Role of Fenugreek, Cinnamon, Curcuma longa, Berberine and Momordica charantia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment: A Review.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex disease that has become a major global health concern. Given the efficacy of antidiabetic drugs, pharmacological therapy is considered the first-line treatment of T2DM; however, due to their potential side effects and high costs, new and cost-effective treatments with minimal side effects are needed. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as part of traditional medicine to treat T2DM. Among these, fenugreek, cinnamon, Curcuma longa, berberine, and Momordica charantia have demonstrated different degrees of hypoglycemic activity in clinical studies and animal models. Therefore, the aim of this review is to synthesize the mechanisms of action of five medicinal plants, as well as the experimental and clinical evidence of their hypoglycemic activity from the published literature.

Effect of saffron and fenugreek on lowering blood glucose: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Saffron and fenugreek have been shown to have an effect on lowering blood glucose; therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of using saffron and fenugreek on blood glucose control. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant articles. Articles on the use of saffron or fenugreek to control blood glucose were selected in compliance with PRISMA guidelines. R software was used for statistical analysis. The mean difference (MD) and the standardized MD (SMD) were adopted, and subgroup analyses were performed according to patient's clinical condition. Nineteen studies comprised this meta-analysis. Overall, using fenugreek decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG) (SMD: -0.90; 95%CI: -1.43 to -0.38; I2  = 87%; p < 0.001), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) (SMD: -1.13; 95%CI: -1.99 to -0.28; I2  = 94%; p < 0.001), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (SMD: -0.43; 95%CI: -0.75 to -0.12; I2  = 20%; p = 0.29). Saffron supplementation reduced FBG (MD: -9.06 mg/dl; 95%CI: -16.25 to -1.86; I2  = 40%; p = 0.12) and HbA1c (MD: -0.19%; 95%CI: -0.23 to -0.14; I2  = 0%; p > 0.99). Our results show that using saffron and fenugreek can reduce FBG, PPBG, and HbA1c; however, there are some shortcomings that require attention for these results. Further high-quality studies should be conducted to establish the clinical efficacy of herbal medicines.

The effect of oral gavage (force-feeding) administration of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L. ) on biochemical and neurobehavioural parameters in male Wistar rats

This study aims to evaluate the effect of fenugreek on biochemical parameters, body weight, and the behavior of male Wistar rats. The purpose of administering the aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) for 30 successive days by oral gavage (force-feeding) at a dose of 250g / l of water is intended to assess, on the one hand, the neurobehavioural effects and on the other hand its effect on some biochemical parameters (glycemia and lipid balance) as well as weight. The behavioral tests performed are the Light/Dark Box tests (LDB) and the Elevated Plus Maze test (EPM). This work indicated that the consumption of the aqueous extract of the seeds of fenugreek is beneficial to stimulate appetite and gain weight, thus decreasing the level of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and a significant increase in HDL-C, also a reduction in blood sugar and a decrease in anxiety.(AU)

The effect of oral gavage (force-feeding) administration of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L. ) on biochemical and neurobehavioural parameters in male Wistar rats

This study aims to evaluate the effect of fenugreek on biochemical parameters, body weight, and the behavior of male Wistar rats. The purpose of administering the aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) for 30 successive days by oral gavage (force-feeding) at a dose of 250g / l of water is intended to assess, on the one hand, the neurobehavioural effects and on the other hand its effect on some biochemical parameters (glycemia and lipid balance) as well as weight. The behavioral tests performed are the Light/Dark Box tests (LDB) and the Elevated Plus Maze test (EPM). This work indicated that the consumption of the aqueous extract of the seeds of fenugreek is beneficial to stimulate appetite and gain weight, thus decreasing the level of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and a significant increase in HDL-C, also a reduction in blood sugar and a decrease in anxiety.

Fenugreek seed extract alleviates hippocampal dendritic atrophy in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats / El extracto de semillas fenugreek alivia la atrofía dendrítica del hipocampo en ratas diabéticas inducidas por estreptozotocina

SUMMARY: Herbal extracts used for treatment of diabetes has focused mostly on the hypoglycaemic and anti-oxidant property.There are no studies which focused on its effect on dendritic architecture of pyramidal neurons of hippocampus caused by diabetes. This study was taken up to explore the effect of administration of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seed extract on diabetes induced dendritic atrophy in hippocampus. Experimental diabetes was induced in rats by administering single dose of Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg)intraperitoneally.Treatment groups of rats were orally administeredfenugreek seed extract of 1 g/kg body weight for 6 weeks. Followingly they were sacrificed and the brains were removed, processed for the Golgi-Cox stain method.The number of dendritic branching points and intersections were counted in successive radial segments of 20 µm up to a radial distance of 100 micron from soma and analysed by the Sholl's method. The rats with diabetes showed a significant decrease in the dendritic length and branching points in most of the apical and basal dendrites of CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons.Treatment with fenugreek seed extract were able to significantly alleviate the dendritic atrophy in most of the segments except in the apical branching points of the CA1 neuron. The present study demonstrates that fenugreek seed extract having a proven hypoglycaemic and anti-diabetic property also possess protection to the hippocampal pyramidal neurons form diabetes associated neuronal atrophy.

