| FENUGREEK BENEFITS zhion@zhion.com |
Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., is an erect annual herb
native to southern Europe and Asia. Today, it grows today in many
parts of the world, including India, northern Africa, and the United
States. The plant reaches a height of 0.3 to 0.8 meters and has
trifoliate leaves. White flowers appear in early summer and develop
into long, slender, yellow-brown pods.
Fenugreek seeds are hard, yellowish brown and angular, with a side of
about 3mm (1/8”). These seed may benefit people suffered from
various conditions such as wounds, abscesses, arthritis, bronchitis, and
digestive problems. In ancient China, herbalists used it for problems of
kidney and male reproductive tracts. [1] People may roast the seeds or
store them as dried seeds.
FENUGREEK BENEFITS
Fenugreek seeds are rich source of trigonelline, lysine and l-tryptophan
and they also contain a large about of steroidal saponins and fibers.
These two elements are thought to account for many benefits of
fenugreek. The steroidal saponins may inhibit cholesterol absorption
and synthesis while fiber is thought to help lower sugar levels [2,3].
Studies have shown that fenugreek helped lower cholesterol, blood
sugar levels in patients suffered from diabetes. [4-10].
FENUGREEK SIDE EFFECTS
Fenugreek appears to be safe at low doses. High doses of fenugreek
seeds may cause gastro-intestinal disturbance and nausea. Fenugreek
may stimulate uterine, pregnant women should avoid fenugreek. [11]
RESEARCH FINDS
ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES
A study has demonstrated the potent antioxidant properties of the
fenugreek seeds. In the study, scientists evaluated the protective
effect of polyphenol-rich extract from the seeds of fenugreek against
hydrogen peroxide(H202)-induced oxidation in normal and diabetic
human erythrocytes (RBCs). The inhibition of lipid peroxidation was
concentration-dependent up to 100 microl of extract (0.75mM gallic acid
equivalent (GAE) of phenolic compounds). [15]
HPOGLYCAEMIC ACTIVITIES
A study of alloxan-induced diabetic mice has shown that the
hypoglycaemic activity of dialysed fenugreek seed extract was
comparable to that of insulin (1.5 U kg(-1)). Fenugreek seed extract
also improved intraperitoneal glucose tolerance in normal mice. In a cell
study, Indian researchers found that activation of an insulin signal
pathway in adipocytes and liver cells was involved in the hypoglycaemic
activities of fenugreek seed extract. [12]
BODY WEIGHT
Japanese researchers found that fenugreek seed extract reduced the
body weight gain induced by a high-fat diet in obese mice. The extract
decreased plasma triglyceride gain induced by oil administration. The
major component of the extract, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, also decreased
plasma triglyceride gain. [13]
CANCER
Researchers at United Arab Emirates University have shown a potential
protective effect of Fenugreek seeds against 7,12- DMBA-induced
breast cancer in rats. At 200 mg/kg b.wt., Fenugreek seeds' extract
significantly inhibited the DMBA-induced mammary hyperplasia and
decreased its incidence. Epidemiological studies also implicate
apoptosis as a mechanism that might mediate the Fenugreek's anti-
breast cancer protective effects. [14]
LIPID LOWERING
A study has demonstrated that supplementation of fenugreek leaves
lowered the lipid profile in STZ-induced diabetic rats. [16]
RESEARCH REVIEW ARTICLES
What do herbalists suggest to diabetic patients in order to improve
glycemic control? Evaluation of scientific evidence and potential
risks. Acta Diabetol. 2004 Sep;41(3):91-8. Authors: Cicero AF Derosa G
Gaddi A Institute: University of Bologna, Italy.
In the course of 12 continuing education seminars given in different
regions in Italy in 2001, the researchers distributed a questionnaire to
all the attending herbalists asking information about the herbal remedy
and dietary supplement they mainly recommended to patients who
required a "natural" treatment to control glycemia. They distributed 720
questionnaires and they received 685 completed ones. The 10 more
frequently suggested herbal remedies were gymnema, psyllium,
fenugreek, bilberry, garlic, Chinese ginseng, dandelion, burdock, prickly
pear cactus, and bitter melon. The 10 most frequently recommended
dietary supplements were biotin, vanadium, chromium, vitamin B6,
vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, alpha-lipoic acid, and
fructooligosaccharides.
