Anti‐heartburn effects of a fenugreek fiber product

Frequent heartburn occurs in many people, some of whom prefer alternative treatments over conventional drugs. In a pilot study of subjects with frequent heartburn, 2 week intake of a fenugreek fiber product, taken 30 min before two meals/day, diminished heartburn severity. This conclusion was based on symptom diary results and reduced the use of a mild antacid as a rescue medicine. Improvement for each of the 2 weeks was judged by comparison with results from a baseline week. Placebo also produced some statistically significant effects, but the fiber product's effects differed significantly from the placebo. Moreover, the fenugreek fiber effects were generally similar to the results produced by an OTC antacid medication (ranitidine at 75 mg, twice a day). This study suggests that people with certain degrees of heartburn can benefit from a fenugreek fiber product. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Supplementation of fenugreek leaves to diabetic rats. Effect on carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in diabetic liver and kidney

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of fenugreek leaves, an indigenous plant widely used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Supplementation of the diet with fenugreek leaves showed a significant effect on hyperglycaemia, hypoinsulinaemia and glycosylated haemoglobin in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Fenugreek leaves improved the body weight and liver glycogen. Fenugreek leaves also showed a significant effect on key carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in diabetic rats. The effect of fenugreek leaves was found to be similar to that of glibenclamide. Thus, fenugreek leaves exhibited antidiabetic action in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Insulin restored all the parameters to near normal levels in diabetic rats.     

Effect of fenugreek seeds on intravenous glucose disposition in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients

The hypoglycaemic activity of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) in experimental animals and humans has been well documented. Fenugreek has been shown to reduce fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. However, it is not clear whether the improvement in glucose tolerance is due to the effect of fenugreek on the absorption or metabolism of glucose. A metabolic study was carried out, and diets with or without 25 g fenugreek were given randomly to 10 non-insulin dependent diabetics, each for 15 days, in a crossover design. An intravenous glucose tolerance test (GTT) at the end of each study period indicated that fenugreek in the diet significantly reduced the area under the plasma glucose curve (AUC), half-life, and increased the metabolic clearance rate. In addition, it increased erythrocyte insulin receptors. These results suggest that fenugreek can improve peripheral glucose utilization which contributes to an improvement in glucose tolerance. Thus, fenugreek may exert its hypoglycaemic effect by acting at the insulin receptor as well as at the gastrointestinal level.     

Effect of Fenugreek Fiber on Satiety,Blood Glucose and Insulin Response and Energy Intake in Obese Subjects

Eighteen healthy obese subjects participated in a single blind, randomized, crossover study of three test breakfasts, containing 0 g (control), 4 g or 8 g of isolated fenugreek fiber. Subjects recorded ratings of hunger, satiety, fullness and prospective food consumption using visual analog scales (VAS) every 30 min for 3.5 h. Postprandial blood glucose and insulin responses were measured. Energy intake from an ad libitum lunch buffet and for the remainder of the day was assessed. The 8 g dose of fenugreek fiber significantly increased mean ratings of satiety and fullness, and reduced ratings of hunger and prospective food consumption (P < 0.05). Palatability was significantly reduced with increasing doses of fenugreek fiber (P < 0.05). No differences were observed for area under the curve (AUC) for blood glucose among treatments. An increase in insulin AUC was found with 8 g fenugreek fiber. Energy intake at an ad libitum lunch buffet was significantly lower for 8 g than 4 g fenugreek fiber, but not significantly different from control, although there was a trend towards a lower intake (p = 0.11). No differences were observed for energy intake for the remainder of the day. Fenugreek fiber (8 g) significantly increased satiety and reduced energy intake at lunch, suggesting it may have short‐term beneficial effects in obese subjects. Satiety results were not related to postprandial blood glucose. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of Lepidium sativum,Nigella sativa and Trigonella foenum‐graceum on Phenytoin Pharmacokinetics in Beagle Dogs

