Study of Rheological Characterization of Fenugreek Gum with Modified Maxwell Model

Taking into account the viscoelasticity of the fenugreek gum, a modified Maxwell model in terms of fractional derivatives is developed. Using this model, it is observed that the fenugreek gums with at least two different concentrations obey the Cox-Merz rule.

Fenugreek lactone attenuates palmitate-induced apoptosis and dysfunction in pancreatic β-cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of fenugreek lactone(FL) on palmitate(PA)-induced apoptosis and dysfunction in insulin secretion in pancreatic NIT-1 β-cells. METHODS: Cells were cultured in the presence or absence of FL and PA(0.25 mmol/L) for 48 h. Then, lipid droplets in NIT-1 cells were observed by oil red O staining, and the intracellular triglyceride content was measured by colorimetric assay. The insulin content in the supernatant was determined using an insulin radioimmunoassay. Oxidative stress-associated parameters, including total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity and malondialdehyde levels in the suspensions were also examined. The expression of upstream regulators of oxidative stress, such as protein kinase C-α(PKC-α), phospho-PKC-α and P47 phox, were determined by Western blot analysis and real-time PCR. In addition, apoptosis was evaluated in NIT-1 cells by flow cytometry assays and caspase-3 viability assays.RESULTS: Our results indicated that compared to the control group, PA induced an increase in lipid accumulation and apoptosis and a decrease in insulin secretion in NIT-1 cells. Oxidative stress in NIT-1 cells was activated after 48 h of exposure to PA. However, FL reversed the above changes. These effects were accompanied by the inhibition of PKC-α, phosphoPKC-α and P47 phox expression and the activation of caspase-3. CONCLUSION: FL attenuates PA-induced apoptosis and insulin secretion dysfunction in NIT-1 pancreatic β-cells. The mechanism for this action may be associated with improvements in levels of oxidative stress.

Effect of addition of inulin and fenugreek on the survival of microencapsulated Enterococcus durans 39C in alginate-psyllium polymeric blends in simulated digestive system and yogurt

The use of biopolymers for probiotic microencapsulation has been investigated in this paper.The objectives are to enhance its survival rate,colonic release,and stability of these probiotic cultures in digestive condition during storage time.Nine types of biopolymers(alginate-psyllium)blend with different concentration of prebiotic;(inulin or fenugreek)were used as candidate for microencapsulation matrix.One strain of probiotic candidates,namely;Enterococcus durans 39C was used in this study.The microencapsulation of this strain with the respective polymer blend was performed by using a simple extrusion method.All blend of formulations have recorded high encapsulation efficiency at value>98%.The survival rate of viable probiotic cells under simulated digestive conditions was also high with value above 47%as compared to non-microencapsulated cells.These nine gel formulations also displayed the high survival rate of viable probiotic cells during storage time(28 d).Their release occurred after 2 h in colonic condition and sustained until 12th h of incubation period.An increase of prebiotic effect value added was observed in incorporated inulin and fenugreek formulations.In short,this study revealed that a new herbal-based psyllium and fenugreek polymers have suitable potential as a matrix for probiotic microencapsulation.

Add-on therapy of herbal formulation rich in standardized fenugreek seed extract in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with insulin therapy: An efficacy and safety study

