Protective action of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed polyphenols against alcohol-induced protein and lipid damage in rat liver

Ameliorative Hematological and Histomorphological Effects of Dietary Trigonella foenum-graecum Seeds in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Exposed to Copper Oxide Nanoparticles

Different types of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are being used for wastewater treatment worldwide but concerns have been raised regarding their potential toxicities, especially toward non-targeted aquatic organisms including fishes. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of copper oxide (CuO) NPs (1.5 mg/L; positive control group) in a total of 130 common carp (Cyprinus carpio), as well as the potential ameliorative effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed extracts (100 mg/L as G-1 group, 125 mg/L as G-2 group, and 150 mg/L as G-3 group) administered to fish for 28 days. Significant changes were observed in the morphometric parameters: the body weight and length of the CuO-NP-treated fish respectively decreased from 45.28 ± 0.34 g and 14.40 ± 0.56 cm at day one to 43.75 ± 0.41 g and 13.57 ± 0.67 cm at day 28. Conversely, fish treated with T. foenum-graecum seed extract showed significant improvements in body weight and length. After exposure to CuO NPs, a significant accumulation of Cu was recorded in the gills, livers, and kidneys (1.18 ± 0.006 µg/kg ww, 1.38 ± 0.006 µg/kg ww, and 0.05 ± 0.006 µg/kg ww, respectively) of the exposed common carp, and significant alterations in fish hematological parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers (lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT)) were also observed. However, supplementing diets with fenugreek extracts modulated the blood parameters and the oxidative stress enzymes. Similarly, histological observations revealed that sub-lethal exposure to CuO NPs caused severe histomorphological changes in fish gills (i.e., degenerative epithelium, fused lamellae, necrotic lamellae, necrosis of primary lamellae, complete degeneration, and complete lamellar fusion), liver (i.e., degenerative hepatocytes, vacuolization, damaged central vein, dilated sinusoid, vacuolated degeneration, and complete degeneration), and kidney (i.e., necrosis and tubular degeneration, abnormal glomerulus, swollen tubules, and complete degeneration), while the treatment with the fenugreek extract significantly decreased tissue damage in a dose-dependent manner by lowering the accumulation of Cu in the selected fish tissues. Overall, this work demonstrated the ameliorative effects of dietary supplementation with T. foenum-graecum seed extract against the toxicity of NPs in aquatic organisms. The findings of this study therefore provided evidence of the promising nutraceutical value of fenugreek and enhanced its applicative potential in the sector of fish aquaculture, as it was shown to improve the growth performance and wellness of organisms.

Identification of hepatoprotective traditional Chinese medicines based on the structure–activity relationship, molecular network, and machine learning techniques

The efforts focused on discovering potential hepatoprotective drugs are critical for relieving the burdens caused by liver diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important resource for discovering hepatoprotective agents. Currently, there are hundreds of hepatoprotective products derived from TCM available in the literature, providing crucial clues to discover novel potential hepatoprotectants from TCMs based on predictive research. In the current study, a large-scale dataset focused on TCM-induced hepatoprotection was established, including 676 hepatoprotective ingredients and 205 hepatoprotective TCMs. Then, a comprehensive analysis based on the structure–activity relationship, molecular network, and machine learning techniques was performed at molecular and holistic TCM levels, respectively. As a result, we developed an in silico model for predicting the hepatoprotective activity of ingredients derived from TCMs, in which the accuracy exceeded 85%. In addition, we originally proposed a material basis and a drug property-based approach to identify potential hepatoprotective TCMs. Consequently, a total of 12 TCMs were predicted to hold potential hepatoprotective activity, nine of which have been proven to be beneficial to the liver in previous publications. The high rate of consistency between our predictive results and the literature reports demonstrated that our methods were technically sound and reliable. In summary, systematical predictive research focused on the hepatoprotection of TCM was conducted in this work, which would not only assist screening of potential hepatoprotectants from TCMs but also provide a novel research mode for discovering the potential activities of TCMs.

Methanolic Fenugreek Seed Extract Induces p53-Dependent Mitotic Catastrophe in Breast Cancer Cells, Leading to Apoptosis

PURPOSE

The plant Trigonella foenum-graecum, well-known as fenugreek, has been shown to control type-2 diabetes, the level of cholesterol, inflammation of wounds, disorders related to gastrointestinal tracts, and cancer as well. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer potential of methanolic fenugreek seed extract (FSE) and its possible molecular mechanism of action in breast cancer cells.

