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.     

Slimming and Appetite‐Suppressing Effects of Caraway Aqueous Extract as a Natural Therapy in Physically Active Women

Following the current ‘Globesity’ trend, there is an increasing demand for alternative natural therapies for weight management. Numerous phytoconstituents reduce body weight through suppressing appetite and reducing food intake. Caraway (Carum carvi L.) is one of the medicinal plants that is traditionally used for weight loss. In this study, the appetite‐suppressing effects of caraway aqueous extract (CAE) on 70 aerobically trained, overweight, and obese women were examined in a triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled, clinical study. Subjects were randomly allocated into placebo and experimental groups and consumed either 30 mL/day of CAE or placebo without changing their diet or physical activity over a period of 90 days. Calorie and macronutrient intake and anthropometric indices were measured before and after the intervention. In addition, appetite changes were assessed through a visual analog scale and an ad libitum pizza test. After the intervention, the results showed a significant reduction in appetite levels and carbohydrate intake of the experimental group compared with the placebo group. All of the anthropometric indices were reduced significantly in CAE compared with placebo group (p < 0.01). These preliminary outcomes suggest that a dietary CAE might be effective in weight management of physically active, adult females, reducing their body size and hunger level. Copyright © 2016 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.     

Thylakoids suppress appetite by increasing cholecystokinin resulting in lower food intake and body weight in high‐fat fed mice

Thylakoids are membranes isolated from plant chloroplasts which have previously been shown to inhibit pancreatic lipase/colipase catalysed hydrolysis of fat in vitro and induce short‐term satiety in vivo. The purpose of the present study was to examine if dietary supplementation of thylakoids could affect food intake and body weight during long‐term feeding in mice. Female apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice were fed a high‐fat diet containing 41% of fat by energy with and without thylakoids for 100 days. Mice fed the thylakoid‐enriched diet had suppressed food intake, body weight gain and body fat compared with the high‐fat fed control mice. Reduced serum glucose, serum triglyceride and serum free fatty acid levels were found in the thylakoid‐treated animals. The satiety hormone cholecystokinin was elevated, suggesting this hormone mediates satiety. Leptin levels were reduced, reflecting a decreased fat mass. There was no sign of desensitization in the animals treated with thylakoids. The results suggest that thylakoids are useful to suppress appetite and body weight gain when supplemented to a high‐fat food during long‐term feeding. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

藿香正气软胶囊对功能性消化不良脾虚湿盛患者胃动力及胃肠激素的影响

目的探讨功能性消化不良(FD)脾虚湿盛患者可能发病机制及藿香正气软胶囊的干预作用。方法选择100例FD脾虚湿盛患者,治疗组给予藿香正气软胶囊+淀粉片,阳性对照组给予多潘立酮+治疗模拟剂,治疗28 d,观察治疗前后症状积分、药效判定标准、胃排空观测、胃动素(MTL)、胃泌素(GAS)、一氧化氮(NO)、五羟色胺(5-HT)等指标,同时与阳性对照、健康对照比较。结果藿香正气软胶囊治疗组治疗后上腹胀满、早饱、口黏腻、恶心、呕吐、大便积分明显降低(P<0.05),而食欲不振、嗳气积分无明显降低(P>0.05);与多潘立酮治疗组治疗后上腹胀满、早饱、口臭、口黏腻积分无明显差异(P>0.05),藿香正气软胶囊对FD患者胃排空有明显的促进作用(P<0.01),藿香正气软胶囊及多潘立酮治疗后两组5-HT水平明显增加,其中藿香正气软胶囊组治疗增加显著(P<0.05),藿香正气软胶囊组治疗后NO水平明显增加(P<0.05),藿香正气软胶囊及多潘立酮组治疗后GAS无明显变化(P>0.05),藿香正气软胶囊增加MTL作用明显(P<0.05)。结论藿香正气软胶囊能够改善FD脾虚湿盛患者临床症候、促进胃排空、调节胃肠激素水平。     

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.     

