Fenugreek - NutraPedia

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Fenugreek Overview

1) Conditions Studied

Fenugreek has been studied for several conditions, including:

  • Diabetes and blood sugar regulation
  • Dyslipidemia
  • Appetite control and obesity
  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Digestive problems
  • Male impotence and erectile dysfunction

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

Research on fenugreek has shown mixed results:

  • It may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
  • It has been shown to improve cholesterol levels, reducing total and LDL cholesterol.
  • Some studies suggest it may help in appetite control and could be beneficial for weight loss.
  • There is insufficient evidence for its effectiveness in treating inflammatory conditions and menstrual cramps.
  • Studies on digestive health are inconclusive, though it has been traditionally used for this purpose.
  • Some evidence suggests it may improve sexual function in men.

3) Health Benefits

Fenugreek is attributed with several health benefits, such as:

  • Helping to control blood sugar and manage diabetes.
  • Improving cholesterol levels.
  • Stimulating milk production in breastfeeding women.
  • Enhancing libido and sexual performance.
  • Potentially aiding in weight loss.
  • Providing dietary fiber for digestive health.
  • Exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties.

4) Downsides

While fenugreek is generally considered safe, it can have some downsides, including:

  • Gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea and bloating.
  • Maple syrup odor in urine and sweat.
  • Possible allergic reactions in hypersensitive individuals.
  • It may interact with certain medications, particularly those for diabetes and blood clotting.
  • Not recommended for use during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulation.

5) Genetic Variations and Fenugreek

There is limited research on fenugreek's interaction with specific genetic variations. However, individual responses to fenugreek can vary based on genetic makeup. For instance:

  • People with genetic variations affecting blood clotting may need to be cautious, as fenugreek may have blood-thinning effects.
  • Genetic differences in metabolism can influence how individuals respond to fenugreek's blood sugar-lowering properties.

It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have known genetic variations that may impact your response to fenugreek.

Fenugreek Research Summary

Medicinal Uses of Fenugreek

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a widely used herb in traditional medicine for treating various conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Studies in oriental Morocco show its prevalent use in managing these conditions, with a significant overlap of species used for both. Fenugreek is part of the Leguminosae family and has been the subject of extensive research due to its various therapeutic properties.

Pharmacological Properties and Effects

The major alkaloid in fenugreek, trigonelline, exhibits hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities. It also has potential benefits for central nervous system diseases and diabetic complications. The amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine (4HO-Ile) found in fenugreek seeds enhances insulin secretion and sensitivity, showing anti-diabetic activity independent of insulin. Research also identifies the enzyme responsible for producing 4HO-Ile in fenugreek, which is key for its therapeutic applications.

Anti-Carcinogenic Properties

Fenugreek shows potential in cancer prevention by affecting gene expression related to arachidonic acid metabolism. It is suggested that fenugreek may inhibit cancer development by reducing inflammation and cell proliferation.

Impact on Metabolism and Obesity

Studies indicate that fenugreek can significantly reduce hepatic lipid levels and improve lipid metabolism, particularly in the context of obesity and diabetes. Diosgenin, a component of fenugreek, plays a role in these effects.

Clinical Applications and Therapeutic Potential

Fenugreek's various compounds, including trigoneosides and furostanol saponins, contribute to its medicinal properties. Its application extends to metabolic diseases, with research demonstrating its efficacy in improving satiety, regulating glucose and insulin levels, and enhancing glycogen storage. Fenugreek also shows neuroprotective potential for conditions like Parkinson's disease and does not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of certain drugs.

Conclusion

Fenugreek has a wide range of pharmacological effects, with significant evidence supporting its use for diabetes, diabetic complications, and central nervous system diseases. Its low toxicity profile and mechanisms of action involving insulin secretion and sensitivity make it a valuable component of traditional and modern healthcare.

References:


  1. Phytotherapy of hypertension and diabetes in oriental Morocco
  2. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Leguminosae): an evidence-based systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration
  3. Trigonelline: a plant alkaloid with therapeutic potential for diabetes and central nervous system disease
  4. Non-insulin dependent anti-diabetic activity of (2S, 3R, 4S) 4-hydroxyisoleucine of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) in streptozotocin-induced type I diabetic rats
  5. Characterization of a dioxygenase from Trigonella foenum-graecum involved in 4-hydroxyisoleucine biosynthesis
  6. The effect of fenugreek on the gene expression of arachidonic acid metabolizing enzymes
  7. Medicinal foodstuffs. IV. Fenugreek seed. (1): structures of trigoneosides Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, and IIIb, new furostanol saponins from the seeds of Indian Trigonella foenum-graecum L
  8. Diosgenin, the main aglycon of fenugreek, inhibits LXRα activity in HepG2 cells and decreases plasma and hepatic triglycerides in obese diabetic mice
  9. The determination of diosgenin and yamogenin in fenugreek seed by combined column chromatography and infrared spectrometry
  10. Anti-hyperglycemic compound (GII) from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn.) seeds, its purification and effect in diabetes mellitus
  11. Effects of a fenugreek seed extract on feeding behaviour in the rat: metabolic-endocrine correlates
  12. 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2[5H]-furanone (sotolone)--the odour of maple syrup urine disease
  13. Antioxidant properties and quantitative UPLC-MS analysis of phenolic compounds from extracts of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds and bitter melon (Momordica charantia) fruit
  14. Chemical composition and fatty acid content of some spices and herbs under Saudi Arabia conditions
  15. Inhibitors of human and bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds. Isolation and characterization
  16. Purification and characterization of a stable Kunitz trypsin inhibitor from Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds
  17. Soluble dietary fibre fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seed improves glucose homeostasis in animal models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes by delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and enhancing insulin action
  18. A novel synergistic galactomannan-based unit dosage form for sustained release of acarbose
  19. Inhibitory potential of omega-3 fatty and fenugreek essential oil on key enzymes of carbohydrate-digestion and hypertension in diabetes rats
  20. Neurobehavioral assessment of hydroalcoholic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds in rodent models of Parkinson's disease
  21. Pharmacokinetic interaction studies of fenugreek with CYP3A substrates cyclosporine and carbamazepine
  22. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitory potential of standardized extract of Trigonella foenum graecum L and its constituents
  23. Spinal serotonergic system is partially involved in antinociception induced by Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) leaf extract
  24. Steroid saponins from fenugreek seeds: extraction, purification, and pharmacological investigation on feeding behavior and plasma cholesterol
  25. Hypoglycaemic effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Trigonella foenum-graecum in healthy volunteers
  26. A fenugreek seed extract selectively reduces spontaneous fat intake in overweight subjects
  27. A fenugreek seed extract selectively reduces spontaneous fat consumption in healthy volunteers
  28. Effect of fenugreek fiber on satiety, blood glucose and insulin response and energy intake in obese subjects
  29. Possible role of central serotoninergic neurons in the development of dental pain and aspirin-induced analgesia in the monkey
  30. Serotonin and opiate involvement in the antinociceptive effect of acetylsalicylic acid
  31. Ameliorative effects of standardized extract from Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seeds on painful peripheral neuropathy in rats
  32. Potent α-amylase inhibitory activity of Indian Ayurvedic medicinal plants
  33. Antidiabetic Effect of GII Compound Purified from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum Linn) Seeds in Diabetic Rabbits
  34. Potential protective effect on key steroidogenesis and metabolic enzymes and sperm abnormalities by fenugreek steroids in testis and epididymis of surviving diabetic rats
  35. A novel L-isoleucine metabolism in Bacillus thuringiensis generating (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxyisoleucine, a potential insulinotropic and anti-obesity amino acid
  36. Characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis L-isoleucine dioxygenase for production of useful amino acids
  37. Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli to produce (2S, 3R, 4S)-4-hydroxyisoleucine
  38. 4-Hydroxyisoleucine: a novel amino acid potentiator of insulin secretion
  39. Antihyperglycaemic effect of an unusual amino acid (4-hydroxyisoleucine) in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice
  40. The effect of fenugreek 4-hydroxyisoleucine on liver function biomarkers and glucose in diabetic and fructose-fed rats
  41. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) extract on blood glucose, blood lipid and hemorheological properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
  42. Biochemical study of the anti-diabetic action of the Egyptian plants fenugreek and balanites
  43. Effect of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) on blood glucose in normal and diabetic rats
  44. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes
  45. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds on glycaemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo controlled study
  46. Antagonism of cadmium and alloxan-induced hyperglycemia in rats by Trigonella foenum graecum
  47. Glycaemic effects of traditional European plant treatments for diabetes. Studies in normal and streptozotocin diabetic mice
  48. Fenugreek bread: a treatment for diabetes mellitus
  49. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease
  50. 4-Hydroxyisoleucine: a plant-derived treatment for metabolic syndrome
  51. Insulinotropic agent ID-1101 (4-hydroxyisoleucine) activates insulin signaling in rat
  52. The addition of fenugreek extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum) to glucose feeding increases muscle glycogen resynthesis after exercise
  53. Glycogen resynthesis and exercise performance with the addition of fenugreek extract (4-hydroxyisoleucine) to post-exercise carbohydrate feeding
  54. Effect of furostanol glycosides from Trigonella foenum-graecum on the reproductive system of male albino rats
  55. Effects of a purported aromatase and 5α-reductase inhibitor on hormone profiles in college-age men
  56. Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and mineral formulation
  57. Mitigation of thyroxine-induced hyperglycaemia by two plant extracts
  58. Fenugreek seeds, a hepatoprotector forage crop against chronic AlCl3 toxicity
  59. Phytotherapy of alcoholism
  60. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed extract prevents ethanol-induced toxicity and apoptosis in Chang liver cells
  61. Protective effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds in experimental ethanol toxicity
  62. Anti-cataract activity of Pterocarpus marsupium bark and Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds extract in alloxan diabetic rats
  63. The DSFI: a multidimensional measure of sexual functioning
  64. Survey of lactation instructors on folk traditions in breastfeeding
  65. Use of herbals as galactagogues
  66. Galactogogues: medications that induce lactation
  67. The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and short-term catch-up of birth weight in the first week of life
  68. The use of fenugreek for breast feeding women
  69. The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on oxidant and anti-oxidant status of human milk
  70. Evaluation of the developmental toxicity of the aqueous extract from Trigonella foenum-graecum (L.) in mice
  71. Toxicity of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) in bone marrow cell proliferation in rat
  72. "Bust enhancing" herbal products
  73. Herbal therapies for perimenopausal and menopausal complaints
  74. Antihyperglycemic effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seed extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and its use in diabetes mellitus: a brief qualitative phytochemical and acute toxicity test on the extract
  75. Allergy to fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
  76. Role of selected Indian plants in management of type 2 diabetes: a review
  77. False diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease owing to ingestion of herbal tea
  78. Pseudo-maple syrup urine disease due to maternal prenatal ingestion of fenugreek


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