METHODS

The anticancer potential of FSE was evaluated in MCF-7 and SK-BR3 breast cancer cells through various cellular assays after selecting the IC10, IC25, IC35, and IC50 doses by the cell cytotoxicity assay. Furthermore, the oral acute toxicity of FSE was examined in mice, according to the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

RESULTS

FSE exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity, as the IC50 was found to be 150 and 40 μg/mL for MCF-7 and SK-BR3 breast cancer cells, respectively. The cytological observations showed the typical apoptotic morphology in both of the breast cancer cells upon treatment with FSE, as it inhibited the migration and adhesion, in a dose-dependent manner. The flow cytometry analysis revealed that FSE induced a significant shift from G2/M, and polyploidy (>G) at higher concentrations that suggested the activation of p53-mediated mitotic catastrophe, consequently leading to apoptosis. FSE induced a significant increase in the mitochondrial depolarization, ROS as well as a Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and also exhibited the mitochondrial associated p53 signaling pathway. The in vivo acute toxicity data revealed that the oral administration of FSE did not induce any toxic effect in mice.

CONCLUSION

This study, for the first time, reports the mechanistic details of the anti-cancer potential of FSE. It requires a detailed analysis to understand the effect of FSE to induce the apoptosis through the multiple signaling pathways at varying concentrations. The nontoxic effect of FSE in mice suggests to utilize it safely for pharmaceutical formulations in different cancer systems.

Acylated Flavone O-Glucuronides from the Aerial Parts of Nepeta curviflora

Nepeta curviflora Boiss. (Syrian catnip) is native to the Middle East. This medicinal plant is commonly used against nervous disorders, rheumatic pains, and high blood pressure. Herbal infusions prepared from various Nepeta spp. are extensively consumed as functional food. However, limited information has been known about the phenolic constituents of Syrian catnip. In this study, two acylated flavone 7-O-glucuronides, apigenin 7-O-(2″-O-(2‴-(E-caffeoyl)-β-glucuronopyranosyl)-β-glucuronopyranoside) (1) and luteolin 7-O-(2″-O-(2‴-(E-caffeoyl)-β-glucuronopyranosyl)-β-glucuronopyranoside) (2), along with the known phenolic compounds rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, apigenin, and apigenin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside were isolated from the aerial parts of N. curviflora. The characterizations of these compounds were based on high-resolution mass spectrometry, UV, and extensive use of multidimensional NMR spectroscopy. The new compounds (1 and 2) were identified in the unmodified state and as dimethylesters.

Blocking of gastric acid induced histopathological alterations, enhancing of DNA content and proliferation of goblet cells in the acute lung injury mice models by nano-fenugreek oral administration

This current study aimed at detecting the potential protective role of nano-fenugreek seed on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by instillation gastric acid in male Swiss albino mice using histological and histochemical studies. Forty animals were grouped as follows: control group, HCl-treated group, low nano-fenugreek + HCl treated group, and high nano-fenugreek + HCl treated group. Pretreatment with nano-fenugreek in animal model of ALI resulted in marked ameliorations of the lung histological lesions and injury induced by HCL instillation in a dose dependent manner. It also caused inhibition in the increase of the DNA content and prevented proliferation of goblet cells induced by HCl instillation alone. In conclusion, pretreatment with Nano-fenugreek prior induction ALI could be suppress the aggregations of inflammatory cells, enhancing of DNA content, and proliferation of goblet cells induced by gastric acid in a dose dependent manner. We suggest that Nano-fenugreek may be useful in combating lung injury.

Diosgenin and Its Fenugreek Based Biological Matrix Affect Insulin Resistance and Anabolic Hormones in a Rat Based Insulin Resistance Model

Fenugreek is known since ancient times as a traditional herbal medicine of its multiple beneficial effects. Fenugreek's most studied and employed effect is its hypoglycemic property, but it can also be useful for the treatment of certain thyroid disorders or for the treatment of anorexia. The regulation of glucose homeostasis is a complex mechanism, dependent on the interaction of different types of hormones and neurotransmitters or other compounds. For the study of how diosgenin and fenugreek seeds modify insulin sensitivity, we used a rat insulin resistance model induced by high-fat diet. Diosgenin in three different doses (1mg/bwkg, 10mg/bwkg, and 50 mg/bwkg, respectively) and fenugreek seed (0.2 g/bwkg) were administered orally for 6 weeks. Insulin sensitivity was determined by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamp method. Our research group found that although glucose infusion rate was not significantly modified in either group, the increased insulin sensitivity index and high metabolic clearance rate of insulin found in the 1 mg/kg diosgenin and the fenugreek seed treated group suggested an improved peripheral insulin sensitivity. Results from the 10 mg/kg diosgenin group, however, suggest a marked insulin resistance. Fenugreek seed therapy results on the investigated anabolic hormones support the theory that, besides insulin and gastrointestinal peptides, the hypothalamic-hypopituitary axis regulated hormones synchronized action with IGF-1 also play an important role in the maintaining of normal glucose levels. Both diosgenin and fenugreek seeds are capable of interacting with substrates of the above-mentioned regulatory mechanisms, inducing serious hormonal disorders. Moreover, fenugreek seeds showed the ability to reduce the thyroid hormone levels at the periphery and to modify the T4/T3 ratio. It means that in healthy people this effect could be considered a severe side effect; however, in hypothyroidism this effect represents a possibility of alternative natural therapy.

