The effect of Trigonella foenum‐graecum extract on prostate‐specific antigen,and prostate function in otherwise healthy men with benign prostate hyperplasia

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of a standardised Trigonella foenum‐graecum (Fenugreek) extract on the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) using a double‐blind randomised placebo controlled design. The study recruited 100 healthy males aged between 45 and 80 years with symptoms of BPH who recorded a minimum score of eight on the International Prostate Symptom Score. Participants were randomised to an oral dose of either 600mg Trigonella foenum‐graceum per day or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the International Prostate Symptom Score total and subdomain scores. The secondary outcomes were serum levels of the hormones (testosterone, free testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin) prostate‐specific antigen, and safety markers. The results indicated that Trigonella foenum‐graceum did not have an effect on improving the symptoms of BPH. Hormone levels, safety markers, and prostate‐specific antigen remained unchanged and within normal limits after 12 weeks, which adds to the safety profile of this specialised extract.     

不同产地胡芦巴种子中胡芦巴碱的含量测定

目的 测定不同产地胡芦巴中胡芦巴碱的含量，并以此为指标对胡芦巴进行质量归类和分析。方法 HPLC定量分析法；系统聚类分析法对质量进行归类。结果 各产地胡芦巴碱的含量差异较大。结论 本法简便，准确，重现性好，对胡芦巴药材的质量控制有一定的意义。     

Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on experimental gastric ulcer in rats

The effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) compared to omeprazole was studied on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. The aqueous extract and a gel fraction isolated from the seeds showed significant ulcer protective effects. The cytoprotective effect of the seeds seemed to be not only due to the anti-secretory action but also to the effects on mucosal glycoproteins. The fenugreek seeds also prevented the rise in lipid peroxidation induced by ethanol presumably by enhancing antioxidant potential of the gastric mucosa thereby lowering mucosal injury. Histological studies revealed that the soluble gel fraction derived from the seeds was more effective than omeprazole in preventing lesion formation. These observations show that fenugreek seeds possess antiulcer potential.     

Protective effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds in experimental ethanol toxicity

The study investigates the effect of aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in experimental ethanol toxicity in rats. The ability of the seed extract to prevent iron-induced lipid peroxidation in vitro was also investigated. Ethanol feeding for 60 days resulted in significant increases in the activities of serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. The levels of serum lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in liver and brain were also significantly elevated. Significantly lower activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase were observed in liver and brain accompanied by depletion in glutathione, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol concentrations. Activity of Ca(2+) ATPase in brain was significantly lowered. Simultaneous administration of aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds with ethanol prevented the enzymatic leakage and the rise in lipid peroxidation and enhanced the antioxidant potential. The seeds exhibited appreciable antioxidant property in vitro which was comparable with that of reduced glutathione and alpha-tocopherol. Further, histopathological examination of liver and brain revealed that, aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds could offer a significant protection against ethanol toxicity.     

Prophylaxis effect of Trigonella foenum graecum L. seeds on renal stone formation in rats

Despite considerable progress in medical therapy, there is no satisfactory drug to treat kidney stones. Therefore, the current study aimed to look for an alternative by using Trigonella foenum graecum (Tfg) on nephrolithiasic rats as a preventive agent against the development of kidney stones, which is commonly used in Morocco as a phytotherapeutic agent. The inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract of Tfg seeds was examined on the formation of calcium oxalate renal stones induced by ethylene glycol (EG) with ammonium chloride. At the end of the experiment all kidneys were removed and examined microscopically for possible crystal/stone locations and the total calcium amount in the renal tissue was evaluated. The blood was recovered to determine the levels of calcium, phosphorus, creatinine and urea. The results showed that the amount of calcification in the kidneys and the total calcium amount of the renal tissue in rats treated with Tfg were significantly reduced compared with the untreated group. Consequently, Tfg may be a useful agent in the treatment of patients with calcic urolithiasis.     

