0.001) for all three CPs. For CP I, the highest Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency (NUpE) value was recorded in the BHS treatment (27.08 ± 7.31) and the lowest in the C treatment (13.22 ± 7.31). There were no significant differences in CP I and CP II NUEbalance values among the NPK, BHS, and FYM treatments. These findings underscore the potential of organic fertilizers in addressing the global nitrogen challenge and promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a pharmaceutically significant aromatic crop with health benefits linked to its phytochemicals. This article aims to overview progress in using emerging technologies to extract its bioactive compounds and extraction mechanisms. Also, the trends in the applications of this herb in the food industry and its therapeutical effects were explained. Fenugreek's flavor is the primary reason for its applications in the food industry. At the same time, it has antimicrobial, antibacterial, hepatoprotection, anticancer, lactation, and antidiabetic effects. Phytochemicals responsible for these effects include galactomannans, saponins, alkaloids, and polyphenols. Besides, data showed that emerging technologies boost fenugreek extracts' yield and biological activity. Among these, ultrasound (55.6%) is the most studied technology, followed by microwave (37.0%), cold plasma (3.7%), and combined approaches (3.7%). Processing conditions (e.g., treatment time and intensity) and solvent (type, ratio, and concentration) are significant parameters that affect the performance of these novel extraction technologies. Extracts obtained by sustainable energy-saving emerging technologies can be used to develop value-added health-promoting products. HIGHLIGHTS: Fenugreek's phytochemicals (e.g., galactomannans and polyphenols) have therapeutic effects Ultrasound and microwave are major emerging technologies for fenugreek's bioactive compound extraction Emerging technologies enhance the yield and biological activities of fenugreek extracts Emerging extraction technologies can develop fenugreek-based products with health benefits [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A fracture is considered a medical emergency leading to considerable complications. Aim: This study aimed to describe the accelerating action of Ag-NPs-FG on fracture healing in rabbits. Methods: AgNPs were reduced with FG, loaded into a starch gel base, and investigated for their morphology, size, and charge. Four equal groups were randomly formed of 40 adult male rabbits. A 3.5 mm diameter bone defect was created at the proximal metaphysis the right tibia in each rabbit. Groups 1 to 4 were injected with placebo saline, AgNPs-FG, plain gel, and FG-gel at the bone defect zone, respectively. The healing was assessed for 8 weeks postoperatively based on the radiographic, bone turnover markers, and histopathological examinations. Results: The AgNPs-FG was obtained as a faint reddish color, spherical in shape, with an absorbance of 423 nm, a size of 118.0±1.7 nm, and a surface charge of -7.8±0.518 mV. The prepared AgNPs-FG hydrogel was clear, translucent, and homogenous. The pH values were 6.55-6.5±0.2, the viscosity of 4000 and 1875 cPs, and spreadability of 1.6±0.14 and 2.0±0.15 for both FG and AgNPs-FG hydrogel, respectively. Radiographic union scale was significantly (p [Open Vet J 2024; 14(5.000): 1281-1293]

Abstract Nickel (Ni) is a heavy metal that adversely affects the growth of different crops by inducing oxidative stress and nutrient imbalance. The role of rhizobacteria (RB) is vital to resolve this issue. They can promote root growth and facilitate the uptake of water and nutrients, resulting in better crop growth. On the other hand, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can maintain the osmotic balance and scavenge the reactive oxygen species under stress conditions. However, the combined effect of GABA and RB has not been thoroughly explored to alleviate Ni toxicity, especially in fenugreek plants. Therefore, in the current pot study, four treatments, i.e., control, A. fabrum (RB), 0.40 mM GABA, and 0.40 mM GABA + RB, were applied under 0Ni and 80 mg Ni/kg soil (80Ni) stress. Results showed that RB + 0.40 mM GABA caused significant improvements in shoot length (~ 13%), shoot fresh weight (~ 47%), shoot dry weight (~ 47%), root length (~ 13%), root fresh weight (~ 60%), and root dry weight (~ 15%) over control under 80 Ni toxicity. A significant enhancement in total chlorophyll (~ 14%), photosynthetic rate (~ 17%), stomatal CO2 concentration (~ 19%), leaves and roots N (~ 10 and ~ 37%), P (~ 18 and ~ 7%) and K (~ 11 and ~ 30%) concentrations, while a decrease in Ni (~ 83 and ~ 49%) concentration also confirmed the effectiveness of RB + 0.40 mM GABA than control under 80Ni. In conclusion, fabrum + 0.40 mM GABA can potentially alleviate the Ni toxicity in fenugreek plants. The implications of these findings extend to agricultural practices, environmental remediation efforts, nutritional security, and ecological impact. Further research is recommended to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, assess long-term effects, and determine the practical feasibility of using A. fabrum + 0.40GABA to improve growth in different crops under Ni toxicity.