Liver disorders related to exposure to gasoline fumes in male rats and role of fenugreek seed supplementation

Progressive effects of inhalation of gasoline fumes on the liver and the protective potential with fenugreek seed supplementation were evaluated in adult male rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, unexposed control and fenugreek groups, as well as exposed groups to gasoline fumes for 6 h/6 days/week for 10 weeks, with and without supplementation of fenugreek seed powder in food (5%w/w). Exposure to gasoline fumes resulted in a significant elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, total triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein, along with a significant decrease in high-density lipoprotein, total protein, and albumin contents compared to the control. Meanwhile, liver oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide, were highly detected with decreased antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Also, levels of inflammatory markers, interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6, were significantly elevated with fibrotic markers, transforming growth factor (TGFβ1), fibroblast growth factor (FGF1), and collagen I. Histopathological studies illustrated that rats exposed to gasoline fumes have degenerated hepatocytes with cellular infiltration and necrotic areas, along with remarkable deposition of collagen fibers, suggesting an incidence of liver fibrosis. Administration of fenugreek seeds, rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components, during gasoline exposure showed significant amelioration through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation.

A review on therapeutic potentials of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) and its chemical constituents in neurological disorders: Complementary roles to its hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and antioxidant potential

OBJECTIVES

The growing rate of neurological disorders is a major concern in today's scenario. Today's research is focusing on therapeutic interventions providing benefits in these disorders. Presently, drugs of natural origin have gained more interest for the treatment of central nervous system disorders for their efficacy and less/ no side effects. This review is emphasizing the cited roles of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) and its constituents in different neurological manifestations.

METHOD

A review of the literature, relevant to the role of fenugreek and its major constituents including saponins and alkaloids in different neurological aspects and in delineating the health benefits, was conducted.

RESULTS

The cited research acknowledged that fenugreek and its constituents exert positive influence on neurological health. Few studies have reported the beneficial role of fenugreek and its constituents like trigonelline in pathological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, other studies evidenced the neuroprotective, antidepressant, antianxiety as well as modulatory effect on cognitive functions and Parkinson's disease.

DISCUSSION

Large populations are the sufferers of the neurological disorders, pointing the need for investigation of such therapeutic interventions which target and delay the underlying pathological hallmarks and exert positive influence on different neurological health problems. Hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of fenugreek and its constituents with their potential role in various neurological disorders were already reported. In future, it would be of even greater interest to further develop more effective dosage, supplementation period, and to evaluate the therapeutic potentials of fenugreek and its constituents in neurological disorders by exploring underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Toxicological properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum), used as traditional medicine and natural additive food, has been shown to exert significant antiatherogenic, antidiabetic, antianorexic, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antihyperlipidemic, galactogogue and anti-inflammatory effects in several human and animal models. Besides, several medicinal pharmaceutical and nutraceutical properties, fenugreek have toxic effects as well. The aim of this review is discuss the cumulative evidence, which suggests that consumption of fenugreek induced some serious toxicological side effects. In this review, many teratogenic effects of fenugreek, from congenital malformations to death, were reported in human, rodent, rabbit, and chick. Moreover, results obtained in rats, mice and rabbits show a testicular toxicity and anti-fertility effects in male associated with oxidative stress and DNA damage, as well as anti-fertility, antiimplantation and abortifacient activity in females related to saponin compound of fenugreek which suggest that fenugreek is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Indeed, the consumption of fenugreek should be avoided for persons having peanut and chickpeas allergy because of possible cross-reactivity as well as chronic asthma. Accumulating evidence suggest also that fenugreek may have neurodevelopmental, neurobehavioral and neuropathological side effects. It is suggested that future studies would be conducted to identify molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the fenugreek toxicological properties.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Chinese Medicinal Herbs: A Focus on Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Activities