RESUMEN: Los extractos de hierbas para el tratamiento de la diabetes se han basado principalmente en las propiedades hipoglucémicas y antioxidantes. En la literatura no hay estudios basados en su efecto sobre la arquitectura dendrítica de las neuronas piramidales del hipocampo, causadas por la diabetes. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto de la administración de extracto de semilla de Trigonella foenum graecum (fenogreco) sobre la atrofia dendrítica inducida por la diabetes en el hipocampo. Se indujo diabetes experimental en ratas mediante la administración de una dosis única de estreptozotocina (60 mg / kg) por vía intraperitoneal. Se administró a grupos de ratas extracto de semilla de fenogreco a razón de 1 g / kg de peso corporal durante 6 semanas. Las ratas fueron sacrificadas posteriormente y se procesaron los cerebros mediante método de tinción de Golgi-Cox. El número de puntos de ramificación dendrítica e intersecciones se contaron en segmentos radiales sucesivos de 20 µm hasta una distancia radial de 100 micras del soma y se analizaron mediante el método de Sholl. Las ratas con diabetes mostraron una disminución significativa en la longitud dendrítica y los puntos de ramificación en la mayoría de las dendritas apicales y basales de las neuronas piramidales CA1 y CA3. El tratamiento con extracto de semilla de fenogreco alivió significativamente la atrofia dendrítica en la mayoría de los casos, excepto en los puntos de ramificación apical de la neurona CA1. El estudio demuestra que el extracto de semilla de fenogreco además de tener propiedades hipoglucémicas y antidiabéticas, también protege las neuronas piramidales del hipocampo contra la atrofia neuronal asociada a la diabetes.

Effect of Botanical Extracts on Amino Acid and Fatty Acid Profile of Broiler Meat

The objectives of current study were to evaluate the effect of botanical extracts as antioxidants on amino - and fatty acids profile of broiler meat. In total, 200 one-day-old broiler chicks were divided according to a completely randomized design into eight dietary treatments with five replicates of five chicks each. Dietary treatments were: A - positive control (PC) with antibiotics and synthetic antioxidants, B - negative control (NC), C - NC+Trigonellafoenum-graecum, D -NC+Nigella sativa seed, E -NC+Violaodorata, F -NC+Trachyspermumammi, G -PC+Trachyspermumammi+Trigonellafoenum-graecum+Violaodorata, and H -NC+ Trachyspermumammi, Trigonellafoenum-graecum and Viola odorata. Meat amino - and fatty acid contents were analyzed after slaughter at 35 days of age. Data were submitted to one-way analysis of variance and means were compared by Duncans Multiple Range test. The levels of histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine and threonine were significantly higher (p0.05) in the H, F, E, H and F groups respectively. Arginine, tryptophan, valine, methionine, and phenylalanine were significantly higher (p0.05) in the C, F, E, G and H groups. Total essential amino acid levels were highest (40.36%) in C group (p0.05). The meat of H broilers presented significantly higher (p0.05) unsaturated fatty acids (54.8%) and omega-3 contents (2.77%) and the lowest saturated fatty acid content (44.8%). Group F present the highest linoleic acid and omega-6 levels and group H the highest (p0.05) arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) contents. It was concluded that botanical extracts aid health-beneficial meat production and the simultaneous inclusion of Trachyspermumammi, Trigonellafoenum-graecum, and Viola odorata in broiler diets is a more suitable option than the other dietary regimes.(AU)

Effect of Botanical Extracts on Amino Acid and Fatty Acid Profile of Broiler Meat