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of herbal formulation rich in standardized fenugreek seed extract(IND-2) add-on therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) patients who were on insulin treatment in prospective, single arm, open-label, uncontrolled, multicentre trial.Methods: T2DM patients(n=30) with aged 18-80 years who were stabilized on insulin treatment with fasting blood sugar(FBS) level between 100-140 mg/dL received IND-2 capsules(700 mg, thrice a day) for 16 weeks.The primary endpoints were an assessment of FBS at week 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16.Secondary end-points include post-prandial blood sugar level, glycosylated Hb(HbA1c), reduction in the dose of insulin and number of hypoglycemic attacks, and improvement in lipid profile at various weeks.Safety and adverse events(AEs) were also assessed during the study.Results: Study was completed in twenty T2DM patients, and there was no significant reduction in FBS and post-prandial blood sugar level after addon therapy of IND-2.However, add-on therapy of IND-2 significantly reduced(P<0.01) the HbA1c values, requirements of insulin and hypoglycemic events as compared with baseline.Total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteincholesterol levels were significantly increased(P<0.01) after IND-2 add-on therapy.Body weight and safety outcomes did not differ significantly in IND-2 add-on therapy group at week 16.Additionally, add-on therapy of IND-2 did not produce any serious adverse events.Conclusions: The results of present investigation suggest that add-on therapy of IND-2 with insulin in T2DM patients improves glycaemic control through a decrease in levels of HbA1c and number of insulin doses needed per day without an increase in body weight and risk of hypoglycemia.Thus, IND-2 may provide a safe and well-tolerated add-on therapy option for the management of T2DM.

Effect of Fenugreek Seed Husk on the Rheology and Quality Characteristics of Muffins

The effect of incorporation of fenugreek seed husk (FSH) in muffins at different levels of 5%, 10% and 15% was investigated. Muffins were prepared with FSH at different levels and batter flow properties were studied. The muffin batter viscosity increased from 32,500 to 38,000 cps when the FSH content increased from 0 to 15%. While the muffin vol-umes increased upto 10% addition of FSH and further FSH increase did not result beneficially. Supplementation with FSH resulted in softer crumb texture indicated by the hardness which decreases in hardness 4.20 to 3.19 N. Inclusion of FSH addition in muffins found acceptance by panelists with a rating better than the control. The optimal level of incorporation of FSH flour, based on sensory quality in muffins was found to be 10% and use of Polysorbate-60 at 0.5% level in these muffins further improved the overall quality characteristics. These muffins had double the amount of dietary fiber.

Dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds and garlic (Allium sativum) alleviates oxidative stress in experimental myocardial infarction

Soluble fiber-rich fenugreek seeds(Trigonella foenum-graecum)and garlic(Allium sativum)are understood to exert cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant effects.The cardioprotective influence of a combination of fenugreek seeds and garlic by their antioxidant influence was evaluated in hypercholesterolemic rats administered isoproterenol.Wistar rats were maintained on high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks along with dietary interventions of fenugreek(10%),garlic(2%)and their combination.Myocardial infarction was induced with isoproterenol injection.Increased circulatory troponin,disturbed activities of cardiac ATPases,increased serum iron and decreased ceruloplasmin confirmed myocardial infarction.Elevated lipid peroxides accompanied with reduced antioxidant molecules caused by isoproterenol and altered activities of antioxidant enzymes in serum and heart in induced myocardial necrosis were countered by dietary fenugreek,garlic,and fenugreek+garlic.Dietary fenugreek seeds and garlic ameliorated isoproterenol-induced compromised antioxidant status,the cardioprotective effect being higher by the combination of fenugreek seeds and garlic.

OKRA (HIBISCUS ESCULENTUS) AND FENUGREEK (TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRACEUM) MUCILAGE:CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATION AS FLOCCULANTS FOR TEXTILE EFFLUENT TREATMENTS

The use of new food grade polysaccharides (mucilage) obtained from Hibiscus esculentus and Trigonella foenum graceum,commonly called Okra and Fenugreek,respectively,as flocculants was described.These polysaccharides were used for removal of solids (suspended solids (SS) and total dissolved solids (TDS)) and dyes from real textile effluents and aqueous solutions of different class of synthetic dyes.Influences of varying polysaccharide concentration,contact time and pH on removal of pollutant from the textile...