Medicinal plants of India with anti-diabetic potential

Since ancient times, plants have been an exemplary source of medicine. Ayurveda and other Indian literature mention the use of plants in treatment of various human ailments. India has about 45000 plant species and among them, several thousands have been claimed to possess medicinal properties. Research conducted in last few decades on plants mentioned in ancient literature or used traditionally for diabetes have shown anti-diabetic property. The present paper reviews 45 such plants and their products (active, natural principles and crude extracts) that have been mentioned/used in the Indian traditional system of medicine and have shown experimental or clinical anti-diabetic activity. Indian plants which are most effective and the most commonly studied in relation to diabetes and their complications are: Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Aloe vera, Cajanus cajan, Coccinia indica, Caesalpinia bonducella, Ficus bengalenesis, Gymnema sylvestre, Momordica charantia, Ocimum sanctum, Pterocarpus marsupium, Swertia chirayita, Syzigium cumini, Tinospora cordifolia and Trigonella foenum graecum. Among these we have evaluated M. charantia, Eugenia jambolana, Mucuna pruriens, T. cordifolia, T. foenum graecum, O. sanctum, P. marsupium, Murraya koeingii and Brassica juncea. All plants have shown varying degree of hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic activity.     

Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum‐graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone,Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women,a Randomised Placebo Controlled Study

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Trigonella foenum‐graecum (fenugreek) seed extract on sex hormones and sexual function in healthy menstruating women who reported low sexual drive. This short term, single site, double blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled study was conducted on 80 women, aged 20 to 49 years. Participants were randomised to either an oral dose of a standardised T. foenum‐graecum seed extract (libifem) at a dose of 600 mg/day or placebo over two menstrual cycles. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, progesterone, androstenedione, total and free testosterone, estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, sex hormone binding globulin and cholesterol were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. The individual aspects of sexual function were measured using the Derogatis interview for sexual functioning and female sexual function index self‐administered questionnaires. Stress, fatigue and quality of the relationship with partner were also measured using the PSS (Perceived Stress Scale), MFI‐20 (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory) and DAS (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) quality of life measures, respectively. There was a significant increase in free testosterone and E2 in the active group as well as sexual desire and arousal compared with the placebo group. The results indicate that this extract of T. foenum‐graecum may be a useful treatment for increasing sexual arousal and desire in women. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hypolipidaemic Effect of Fenugreek Seeds: a Chronic Study in Non-insulin Dependent Diabetic Patients

The lipid lowering activity of fenugreek seeds ( Trigonella foenum graecum L.) was studied in 60 non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects. Isocaloric diets without and with fenugreek were given for 7 days and 24 weeks respectively. Ingestion of an experimental diet containing 25 g fenugreek seed powder resulted in a significant reduction of total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These results indicate the beneficial effect of fenugreek seeds in diabetic subjects.     

Efficacy of a Proprietary Trigonella foenum‐graecum L. De‐Husked Seed Extract in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms in Otherwise Healthy Women: A Double‐Blind,Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Study

Trigonella foenum‐graecum seed extract has demonstrated hormone modulatory activity, providing biological plausibility for relieving menopausal symptoms. The study aimed to assess efficacy of a standardized T. foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract in reducing menopausal symptoms in healthy aging women. The study was a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial that recruited 115 women aged 40 to 65 years of which 59 were allocated to active (n = 54 completed) and 56 to placebo (n = 50 completed). Active treatment was T. foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract, 600 mg per day for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included Menopause‐Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire, frequency of hot flushes and night sweats and serum estradiol levels. There was a significant reduction in menopausal symptoms in the active group compared with placebo as assessed by total MENQOL score (p < 0.001); reflected by significant improvements in the vasomotor (p < 0.001), psychosocial (p < 0.001), physical (p < 0.001) and sexual symptoms (p < 0.001) domains. Vasomotor outcomes correlated with hot flushes, the active group reporting significantly less daytime hot flushes and night sweats at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). The average estradiol levels were similar in both the active group and placebo group after treatment. This study demonstrated that this proprietary T. foenum‐graecum de‐husked seed extract may reduce menopausal symptoms in healthy women. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of fenugreek 4-hydroxyisoleucine on liver function biomarkers and glucose in diabetic and fructose-fed rats