The liver is intimately connected to inflammation, which is the innate defense system of the body for removing harmful stimuli and participates in the hepatic wound-healing response. Sustained inflammation and the corresponding regenerative wound-healing response can induce the development of fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Oxidative stress is associated with the activation of inflammatory pathways, while chronic inflammation is found associated with some human cancers. Inflammation and cancer may be connected by the effect of the inflammation-fibrosis-cancer (IFC) axis. Chinese medicinal herbs display abilities in protecting the liver compared to conventional therapies, as many herbal medicines have been shown as effective anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agents. We review the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation, the development of hepatic diseases, and the hepatoprotective effects of Chinese medicinal herbs via anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms. Moreover, several Chinese medicinal herbs and composite formulae, which have been commonly used for preventing and treating hepatic diseases, including Andrographis Herba, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Lycii Fructus, Coptidis Rhizoma, curcumin, xiao-cha-hu-tang and shi-quan-da-bu-tang, were selected for reviewing their hepatoprotective effects with focus on their anti-oxidative and ant-inflammatory activities. This review aims to provide new insight into how Chinese medicinal herbs work in therapeutic strategies for liver diseases.

Investigating Therapeutic Potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. as Our Defense Mechanism against Several Human Diseases

Current lifestyle, stress, and pollution have dramatically enhanced the progression of several diseases in human. Globally, scientists are looking for therapeutic agents that can either cure or delay the onset of diseases. Medicinal plants from time immemorial have been used frequently in therapeutics. Of many such plants, fenugreek is one of the oldest herbs which have been identified as an important medicinal plant by the researchers around the world. It is potentially beneficial in a number of diseases such as diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and inflammation and probably in several kinds of cancers. It has industrial applications such as synthesis of steroidal hormones. Its medicinal properties and their role in clinical domain can be attributed to its chemical constituents. The 3 major chemical constituents which have been identified as responsible for principle health effects are galactomannan, 4-OH isoleucine, and steroidal saponin. Numerous experiments have been carried out in vivo and in vitro for beneficial effects of both the crude chemical and of its active constituent. Due to its role in health care, the functional food industry has referred to it as a potential nutraceutical. This paper is about various medicinal benefits of fenugreek and its potential application as therapeutic agent against several diseases.

Natural Products for the Prevention and Treatment of Hangover and Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and spirits are widely consumed around the world. However, alcohol and its metabolite acetaldehyde are toxic and harmful to human beings. Chronic alcohol use disorder or occasional binge drinking can cause a wide range of health problems, such as hangover, liver damage and cancer. Some natural products such as traditional herbs, fruits, and vegetables might be potential dietary supplements or medicinal products for the prevention and treatment of the problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of effective natural products for the prevention and treatment of hangover and alcohol use disorder, and special emphasis is paid to the possible functional component(s) and related mechanism(s) of action.

Efficient Protocol for Isolation of Rhaponticin and Rhapontigenin with Consecutive Sample Injection from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) by HSCCC

High efficiency and less solvent consumption are the essential requirements of high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC), especially for the large-scale preparation. In this study, an efficient HSCCC strategy with consecutive sample injection was successfully developed to rapidly separate and purify rhaponticin and rhapontigenin from the seeds of the Chinese medicinal herb fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). The effective separation was achieved using n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (1:4:2:6, v/v/v/v) as the two-phase solvent system, in which the mobile phase was eluted at an optimized flow rate of 2.2 mL/min and a revolution speed of 850 rpm. After consecutively loading four identical fenugreek samples, each containing 120 mg, HSCCC separation yielded 146.4 mg of rhaponticin and 174.8 mg of rhapontigenin with purities of 98.6 and 99.1%, respectively, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography at 320 nm. Their chemical structures were identified using UV spectroscopy, (1)H-NMR and (13)C-NMR. The HSCCC method with consecutive sample injection allowed faster separation and produced less solvent waste, suggesting that it is an efficient way to rapidly separate and purify natural products on a large scale.

Protective effects of oat oil on deltamethrin-induced reprotoxicity in male mice

Oats (Avena sativa L.), which are used in foods, are a potential economically viable source of oil. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of oats oil to alleviate oxidative damage of testis induced by deltamethrin, which is a pyrethroid pesticide that exerts a wide range of effects on non-targeted organisms. The reprotoxicity caused by orally administered deltamethrin (DEL) to mice can be effectively antagonized by the beneficial effects of oats oil (OO) as an antioxidant. Thirty-two male albino mice were divided into four equal groups: a control group, a group of mice given deltamethrin (5 mg per kg b.w.), a group administered deltamethrin after receiving oats oil (6 g per kg b.w.), and a group receiving only OO. Exposure to deltamethrin at a dose of 5 mg per kg b.w. per day caused oxidative stress in testis, proven by a decrease in the epididymal sperm count and motility, an increase in the number of abnormal morphologies in spermatozoa and a significant increase of lipid peroxidation (LP) in the testis when compared to control animals. Co-administration of oats oil to the DEL-treated mice ameliorated the testicular biochemical parameters as well as the histological impairments in testis. We concluded that oats oil ameliorated the toxic effects of deltamethrin in testis explored by reduced LP and improved total sperm density, motility and morphology in mice spermatozoa, suggesting its role as a potential antioxidant.