The impact of cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet on seed germination and seedlings growth of fenugreek(Trigonella foenum-graecum)

The effects of cold atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (CAPPJ) were investigated on germination and early seedling growth of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) seeds. A two-electrode argon CAPPJ system with and without an additional grounded electrode [accelerating grounded (AG) electrode] was used at different exposure times. After 16 h of observation, the germination rates increased by 4 and 7 times, without and with using an AG electrode, respectively, for 1 min of plasma exposure. An increase in shoot fresh weight was observed, especially at 10 min exposure time. A high dry weight of root and shoot at 1 min-AG exposure time was observed. The root:shoot ratio was lower in plasma-treated seedlings, compared with the control plants. The study found that the O-radical emission line (777.4 nm) enhanced 5 times, due to the presence of an AG electrode, which increased the axial electric field and led to the formation of more streamers. The three stated effects (O-radicals, enhancement of the electric field and streamers) could be the cause for the stimulation of seed germination and seedling growth parameters when using the CAPPJ. The scanning electron microscope images showed the etching of the seed surface layers, which was more pronounced when an AG electrode was applied. The results of the current study indicate that the germination rates increased due to the increase of O-radical concentration and the etching of the seed surfaces.

Beneficial effects of fenugreek glycoside supplementation in male subjects during resistance training: A randomized controlled pilot study

Purpose： To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the glycoside fraction of fenugreek （Trigonellafoenum-graecum） seeds （Fenu-FG） on physiologi- cal parameters related to muscle anabolism, androgenic hormones, and body fat in healthy male subjects during an 8-week resistance training program using a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled design. Methods： Sixty healthy male subjects were randomized to ingest capsules of Fenu-FG （1 capsule of 300 rag, twice per day） or the matching placebo at a 1：1 ratio. The subjects participated in a supervised 4-day per week resistance-training program for 8 weeks. The outcome measurements were recorded at recruitment （baseline） and at the end of the treatment （8 weeks）. The efficacy outcome included serum testosterone （total and free） levels, muscle strength and repetitions to failure, metabolic markers for anabolic activity （serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen）, and % body fat. The standard safety measurements such as adverse events monitoring, vital signs, hematology, biochemistry, and urinalysis were performed. Results： Fenu-FG supplementation demonstrated significant anabolic and androgenic activity as compared with the placebo. Fenu-FG treated subjects showed significant improvements in body fat without a reduction in muscle strength or repetitions to failure. The Fenu-FG supplemen- tation was found to be safe and well-tolerated. Conclusion： Fenu-FG supplementation showed beneficial effects in male subjects during resistance training without any clinical side effects.

Towards Include Preservation of Vitamins in Fenugreek and Carob Seeds by the Instant Controlled Pressure-Drop Process (DIC Process)

Fenugreek and carob seed were germinated in the dark for 4 days and 15 days respectively. The two species are rich in vitamins A, B1, B3, B8. Germination promotes the increase in their concentrations. To ensure preservation and increased bioavailability of the vitamins, it is necessary to apply a DIC of 30s to 400 kPa making it possible to support the cellular expansion and the decontamination of germinated seeds. Vitamin A content in germinated carob seed increased by 82.54%, which is not the case for fenugreek. A decrease in vitamin A concentration of 4 μg/100 g of dry matter. DIC increase vitamin B1, B3 and B8 in germinated fenugreek seeds. A slight decrease of B vitamins in germinated carob seed after treatment with DIC has been noticed. This loss can be explained by the low bioavailability caused mainly by the botanical structures of the seeds.

Effect of fenugreek(Trigonella foenum-graceum L.)seeds powder on gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients:A double-blind,randomized controlled clinical trial

Background:Stress ulcers are common in mechanically ventilated patients.They are the most common cause of gastrointestinal bleeding and are primarily associated with increased the consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Despite advanced treatment,it has a high in-hospital mortality rate.This study assessed the effect of fenugreek(Trigonella foenum-graceum L.)seeds on gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients.Methods:In this double-blind,randomized controlled clinical trial,60 mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized in intensive care units were equally distributed into intervention and control groups.The intervention group received 3 mg fenugreek seeds powder twice daily with a gavage solution for five days,in addition to routine treatment.The control group received only the gavage solution and routine treatment.The gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain at admission and during the five days were assessed.Data were analyzed using SPSS software V.16,and the significance level was set at 0.05.Results:Gastrointestinal bleeding at admission was similar in both groups.The number of mechanically ventilated patients with gastrointestinal bleeding decreased on the third,fourth,and fifth days,but the difference was insignificant.The Cochran test results showed that the rate of stress-induced gastrointestinal bleeding in the control group increased significantly(P=.04).The decrease in gastrointestinal bleeding in the intervention group was not statistically significant(P=.08).Conclusion:The use of this drug reduces the gastrointestinal side effects of ventilated patient.Despite this,reducing gastrointestinal bleeding and similar mechanical ventilation complications in patients entirely dependent on the treating team is an important achievement.