Trigonella, commonly known as Fenugreek, is among the most promising medicinal herbs consumed worldwide due its protein rich dietary contributions. This study involved induced mutagenesis on two Trigonella species (Trigonella foenum-graecum var. PEB and Trigonella corniculata var. Pusa kasuri) using caffeine and sodium azide as mutagens, resulting in the identification of nine high-yielding mutant lines in the M3 generation. Molecular characterization using SCoT markers revealed a high polymorphism of 28.3% and 46.7% in PEB and Pusa kasuri, respectively, facilitating the investigation of genetic divergence among the control and mutant lines. Similarity correlation analysis indicated a high similarity between mutant A and mutant C (0.97) and between mutant J and mutant O (0.88), while the lowest similarity was observed between mutant B and mutant F (0.74) and between control and mutant L (0.58). Mutant F and Mutant J displayed the highest seed yield and its attributing traits, and seed protein content in PEB and Pusa kasuri, respectively. Physiological parameters, including chlorophyll content (Mutants A and N) and carotenoids (mutant A and J), exhibited improvements. Assessment of stomatal and seed characteristics using scanning electron microscopy may lead to improved physiological processes and distinction at the interspecific level, respectively. Methanolic extracts of the control and the mutant lines of both species were subjected to GC-MS analysis, revealing 24 major phytocompounds known for their pharmacological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, etc.). Statistical methods such as Pearson correlation heatmap and pairwise scatter plot matrix provided insights into the correlations and linear associations among parameters for both PEB and Pusa kasuri. The strong correlation between iron content and seeds per pod in the mutant lines suggests a promising avenue for further research. Continued research and breeding efforts using these mutants can lead to significant advancements in agriculture and medicine, benefiting farmers, consumers, and industries alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White rice is a high glycemic index food, and therefore different approaches are adopted to reduce its glycemic effect. The present study investigated the effect of adding fenugreek and Nigella sativa seed powder to white rice on glycemia, appetite, palatability, and gastrointestinal clinical manifestations in healthy subjects. In a randomized crossover design, 16 healthy subjects consumed white rice alone (control group), white rice with 2-g fenugreek seed powder or white rice with 4-g nigella seed powder on different occasions. Each test meal provided 50 g of available carbohydrates. Blood glucose, subjective appetite, and gastrointestinal manifestations were measured at fasting and postprandially for 2 h. Palatability of the test meals was also measured using a 9-point hedonic scale. The nigella meal resulted in significantly lower blood glucose concentration (31.25 mg/dL) at 30 min (p = 0.022), compared to the control meal (43.88 mg/dL) whereas fenugreek meal showed no significant effect. Moreover, the nigella meal significantly increased satiety ratings at 30 and 90 min (p = 0.035 and 0.018, respectively). The results demonstrated that the addition of nigella powder to white rice reduced its glycemic response and increased satiety, compared to the control meal. All test meals were judged as acceptable by the subjects and their consumption didn't cause any gastrointestinal discomfort. Results of the current study demonstrated promising implications for reducing glycemic response of white rice, a commonly consumed high-glycemic index food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: The intercropping of corn and fenugreek is an important summer crop due to increase in the efficiency of using resources. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of combined application of animal, biochar and chemical fertilizers on the growth, photosynthesis and performance of intercropping of corn and fenugreek. Materials and methods: The experiment was conducted during the agricultural years of 2019 and 2020 at the Agricultural Research Center in Mehran city, located in Ilam province. It followed a factorial experiment and employed a randomized complete block design. The experiment consisted of different cultivation patterns at four levels: pure corn cultivation, pure fenugreek cultivation, and mixed crops with ratios of 2:1 and 6:3 (corn row: fenugreek row). Fertilizer application was also considered with six levels: no fertilizer used (control), animal manure, biochar, recommended NPK, 50% NPK + 50% animal manure, and 50% NPK + 50% biochar. The evaluated traits were the number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, thousand grain weight, grain yield, and biological yield of corn, as well as the number of pods per plant, thousand grain weight, grain yield, and biological yield of fenugreek. To evaluate the profitability of intercropping compared to pure cultivation, indicators such as relative yield, area time equation ratio, and land use efficiency were used. Variance analysis of data and mean