Trigonella foenum-graecum ameliorates acrylamide-induced toxicity in rats: Roles of oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines, and DNA damage

Acrylamide is a hazardous substance inducing oxidative stress. Based on some evidence on the antioxidant properties of fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum, this study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of fenugreek seed oil against acrylamide toxicity. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups. The control group was given normal saline. The second group was administered acrylamide (20 mg/kg bw orally). The third and fourth groups were administered acrylamide (20 mg/kg bw) and supplemented with 2.5% and 5% fenugreek seed oil in their diets, respectively. Acrylamide intoxication significantly increased serum levels of LDH, AST, ALT, APL, γ-GT, cholesterol, uric acid, urea, creatinine, 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine, interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α. Moreover, it increased hepatic, renal, and brain lipid peroxidation, while it impaired the activities and concentrations of the antioxidant biomarkers. Fenugreek oil supplementation normalized the altered serum parameters, prevented lipid peroxidation, and enhanced the antioxidant biomarker concentrations and activities in the hepatic, renal, and brain tissues of acrylamide-intoxicated rats in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, these results indicate that Trigonella foenum-graecum oil has a protective effect against acrylamide-induced toxicity through its free radical scavenging and potent antioxidant activities.

Trigonella foenum-graecumprotection against deltamethrin-induced toxic effects on haematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters in rats

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. is enriched with many active ingredients. TFG oil was evaluated for its protective effect against deltamethrin toxicity in rats. Rats of the control group were administered saline. The 2nd group was administered deltamethrin (DLM) orally at a concentration of 15 mg/kg body mass. The 3rd and 4th groups were administered DLM at a concentration of 15 mg/kg body mass and were fed diets containing 2.5% and 5% TFG oil, respectively. DLM intoxication reduced red blood cell and platelet counts, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit value while it induced leucocytosis. Furthermore, it increased serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid, urea, and creatinine; increased hepatic, renal, and brain lipid peroxidation; decreased serum acetylcholine esterase level; and decreased hepatic, renal, and brain antioxidant markers’ activities. However, TFG oil kept the studied hematological and biochemical parameters within normal ranges. In addition, it prevented lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress induced by DLM intoxication in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, these results indicated that TFG oil inhibited the toxic effects of DLM on hematological and biochemical parameters as well as oxidative status by its free radical scavenging and potent antioxidant activities, and it appeared to be a promising protective agent against DLM-induced toxicity.

Therapeutic potential of chinese herbal medicines in alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a complex chronic disease and is associated with a spectrum of liver injury ranging from steatosis and steatohepatitis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Since effective therapies for ALD are still limited, Chinese herbal medicine is thought to be an important and alternative approach. This review focuses on the current scientific evidence of ALD by ten Chinese Materia Medica ( zhōng yào), including Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix ( dān shēn), Notoginseng Radix ( sān qī), Lycii Fructus ( gǒu qǐ zǐ), Cnidii Fructus ( shé chuáng zǐ), Gentianae Radix ( lóng dǎn), Puerariae Radix ( gé gēn), Puerariae Flos ( gé huā), Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex ( hòu pò), Platycodonis Radix ( jié gěng), and Trigonellae Semen ( hú lú bā). Potential mechanisms of these herbal medicines in ALD are involved in amelioration of enhanced inflammation, reduction of hepatic oxidative stress and lipogenesis, and enhancement of intestinal permeability in alcohol-induced liver injury models in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, the evidenced therapeutic potential suggests that these herbs are promising candidates for prevention and development of new drugs for ALD in the future.

Aronia melanocarpa treatment and antioxidant status in selected tissues in Wistar rats

Aronia juice is considered to be a source of compounds with high antioxidative potential. We conducted a study on the impact of compounds in the Aronia juice on oxidative stress in plasma and brain tissues. The influence of Aronia juice on oxidative stress parameters was tested with the use of a model with a high content of fructose and nonsaturated fats. Therefore, the activity of enzymatic (catalase, CAT, and paraoxonase, PON) and nonenzymatic (thiol groups, SH, and protein carbonyl groups, PCG) oxidative stress markers, which indicate changes in the carbohydrate and protein profiles, was marked in brain tissue homogenates. Adding Aronia caused statistically significant increase in the CAT activity in plasma in all tested diets, while the PON activity showed a statistically significant increase only in case of high fat diet. In animals fed with Aronia juice supplemented with carbohydrates or fat, statistically significant increase in the PON activity and the decrease in the CAT activity in brain tissue were observed. In case of the high fat diet, an increase in the number of SH groups and a decrease in the number of PCG groups in brain tissue were observed.

