Effects of fenugreek supplementation on the components of metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

A review on the role of functional foods and derivatives for diabetes management

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global metabolic disorder affecting the quality of life. The continuous usage of hypoglycaemic agents can control diabetic pathogenesis in patient; however it is challenging to minimize the severe side effects and metabolic contraindications. So, it is necessary to find novel drug candidates or dietary derivatives with minimum side effects, and excellent biological efficacy to meet the demands of the growing population. As a metabolic disorder, DM requires a food based therapy for better recovery. Including various functional foods (legumes, spices and whole grains) in optimal quantity in routine diet can prevent the complications associated with DM. Recent research revealed that the functional foods (FFs) combinations can accelerate the recovery time, promote a clinical total effective rate, and minimize endothelial dysfunction and microvascular episodes, associated with diabetic pathogenesis and provides novel possibilities of cost-effective treatment options for DM management. Innovative technology associated with artificial intelligence (AI), imaging techniques, and metabolic engineering tools help to understand the signalling mechanisms associated with DM and reveal sensitive targets for novel drug interactions, further opening a crucial turning point in DM research. In conclusion, the current review summarized the direct intake of FFs or derivatives, such as food protein and bioactive peptides, can be exploited as promising anti-diabetic agents in the near future. AI's influential role in bioactive peptide design and revealing the newer targets of FFs and FF derivatives (FFDs) in signalling are appraised as promising approaches for DM management. The current findings point to the fact that regulated FFs intake along with health care monitoring can control the complications associated with DM.

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Natural Products in the Clinical Management of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a prevalent health condition that requires significant attention and intervention due to its multifaceted nature. It encompasses a variety of ailments such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Despite extensive research, the underlying pathophysiology of MetS is not entirely understood, and current synthetic drugs used to treat it have adverse effects and can be expensive. Therefore, natural products are being investigated as a potential alternative treatment for MetS. This chapter provides an overview of studies on natural products as a treatment for MetS. The available evidence suggests that bioactive phytochemicals and herbal medicines, such as curcumin, resveratrol, Nigella sativa, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Theobroma cacao, have the potential to treat MetS effectively. Furthermore, natural products can be explored as a novel drug discovery approach for MetS. However, it is imperative to conduct well-designed randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes to confirm these findings. Based on our review, we conclude that natural products could be a promising alternative for treating MetS. Further research is warranted to explore this potential fully. The use of natural products for MetS treatment could reduce the reliance on synthetic drugs, many of which have harmful side effects and are costly. The development of natural products as a treatment for MetS could have significant implications for public health, and we encourage further research in this area.

Effect of Furocyst on Lipid Profile and Insulin Resistance Across Different Categories of Body Mass Index in Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Introduction Insulin resistance is a fundamental factor in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and has been found to mediate a close association with obesity and dyslipidemia. While the anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties of fenugreek seed extracts have been demonstrated, research on its anti-hyperlipidemic properties is still in its novice stage, with inconclusive evidence. The present study assessed the impact of fenugreek seed extracts rich in furostanolic saponins (Furocyst) on lipid profiles across different categories of body mass index (BMI) in women with PCOS. Methodology The study was a single-blinded, randomized clinical study conducted among 230 patients between 18 and 45 years of age, presenting to the Gynecology and Obstetrics OPD for treatment of PCOS. After screening for eligibility, patients were enrolled and randomized into the experimental group (receiving Furocyst BD for three months) and the placebo group. Blood samples collected before treatment and after the completion of treatment were investigated for insulin resistance and lipid profile. The final analysis was conducted on 188 patients (104 in the Furocyst group and 84 in the placebo group) and stratified for different categories of BMI (based on WHO classification). Results A significant reduction in the mean BMI in all patients overall and in patient subgroups according to BMI was noted after 12 weeks of treatment with Furocyst, which was statistically significant in the obese (p<0.001). The HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) index was also reduced in the Furocyst group across all BMI categories, including sub-classes of obese (p<0.001). The lipid-lowering effects of Furocyst were observed on total cholesterol, triglyceride, and VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) in all patients, irrespective of the initial BMI category (p<0.05). The drug did not affect the mean serum HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels. In obese patients, Furocyst also exhibited a statistically significant reduction in LDL-HDL ratio and cholesterol-HDL ratio. Conclusion The present study demonstrates the insulin-sensitizing, glucose-regulating, anti-obesity, and anti-hyperlipidemic properties of Furocyst in women with PCOS. The overweight and obese seem to benefit most from the drug. The use of Furocyst may be considered a pragmatic approach to treating PCOS-related symptoms and improving metabolic disturbances, specifically by optimizing the lipid profile in the affected women and lowering cardiovascular risk factors in the long term.