Physiological Studies on the Effect of Fenugreek on Productive Performance of White New-Zealand Rabbit Does

The objective of the current work is to investigate the possible beneficial effects of forced feeding of fenugreek to rabbit does on their milk composition, milk yield, anemia screening parameters, immunity and the growth performance of bunnies. Twenty white New Zealand female rabbits were randomly assigned into 5 groups: normal control and 4 treated groups (vehicle (molasses), fenugreek powdered seeds + molasses, sprouted fenugreek + molasses, and fenugreek oil + molasses). All treated groups took the given doses orally for two days before parturition and 13 days after parturition for 2 successive pregnancies. Blood samples were collected from each doe on the 13th day of lactation for determination of hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters. Milk samples were taken for evaluation of milk composition. All rabbit does and their bunnies were weighed for calculation of the milk yield. The fenugreek seeds and oil administered groups (G3 & G5) recorded the highest percent values of fat, protein, lactose, total solids and solid not fat contents of the rabbits’ milk in both 1st and 2nd lactation periods relative to other tested groups. At the beginning and mid of lactation periods, the milk yields recorded non-significant differences either between tested groups or between 1st and 2nd pregnancy in the same group. Whereas, at the end of lactation, germinated seeds (G4) and oil (G5) treated groups recorded significantly higher rates of milk yield relative to control and fenugreek seeds groups. Bunnies’ body weights suckling from dams of group III (G3) recorded the highest weights relative to other tested groups in both 1st and 2nd pregnancy. During the 1st lactation period, all experimental groups showed significant reduction of white blood cells, while, G3 and G4 recorded significant elevation during 2nd lactation period. Rabbits treated with fenugreek seeds powder (G3) showed a significant raise of phagocytic activity and phagocytic index. Fenugreek seeds group (G3) and germinated one (G4) showed significant red blood corpuscles and packed cell volume raise relative to other groups during both 1st and 2nd lactation periods.

Effects of Using Different Percentages of Fenugreek Flour to Improve the Sensory, Rheological Properties and Keeping Quality in Maize Dough to Produces Gluten-free Breads

Adding different percentages 1%, 3% and 5% of fenugreek flour depending on maize flour base to gluten free bread recipe for making tanoor bread was used to improve the tanoor bread quality, in term of sensory properties like volume, crust, color, symmetry, bake uniformity, texture, grain, aroma and taste. Also some rheological properties like gelatinization temperature and maximum viscosity of dough with bread keeping quality were used. The aim of this work is to produce suitable bread with maintaining the bread quality by selecting the suitable percentage to produce gluten free bread for people who suffering from celiac diseases and its contribution to health benefits. Significant differences were observed by using 5% of fenugreek flour in term of gelatinization temperature, maximum viscosity, breed keeping quality and volume. While using 1% of fenugreek flour significantly improved symmetry value, bread texture, crumb color, aroma and taste.