Pharmacological effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. in health and disease

CONTEXT

The health benefits and medicinal properties of herbal food products are known since antiquity. Fenugreek [Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. (Fabaceae)], a seed spice used to enhance flavor, color and texture of food, is employed for medicinal purposes in many traditional systems. A number of epidemiological studies and laboratory research have unraveled the biological actions of fenugreek.

OBJECTIVE

Research on fenugreek in recent years has identified a number of health benefits and physiological attributes in both experimental animals as well as clinical trials in humans. In this study we have reviewed the available scientific literature on fenugreek.

METHODS

This review article summarizes and reviews published experimental studies and scientific literature from the databases including PubMed, Google and local library searches.

RESULTS

The information available in the literature on the health benefits and pharmaceutical effects of Trigonella accounts for its known medicinal properties and adds new therapeutic effects in newer indications. Besides its known medicinal properties such as carminative, gastric stimulant, antidiabetic and galactogogue (lactation-inducer) effects, newer research has identified hypocholesterolemic, antilipidemia, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiulcer, antilithigenic, anticarcinogenic and other miscellaneous medicinal effects of fenugreek. Although most of these studies have used whole seed powder or different forms of extracts, some have identified active constituents from seeds and attributed them medicinal values for different indications.

CONCLUSION

The resarch on Trigonella exhibits its health benefits and potential medicinal properties in various indications and has little or no side effects, suggesting its pharmaceutical, therapeutic and nutritional potential.

Fenugreek seeds reduce aluminum toxicity associated with renal failure in rats

Despite the reports on safety concerns regarding the relationship between aluminum salts and neurological and bone disease, many countries continue to use aluminum as phosphate binders among patients with renal failure. In search for a diet supplement that could reduce aluminum toxicity related to renal failure, we carried out this prospective animal study in which the fenugreek seeds were assessed for their effects on rats nephrotoxicity induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl₃). Oral AlCl₃ administration during 5 months (500 mg/kg bw i.g for one month then 1600 ppm via drinking water) led to plasma biochemical changes, an inhibition of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a decrease of total antioxidant status (TAS), and an induction of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the blood and brain, in addition to kidney atrophy and morphological alterations at the level of Bowman's capsule, the glomerulus and different sorts of tubules, reminiscent of some known kidney disease. The treatment with the whole fenugreek seed powder (FSP) (5% in the diet) during the last 2 months showed its effectiveness in restoring normal plasma values of urea, creatinine, ALP and glucose, as well as re-increasing the TAS, inhibiting LPO and alleviating histopathological changes in the injured kidneys. This study highlights the induced nephrotoxicicity, as well as the related toxicity in the brain and bone, by chronic oral ingestion of the aluminum salts. However, the maintenance of a diet supplemented with fenugreek seeds could offer protection for the kidney, bone and brain, at the same time.

Fenugreek seeds, a hepatoprotector forage crop against chronic AlCl3 toxicity

Background

Having considered how bioavailable aluminium (Al) may affect ecological systems and animals living there, especially cattle, and in search for a preventive dietary treatment against Al toxicity, we aimed to test the protective role of fenugreek seeds against chronic liver injury induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) in Wistar rats.

Results

Five months of AlCl₃ oral exposure (500 mg/kg bw i.g for one month then 1600 ppm via drinking water) caused liver atrophy, an inhibition of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), an enhancement of both lipid peroxidation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and an increase of total protein level in liver. Moreover, histopathological and histochemical examinations revealed moderate alterations in the hepatic parenchyma in addition to a disrupted iron metabolism. Co-administration of fenugreek seed powder (FSP) at 5% in pellet diet during two months succeeded to antagonize the harmful effects of AlCl₃ by restoring all tested parameters.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the hepatotoxicity of AlCl₃ through biochemical and histological parameters in one hand and the hepatoprotective role of fenugreek seeds on the other hand. Thus this work could be a pilot study which will encourage farmers to use fenugreek seeds as a detoxifying diet supplement for domestic animals.