Therapeutic effect of fenugreek supplementation on type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

Introduction

Numerous clinical trials have investigated the effects of fenugreek, a traditional herbal medicine, on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the results from these studies have been inconsistent. Therefore, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis on the effects of fenugreek supplementation on weight, body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with T2DM.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify clinical trial studies until October 2023. The data were analyzed using a random-effects model and presented as the weighted mean difference (WMD) along with the associated 95 % confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 19 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated a significant impact of fenugreek supplementation on lowering fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (WMD: 20.32 mg/dl; 95 % CI: 26.65 to -13.99), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) (WMD: 0.54 %; 95 % CI: 0.80 to -0.28), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD: 0.36; 95 % CI: 0.67 to -0.05), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: 33.10 mg/dL; 95 % CI: 64.31 to -1.88), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: 29.14 mg/dL; 95 % CI: 55.45 to -2.83), BMI (WMD: 0.73 kg/m2; 95 % CI: 1.40 to -0.07), and increasing the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: 5.68 mg/dL; 95 % CI: 3.51 to 7.85). However, the effect on fasting insulin, triglycerides, and weight was not significant.

Conclusions

Fenugreek supplementation has been shown to improve FPG, HbA1C, HOMA-IR, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and BMI in patients with T2DM. The overall results suggest that fenugreek may have protective and therapeutic effects on T2DM parameters.

Potential Benefit of Spices for Glycemic Control

The prevalence of hyperglycemia is increasing worldwide in large part due to the escalating prevalence of obesity. It can occur along with other disorders and diseases, contributing to escalating health costs and accumulating disabilities. Besides dietary approaches and availability of antidiabetic medications, other complementary approaches and adjunct therapies using biologically active botanical phytochemicals have received growing attention for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Spices are one source of these bioactive plant constituents, and considerable preclinical studies have investigated their possible health benefits. There also are an increasing number of human clinical trials assessing the ability of spices and their individual plant constituents to improve glucose homeostasis in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus and other dysglycemic conditions. This narrative review provides a summary of the human studies evaluating the effects of select spices on glucose homeostasis and highlights areas for future research.

The Healing Callus-Promoting Effect of Fenugreek in a Humerus Shaft Fracture: A Case Report

A 54-year-old male presented with a fractured shaft in the right humerus and refused surgery. The patient was treated with a cast, and a follow-up plain radiography revealed good callus formation after 32 days. The patient had a history of receiving fenugreek seed extract from the first week after the fracture. We did our best to exclude any other factors that helped rapid fracture healing with good callus formation in our patient. The current case supports the hypothesis that fenugreek seed extract promotes bone healing. This hypothesis is supported by a literature review. Previous studies have suggested several mechanisms by which fenugreek promotes bone healing.

A Scoping Review of the Clinical Evidence for the Health Benefits of Culinary Doses of Herbs and Spices for the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing global health problem. Evidence suggests that diets rich in phytochemical-containing herbs and spices can contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases. This review assesses the scope of evidence supporting the use of herbs and spices in the diet for the prevention or treatment of MetS and its associated health conditions. A search of the PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases was carried out to assess the available clinical evidence for culinary doses of commonly used herbs and spices. Trials that were measuring health factors related to metabolic disorders in healthy individuals, or the health of individuals with MetS or associated diseases, were included. Out of a total of 1738 papers identified, there were 142 relevant studies on black pepper, chilli, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, nigella seed, rosemary, sage and turmeric. No relevant research was found for cloves, mint, oregano, parsley or thyme. Cinnamon, fenugreek and ginger were the herbs/spices with the most published trials on them and that showed promise for glycaemic control. Cardamom appears to have potential to reduce inflammatory markers, and cinnamon, ginger and turmeric to reduce blood lipids. Patients with type 2 diabetes were the population most likely to be included in studies, but the preventative benefits of herbs/spices in healthy populations were also investigated, particularly for chilli, ginger and cinnamon. There is evidence for the beneficial effect of culinary doses of many common herbs/spices in the prevention and treatment of MetS and associated disorders.