Variability in the Content of 25α- and 25β-Steroidal Sapogenins among Thirty Morphologically Different Sudanese Seed Accessions of Fenugreek

Seeds of Fenugreek （Trigonellafoenum-graecum L.）, an international spice commodity, are much consumed in Sudan as a food, for flavoring and as a folk-remedy for several ailments, together with local beliefs in nutraceutical benefits. The authors have noted an immense variability in colour and other morphological characters of Fenugreek seeds offered in local Sudanese markets and wondered whether this variability is extended to their chemical composition. Steroidal sapogenins are important chemical constituents of Fenugreek seeds in view of their potential as precursors for the commercial synthesis of steroid drugs and their continually revealed beneficial biological activities. In this study, thirty Sudanese Fenugreek seed accessions collected from different geographical regions in Sudan were analyzed for their 25α-, 25β- and total sapogenin content using a simple and specific infra-red spectroscopic method. The seed accessions exhibited much morphological variability particularly in outer seed coat color and size. Preparative TLC followed by gravimetric analysis showed that steroidal sapogenins, mostly diosgenin and yamogenin, represented more than 70% of the steroids of Fenugreek seeds. Infra-red spectroscopic analysis showed that total 25α-sapogenins （calculated as diosgenin） varied from 0.65% to 1.68%. Total 25β-sapogenin （calculated as yamogenin） varied from 0.38% to 2.03%. The content of total sapogenins （α ＋ β epimeric forms） varied between 1.24% and 3.0% of the oven-dry weight of seeds. β-sapogenins （mostly yamogenin） were dominant over α-sapogenins （diosgenin） in most Sudanese Fenugreek seed accessions.

Effects of the fenugreek extracts on high-fat diet-fed and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice

Background: To study the antidiabetic effects and mechanisms of the fenugreek extracts in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic(T2 DM) mice fed a high-fat diet(HFD).Methods: We established C57 BL/6 J mice model of T2 DM using HFD-fed and STZinduced method. Then, the mice were administered with two types of fenugreek extracts(E1, flavonoid and E2, stilbene glycoside) for 4 weeks and the effects on fasting blood glucose(FBG), weight, superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT),malondialdehyde(MDA), and pathological indexes were investigated.Results: Administration of fenugreek extracts decreased the FBG level compared with that of the model group. Comparatively, the high-dose E2 decreased the FBG more significantly than the other treatments did. Both extracts showed an obvious antioxidant effect by increasing serum SOD and CAT activities and decreasing the MDA content. Furthermore, the high-dose E1 showed a significant difference(P <.01) compared with the model group in the three investigated indexes.Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that both the flavonoid and stilbene glycoside extracts of fenugreek improved the hyperglycemia in the T2 DM mice model. Moreover, the antidiabetic effects of both extracts might be due to their antioxidant activity in vivo.

Analysis and Identification of Chemical Constituents of Fenugreek by UPLC-IT-MSn and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Fenugreek, a traditional Chinese medical plant, has been widely used as food ingredients because of its out- standing medicinal qualities. The hypoglycemic activity of fenugreek is one of its important pharmacological properties. Both of saponin and flavonoid components have the hypoglycemic activity and their contents in fenugreek are 4%--8% and 1% ---2%, respectively. This paper focused on these two types of components to carry out purification research and chemical analysis. The heating reflux extraction method and macroporous resin purification method were designed to prepare the saponins and the flavonoids components from defatted fenugreek seeds. Petroleum ether ultrasonic skim and 70% ethanol refluxing were used for the extraction of saponins and flavonoid from fenugreek. The column of DM130 macroporous resin and D101 macroporous resin were respectively used to prepare fenugreek saponin and flavonoid components, and the total contents of them were 78.56% and 62.28%, respectively. The saponin and flavonoids were subsequently analyzed by an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS） along with an ultra-performance liquid chromatography and ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry（UPLC-IT-MS＂）. As a result, 57 saponins and 19 flavonoid compounds were characterized. The obtained results will provide a theory basis for further research on fenugreek, as well as research and development of hypogly- cemic new drugs.