Herbal medicines for the prevention of alcoholic liver disease: a review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Long-term excess alcohol exposure leads to alcoholic liver disease (ALD)-a global health problem without effective therapeutic approach. ALD is increasingly considered as a complex and multifaceted pathological process, involving oxidative stress, inflammation and excessive fatty acid synthesis. Over the past decade, herbal medicines have attracted much attention as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of ALD, due to their multiple targets and less toxic side effects. Several herbs, such as Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson (Apiaceae), Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) and Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (Leguminosae), etc., have been shown to be quite effective and are being widely used in China today for the treatment of ALD when used alone or in combination.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To review current available knowledge on herbal medicines used to prevent or treat ALD and their underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the pre-set searching syntax and inclusion criteria to retrieve available published literature from PUBMED and Web of Science databases, all herbal medicines and their active compounds tested on ALD induced by both acute and chronic alcohol ingestion were included.

RESULTS

A total of 40 experimental studies involving 34 herbal medicines and (or) active compounds were retrieved and reviewed. We found that all reported extracts and individual compounds from herbal medicines/natural plants could be beneficial to ALD, which might be attributed to regulate multiple critical targets involved in the pathways of oxidation, inflammation and lipid metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening chemical candidate from herbal medicine might be a promising approach to drug discovery for the prevention or treatment of ALD. However, further studies remain to be done on the systematic assessment of herbal medicines against ALD and the underlying mechanisms, as well as their quality control studies.

Study of lipid profile and parieto-temporal lipid peroxidation in AlCl₃ mediated neurotoxicity. Modulatory effect of fenugreek seeds

BACKGROUND

Peroxidation of lipid (LPO) membrane and cholesterol metabolism have been involved in the physiopathology of many diseases of aging brain. Therefore, this prospective animal study was carried firstly to find out the correlation between LPO in posterior brain and plasmatic cholesterol along with lipoprotein levels after chronic intoxication by aluminium chloride (AlCl₃). Chronic aluminum-induced neurotoxicity has been in fact related to enhanced brain lipid peroxidation together with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, despite its controversial etiological role in neurodegenerative diseases. Secondly an evaluation of the effectiveness of fenugreek seeds in alleviating the engendered toxicity through these biochemical parameters was made.

RESULTS

Oral administration of AlCl₃ to rats during 5 months (500 mg/kg bw i.g for one month then 1600 ppm via the drinking water) enhanced the levels of LPO in posterior brain, liver and plasma together with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and LDL-C (Low Density Lipoproteins) levels. All these parameters were decreased following fenugreek seeds supplementation either as fenugreek seed powder (FSP) or fenugreek seed extract (FSE). A notable significant correlation was observed between LPObrain and LDL-C on one hand and LDHliver on the other hand. This latter was found to correlate positively with TC, TG and LDL-C. Furthermore, high significant correlations were observed between LDHbrain and TC, TG, LDL-C, LPObrain as well as LDHliver.

CONCLUSION

Aluminium-induced LPO in brain could arise from alteration of lipid metabolism particularly altered lipoprotein metabolism rather than a direct effect of cholesterol oxidation. Fenugreek seeds could play an anti-peroxidative role in brain which may be attributed in part to its modulatory effect on plasmatic lipid metabolism.

Dietary agents in the prevention of alcohol-induced hepatotoxicty: preclinical observations

Long term alcohol consumption is one of the important causes for liver failure and death. To complicate the existing problem there are no dependable hepatoprotective drugs and a large number of patients prefer using complementary and alternative medicines for treating and managing hepatic complications. Almost 25 centuries ago, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, proclaimed "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." Exploring the association between diet and health continues even today. Preclinical studies carried out in the recent past have shown that the commonly used dietary agents like Allium sativum (garlic), Camellia sinensis (tea), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry), Ferula asafoetida (asafoetida), Garcinia cambogia (Malabar tamarind), Glycine max (soyabean), Murraya koenigii (curry leaves), Piper betle (beetle leaf), Prunus armeniaca (apricot), Ocimum gratissimum (wild basil), Theobroma cacao (cocoa), Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) and Vitis vinifera (grapes) protect against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity. Mechanistic studies have shown that the beneficial effects of these phytochemicals in preventing the ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity are mediated by the antioxidant, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. The present review for the first time collates the hepatoprotective effects of these agents and also emphasizes on aspects that need future research to establish their utility in humans.

Effect of fenugreek seed extract on adriamycin-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds against hepatotoxicity induced in albino rats by the anticancer drug adriamycin (ADR). Animals were given single dose of ADR (10 mg/kg body weight) and were killed after 2 and 4 weeks. Liver of ADR-treated animals showed histopathological and biochemical alterations. The histopathological changes include hepatic tissue impairment, cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes, congestion of blood vessels, leucocytic infiltrations and fatty infiltration. Moreover, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was increased in ADR-treated rats. The liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and alanine aminotransferase (AST) were increased in the sera of treated rats. Moreover, ADR significantly increased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in hepatic tissue. Treating animals with ADR and aqueous extract of fenugreek (0.4 g/kg body weight) seeds led to an improvement in histological and biochemical alterations induced by ADR. The biochemical results showed that AST and ALT appeared normal together with reduction in the level of MDA (lipid peroxidation marker) and increase in SOD and CAT activities. It was concluded from this study that the aqueous extract fenugreek seeds has a beneficial impact on ADR-induced hepatotoxicity due to its antioxidant effect in albino rats.