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L) is a plant traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes. It contains an unusual amino acid, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, demonstrated to have insulinotropic and antidiabetic properties in animal models. Here we examine the effect of 4-hydroxyisoleucine on liver function and blood glucose in two rat models of insulin resistance, fructose-fed rats and streptozotocin-induced diabetes type 2. In fructose-fed rats, levels of glucose and liver damage marker aspartate transaminase were markedly (84% and 93%, respectively) and significantly elevated compared with controls (p < 0.001 for both). Alanine transaminase was elevated slightly (18%), and all markers were restored to near control values after treatment with 4-hydroxyisoleucine at 50 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks, the effect being significant (p < 0.01) for all markers. This prolonged exposure to 4-hydroxyisoleucine was well tolerated in control animals and did not alter levels of glucose or liver damage markers significantly. In diabetic rats, treatment with 4-hydroxyisoleucine did not affect glucose or liver damage markers, but did improve HDL-cholesterol levels (31% increase, p < 0.05). These findings indicate 4-hydroxyisoleucine as a useful and well-tolerated treatment for insulin resistance, both directly as a hypoglycaemic and also as a protective agent for the liver.     

Effect of soluble dietary fibre fraction of Trigonella foenum graecum on glycemic,insulinemic, lipidemic and platelet aggregation status of Type 2 diabetic model rats

The soluble dietary fibre (SDF) fraction of Trigonella foenum graecum (Tf-sdf) has previously been shown to reduce postprandial elevation in blood glucose level of Type 2 model diabetic rats by delaying the digestion of sucrose. The Tf-sdf has now been investigated for its chronic effect on serum fructosamine, insulin and lipid levels, and on platelet aggregation in Type 2 diabetic rats. Tf-sdf was administered orally twice daily at a dose of 0.5 g kg(-1) for 28 days. It lowered the serum fructosamine level (P<0.05) with no significant change in the insulin level as compared with the control. Atherogenic lipids, i.e. triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were found to decrease significantly in Tf-sdf fed rats (P<0.01). HDL-cholesterol showed an opposite trend (P=0.024), but serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) values paralleled the atherogenic lipids (P=0.001). No significant effect on platelet aggregation (%) was found although there was a tendency to lower the aggregation (P=0.069). It is concluded that Tf-sdf has a beneficial effect on dyslipidemia and has a tendency to inhibit platelet aggregation in Type 2 model diabetic rats.     

Evaluation of the oral hypoglycaemic effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (methi) in normal mice

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) (Leguminosae) is employed as a herbal medicine. Its seeds are known for their carminative, tonic and antidiabetic effects. A curative dose of Trigonella foenum-graecum also produces antiulcer action. In this study we have investigated the hypoglycaemic activities of the aqueous extract of the seeds Trigonella foenum-graecum in normal mice using oral route of adminstration. The methanolic extract administered through the same route produced hypoglycaemic effect only at the dose of 1 g/kg body weight. The aqueous extract is under further investigation to determine the chemical structure of the active component. The presence of hypoglycaemic activity in aqueous and methanolic extract indicates that the active compounds are polar in nature.     

Antitumor activity of methanolic extract of Cassia fistula L. seed against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Effects of methanolic extract (ME) of Cassia fistula seed on the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and on the life span of tumor bearing mice were studied. ME treatment showed an increase of life span, and a decrease in the tumor volume and viable tumor cell count in the EAC tumor hosts. Cytological studies have revealed a reduction in the mitotic activity, and the appearance of membrane blebbing and intracytoplasmic vacuoles in the treated tumor cells. Improvement in the hematological parameters following ME treatment, like hemoglobin content, red blood cell count and bone marrow cell count of the tumor bearing mice have also been observed. The results of the present study suggest that ME of C. fistula seed has an antitumor activity.     

大孔吸附树脂提取纯化胡芦巴中总皂苷的工艺研究

目的:优选胡芦巴乙醇提取液经树脂纯化的最佳工艺条件.方法:用正交试验法进行优选,以薯蓣皂苷元为指标测定总皂苷含量.结果:乙醇提取后经树脂柱纯化法的最优条件为A1B2C3D3.结论:胡芦巴的乙醇提取物经大孔树脂吸附纯化后总皂苷含量明显增加,本研究为胡芦巴中总皂苷的制备工艺提供依据.     