Herbs for serum cholesterol reduction: a systematic view. J Fam
Pract. 2003 Jun;52(6):468-78. Authors Thompson Coon JS Ernst E
Institute Universities of Exeter and Plymouth United Kingdom
A systematic review of randomized clinical trials of herbal medicinal
products used to lower serum cholesterol. Systematic literature
searches were conducted in 6 electronic data-bases. The reference lists
of all papers and our files were searched for more relevant
publications. Experts in the field and manufacturers of identified herbal
medicinal products were contacted for published and unpublished data.
No language restrictions were imposed. RESULTS: Twenty-five
randomized clinical trials involving 11 herbal medicinal products were
identified. Guggul (Commiphora mukul), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-
graecum), red yeast rice, and artichoke (Cynara scolymus) have been
most extensively studied and have demonstrated reductions in total
serum cholesterol levels of between10% and 33%. The methodological
quality as assessed by the Jadad score was less than 3 (maximum, 5)
for 13 of the 25 trials.
Alternative therapies: Part II. Congestive heart failure and
hypercholesterolemia. Am Fam Physician. 2000 Sep 15;62(6):1325-30.
Authors Morelli V and Zoorob RJ Institute Louisiana State University
School of Medicine in New Orleans, USA
Clinical trials using Q10 for the management of congestive heart failure
have had conflicting results; hawthorn is prescribed in Germany for the
treatment of this condition, but no trials have been conducted in the
United States. Although initial research about the use of garlic in the
management of hypercholesterolemia was encouraging, follow-up
studies have failed to verify these results. Substituting soy protein for
high-fat animal protein diets, however, does have a beneficial effect on
serum lipid levels. While, fenugreek may offer modest improvement.
HOME
This article is for your reference only. Publisher is not responsible to the
accuracy of this article. If you have any question, you should consult with your
doctor. Only a limited amount of clinical research exists to support the efficacy
of most supplement products. Further research is warranted to establish the
value of these extracts in the corresponding benefits. All right reserved 2008
zhion. No part of this article should be transferred to other websites or other
forms of publications.
References
1. Escot N. Fenugreek. ATOMS 1994/5;Summer:7–12. 2. Sauvaire Y, Ribes G, Baccou JC,
Loubatieres-Mariani MM. Implication of steroid saponins and sapogenins in the
hypocholesterolemic effect of fenugreek. Lipids 1991;26:191–7. 3. Ribes G, Sauvaire Y, Da
Costa C, et al. Antidiabetic effects of subfractions from fenugreek seeds in diabetic dogs. Proc
Soc Exp Biol Med 1986;182:159–66. 4. Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. 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. Prostagland
Leukotrienes Essential Fatty Acids 1997;56:379–84. 5. Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Rao NS.
Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr
1990;44:301–6. 6. Madar Z, Abel R, Samish S, Arad J. Glucose-lowering effect of fenugreek in
non-insulin dependent diabetics. Eur J Clin Nutr 1988;42:51–4. 7. Raghuram TC et al. Effect
of fenugreek seeds on intravenous glucose disposition in non-insulin dependent diabetic
patients. Phytother Res 1994;8:83–6. 8. Sharma RD et al. Hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek
seeds. A clinical study. Phytother Res 1991;5:145–7.9. Prasanna M. Hypolipidemic effect of
fenugreek: A clinical study. Indian J Phramcol 2000;32:34–6. 10. Sharma RD et al.
Hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek seeds: A chronic study in non-insulin dependent diabetic
patients. Phytother Res 1996;10:332–4. 11. Brinker F. Herb Contradictions and Drug
Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998, 70–1. 12. Vijayakumar MV et
al, The hypoglycaemic activity of fenugreek seed extract is mediated through the stimulation of
an insulin signalling pathway. Br J Pharmacol. 2005 Sep;146(1):41-8. [13] Handa T et al,
Effects of fenugreek seed extract in obese mice fed a high-fat diet. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem.
2005 Jun;69(6):1186-8. 14. Amin A. et al, Chemopreventive activities of Trigonella foenum
graecum (Fenugreek) against breast cancer. Cell Biol Int. 2005 Aug;29(8):687-94. [15]
Kaviarasan S et al, Polyphenol-rich extract of fenugreek seeds protect erythrocytes from
oxidative damage. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2004 Fall;59(4):143-7. [16] Annida B et al,
Supplementation of fenugreek leaves lower lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
J Med Food. 2004 Summer;7(2):153-6.
native to southern Europe and Asia. Today, it grows today in many
parts of the world, including India, northern Africa, and the United
States. The plant reaches a height of 0.3 to 0.8 meters and has
trifoliate leaves. White flowers appear in early summer and develop
into long, slender, yellow-brown pods.
