Exploring seed characteristics and performance through advanced physico-chemical techniques.

Simple physico-chemical techniques can be used to evaluate the composition, structure, and characteristics of plant seeds to determine their viability, quality, and possible uses in agriculture. Advanced analytical techniques, including thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), provide completely new insights and more precise information. They can be integrated to build up seed quality profiles, with great advantage to assess water content, organic compounds, and inorganic metals without the need to carry out many extraction procedures, as requested by more conventional methods. In this study, seed lots from three different plant species such as Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (wheat), Trigonella foenum graecum L. (trigonella or fenugreek), and Atriplex halimus L. (saltbush or sea orach) have been used to test the potential of TGA, EPR, and HPLC to discriminate between seed-specific features. A key finding of this study is that HPLC is essential in Principal Component Analysis (PCA) because various seeds (from the same species or other species) may contain compounds with varying polarity groups. The reported data confirm the efficacy of this approach. These data, fully available for other users, are coherently constructed and provide a proof of concept for future seed quality control studies.

Nutritional value, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant potential of Iranian fenugreeks for food applications.

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, ß-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.

Effect of a plant extract of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on testosterone in blood plasma and saliva in a double blind randomized controlled intervention study.

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.

Seed Disinfection Treatments Minimized Microbial Load and Enhanced Nutritional Properties of Fenugreek Sprouts Which Alleviated Diabetes-Negative Disorders in Diabetic Rats.

Sprouts are an attractive food product that contains high amounts of nutritional substances and has pro-health features. Sprout consumption has strongly increased despite its potential risk to health due to its microbial load. Both the safety and shelf life of sprouts may be negatively affected by a high microbial load. To reduce the microbial contamination in sprouts before consumption, the initial microbial load on the seeds needs to be controlled. Many herbal sprouts have been recommended for diabetes, and fenugreek is one of these sprouts. Thus, the current experiment aimed at disinfecting fenugreek seeds using microwave (5, 10, and 20 s) and hot water (30, 45, and 60 s) treatments for different durations. The best-disinfected sprouts with the highest nutritional properties were used to evaluate their influence on streptozocin-induced diabetic rats in comparison with fenugreek seed feeding. Microwave treatments showed the highest sprout length, fresh weight, total free amino acids, antioxidants, reducing sugars, and total phenols. Additionally, microwave seed treatments showed the lowest bacteria and mold counts on sprouts produced relative to hot water treatments, and the best seed treatment was a microwave for 20 s, which gave the best values in this respect. Feeding diabetic rats with different fenugreek seeds or sprout rates (0, 5, 7.5, and 10% w/w) improved body weight, restricted the growth of glucose levels, lowered total cholesterol and triglycerides, and improved HDL compared with the positive control group, and fenugreek sprouts at higher rates showed the maximum improvements in blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Treating fenugreek seed with microwave radiation for 20 s to disinfect the seeds before sprouting is recommended for lowering the microbial load with optimum nutritional and antioxidant activity, and feeding diabetic rats with these sprouts at the rate of 7.5 and 10% had promising effects on hyperglycemia and associated disorders.

Elicitor-enhanced steroidal sapogenin accumulation in hairy root cultures of Trigonella foenum-graecum.

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.

Immune modulation and cecal microbiome changes in broilers fed with fenugreek seeds and Bacillus-based probiotics.