comparison was conducted using SAS 9.4 statistical software. Graphs were generated using Excel 2013 software. Results: The main and interaction effects of fertilizer application and intercropping on grain and biological yield, transpiration rate, carbon dioxide concentration under the stomata, and net photosynthesis rate of corn and fenugreek were significant at the 1% probability level. Although intercropping led to a reduction in crop yield and physiological characteristics, the application of biochar fertilizers and cattle manure had a positive impact on these traits, except for the carbon dioxide concentration under stomata, which remained unchanged. The highest grain yields of corn and fenugreek were achieved through sole cropping and with the use of chemical fertilizer and biochar, respectively (914 and 81.7 grams per square meter, respectively). Among the intercropping treatments, the highest grain yields of corn and fenugreek (506 and 58.1 grams per square meter, respectively) were observed in the intercropping of one row of corn to two rows of fenugreek with the use of chemical fertilizers, and in the intercropping of three rows of corn to six rows of fenugreek with the use of biochar, respectively. The indices of relative yield, and the efficiency of land use confirmed the benefits of corn and fenugreek intercropping. Conclusion: The results of the experiment showed that the intercropping of one row of corn: two rows of fenugreek and the use of 50% of chemical fertilizers along with 50% of cattle manure led to the improvement of the yield, and it had the highest indicses of the relative yield, and land use efficiency. Therefore, this cultivation pattern is recommended to farmers while improving the efficiency of resources and reducing the consumption of chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various approaches are used to improve crop production. Seed priming is one of the simplest and least expensive methods currently used to ensure rapid and uniform yields. Our study highlights the role of priming and imbibition in improving seed germination. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of seed imbibition and hormopriming with 0.1 mM gibberellic acid (GA3) on germination performance and biochemical changes in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) radicles. The results showed that hydropriming and imbibition with GA3 significantly improved germination performance and radicle growth. Concurrently, treatments induced stimulation of the antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbic peroxidase, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase, and decreased lipid peroxidation, stimulated an increase in total non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione content. Accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and cytochemical analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ confirmed the role of imbibition in stimulating ROS. Interestingly the effects of imbibition with gibberellic acid were more effective then hormopriming, probably due to the partial degradation of GA3 during dehydration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) is an important medicinal herb of the family Fabaceae. It has wide utility in culinary and ethnomedicinal formulations. Globally, the different folkloric formulations use this plant as an immunity booster. Unfortunately, the lack of proper studies imposes a major obstacle to the successful and fruitful realization of its full pharmacological potential. In the current study, pharmacological testing was performed on Trigonella seed oil. Methods: The seed oil was extracted using the Soxhlet apparatus. The antimicrobial study of fenugreek seed oil was done using the disc-diffusion and broth dilution method against different bacterial and fungal strains. The antioxidant assessment was done by DPPH and ABTS assay. Result: The yield of essential oil obtained from Trigonella seeds was 4.35%. GC-MS analysis has confirmed the presence of diverse phytocompounds in Trigonella seed oil. Dibutyl. phthalate was recognized as the major phytocompound of Trigonella seed oil. The oil had significant antifungal and antioxidant activity. In conclusion, oil is a good pharmacological agent and can be explored further for therapeutic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes causes elevated blood sugar levels, and it has been categorized as one of the most frequent causes of death worldwide. This work aimed to analyze and compare the nutraceutical and therapeutic efficacy of fenugreek seeds (FSs) (Trigonella foenum‐graecum) and black cumin seeds (BCSs) (Nigella sativa) against streptozotocin‐induced diabetes mellitus in albino rats. FS and BCSs were evaluated for proximate analysis, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities. Male albino rats were used to evaluate the in vivo antidiabetic activities of these medicinal plants for 42 days. Blood samples were drawn at regular intervals of 1 week to analyze blood glucose, plasma insulin, and cholesterol levels and to determine the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR) index. At the end of the trial, pancreas tissue was also collected for histological examination. Results of the proximate analysis showed the significant presence of moisture, ash, fat, protein, and fiber. Antioxidant parameters like 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content were found to be significant. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose level, serum cholesterol level, and insulin resistance in treatment groups T3–T5. Insulin and body weight results of treatment groups were significant (p < 0.05) compared to streptozotocin‐intoxicated animals. Histological examination revealed the nutraceutical impact of selected herbal plants due to enhancing impact on the size and the number of β‐cells in the pancreas. Findings of current research work explore the antidiabetic capacity of selected nutraceutical and medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Biofertilizers and intercropping are two main components in sustainable production systems. Materials and methods: A two-year (2020-2021) study was conducted in East Azarbaijan, Iran, to evaluate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), growth-promoting bacteria (GPB) and chemical fertilizer (CF) on fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) (F) oil yield and compositions in intercropping with Moldavian balm (Dracocephalam mobdavica L.) (MB). The cropping patterns included MB sole cropping, fenugreek sole cropping (F) and replacement intercropping ratios consisted of Moldavian balm: fenugreek (MB:F (1:1)), MB:F (2:2) and MB:F (4:2) and additive intercropping of MB:F (100:50). Results: For both years, among the intercropping patters, the highest seed and oil yields were obtained in MB:F (100:50) intercropping pattern treated with CF and AMF+GPB. In all cropping patterns except MB:F (4:2), the highest anthocyanin, total flavonoid, and mucilage contents were observed in plants received AMF +GPB. At all treatments, the linoleic, oleic, and linolenic acid were the main components of fenugreek oil. In MB:F (1:1), (2:2), (4:2), and (100:50) intercropping patterns, the linoleic acid content in AMF+GPB treatment, increased by 9.45%, 6.63%, 15.20%, and 7.82%, respectively, compared with sole fenugreek. The highest total land equivalent ratio (LERT) values were obtained in 2021 and MB: F (100:50) intercropping pattern treated with CF (1.70) and AMF+GPB (1.63). Conclusions: In general, it could be concluded that MB:F (100:50) intercropping pattern treated with AMF+GPB improved the oil yield and unsaturated fatty acid contents of fenugreek compared with sole cropping and could be recommended in sustainable production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide salt is frequently used as zinc supplement to diet due to the fact that zinc is a trace element of vital importance that makes a significant contribution to the physiological processes of the body. Zinc deficiency are the most vulnerable deficiencies in the globe. Zinc has been found to interact with phytate, which obstructs the ability to absorb micronutrients like zinc. Encapsulation of zinc particularly nanoscale moieties of zinc have been shown to increase the bioavailability of zinc. Zinc oxide was successfully coated as micro and nanoencapsules with the sodium alginate (SA) and fenugreek seed gum (FSG) polymer using a cost-effective and efficient method, the capsules were evaluated for yield and encapsulation efficiency (EE). Effectiveness of encapsulation was also assessed for the amount of moisture content and the size of the encapsules. The research findings indicate that nanoencapsulation generally achieved superior encapsulation efficiency (ranging from 93.88% to 89.91%) compared to microencapsulation (ranging from 85.68% to 81.66%) using lower coating concentrations. Nanoencapsulation yield reduced particle sizes and better efficiency, which confer advantages for various applications, such as food supplementation and medicine delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of germination pretreatments on fenugreek seeds were analyzed by employing an ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent (UAE-DES) extraction process. The germinated and UAE-DES extracted fenugreek sample of day 3 (GFE3) was found to be the most effective based on the results of flavonoid contents, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial potential. The results of HPLC-DAD analysis also suggested GFE3 as an effective pretreatment with the highest extraction yields of kaempferol (5.33 ± 0.26 mg/gm d.w.), rutin (9.06 ± 0.44 mg/gm d.w.) and quercetin (25.69 ± 0.44 mg/gm d.w.) among all treatments. The results of simulated digestion showed that a major portion of flavonoid contents were lost during gastric digestion due to poor stability values and a maximum TFC release of 60.23% was recorded after intestinal digestion for GFE3. Subsequently, GFE3 exhibited good inhibition properties against α-amylase (86.53 ± 4.24%), α-glucosidase (95.67 ± 4.68%) and pancreatic lipase enzymes (82.73 ± 4.05%). Hence, GFE3 can be used as a potential pretreatment for enhanced antioxidant activity and improved glycemic, lipid and digestive responses, which can be further used in food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional nutraceutical therapy is a promising approach in the management of inflammatory disorders. Fenugreek, bottle gourd, and betel leaf are rich sources of polyphenolic secondary metabolites. They are abundantly found in the Indian subcontinent for the preparation of healthy traditional functional food. Traditional evidence recommended that these herbs could control inflammation. The study was conducted with those herbs to validate their protective role against inflammatory mediators of arthritis and asthma through in‐silico and in‐vitro models. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of flavonoids, amino acids, polyphenols, and saponins. Molecular docking was performed against six potential inflammatory bio‐marker proteins, like, LOX‐5, 15‐LOX, PLA2, IL‐6, TNFR1 & TNF‐α with the phyto‐marker compounds of test herbs and found satisfactory binding scores against inflammatory bio‐markers. Extended studies with Fenugreek and betel leaf aqueous fractions showcased 87 % and 91 % inhibition of protein denaturation at 200 μg/ml. Bottle‐gourd and betel‐leaf demonstrated 96 % and 98 % inhibition against 15‐Lipoxygenase at 100 μg/ml. TNF‐α and IL‐6 were dropped significantly by 49 % and 36 % upon treatment of betel leaf at 200 μg/ml from the LPS‐stimulated PBMC cultured cells. Findings may recommend the development of commercial anti‐inflammatory polyherbal phytopharmaceuticals for controlling polyarthritis and inflammatory complications subject to preclinical in‐vivo and clinical investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity constrains the development and yield of valuable aromatic and medicinal plants, including fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). Silicon (Si) is a promising strategy for managing salt stress. However, knowledge related to the effects of Si-seed priming on growth and yield of salt-stressed fenugreek under natural conditions are scarce. Hence, the present work aimed to investigate whether Si-seed priming (0–60 mM CaSiO3) could help to improve the performance of fenugreek when subjected to salt stress (100 and 150 mM NaCl). Findings show that salt stress significantly reduced germination related parameters and triggered an oxidative stress in fenugreek seedlings. However, Si priming was found to be effective in attenuating oxidative stress and enhancing germination parameters under salt stress. Indeed, the most pronounced effect was observed in primed seed with 20 mM Si. This concentration was then selected to assess the effect of Si priming on growth and yield in salt-stressed fenugreek grown under natural conditions. Si priming significantly enhanced plant biomass and yield-related parameters in salt-stressed plants as relative to non-primed plants. Interestingly, the biochemical characterization of harvested seeds revealed that Si priming not only improved growth and yield attributes but also enhanced the nutritional quality and antioxidant activity in harvested seed from salt-stressed plants. In summary, the results of this study provide compelling evidence that, as a promising and eco-friendly approach, Si-based seed priming mitigates the adverse effects of salinity on fenugreek growth and yield under natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a significant factor restricting plant growth and production. The effect of salinity stress on different growth parameters of 111 fenugreek genotypes was examined in an experiment with three salinity levels (0, 3000, 6000 mgL−1). A completely randomized block design with two replicated pots per treatment was used. Non-significant treatment effects were observed on fresh weight (FW); however, all traits showed significant genotype-by-treatment (GxT) interactions. This GxT was reflected in substantial SNP x environment interactions. Of 492 significant SNPs associated with the measured traits, 212 SNPs were linked to the correlated traits using an arbitrary threshold of three. Several SNPs were associated with FW and dry weight, measured under the same salinity treatment. The correlation between both traits was 0.98 under the three salinity treatments. In addition, 280 SNPs with conditional neutrality effects were mapped. The identified SNPs can be used in future marker-assisted breeding programs to select salt-tolerant genotypes. The results of this research shed light on the salt-tolerant properties of fenugreek. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is becoming a significant health concern in Asia, where the prevalence has reached alarming levels. An important contributing factor is the consumption of high‐carbohydrate foods, including rice, bread, etc. These high‐carbohydrate foods pose a major risk to public health due to their impact on postprandial hyperglycemia. This research aimed to formulate a chickpea pulao (cooked Indian–Pakistani rice dish) and to evaluate its effects on postprandial blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic individuals. Antioxidant potential and total phenolic contents of herbs at different concentrations (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9%) were measured through DPPH and Folin Ciocalteu assays. The antidiabetic potential was tested by α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition assays. After sensory evaluation, the best‐chosen concentration was used