Fenugreek seeds are hard, yellowish brown and angular, with a side of
about 3mm (1/8”). These seed may benefit people suffered from
various conditions such as wounds, abscesses, arthritis, bronchitis, and
digestive problems. In ancient China, herbalists used it for problems of
kidney and male reproductive tracts. [1] People may roast the seeds or
store them as dried seeds.
FENUGREEK BENEFITS
Fenugreek seeds are rich source of trigonelline, lysine and l-tryptophan
and they also contain a large about of steroidal saponins and fibers.
These two elements are thought to account for many benefits of
fenugreek. The steroidal saponins may inhibit cholesterol absorption
and synthesis while fiber is thought to help lower sugar levels [2,3].
Studies have shown that fenugreek helped lower cholesterol, blood
sugar levels in patients suffered from diabetes. [4-10].
FENUGREEK SIDE EFFECTS
Fenugreek appears to be safe at low doses. High doses of fenugreek
seeds may cause gastro-intestinal disturbance and nausea. Fenugreek
may stimulate uterine, pregnant women should avoid fenugreek. [11]
RESEARCH FINDS
ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES
A study has demonstrated the potent antioxidant properties of the
fenugreek seeds. In the study, scientists evaluated the protective
effect of polyphenol-rich extract from the seeds of fenugreek against
hydrogen peroxide(H202)-induced oxidation in normal and diabetic
human erythrocytes (RBCs). The inhibition of lipid peroxidation was
concentration-dependent up to 100 microl of extract (0.75mM gallic acid
equivalent (GAE) of phenolic compounds). [15]
HPOGLYCAEMIC ACTIVITIES
A study of alloxan-induced diabetic mice has shown that the
hypoglycaemic activity of dialysed fenugreek seed extract was
comparable to that of insulin (1.5 U kg(-1)). Fenugreek seed extract
also improved intraperitoneal glucose tolerance in normal mice. In a cell
study, Indian researchers found that activation of an insulin signal
pathway in adipocytes and liver cells was involved in the hypoglycaemic
activities of fenugreek seed extract. [12]
BODY WEIGHT
Japanese researchers found that fenugreek seed extract reduced the
body weight gain induced by a high-fat diet in obese mice. The extract
decreased plasma triglyceride gain induced by oil administration. The
major component of the extract, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, also decreased
plasma triglyceride gain. [13]
CANCER
Researchers at United Arab Emirates University have shown a potential
protective effect of Fenugreek seeds against 7,12- DMBA-induced
breast cancer in rats. At 200 mg/kg b.wt., Fenugreek seeds' extract
significantly inhibited the DMBA-induced mammary hyperplasia and
decreased its incidence. Epidemiological studies also implicate
apoptosis as a mechanism that might mediate the Fenugreek's anti-
breast cancer protective effects. [14]
LIPID LOWERING
A study has demonstrated that supplementation of fenugreek leaves
lowered the lipid profile in STZ-induced diabetic rats. [16]
RESEARCH REVIEW ARTICLES
What do herbalists suggest to diabetic patients in order to improve
glycemic control? Evaluation of scientific evidence and potential
risks. Acta Diabetol. 2004 Sep;41(3):91-8. Authors: Cicero AF Derosa G
Gaddi A Institute: University of Bologna, Italy.
In the course of 12 continuing education seminars given in different
regions in Italy in 2001, the researchers distributed a questionnaire to
all the attending herbalists asking information about the herbal remedy
and dietary supplement they mainly recommended to patients who
required a "natural" treatment to control glycemia. They distributed 720
questionnaires and they received 685 completed ones. The 10 more
frequently suggested herbal remedies were gymnema, psyllium,
fenugreek, bilberry, garlic, Chinese ginseng, dandelion, burdock, prickly
pear cactus, and bitter melon. The 10 most frequently recommended
dietary supplements were biotin, vanadium, chromium, vitamin B6,
vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, alpha-lipoic acid, and
fructooligosaccharides.
Herbs for serum cholesterol reduction: a systematic view. J Fam
Pract. 2003 Jun;52(6):468-78. Authors Thompson Coon JS Ernst E
Institute Universities of Exeter and Plymouth United Kingdom
A systematic review of randomized clinical trials of herbal medicinal
products used to lower serum cholesterol. Systematic literature
searches were conducted in 6 electronic data-bases. The reference lists
of all papers and our files were searched for more relevant
publications. Experts in the field and manufacturers of identified herbal
medicinal products were contacted for published and unpublished data.