Comparative study of the efficacy of ascorbic acid, quercetin, and thiamine for reversing ethanol-induced toxicity

This study compares the curative effect of three antioxidants-ascorbic acid, quercetin, and thiamine-on ethanol-induced toxicity in rats. Administration of ethanol at a dose of 4 g/kg of body weight/day for 90 days initiated chronic alcohol-induced oxidative stress as shown by increased malondialdehyde level and DNA fragmentation in liver and brain. Ethanol administration also led to a decrease in DNA content. Activities of toxicity marker enzymes-alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase-in liver and serum increased progressively upon ethanol administration. After ethanol administration for 90 days, the efficacy of antioxidant treatment of the alcohol-induced toxicity was studied by supplementing ascorbic acid (200 mg/100 g of body weight/day), quercetin (50 mg/kg of body weight/day), and thiamine (25 mg/kg of body weight/day) for 30 days. These groups were compared with the abstention group (not treated with ethanol). All the alterations induced by alcohol were reduced significantly by the supplementation of antioxidants and also with abstention. The regression by antioxidants was greater that of abstention. Antioxidants significantly reduced the oxidative stress induced by ethanol intoxication, increased membrane integrity, and also increased organ regeneration. Ascorbic acid was shown to be more effective than quercetin and thiamine in treating both hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity induced by alcohol administration. This may be due to the higher antioxidant potential of ascorbic acid in physiological conditions.

Flavone C-glycosides from seeds of fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum L

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is particularly used in Asia, Africa, and Mediterranean countries for its nutritional and medicinal value. The flavone C-glycosides, apigenin 6-C-beta-chinovopyranosyl-8-C-beta-galactopyranoside (6) and apigenin 6-C-beta-xylopyranosyl-8-C-(6'''-O-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaroyl)-beta-glucopyranoside) (7), in addition to the known flavone C-glycosides, apigenin 6,8-C-di-beta-galactopyranoside (1), apigenin 6-C-beta-xylopyranosyl-8-C-beta-galactopyranoside (2), apigenin 6-C-beta-arabinopyranosyl-8-C-beta-galactopyranoside (3), luteolin 8-C-beta-glucopyranoside (4), luteolin 6-C-beta-glucopyranoside (5), apigenin 8-C-beta-glucopyranoside (8), apigenin 6-C-beta-glucopyranoside (9), luteolin 8-C-(2''-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl-beta-glucopyranoside) (10), and apigenin 8-C-(2''-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl-beta-glucopyranoside) (11) were isolated from fenugreek seeds. Compounds 1, 5, and 10 were reported for the first time in this species. Signal duplication in the NMR spectra, with exception of spectra of the mono-6-C-substituted compounds, revealed the presence of rotameric conformers, created by rotational hindrance at the C (sp(3))-C (sp(2)) glycosyl-flavone linkage in these flavone C-glycosides.

Fenugreek bread: a treatment for diabetes mellitus

Use of fenugreek, a food with demonstrated efficacy in lowering blood sugar, is limited by its bitter taste and strong flavor. A bread incorporating fenugreek using a proprietary process was tested for its taste acceptability and its effect on carbohydrate metabolism. We developed a fenugreek bread formula that was produced in a commercial bakery by incorporating fenugreek flour into a standard wheat bread formula. Whole wheat bread was prepared by the same formula in the same bakery using wheat flour. Eight diet-controlled diabetic subjects were served two slices (56 g) and 5% fenugreek. Blood glucose and insulin were tested periodically over a 4-hour period after consumption. The tests were run on two occasions 1 week apart, once with the fenugreek bread and once with regular bread. The study was double-blind, and the order was randomized and balanced. Fenugreek and whole wheat bread samples were evaluated for sensory attributes and nutrient composition. There was no statistically significant difference in proximate composition, color, firmness, texture, and flavor intensity between the fenugreek and wheat bread (P > .05). The area under the curve for glucose and insulin was lower in the fenugreek condition, but only reached significance with insulin (P < .05). The fenugreek-containing bread was indistinguishable from the whole wheat bread control. Normally, fenugreek flour impacts bread quality negatively. The bread maintained fenugreek's functional property of reducing insulin resistance. Acceptable baked products can be prepared with added fenugreek, which will reduce insulin resistance and treat type 2 diabetes.