Intensive broiler production systems face challenges like enteric diseases, impacting global food security. Strategies to enhance broiler immunity and gut health, particularly amidst antibiotic growth promoter restrictions, are crucial. The present study investigated the combined effects of fenugreek seeds (FS) and Bacillus-based direct-fed microbials (DFM) on immune-related gene expression in the ileum and alteration of microbial population in the cecum of broiler. The study involved 160 Ross 308 broiler chicks, which were divided into four groups consisting of 5 replicates, each containing eight birds. The chicks were grown for a period of 42 d, during which they had ad libitum access to feed and water. Dietary treatments were: Control (basal diet), FS5 (basal + 5g/kg fenugreek seeds), FS5DFM (basal + 5g/kg fenugreek seeds + 0.1g/kg Bacillus-based DFM), and DFM (basal + 0.1g/kg Bacillus-based DFM). Ileum tissue and cecal contents were collected on d 42 for gene expression and gut microbiome analysis. Ileal gene expression analysis revealed the downregulation of IL-6, IL-8L2, CASP6, PTGS2, and IRF7 in both FSs and DFMs groups compared to the control, suggesting individual immunomodulatory effects. However, avian ß-defensin genes exhibited complex regulation, highlighting the need for further investigation. Cecal microbiome diversity remained stable, with subtle shifts in specific taxa influenced by FSs and DFMs. Interestingly, the combination of the FSs and DFMs uniquely impacted specific taxa, including Clostridiales vadin BB60. These findings suggest that both FSs and DFMs demonstrated potential for improving broiler immunity through inflammation reduction. The combination of FSs and DFMs offers a synergistic effect in immune modulation and specific microbial modulation, warranting further investigation with pathogen challenge models for comprehensive understanding.

Fatty acid and nutrient profiles, diosgenin and trigonelline contents, mineral composition, and antioxidant activity of the seed of some Iranian Trigonella L. species.

BACKGROUND: Fenugreeks (Trigonella L. spp.), belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae), are well-known multipurpose crops that their materials are currently received much attention in the pharmaceutical and food industries for the production of healthy and functional foods all over the world. Iran is one of the main diversity origins of this valuable plant. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids profile, proximate composition, content of diosgenin, trigonelline, phenolic acids, total carotenoids, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, mucilage and bitterness value, and antioxidant activity of the seed of thirty populations belonging to the ten different Iranian Trigonella species. RESULTS: We accordingly identified notable differences in the nutrient and bioactive compounds of each population. The highest content (mg/100 g DW) of ascorbic acid (18.67 ± 0.85‒22.48 ± 0.60) and α-tocopherol (31.61 ± 0.15‒38.78 ± 0.67) were found in the populations of T. filipes and T. coerulescens, respectively. Maximum content of catechin was found in the populations of T. teheranica (52.67 ± 0.05‒63.50 ± 0.72 mg/l). Linoleic acid (> 39.11% ± 0.61%) and linolenic acid (> 48.78 ± 0.39%) were the main polyunsaturated fatty acids, with the majority in the populations of T. stellata (54.81 ± 1.39‒63.46 ± 1.21%). The populations of T. stellata were also rich in trigonelline (4.95 ± 0.03‒7.66 ± 0.16 mg/g DW) and diosgenin (9.06 ± 0.06‒11.03 ± 0.17 mg/g DW). CONCLUSIONS: The obtained data provides baseline information to expand the inventory of wild and cultivated Iranian Trigonella species for further exploitation of rich chemotypes in the new foods and specific applications.