No language restrictions were imposed. RESULTS: Twenty-five
randomized clinical trials involving 11 herbal medicinal products were
identified. Guggul (Commiphora mukul), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-
graecum), red yeast rice, and artichoke (Cynara scolymus) have been
most extensively studied and have demonstrated reductions in total
serum cholesterol levels of between10% and 33%. The methodological
quality as assessed by the Jadad score was less than 3 (maximum, 5)
for 13 of the 25 trials.
Alternative therapies: Part II. Congestive heart failure and
hypercholesterolemia. Am Fam Physician. 2000 Sep 15;62(6):1325-30.
Authors Morelli V and Zoorob RJ Institute Louisiana State University
School of Medicine in New Orleans, USA
Clinical trials using Q10 for the management of congestive heart failure
have had conflicting results; hawthorn is prescribed in Germany for the
treatment of this condition, but no trials have been conducted in the
United States. Although initial research about the use of garlic in the
management of hypercholesterolemia was encouraging, follow-up
studies have failed to verify these results. Substituting soy protein for
high-fat animal protein diets, however, does have a beneficial effect on
serum lipid levels. While, fenugreek may offer modest improvement.
HOME
This article is for your reference only. Publisher is not responsible to the
accuracy of this article. If you have any question, you should consult with your
doctor. Only a limited amount of clinical research exists to support the efficacy
of most supplement products. Further research is warranted to establish the
value of these extracts in the corresponding benefits. All right reserved 2008
zhion. No part of this article should be transferred to other websites or other
forms of publications.
References
1. Escot N. Fenugreek. ATOMS 1994/5;Summer:7–12. 2. Sauvaire Y, Ribes G, Baccou JC,
Loubatieres-Mariani MM. Implication of steroid saponins and sapogenins in the
hypocholesterolemic effect of fenugreek. Lipids 1991;26:191–7. 3. Ribes G, Sauvaire Y, Da
Costa C, et al. Antidiabetic effects of subfractions from fenugreek seeds in diabetic dogs. Proc
Soc Exp Biol Med 1986;182:159–66. 4. Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. 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. Prostagland
Leukotrienes Essential Fatty Acids 1997;56:379–84. 5. Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Rao NS.
Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr
1990;44:301–6. 6. Madar Z, Abel R, Samish S, Arad J. Glucose-lowering effect of fenugreek in
non-insulin dependent diabetics. Eur J Clin Nutr 1988;42:51–4. 7. Raghuram TC et al. Effect
of fenugreek seeds on intravenous glucose disposition in non-insulin dependent diabetic
patients. Phytother Res 1994;8:83–6. 8. Sharma RD et al. Hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek
seeds. A clinical study. Phytother Res 1991;5:145–7.9. Prasanna M. Hypolipidemic effect of
fenugreek: A clinical study. Indian J Phramcol 2000;32:34–6. 10. Sharma RD et al.
Hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek seeds: A chronic study in non-insulin dependent diabetic
patients. Phytother Res 1996;10:332–4. 11. Brinker F. Herb Contradictions and Drug
Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998, 70–1. 12. Vijayakumar MV et
al, The hypoglycaemic activity of fenugreek seed extract is mediated through the stimulation of
an insulin signalling pathway. Br J Pharmacol. 2005 Sep;146(1):41-8. [13] Handa T et al,
Effects of fenugreek seed extract in obese mice fed a high-fat diet. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem.
2005 Jun;69(6):1186-8. 14. Amin A. et al, Chemopreventive activities of Trigonella foenum
graecum (Fenugreek) against breast cancer. Cell Biol Int. 2005 Aug;29(8):687-94. [15]
Kaviarasan S et al, Polyphenol-rich extract of fenugreek seeds protect erythrocytes from
oxidative damage. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2004 Fall;59(4):143-7. [16] Annida B et al,
Supplementation of fenugreek leaves lower lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
J Med Food. 2004 Summer;7(2):153-6.
| Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum L., is an erect annual herb native to southern Europe and Asia. Today, it grows today in many parts of the world, including India, northern Africa, and the United States. The plant reaches a height of 0.3 to 0.8 meters and has trifoliate leaves. White flowers appear in early summer and develop into long, slender, yellow-brown pods. |
 |  |  |  |
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