消痞方对化疗后痞满证大鼠胃排空率及胃肌层Cajal间质细胞的影响

[目的]观察消痞方对化疗后痞满证大鼠胃排空率及Cajal间质细胞结构及功能的影响,探讨化疗所致痞满证机制。[方法]以Wistar大鼠(60只)为研究对象,随机分为空白组、模型组、西药组、消痞方高剂量组、消痞方中剂量组、消痞方低剂量组,每组10只大鼠。除空白组外,其余5组采用尾静脉注射化疗药物建立大鼠脾虚证模型。空白组和模型组给予生理盐水灌胃,消痞方低剂量组、中剂量组与高剂量组分别给予浓度100%、150%、200%的煎剂灌胃,西药组给予西沙必利灌胃,共给药7 d。观察各组大鼠日进食量改变,检测胃排空率,采用透射电镜观察胃起搏区Cajal间质细胞(ICC)的形态特征和数量。[结果]模型组大鼠日进食量及胃排空率较空白组显著降低(P0.05),ICC数量减少,结构破坏,细胞器减少,与神经末梢及平滑肌细胞之间连接破坏。消痞方高剂量组大鼠进食量及胃排空明显增加,与模型组比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05),ICC结构基本恢复正常,新生增多。西药组大鼠进食量及胃排空也可见增加,但部分ICC结构仍可见破坏。消痞方低剂量及中剂量组较模型组差异无统计学意义。[结论]对ICC结构的影响可能是消痞方治疗化疗后痞满证的机制之一。     

消渴丸联合血脂康对2型糖尿病高脂血症MBL的影响

目的:探讨消渴丸联合血脂康对2型糖尿病高脂血症甘露聚糖结合凝集素mannan binding lectin(MBL)的影响.方法:80例2型糖尿病高脂血症患者随机分为观察组和对照组各40例.观察组予以消渴丸,开始10丸/次,早餐及午餐前各1次;血脂康胶囊,2粒/次,口服,2次/d.对照组予以格列本脲片,开始2.5 mg,早餐及午餐前各1次;辛伐他汀,20 mg/次,1次/d.两组均每周根据血糖水平调整消渴丸和格列本脲用量.疗程均为12周.另设健康对照组20例.测量治疗前后空腹血糖(FBG),餐后2h血糖(2 hPG),糖化血红蛋白(HbAlc)及总胆固醇(TC),甘油三酯(TG),低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C),高密度脂蛋白(HDL-C),并检测MBL.结果:治疗后两组FBG,2 hPG均较治疗前明显降低,组间比较差异不明显;治疗后两组HbA1c均较治疗前明显降低,观察组HbA1c下降更明显(P＜0.05);治疗后观察组血脂水平与正常对照组比较差异不明显,对照组LDL-C水平仍高于健康对照组(P＜0.05);治疗后观察组MBL为(0.71±0.25) mg·L-1,仍低于健康对照组(P＜0.05),但较治疗前明显上升(P＜0.01);对照组MBL为(0.40 ±0.21)mg·L-1,与治疗前相比呈下降趋势.结论:消渴丸联合血脂康对2型糖尿病高脂血症的血糖及血脂均能有效控制,并能上调MBL水平,有利于炎症的控制.     

Effect of fenugreek consumption on serum lipid profile: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Various studies have shown that Trigonella foenum‐graecum (fenugreek) supplementation has lipid‐lowering activity. This meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of fenugreek supplementation on human serum lipid profile. Data sources were PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Coherence library which were searched systematically from January 2000 up to December 2019. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trial (RCT) study design, at least one of lipid profile components (triglyceride [TG], total cholesterol [TC], low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels measured before fenugreek use and one of the lipid components level reported as result. The pooled weighted mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and pooled using a random‐effect model. Only articles published in English were considered. Fifteen RCTs involving 281 cases consumed fenugreek and 255 control cases in controlled group (11 articles) and 136 cases in uncontrolled group (4 articles) were analyzed in our study. Pooled data of indicated a significant impact of fenugreek supplementation on lowering TC (?1.13 [?1.88, ?0.37]; p = .003), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (?1.26 [?2.09, ?0.43]; p = .003), and TG (?1.07 [?1.82, ?0.33]; p = 0.005) and increasing the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) level (0.70 [0.07, 1.34]; p = .03) compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in TC, TG, and LDL between pre‐ and post‐fenugreek studies in the noncontrolled studies however, the result of combination of four studies without control group showed a significant increase in mean HDL (0.81 [0.33,1.29]; p‐value = .001). The results of subgroup analysis showed that the fenugreek reduced the TG and LDL and increases HDL levels in diabetic subjects more effectively. Fenugreek supplementation significantly improved lipid profile (LDL, TG, TC, and HDL). It could be considered as an effective lipid‐lowering medicinal plant. Further high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.     

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.     

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.     