Administration of Fenugreek Seed Extract Produces Better Effects in Glibenclamide-Induced Inhibition in Hepatic Lipid Peroxidation: An in vitro Study

Objective: To evaluate the comparative effects of fenugreek(Trigonel a foenum graecum) seed extract(FSE) alone and in combination with an antidiabetic conventional medicine,glibenclamide(GLB),on the inhibition of in vitro lipid peroxidation(LPO) in liver,the major target organ of a drug.Methods: LPO was induced by ferrous sulphate(Fe So4),hydrogen peroxide(H2 O2) and carbon tetrachloride(CCl4) and the effects of test seed extract and/or GLB were evaluated.Results: While Fe So4,H2 O2 and CCl4 markedly enhanced the hepatic LPO,simultaneous administration of FSE reduced it in a concentration dependent manner.However,when both FSE and GLB were added to the incubation mixture,chemical y induced hepatic LPO was further inhibited.The test extract also exhibited high antioxidative activity in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and in 2,2'-azino-bis,3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical scavenging assays.Conclusion: FSE therapy in moderate concentration along with a hypoglycemic drug may prove to be advantageous in ameliorating diabetes mel itus and other diseases that are LPO mediated.

Ethnopharmacological,phytochemical and clinical studies on Fenugreek(Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Trigonella foenum-graecum(fenugreek)belonging to the family Fabaceae,is widely used for both culinary as well as clinical purposes since antiquity.Folkloric medicines across globe particularly use this plant for boosting immunity and combating digestive and reproductive impairments.The plant is rich reservoir of different phytoconstituents attributed to their diverse pharmacological effects.Therefore,the present article is planned on its ethnomedicinal uses,botanical description,phytochemistry,pharmacology,toxicology,clinical efficacy,mechanism of action and nanoparticle synthesis.In all pharmacological studies,the dose,major bioactive,type of extract and possible outcomes is also discussed,to establish its specific role against a particular ailment.It was hypothesized that the nanoparticle synthesis will lead to the enhanced pharmacology.Results showed that ethnomedicinal data well supports the different pharmacological aspects of Trigonella formulations in different countries.Trigonelline(phytoestrogen)renders most of therapeutic potential of Trigonella.The reported therapeutics can also be accounted as the synergistic pharmacology of different bioactives.Nanoparticle synthesis significantly improves its pharmacological efficacy.Clinical studies well validated its antidiabetic and reproductive health improving efficacies.Though no serious toxic effects were observed with the use of this plant but further well-designed placebo trials are still needed to demonstrate its full therapeutic potential.

葫芦巴叶绿体基因组密码子偏好性分析

为探究葫芦巴(Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)叶绿体基因组密码子的使用偏好性,利用Codon W 1.4.2和在线软件CUSP对筛选到的50条蛋白质编码序列密码子进行分析。结果表明:葫芦巴叶绿体基因组密码子末位碱基以A/U为主,GC含量仅为26.25%。ENC取值范围为35.05~53.66,且ENC值>45的有20个,说明葫芦巴大部分基因编码序列的密码子偏性较强。RSCU≥1的密码子有30个,其中16个以U结尾、13个以A结尾。中性绘图分析、ENC-plot分析及PR2-plot偏倚分析结果发现,葫芦巴叶绿体基因组密码子使用偏好性受到突变压力等多种因素的影响,主要因素为自然选择。最终筛选出GCU,AGA,CGU等21个密码子为最优密码子。

迷迭香提取物和葫芦巴提取物对哺乳母猪繁殖性能和抗氧化能力的影响

本试验旨在研究迷迭香提取物和葫芦巴提取物对哺乳母猪繁殖性能和抗氧化能力的影响。试验选用初产母猪40头,分成2组,每组20个重复,每个重复1头母猪。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组在饲粮中添加400 mg/kg迷迭香提取物+200 mg/kg葫芦巴提取物。试验于母猪妊娠第108天开始,至分娩后哺乳期第21天结束。结果表明:与对照组相比,试验组的母猪平均日采食量、总泌乳量及仔猪断奶个体重、日均窝增重、平均日增重显著升高(P<0.05),哺乳仔猪腹泻率和腹泻指数显著降低(P<0.05),血清总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)以及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性均显著提高(P<0.05),血清丙二醛(MDA)、过氧化氢(H2O2)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)含量显著降低(P<0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中联合添加迷迭香提取物和葫芦巴提取物能改善母猪繁殖性能,并缓解其产后氧化应激。