青蒿琥酯抗肿瘤作用观察

目的:对抗疟药青蒿琥酯进行抗肿瘤活性实验研究.方法:采用体内抗肿瘤实验方法,观察青蒿琥酯对小鼠移植性肿瘤的抑制作用.结果:青蒿琥酯能明显的抑制小鼠移植性S180肉瘤的生长,延长艾氏腹水瘤小鼠的生存时间.结论:青蒿琥酯对小鼠移植性肿瘤具有明显的抑制作用.     

参麦注射液抗肿瘤作用的初步实验研究

参麦液对荷瘤小鼠抑瘤作用的结果显示：小鼠Ｓ＿（１８０）抑瘤率为５３．９％；小鼠Ｌｅｗｉｓ肺癌抑瘤率４１．８２％；抗转移率平均为４７．８６％；对Ｌ＿（１２１０）腹水型小鼠生命延长率７５．２４％，ＥＡＣ小鼠为５２．２９％；均优于对照组。     

蛇莲方免疫抗癌作用研究

目的：研究蛇莲方的抗肿瘤和免疫调节作用。方法：采用体内移植性肿瘤和体外拒染法，观察蛇莲方的抗肿瘤作用和免疫调节作用。结果：SLF能显著抑制S180、Heps和H22等实体瘤的生长；延长EAC腹水瘤、肝癌HepA小鼠的生存时间：增强幼稚小鼠的胸腺、脾脏指数；增强小鼠炭粒廓清功能。提高巨噬细胞吞噬鸡红细胞的能力；促进荷瘤小鼠或正常小鼠溶血素抗体的生成；增强二氯硝基苯(DNCB)诱导正常小鼠和CTX所致免疫低下小鼠的迟发性超敏反应(DTH)能力。体外实验表明，SLF对S180、HL60细胞生长影响不大。结论：蛇莲方具有抗肿瘤作用，其作用并非通过细胞毒作用，而与增强机体免疫等多方面有关。     

Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in diabetic rats

The effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on blood lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in alloxan diabetic rats was studied. Increased lipid peroxidation and alterations in circulating antioxidants were observed in the diabetic state. The levels of glutathione, ascorbic acid and β‐carotene in blood were significantly lowered and α‐tocopherol content was increased. Supplementation of fenugreek seeds in the diet lowered lipid peroxidation. The contents of glutathione and β‐carotene were increased and the α‐tocopherol content was lowered. The level of ascorbic acid was unaltered. The level of antioxidants were higher in normal rats which were fed with the fenugreek supplemented diet compared with control animals which were fed commercial rat chow. The study shows that disrupted free radical metabolism in diabetic animals may be normalized by fenugreek seed supplementation in the diet.­Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek seeds. A clinical study

The hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) was evaluated in ten hyperlipidaemic subjects. Isocaloric diets with and without fenugreek were each given for 20 days. Ingestion of experimental diets, containing 100 g of debitterized fenugreek powder, resulted in a significant reduction in the serum total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. HDL cholesterol levels were not altered but the ratio with total cholesterol and LDL and VLDL cholesterol were significantly increased. These results indicate the beneficial effect of fenugreek seeds in hyperlipidaemic patients.     

中药半枝莲提取物体外抗肿瘤活性研究

目的探讨中药半枝莲提取物的体外抗肿瘤作用。方法分别选用人红白血病细胞株K562,人胃癌细胞株BGC823,人食管癌细胞株TE13,用MTT法测定半枝莲醇提物(SBE)和水提物(SBW)对体外肿瘤细胞的抑制作用。结果体外抑瘤实验表明,对SBE敏感的最低药物浓度分别为7.8、15.6和15.6μg/ml,半数抑制率(IC50)分别为25.7、30.8和30.8μg/ml,对SBW敏感的最低药物浓度分别为15.6、15.6和15.6μg/ml。IC50分别为27.6、146.3和57.4μg/ml。结论SBE和SBW体外均有很强的抗肿瘤作用,且SBE的作用高于SBW。