The objectives of current study were to evaluate the effect of botanical extracts as antioxidants on amino - and fatty acids profile of broiler meat. In total, 200 one-day-old broiler chicks were divided according to a completely randomized design into eight dietary treatments with five replicates of five chicks each. Dietary treatments were: A - positive control (PC) with antibiotics and synthetic antioxidants, B - negative control (NC), C - NC+Trigonellafoenum-graecum, D -NC+Nigella sativa seed, E -NC+Violaodorata, F -NC+Trachyspermumammi, G -PC+Trachyspermumammi+Trigonellafoenum-graecum+Violaodorata, and H -NC+ Trachyspermumammi, Trigonellafoenum-graecum and Viola odorata. Meat amino - and fatty acid contents were analyzed after slaughter at 35 days of age. Data were submitted to one-way analysis of variance and means were compared by Duncans Multiple Range test. The levels of histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine and threonine were significantly higher (p0.05) in the H, F, E, H and F groups respectively. Arginine, tryptophan, valine, methionine, and phenylalanine were significantly higher (p0.05) in the C, F, E, G and H groups. Total essential amino acid levels were highest (40.36%) in C group (p0.05). The meat of H broilers presented significantly higher (p0.05) unsaturated fatty acids (54.8%) and omega-3 contents (2.77%) and the lowest saturated fatty acid content (44.8%). Group F present the highest linoleic acid and omega-6 levels and group H the highest (p0.05) arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) contents. It was concluded that botanical extracts aid health-beneficial meat production and the simultaneous inclusion of Trachyspermumammi, Trigonellafoenum-graecum, and Viola odorata in broiler diets is a more suitable option than the other dietary regimes.

Effects of NaCl on plant growth and antioxidant activities in fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum Graecum L. ) / Efeitos da NaCl no crescimento e capacidade antioxidante por feno-grego (Trigonella Foenum Graecum L. )

Fenugreek is used as a spice, vegetable and a important medicinal crops cultivated throughout the world. Since antioxidant properties have been linked to health benefits of natural products, such properties were studied salt concentrations (0, 50, 100,150 and 200 mM NaCl) effect on plant growth mineral contents composition, antioxidant responses and phenolilc contents. Results showed a reduction of dry weights of leaves stems and roots growth. These changes were associated with decreased in water content, K+ and Ca2+ concentrations and a highly increased in Na+ and Clcontents in different organs. Catalase, guaiacol peroxidase activities and total phenolic content significantly increased in fenugreek leaves. Data reported here revealed the variation of phenolic compound contents at different organs in the presence of salt, who suggested the use of Fenugreek in commercial and economic applications.

O feno-grego é usado como especiaria, vegetal e uma importante cultura medicinal cultivada em todo o mundo. Como as propriedades antioxidantes têm sido associadas aos benefícios à saúde dos produtos naturais, tais propriedades foram estudadas quanto ao efeito das concentrações de sal (0, 50, 100, 150 e 200 mM de NaCl) no crescimento das plantas, composição do conteúdo mineral, respostas antioxidantes e teores fenólicos. Os resultados mostraram uma redução do peso seco dos caules das folhas e crescimento das raízes. Essas alterações foram associadas à diminuição do conteúdo de água, concentrações de K+ e Ca2+ e um aumento nos teores de Na+ e Cl- em diferentes órgãos. As atividades de catalase e da peroxidase do guaiacol e o teor de fenólicos totais aumentaram significativamente em folhas de feno-grego. Os dados aqui relatados revelaram a variação do conteúdo de compostos fenólicos em diferentes órgãos na presença de sal, que sugeriu o uso do feno-grego em aplicações comerciais e econômicas.

Effect of Botanical Extracts on Amino Acid and Fatty Acid Profile of Broiler Meat

ABSTRACT The objectives of current study were to evaluate the effect of botanical extracts as antioxidants on amino - and fatty acids profile of broiler meat. In total, 200 one-day-old broiler chicks were divided according to a completely randomized design into eight dietary treatments with five replicates of five chicks each. Dietary treatments were: A - positive control (PC) with antibiotics and synthetic antioxidants, B - negative control (NC), C - NC+Trigonellafoenum-graecum, D -NC+Nigella sativa seed, E -NC+Violaodorata, F -NC+Trachyspermumammi, G -PC+Trachyspermumammi+Trigonellafoenum-graecum+Violaodorata, and H -NC+ Trachyspermumammi, Trigonellafoenum-graecum and Viola odorata. Meat amino - and fatty acid contents were analyzed after slaughter at 35 days of age. Data were submitted to one-way analysis of variance and means were compared by Duncans Multiple Range test. The levels of histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine and threonine were significantly higher (p0.05) in the H, F, E, H and F groups respectively. Arginine, tryptophan, valine, methionine, and phenylalanine were significantly higher (p0.05) in the C, F, E, G and H groups. Total essential amino acid levels were highest (40.36%) in C group (p0.05). The meat of H broilers presented significantly higher (p0.05) unsaturated fatty acids (54.8%) and omega-3 contents (2.77%) and the lowest saturated fatty acid content (44.8%). Group F present the highest linoleic acid and omega-6 levels and group H the highest (p0.05) arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) contents. It was concluded that botanical extracts aid health-beneficial meat production and the simultaneous inclusion of Trachyspermumammi, Trigonellafoenum-graecum, and Viola odorata in broiler diets is a more suitable option than the other dietary regimes.