The present work was designed to evaluate the effect of some commonly used herbs viz. garden cress (Lepidium sativum), black seed (Nigella sativa) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graceum) on the disposition of phenytoin after oral administration in a dog model. Phenytoin was given orally at a dose of 50 mg, and blood samples were obtained for the determination of drug's pharmacokinetic parameters. After a suitable washout period, animals were commenced on a specific herb treatment for one week. Garden cress treatment caused a modest increase in maximum observed concentration (C_max) and terminal half‐life (T_1/2λ) of phenytoin with a reduction in clearance by 33%. The effect of black seed therapy was more drastic on drug elimination and to a lesser extent on its volume of distribution at steady state (V_ss) with a consequent reduction in systemic exposure measured by area under the curve (AUC_0‐∞) by about 87%. The effect of fenugreek therapy resembled, albeit to a lesser extent, that of black seed with a significant reduction in AUC_0‐∞ by ~72%. In addition, there was a 73% increase in V_ss. Our findings suggest that the phenytoin disposition can be significantly altered by the concurrent consumption of tested herbal products. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

消渴康对糖尿病肾病大鼠的治疗作用

目的:观察糖尿病肾病大鼠血糖、血脂、血清尿素氮、肌酐和糖化血红蛋白的变化以及消渴康的治疗作用。方法:采用腹腔一次性注射链尿佐菌素(STZ)、同时饲喂高脂饲料复制大鼠糖尿病肾病模型。将动物分为模型组、消渴康组和正常对照组,注射STZ4周后治疗组给予消渴康治疗。于注射STZ后8、12、16周取血测定空腹血糖、血脂、血清尿素氮和肌酐,第16周测定糖化血红蛋白。结果:注射STZ后8、12、16周模型组空腹血糖、血脂和尿素氮明显升高,12、16周血清肌酐和16周血液糖化血红蛋白明显高于正常组。消渴康治疗组与模型组同期比较以上指标有不同程度的减轻。结论:消渴康有良好的改善糖尿病高血糖、高血脂和肾功能损害的作用。     

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.     

Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels in male: A meta‐analysis of clinical trials

Different types of glycosides extract of fenugreek have shown androgenic and anabolic effect in male. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fenugreek extract on total testosterone levels in male. Medline via PubMed, Scopus databases, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched up to November 2018 for randomized clinical trials comparing intake of fenugreek extract with control group. Data on change in serum total testosterone were pooled using random‐effects models. A total of four trials were included. Fenugreek extract has a significant effect on total serum testosterone. Results from clinical trials suggest that fenugreek extract supplement has an effect on serum total testosterone levels in male.     

Effects of fenugreek seeds and its extracts on plasma lipid profile: a study on rabbits

In this study the effect of varying levels of fenugreek were examined on the plasma lipids of animals pretreated with either a control diet or a high-fat diet for 9 weeks. Although the plasma cholesterol was significantly reduced in both groups, triglyceride levels were only reduced in animals pretreated with the high-fat diet. HDL-cholesterol levels were not significantly altered in and case. In addition, the effect of fenugreek seed powder and some of its extracts were investigated for the determination of the active fraction. Fenugreek seed powder and its extracts at 30% of the animals' diet were observed to greatly affect the plasma lipids when added to animals pretreated with a high-fat. Fenugreek and its extracts reduced the levels of cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol with no effect on the HDL-cholesterol. This selective reduction in LDL-cholesterol results in the improvement of the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to LDL-cholesterol which is beneficial in the prevention of atherosclerosis. In addition, the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol was reduced. This hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek was associated with the defatted fraction of the seed powder, and among the extracts analysed, the crude saponin extract was the most effective fraction with respect to the fenugreek seeds. The improvement of the plasma lipid profile by fenugreek treatment further supports the use of fenugreek seeds as a hypolipidaemic agent in the improvement of lipid disorders. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effectiveness of fenugreek as a galactagogue: A network meta‐analysis

A systematic review and network‐meta analysis (NMA) were performed to test significance of the galactagogue effect of fenugreek administrated to lactating women versus other comparators (i.e., placebo/control/other galactagogues). A pairwise comparison for the treatment effect was carried out to generate the forest plot for the NMA. League tables were generated using treatment effect, weighted mean difference (WMD; 95% confidence interval, CI) for all pairwise comparisons, where WMD > 0 favors the column‐defining treatment. Five studies were identified with 122 participants receiving treatment with fenugreek. The NMA results of 4 studies indicated that consumption of fenugreek significantly increased amount of the produced breast milk [11.11, CI 95% 6.77, 15.46] versus placebo. The pairwise comparison revealed that fenugreek was effective as a galactagogue compared to placebo, control, and reference groups WMD 17.79 [CI 11.71, 23.88]. However, the effect of fenugreek was substantially inferior to Coleus amboinicus Lour and palm date. The NMA using pairwise comparison demonstrated the effect of C. amboinicus and palm date in the stimulation of the breast milk production was comparable and superior to all comparators.     