Biocontrol potential of endophytic fungi against phytopathogenic nematodes on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are a vital pest that causes significant yield losses and economic damage to potato plants. The use of chemical pesticides to control these nematodes has led to environmental concerns and the development of resistance in the nematode populations. Endophytic fungi offer an eco-friendly alternative to control these pests and produce secondary metabolites that have nematicidal activity against RKNs. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of Aspergillus flavus (ON146363), an entophyte fungus isolated from Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds, against Meloidogyne incognita in filtered culture broth using GC-MS analysis. Among them, various nematicidal secondary metabolites were produced: Gadoleic acid, Oleic acid di-ethanolamide, Oleic acid, and Palmitic acid. In addition, biochemical compounds such as Gallic acid, Catechin, Protocatechuic acid, Esculatin, Vanillic acid, Pyrocatechol, Coumarine, Cinnamic acid, 4, 3-indol butyl acetic acid and Naphthyl acetic acid by HPLC. The fungus was identified through morphological and molecular analysis, including ITS 1-4 regions of ribosomal DNA. In vitro experiments showed that culture filtrate of A. flavus had a variable effect on reducing the number of egg hatchings and larval mortality, with higher concentrations showing greater efficacy than Abamectin. The fungus inhibited the development and multiplication of M. incognita in potato plants, reducing the number of galls and eggs by 90% and 89%, respectively. A. flavus increased the activity of defense-related enzymes Chitinas, Catalyse, and Peroxidase after 15, 45, and 60 days. Leaching of the concentrated culture significantly reduced the second juveniles' stage to 97% /250 g soil and decreased the penetration of nematodes into the roots. A. flavus cultural filtrates via soil spraying improved seedling growth and reduced nematode propagation, resulting in systemic resistance to nematode infection. Therefore, A. flavus can be an effective biological control agent for root-knot nematodes in potato plants. This approach provides a sustainable solution for farmers and minimizes the environmental impact.

Flavonoids-Enriched Vegetal Extract Prevents the Activation of NFκB Downstream Mechanisms in a Bowel Disease In Vitro Model.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incidence has increased in the last decades due to changes in dietary habits. IBDs are characterized by intestinal epithelial barrier disruption, increased inflammatory mediator production and excessive tissue injury. Since the current treatments are not sufficient to achieve and maintain remission, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) becomes a primary practice as a co-adjuvant for the therapy. Thus, the intake of functional food enriched in vegetal extracts represents a promising nutritional strategy. This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory effects of artichoke, caihua and fenugreek vegetal extract original blend (ACFB) in an in vitro model of gut barrier mimicking the early acute phases of the disease. Caco2 cells cultured on transwell supports were treated with digested ACFB before exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines. The pre-treatment counteracts the increase in barrier permeability induced by the inflammatory stimulus, as demonstrated by the evaluation of TEER and CLDN-2 parameters. In parallel, ACFB reduces p65NF-κB pro-inflammatory pathway activation that results in the decrement of COX-2 expression as PGE2 and IL-8 secretion. ACFB properties might be due to the synergistic effects of different flavonoids, indicating it as a valid candidate for new formulation in the prevention/mitigation of non-communicable diseases.

Biochemical and molecular profiling of induced high yielding M3 mutant lines of two Trigonella species: Insights into improved yield potential.

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.

The Role of Fenugreek in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes.

The number of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is on the increase worldwide. Of growing concern, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children and youths is increasing rapidly and mirrors the increasing burden of childhood obesity. There are many risk factors associated with the condition; some are due to lifestyle, but many are beyond our control, such as genetics. There is an urgent need to develop better therapeutics for the prevention and management of this complex condition since current medications often cause unwanted side effects, and poorly managed diabetes can result in the onset of related comorbidities. Naturally derived compounds have gained momentum for preventing and managing several complex conditions, including type 2 diabetes. Here, we provide an update on the benefits and limitations of fenugreek and its components as a therapeutic for type 2 diabetes, including its bioavailability and interaction with the microbiome.

Incorporation of compost and biochar enhances yield and medicinal compounds in seeds of water-stressed Trigonella foenum-graecum L. plants cultivated in saline calcareous soils.