to formulate the chickpea pulao. The study trial was advertised under "DP trial," and 12 participants were recruited. A single‐blind randomized cross‐over trial was conducted for 3 weeks with a one‐week wash‐over time in between. Participants' preprandial and postprandial blood glucose levels were recorded for control and intervention recipes. Results indicated that both fenugreek seeds (FS) and Indian rennet (IR) showed good antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity (p =.000) in raw and boiled extracts. For DPPH, the IC50 values of unboiled and boiled combined (FS + IR) extracts were calculated as 7.4% and 8.02%, respectively. Similarly, for α‐amylase, the IC50 values of combined IR and FS unboiled and boiled extracts were 6.58% and 6.83%, and for α‐glucosidase inhibition assay, the values were measured as 14.98% and 16.24%. The single‐blind randomized cross‐over trial showed that consuming the intervention recipe significantly reduced postprandial hyperglycemia (p =.000) in type 2 diabetic participants. The intervention recipe decreased hyperglycemia by approximately 15% daily compared to the control recipe. Incorporation of hypoglycemic herbs into dietary patterns can work as an adjunct therapy for diabetes management, especially in populations with a high prevalence of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repaglinide (RPG) has a high rate of absorption from the gastrointestinal system after oral administration due to low log P value. Hence, in this study the inotropic gelation process was used to fabricate mucoadhesive microspheres of RPG using biodegradable polymers such as guar gum, chitosan, and fenugreek seed mucilage. The mucoadhesive microspheres were characterized and tested in vitro followed with oral glucose tolerance test on animals. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated that the fabricated microspheres were smooth and spherical with lack of pores. The particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) of microsphere was observed as 300 μm and 0.349, respectively with high positive zeta potential of 38.4 mV. The results of percentage yield and swelling index analysis demonstrated 87.04 % and 90.65 %, respectively for optimized formulation with an in vitro release capability of 95.20 % in 10 h. In addition, the results suggested that the mucoadhesive microspheres successfully entrapped 94.86 ± 4.25 % of the RPG. These results clearly indicated that the optimized formulation of RPG fortified mucoadhesive microspheres reduced the blood glucose level (hyperglycemia due to glucose load 2 g/kg) significantly, compared to marketed RPG formulation (0.25 mg/kg) after 2 h of oral administration. Additionally, RPG incorporated microspheres enable the regulated blood glucose level over a 10 h. Hence, the formulation demonstrated overall improvement in anti-diabetic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Selective extraction is an improved method applied to fenugreek seeds to isolate specific bioactive compounds from different seed fractions. This process leads to the recovery of two fixed oils (FO) from husk (HK) and cotyledon (CT) as by-products of the defatting process. The main objective of this study is to investigate and compare the properties obtained from these fractions FO. A comprehensive analysis of the extracted FO was performed, including lipid class distribution, fatty acid analysis, molecular species of triacylglycerols, nutraceutical profile (sterol and tocopherol content), antioxidant activity (polyphenol content) and physicochemical properties. The percentage oil yield of the husk and cotyledon fractions was 2.625 ± 0.2% and 11.6 ± 0.69%, respectively. In addition, nutrient profiling identified β-sitosterol, 1340.31 ± 1.01 and 1670.28 ± 1.22 and α-tocopherol, 0.17 and 0.13 mg/100 g in HK and CT, respectively. Fatty acid analysis revealed a higher proportion of linoleic acid (50.17 µmol %) in HK FO and α-linolenic acid (15.28 µmol %) in CT FO as major fatty acids. The Husk FO exhibited significant antioxidant activity due to its high polyphenol content. Other parameters related to the physical and chemical properties determine the quality, stability and characteristics of the fixed oils from both fractions. The results provide valuable insights into the specific properties of FO obtained from these fractions and shed light on differences in the composition of bioactive compounds such as sterols, tocopherols and fatty acids. This research contributes to the understanding of the constituents of fenugreek seeds and their potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the toxicological effects of cadmium stress on two different varieties of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L). Additionally, it explores the impact of cattle manure application on the morpho-physiological traits of cadmium-stressed spinach and fenugreek. The study employed a completely randomized design with three replicates assigned to each treatment. Two cadmium concentrations (35 mg L-1 and 70 mg L-1) were applied to both leafy vegetables two weeks after sowing. After 10 dwere of stress, the impact of cadmium stress on the biomass attributes (root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, number