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.     

The effect of fenugreek on the gene expression of arachidonic acid metabolizing enzymes

The main bioactive compounds of Trigonella foenum graecum L. (fenugreek) seeds are protodioscin, trigoneoside, diosgenin and yamogenin, which have anticarcinogenic potency through inhibition of cell proliferation and inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. The effect of fenugreek on ALOX and COX genes was examined in AKR/J H‐2^k mice exposed to dimethylbenz[α]anthracene (DMBA), a potent carcinogen. The expression pattern of these genes was determined by detecting the mRNA expression in various tissues (the lungs, liver, spleen and the kidneys) in four groups of mice. Two groups were fed with normal and two of them with fenugreek containing nutriment. Each group divided into DMBA treated and control groups. Mice were autopsied on day 7 after DMBA treatment for mRNA isolation. Fenugreek consumption itself did not change gene expression compared with the control group. DMBA could increase the expression of ALOX12, ALOX15, ALOX5 genes mainly in all organs. Fenugreek consumption was generally protective in each organ in a different manner. DMBA treatment increased COX2 gene expression, but fenugreek was protective in all tissues examined. In COX1 gene, the fenugreek diet could suppress the expression, except for spleen, independently from carcinogen exposure. Therefore by inhibiting the arachidonic acid metabolism fenugreek may prevent tumorigenesis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

胡芦巴丸化裁方治疗糖尿病及糖尿病肾脏病的研究进展

糖尿病是一组以高血糖为特征的代谢性疾病，属于中医“消渴”的范畴，糖尿病及其并发症——糖尿病肾脏病严重危害人民的健康，制约社会经济发展。陆付耳教授将补肾名方胡芦巴丸和扶阳解毒代表方交泰丸合方加减，形成补肾扶阳解毒法代表方——胡芦巴丸化裁方，包含胡芦巴、黄连、肉桂、怀牛膝4味药。现将胡芦巴丸化裁方在临床中的应用及其作用机制进行综述，以期为糖尿病及糖尿病肾脏病的治疗提供帮助。     

康肾口服液对阿霉素致大鼠肾病综合征模型的影响

目的：观察康肾口服液对阿霉素致大鼠肾病综合征模型的血三酰甘油、总胆固醇、肌酐、尿素氮水平的影响。方法：取雄性大鼠84只,清洁级,适应性喂养7 d后,将84只大鼠按照体质量随机分成7组,其中6组一次性尾静脉注射阿霉素5 mg·kg^-1复制肾病综合征模型,包括模型组、醋酸泼尼松片组、尿毒清颗粒组、大剂量康肾口服液组、中剂量康肾口服液组、小剂量康肾口服液组;另1组一次性尾静脉注射等量生理盐水作为空白对照组。结果：康肾口服液组和尿毒清颗粒组均可显著降低血肌酐水平（P〈0.01）。大剂量、中剂量、小剂量康肾口服液组均可显著降低血尿素氮水平（P〈0.01）;以大剂量、中剂量康肾口服液组降低血三酰甘油、总胆固醇、肌酐、尿素氮的效果显著。结论：康肾口服液可显著降低阿霉素致大鼠肾病综合征模型的血三酰甘油、总胆固醇、肌酐、尿素氮水平。     

中药灌肠配合血液透析治疗尿毒症102例

目的:研究中药灌肠治疗尿毒症的疗效.方法:将尿毒症患者随机分为治疗组和对照组,对照组给予血液透析,每周2次,治疗组给予血液透析,1次/周,并配合中药灌肠,2次/d.结果:将2组患者透析前后肌酐、尿素氮进行统计学处理,二者无显著差异(P＞0.05),但治疗组血液透析次数明显减少,与对照组相比差异有统计学意义(P＞0.05...     