4-Hydroxyisoleucine from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Effects on Insulin Resistance Associated with Obesity.

Obesity and insulin resistance (IR) are interdependent multifactorial processes that cannot be understood separately. Obesity leads to systemic inflammation and increased levels of free fatty acids that provoke IR and lipotoxicity. At the same time, IR exacerbates adipose cell dysfunction, resulting in chronic inflammation and major lipotoxic effects on nonadipose tissues. 4-Hydroxyisoleucine (4-OHIle), a peculiar nonprotein amino acid isolated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds, exhibits interesting effects on IR related to obesity. 4-OHIle increases glucose-induced insulin release, and the insulin response mediated by 4-OHIle depends on glucose concentration. The beneficial effects observed are related to the regulation of blood glucose, plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, free fatty acid levels, and the improvement of liver function. The mechanism of action is related to increased Akt phosphorylation and reduced activation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Here, we present a review of the research regarding the insulinotropic and insulin-sensitising activity of 4-OHIle in in vitro and in vivo models.

Diseño de alimentos novedosos a base de fenogreco: valoración nutricional, características organolépticas, aceptabilidad y satisfacción / Design of novel foods based on fenugreek: nutritional assessment, organoleptic properties, acceptability and satisfaction

El fenogreco es una planta forrajera que pertenece a la familia Leguminoceae. Su nombre científico es Trigonella foenum graecum (heno griego) y se la conoce también como alholva. Se han descripto siete especies, entre las cuales se destacan Trigonella gladiata, Trigonella coerulea y Trigonella foenum graecum1 . Dado que no se conocen las numerosas propiedades de Trigonella, el objetivo de este trabajo fue diseñar alimentos novedosos y/o realizar modificaciones de alimentos existentes empleando fenogreco como materia prima, estudiar sus características organolépticas, cuantificar sus macronutrientes y compuestos antioxidantes, realizar la evaluación nutricional de los productos obtenidos, su aceptabilidad y potencial aplicación en pacientes diabéticos. El estudio es de tipo exploratorio-descriptivo, mientras que el diseño es no experimental-transversal. Se elaboraron exitosamente diferentes productos alimenticios con y sin semillas de fenogreco: pancitos saborizados (porción 50 g), barritas de cereales (porción de 20 g) y tartaletas de atún, queso y aceitunas (porción de 15 g). Las preparaciones con fenogreco tuvieron gran aceptabilidad en la población encuestada. Los resultados de cuantificación de macronutrientes indican que la semilla de fenogreco posee 56 g de carbohidratos totales, 30 g de carbohidratos reductores, 2,02 g de compuestos fenólicos, 28 g de proteínas, 7,8 g de grasas y 27 g de fibras (en 100 g de semilla), convirtiéndo lo en un alimento completo nutricionalmente y aceptable para incluir en la dieta de las poblaciones que lo tengan a su alcance.

Fenugreek is a fodder plant in the family Leguminoseae. Its scientific name is Trigonella foenum graecum (Greek hay) also known as alholva. Seven species have been described, including Trigonella gladiata, Trigonella coerulea and Trigonella foenum graecum1 . Since the several properties of Trigonella are unknown, the purpose of this paper was to design novel foods and/or modify existing foods using fenugreek as raw material, study its organoleptic properties, quantify its macronutrients and antioxidant compounds, perform the nutritional assessment of products obtained, their acceptability and potential use in diabetic patients. This is an exploratory-descriptive study, whereas the design is non-experimental-transversal. Different food products were successfully manufactured with and without fenugreek seeds: savory bread (serving 50 g), cereal bar (serving 20 g) tuna, cheese and olives cakes (serving 15 g). Preparations with fenugreek were fully accepted by the population surveyed. The results obtained by the quantification of macronutrients show that fenugreek seed contains 56 g total carbohydrates, 30 g reducing carbohydrates, 2,02 g phenolic compounds, 28 g proteins, 7,8 g fat and 27 g fiber (in 100 g of seeds); making it a completely nutritional and acceptable food to be included in a diet for the populations who can afford it.