of leaves, and leaf area) of fenugreek and spinach varieties was assessed. The results indicate that cadmium stress decreased these attributes, with the maximum decrease observed under 70 mg L-1 Cd stress compared to the control and 35 mg L-1 Cd stress. Cattle manure demonstrated a more pronounced positive influence on these parameters, particularly at the 35 mg L-1 concentration, compared to the 70 mg L-1 concentration in both species. Thus, the use of animal manure shows promise as a treatment against heavy metal contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreek seeds are integral to Indian cuisine and have been used as traditional medicine since antiquity. A variety of chemical constituents are reported in seeds and possess numerous activities. In addition to fenugreek seeds, reports are available on the pharmacological importance of sprouted fenugreek seeds and seedlings. However, a comparative chemical study on the different stages of seed-to-seedling development has yet to be published. Diosgenin is an important steroidal saponin of fenugreek and is responsible for many pharmacological activities. Hence, in the present work, the authors aim to study the changes in chemical content (fingerprint and diosgenin in marker analysis) and antioxidant potential during growth. The study indicated the increased accumulation of high diosgenin content and different chemical components during the growth, which was found to be the highest in sprouts with high antioxidant activity. The technical data developed for comparative chemical work on fenugreek seeds, sprouts, and seedlings revealed that sprouts collected on the fourth day of sprouting are more pharmacologically active with high diosgenin content and antioxidant activity than seeds and seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant breeding, aimed at enhancing desired traits, depends on genetic diversity. Mutation breeding is a powerful method of rapidly expanding genetic diversity, facilitating crop improvement, and ensuring food security. In a recent study, researchers evaluated the genetic variability of Trigonella species using different doses of sodium azide (SA) (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0%) through morphological, physiological, and cytogenetic studies. Morphological variations were observed in cotyledonary leaves, vegetative leaves, and overall plant growth and habit. Several quantitative parameters, such as plant height, fertile branches per plant, pods per plant (or clusters), seeds per pod, and seed yield, increased when treated with 0.2% and 0.4% SA compared to the control. Furthermore, the total chlorophyll content and carotenoids increased in the sample treated with 0.2% SA over the control but decreased with higher concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that stomatal aperture and seed dimensions increased at lower concentrations of sodium azide treatment. The study found a positive correlation between the different parameters studied in the Trigonella species, as indicated by high r-values. Based on their findings, it was concluded that the genotype of fenugreek can be improved by using 0.2% and 0.4% concentrations of sodium azide. However, the evaluation of observed variants in successive generations is a critical and necessary process to validate their potential as keystones for crop genetic improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel (Ni) is a heavy metal that adversely affects the growth of different crops by inducing oxidative stress and nutrient imbalance. The role of rhizobacteria (RB) is vital to resolve this issue. They can promote root growth and facilitate the uptake of water and nutrients, resulting in better crop growth. On the other hand, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can maintain the osmotic balance and scavenge the reactive oxygen species under stress conditions. However, the combined effect of GABA and RB has not been thoroughly explored to alleviate Ni toxicity, especially in fenugreek plants. Therefore, in the current pot study, four treatments, i.e., control, A. fabrum (RB), 0.40 mM GABA, and 0.40 mM GABA + RB, were applied under 0Ni and 80 mg Ni/kg soil (80Ni) stress. Results showed that RB + 0.40 mM GABA caused significant improvements in shoot length (~ 13%), shoot fresh weight (~ 47%), shoot dry weight (~ 47%), root length (~ 13%), root fresh weight (~ 60%), and root dry weight (~ 15%) over control under 80 Ni toxicity. A significant enhancement in total chlorophyll (~ 14%), photosynthetic rate (~ 17%), stomatal CO2 concentration (~ 19%), leaves and roots N (~ 10 and ~ 37%), P (~ 18 and ~ 7%) and K (~ 11 and ~ 30%) concentrations, while a decrease in Ni (~ 83 and ~ 49%) concentration also confirmed the effectiveness of RB + 0.40 mM GABA than control under 80Ni. In conclusion, fabrum + 0.40 mM GABA can potentially alleviate the Ni toxicity in fenugreek plants. The implications of these findings extend to agricultural practices, environmental remediation efforts, nutritional security, and ecological impact. Further research is recommended to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, assess long-term effects, and determine the practical feasibility of using