Toxicity of crude rhizome extract of Kaempferia galanga L. (Proh Hom)

The ethanolic rhizome extract of Kaempferia galanga L. (Zingiberaceae) was studied by conventional pharmacological methods including the Hippocratic screening test, and acute and subacute toxicities in rats. The hexane fraction was tested for dermal irritation in rabbits. The ethanolic extract, when tested by the Hippocratic screening test, demonstrated signs that indicated CNS depression such as a decrease in motor activity and respiratory rate, and a loss of screen grip and analgesia. In the acute toxicity test, oral administration of 5 g/kg of Kaempferia galanga produced neither mortality nor significant differences in the body and organ weights between controls and treated animals. Moreover, both gross abnormalities and histopathological changes were not comparatively detectable between all controls and treated animals of both sexes. In subacute toxicity studies, no mortality was observed when varying doses of 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg of ethanolic Kaempferia galanga extract were administered orally per day for a period of 28 days. There were no significant differences in the body and organ weights between controls and treated animals of both sexes. Hematological analysis showed no differences in any of the parameters examined (WBC count, platelet, hematocrit and hemoglobin estimation) in either the control or treated groups of both sexes. However, the differential leukocyte counts showed a slight but significant decrease of lymphocyte count in the 50 and 100 mg/kg male rat groups. In the blood chemistry analysis, no significant change occurred in the blood chemistry parameters, including glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (Alk-P), total protein and albumin of both sexes. Pathologically, neither gross abnormalities nor histopathological changes were observed. No sign of irritation was observed during the dermal irritation test of the hexane fraction of Kaempferia galanga.     

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.     

姜黄素对2型糖尿病肾病大鼠肾脏的保护作用探究

目的研究分析姜黄素对2型糖尿病肾病大鼠肾脏的保护作用。方法 2016年6月—12月期间,选取实验室雄性大鼠40只进行研究,随机分为模型组和对照组,其中10只为对照组,用基础饲料喂养一周,30只为模型组,在予以基础饲料的同时予以高脂高糖饲料,模型成功大鼠分为模型组、低剂量组和高剂量组,对不同组大鼠肾脏病理学变化、尿素氮、血清肌酐以及血糖变化情况进行比较分析。结果对照组大鼠给药14天、21天、28天、31天的体质量与模型组存在较大差异,有统计学意义(P0.05);低剂量组大鼠和高剂量组大鼠给药28天、31天的体质量与模型组存在较大差异,有统计学意义(P0.05);对照组大鼠血糖、血肌酐、尿素氮水平与模型组差异显著,有统计学意义(P0.05);高剂量组大鼠血糖、血肌酐、尿素氮水平与模型组差异显著,有统计学意义(P0.05);低剂量组大鼠血肌酐、尿素氮水平与模型组差异显著,有统计学意义(P0.05);模型组大鼠肾脏病变明显,低剂量组、高剂量组肾脏病变程度比模型组轻。结论姜黄素具有保护2型糖尿病肾病大鼠肾脏的作用。     

Evaluation of the developmental toxicity of the aqueous extract from Trigonella foenum-graecum (L.) in mice

Aim of the study

The use of medicinal plant products to treat various ailments is a common practice in many developing countries. However, a lack of information on the adverse effects of these plants raises questions on their safety and possible adverse side effects. This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential toxic effects of fenugreek seeds on pregnant mice and foetal development.

Materials and methods

Lyophilized aqueous extract from fenugreek seeds (LAE-FS) was administered to mated female mice during the entire period of pregnancy, at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day. Females were examined for standard parameters of reproductive performance. Foetuses were weighed and examined for externally visible malformations.

Results

In pregnant females, there were no obvious symptoms of toxicity, LAE-FS-related deaths or macroscopic abnormalities. Developmental toxicity in offspring included an increase in the foetal death rate, a decrease in the litter size, and a reduction in the foetal body weight. In addition there was an increase in the incidence of morphological abnormalities.

Conclusions

Based on these results, it was concluded that fenugreek seeds extract may have deleterious toxic effects on reproductive performance and potential teratogenic effects in foetuses.