BACKGROUND: The combination of compost and biochar (CB) plays an important role in soil restoration and mitigation strategies against drought stress in plants. In the current study, the impact of CB was determined on the characteristics of saline calcareous soil and the productivity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) plants. The field trials examined CB rates (CB0, CB10 and CB20 corresponding to 0, 10, and 20 t ha‒1, respectively) under deficit irrigation [DI0%, DI20%, and DI40% receiving 100, 80, and 60% crop evapotranspiration (ETc), respectively] conditions on growth, seed yield (SY), quality, and water productivity (WP) of fenugreek grown in saline calcareous soils. RESULTS: In general, DI negatively affected the morpho-physio-biochemical responses in plants cultivated in saline calcareous soils. However, amendments of CB10 or CB20 improved soil structure under DI conditions. This was evidenced by the decreased pH, electrical conductivity of soil extract (ECe), and bulk density but increased organic matter, macronutrient (N, P, and K) availability, water retention, and total porosity; thus, maintaining better water and nutritional status. These soil modifications improved chlorophyll, tissue water contents, cell membrane stability, photosystem II photochemical efficiency, photosynthetic performance, and nutritional homeostasis of drought-stressed plants. This was also supported by increased osmolytes, non-enzymatic, and enzymatic activities under DI conditions. Regardless of DI regimes, SY was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved by 40.0 and 102.5% when plants were treated with CB10 and CB20, respectively, as similarly observed for seed alkaloids (87.0, and 39.1%), trigonelline content (43.8, and 16.7%) and WP (40.9, and 104.5%) over unamended control plants. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the application of organic amendments of CB can be a promising sustainable solution for improving saline calcareous soil properties, mitigating the negative effects of DI stress, and enhancing crop productivity in arid and semi-arid agro-climates.

Nutraceutical activities of Trigonella foenum-graecum and Nigella sativa seeds in the management of diabetes-induced in albino rats.

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 ß-cells in the pancreas. Findings of current research work explore the antidiabetic capacity of selected nutraceutical and medicinal plants.

Can silver nanoparticles stabilized by Fenugreek (Trigonella foenm -graecum) improve tibial bone defects repair in rabbits? A preliminary study.

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.

Effects of the extraction conditions on functional and structural characteristics of proteins from fenugreek seeds.

The aim of this study is to optimize the extraction process and characterize the proteins found in fenugreek seeds. The water and oil holding capacities, coagulated protein content, foaming and emulsification properties of the isolated proteins at all extraction conditions were investigated. Also, solubility, molecular weights, structural and thermal properties were determined. In the extraction processes carried out at different pHs (pH 6.0-12.0) and solid:solvent ratios (20-60 g/L), it was determined that the highest extraction yield (94.3±0.3%) was achieved when the pH was 11.47 and the solid-solvent ratio was 34.50 g/L. Three distinct bands (46, 59 and 80 kDa) in the range of 22-175 kDa were determined for the fenugreek seed protein isolate obtained at optimum extraction conditions. Protein secondary structures were achieved using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectra and it was determined that ß-sheet structures were highly present. In addition, denaturation temperatures and denaturation enthalpy were calculated as ~119°C and 28 mJ/g, respectively.

Effect of fenugreek oil on healing of experimentally induced buccal mucosal ulcer by immunohistochemical evaluation of Ki-67 expression.

Wound healing involves multiple populations of cells, the extracellular matrix, and soluble mediators' actions like growth factors and cytokines. Wound care was the target of many research, utilizing new therapy techniques and the progression of acute and chronic wound treatments with techniques involving plants to improve healing and decrease the side effects of drugs. When fenugreek is applied to an ulcer, its anti-inflammatory components are released, reducing unnecessary inflammation and accelerating the healing process. Healing is controlled by growth factors that naturally activate and boost the proliferation of cells, such as Ki-67, which is associated with the growth fraction and represents the cell's ability to proliferate. The current study aims to assess the expression of Ki-67 in rat mucosal ulcers treated with fenugreek leave oil. Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats of 350-450 gm weight were used. The rats were grouped as follows; normal group (normal tissue without ulcer induction), control group (tissue with surgical ulcer induction on the right side), and study group (ulcer treated with fenugreek leave oil on the left side), and had been sacrificed at 3- and 7-day healing durations. Thereafter, the tissue specimens were used for immunohistochemical analysis of Ki-67. The obtained outcomes showed that expression of Ki-67 increased in groups where ulcers were induced, with significant differences between control and study groups on the 3rd day. It was concluded that the application of fenugreek oil had an accelerating effect on the healing process of mucosal ulcers, as indicated by the elevated expression level of Ki-67.