A. fabrum + 0.40GABA to improve growth in different crops under Ni toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A fracture is considered a medical emergency leading to considerable complications. Aim: This study aimed to describe the accelerating action of Ag-NPs-FG on fracture healing in rabbits. Methods: Silver NPs (AgNPs) were reduced with fenugreek (FG), loaded into a starch gel base, and investigated for their morphology, size, and charge. Four equal groups were randomly formed of 40 adult male rabbits. A 3.5 mm diameter bone defect was created at the proximal metaphysis of the right tibia in each rabbit. Groups 1-4 were injected with placebo saline, AgNPs-FG, plain gel, and FG-gel at the bone defect zone, respectively. The healing was assessed for 8 weeks postoperatively based on the radiographic, bone turnover markers, and histopathological examinations. Results: The AgNPs-FG was obtained as a faint reddish color, spherical in shape, with an absorbance of 423 nm, a size of 118.0 ± 1.7 nm, and a surface charge of -7.8 ± 0.518 mV. The prepared AgNPs-FG hydrogel was clear, translucent, and homogenous. The pH values were 6.55-6.5 ± 0.2, the viscosity of 4,000 and 1,875 cPs, and spreadability of 1.6 ± 0.14 and 2.0 ± 0.15 for both FG and AgNPs-FG hydrogel, respectively. The radiographic union scale was significantly (p < 0.05) improved in group 2 with a significant (p < 0.05) increase in bone turnover markers was found in comparison to other treated groups. Histopathological examination revealed the formation of mature bone on the 28th postoperative day in groups 2 and 4. Conclusion: Colloidal nano-formulation of AgNPs-FG loaded hydrogel could be a promising formulation to accelerate rabbits' tibial bone healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damage caused by the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) is the major constraint to cowpea grain production in most cowpea producing countries. The activity of fenugreek essential oil was evaluated against the one-week-old adults of C. maculatus which exhibited good activity with an LC50 value of 195.44 ppm. Two gamma radiation doses were chosen (50 and 100Gy) to study their combined effects with the LC75, LC50, LC25 and LC10 values of fenugreek essential oil on the mortality of C. maculatus adults. The weevils were subjected to gamma radiation then exposed to vapors of the volatile oils and mortality was recorded daily for four days. It was observed that mortality increased as a result of the combined effect of the two agents. Mortality percentages were 93.33, 81.66, 68.33, and 51.66% when one-week-old adults of C. maculatus were irradiated with 100Gy and exposed to LC75, LC50, LC25 and LC10 values of fenugreek essential oil, respectively, 96 h post-treatment. The irradiated weevils with 50Gy showed 85, 71, 60, and 45% mortality, respectively, 96 h post-treatment. The integration of fenugreek essential oil and gamma radiation is a safe, effective and affordable control method against cowpea weevils and they are promising to be the main components of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs of this weevil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Muffins are delightful baked food products that have earned a prominent place in the daily diet of a majority of people around the world. The incorporation of microgreens juice powder (MJP) into muffins boosts their nutritional value. The influence of the incorporation of wheatgrass, fenugreek and basil MJP at 1.5% and 3.0% levels on the nutritional composition, physical properties, pasting, sensory, textural and phenolic profile of functional muffins was evaluated. RESULTS: The results indicated a significant increase in the protein content, ash content, dietary fiber and total phenolic content of MJP incorporated muffins. The incorporation of MJP to the muffins led to a gradual reduction in the L*, a* and b* values. Baking characteristic such as bake loss decreased significantly as a result of MJP incorporation. Furthermore, the incorporation of various MJPs resulted in a significant decrease in the peak viscosity of the flour‐MJP blends. Regarding texture, the hardness and chewiness of the muffins increased progressively with an increase in the level of MJP incorporation. The highest hardness (10.15 N) and chewiness (24.45 mJ) were noted for 3% fenugreek MJP incorporated muffins (FK 3.0). The sensory score of MJP incorporated muffins was acceptable and satisfactory. Additionally, 3% basil MJP incorporated muffins (BL 3.0) marked the dominant presence of majority of the detected phenolic acids such as ferulic acid, sinapic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, cinnamic acid, isothymosin and rosamarinic acid. The highest concentration of p‐coumaric acid (11.95 mg kg−1), vanillic acid (26.07 mg kg−1) and kaempferol (8.04 mg kg−1) was recorded for FK 3.0 muffin. CONCLUSION: MJP incorporated muffins revealed the pool of phenolic acids and the reduced bake loss is of industrial interest. The present study concludes that wheatgrass, fenugreek and basil MJP can be incorporated by up to 3% into baked products as a source of functional ingredients for health benefits. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]