Effects of Separation and Purification Methods on Antioxidation, Hypoglycemic and DNA Protection Activity of Fenugreek Polysaccharide.

Six low molecular weight fenugreek polysaccharides (FP) were isolated and purified by ethanol stepwise precipitation (EFP-20, EFP-40, and EFP-60) and DEAE-52 cellulose column method (DFP-0, DFP-0.15, and DFP-0.3), respectively. The effects of different separation and purification techniques on the preliminary properties and biological activities of fenugreek polysaccharides were compared. The results showed that the DEAE-52 cellulose-eluted fractions had a higher total sugar content and displayed a looser structure. The molecular weights of all six fractions were in the range of 4-19 kDa, with significant changes in the ratio of galactose to mannose. All six fractions contained α-D-galactopyranose and ß-D-mannopyranose structures. Activity tests showed that all six fractions possessed antioxidant, hypoglycemic and DNA-protective activities. Among them, the DFP-0 fraction showed the highest activity. Overall, different isolation and purification methods lead to changes in the properties and bioactivities of FP, which provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of FP in functional foods and drugs.

Application of edible nanocomposites from chitosan/fenugreek seed mucilage/selenium nanoparticles for protecting lemon from green mold.

Green (Penicillium digitatum) mold can severely endanger the citrus fruits production and quality. Targeting the protection of lemon fruits from green mold infestations with nanobiotechnology approach, the fenugreek seed mucilage (FM) was extracted and exploited for biosynthesis of selenium (SeNPs) nanoparticles; their nanocomposites (NCs) with chitosan (CT) was constructed and employed as antifungal materials and edible coating (ECs) to protect lemon fruits against green mold. The nanoparticles formation and conjugations were verified by infrared (FTIR) analysis and electron microscopy. The FM-synthesized SeNPs had particles average of 8.35 nm, were the NCs of them with CT had size mean of 49.33 nm and charged with +22.8 mV. The CT/FM/SeNPs composite exhibited superior antifungal actions toward P. digitatum isolates, up to 32.2 mm inhibition diameter and 12.5 mg/mL inhibitory concentration, which exceeded the actions of imazilil. The microscopic screening of exposed P. digitatum to NCs clarified their mycelial destructive action within 30 h. The coating of infected lemons with fabricated NCs led to complete elimination of green mold development after 10 days of coating, without any infestation remarks. The innovative fabrication of NCs from CT/FM/SeNPs is strongly suggested to protect citrus crops from green mold and preserve fruits quality.

Fenfuro®-mediated arrest in the formation of protein-methyl glyoxal adducts: a new dimension in the anti-hyperglycemic potential of a novel fenugreek seed extract.

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.

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.

Fenugreek seed mucilage-based active edible films for extending fresh fruit shelf life: Antimicrobial and physicochemical properties.

Trigonella foenum-graecum, known as fenugreek, belongs to the leguminous family of wild growth in Western Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia; its ripe seeds contain a pool of bioactive substances with great potential in the food industry and medicine. In this study, fenugreek seed mucilage (FSM) was extracted and characterized in its structural properties by X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Then, the applicability of FSM as an antimicrobial agent was demonstrated via the development of novel, active, edible FSM-based biofilms containing carboxymethyl cellulose and rosemary essential oil (REO). Incorporating REO in the biofilms brought about specific changes in Fourier-transform infrared spectra, affecting thermal degradation behavior. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy morphography showed an even distribution of REO and smoother surfaces in the loaded films. Besides, the solubility tests evidenced a reduction in water solubility with increasing REO concentration from 1 to 3 wt%. The biological assay evidenced the antimicrobial activity of REO-loaded biofilms against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Finally, whole apples were dip-coated with FSM-based solutions to showcase future edible systems. The REO-loaded biofilms extended the shelf life of apples to 30 days, demonstrating their potential for sustainable and active coatings.