糖肾一号胶囊对糖尿病肾病大鼠的作用及其机制研究

目的观察糖肾一号胶囊对糖尿病肾病(DN)大鼠的作用及可能机制。方法 SD大鼠采用ip链脲佐菌素(STZ)方法制备DN模型,造模成功大鼠随机分为模型组,贝那普利组(1.04 g/kg),糖肾一号胶囊高、中、低剂量(9、6、3 g/kg)组,每组15只,另设对照组15只,各组连续ig给药8周,测定各组大鼠血糖、血脂、血胱抑素C、血清固醇元件结合蛋白1c(SREBP-1c)、SREBP-2c水平,进行尿微量白蛋白定量,检测各组大鼠肾组织IRS-1、PI3K、podocin蛋白表达水平。结果与模型组比较,糖肾一号胶囊高、中剂量组大鼠血糖、血脂、血胱抑素C、尿微量白蛋白明显降低(P0.05、0.01),血清SREBP-1c和SREBP-2c水平显著降低(P0.05),肾脏组织IRS-1、PI3K及podocin蛋白表达水平明显升高(P0.05),而糖肾一号胶囊低剂量组升高不明显(P0.05),高剂量组与中剂量组比较差异显著(P0.05)。结论糖肾一号胶囊对DN大鼠具有一定保护作用,其能够降低DN大鼠血糖、血脂、血胱抑素C、尿微量白蛋白水平,作用机制可能与提高肾组织podocin蛋白表达、改善肾足细胞损伤、延缓肾脏纤维化有关。     

疏肝健脾法治疗功能性消化不良患者的临床疗效研究

[目的]评价疏肝健脾法治疗功能性消化不良的疗效。[方法]对纳入的87例患者随机分为治疗组43例和对照组44例,治疗组予逍遥丸加减口服;对照组给予奥美拉唑治疗。治疗4周后应用SPSS 19.0统计软件将2组的临床症状积分、总体症状积分、证候积分进行分析比较。[结果]中药组方加减对改善临床患者主要症状:上腹痛、饱胀感、早饱感及上腹灼热感有较好的疗效(P0.05或P0.01);随访中,上腹痛、饱胀感、上腹灼热感的缓解作用治疗组效果优于对照组(P0.05)。在与西药治疗的比较中,治疗组在患者的主要症状疗效和总体证候疗效优于对照组(P0.05)。[结论]疏肝健脾法治疗功能性消化不良具有较好疗效。     

针刺对实验性肥胖大鼠下丘脑摄食中枢的影响

目的研究针刺对肥胖者下丘脑摄食中枢的影响.方法高脂致肥饲料喂养SD大鼠,制作实验性肥胖模型.应用神经细胞微电极记录和脑立体定位技术,通过对实验性肥胖大鼠针刺治疗,观察下丘脑外侧区(LHA)饥饿中枢、腹内侧核(VMH)饱食中枢神经细胞单位时间内电活动(Hz).结果针刺能够明显降低LHA的兴奋性(P<0.01),提高VMH的电活动频率(P<0.01),抑制肥胖鼠亢进的食欲,减少热卡的摄入,达到减肥目的.结论针刺对肥胖动物中枢神经核团的调整作用是针刺减肥的主要机制之一.     

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.     

Daily consumption of Reliv Glucaffect™ for 8 weeks significantly lowered blood glucose and body weight in 50 subjects

A public change to healthier lifestyles with more physical activity and better nutrition, including caloric restriction, is required to address the obesity epidemic. Weight loss can be achieved by caloric restrictions; current research suggests that this may be achieved by consumption of slowly absorbed carbohydrates owing to the resulting prolonged satiety. Our rationale was to prolong the satiety of overweight volunteers by supplementation with a proprietary formulation Glucaffect? which delays absorption of carbohydrates. Glucaffect? provides potent α‐glucosidase inhibitors of herbal source such Pycnogenol^®, Madeglucyl? and various others which obstruct absorption of carbohydrates, such as starch. Fifty overweight subjects received either Glucaffect? or an inactive control product for eight weeks. Consumption of Glucaffect? was found to statistically significantly lower blood‐fasting glucose from baseline 145.3 mg/dL to 101.1 mg/dL (?30.4%) and Hba1c from 7.59% to 6.33% as compared to the control group where values decreased only marginally. The weight and the body mass index (BMI) decreased significantly from an average of 88.5 kg (BMI 26.8 kg/m²) to 81.3 kg (BMI 24.5 kg/m²) as compared to the control group. In conclusion, Glucaffect? enabled subjects with metabolic syndrome to achieve healthy BMI and blood glucose levels. Glucaffect? was well tolerated and no subject dropped out. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The beneficial health effects of Nigella sativa on Helicobacter pylori eradication,dyspepsia symptoms,and quality of life in infected patients: A pilot study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) in addition to quadruple‐therapy on Helicobacter pylori eradication, dyspepsia, biochemical‐markers, and quality of life in infected patients. In this double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical‐trial, 51 H. pylori infected patients with functional dyspepsia were randomly assigned to treatment (quadruple‐therapy with 2 g/day N. sativa) or placebo groups (quadruple‐therapy with 2 g/day placebo) for 8 weeks. Serum levels of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and malondialdehyde, quality of life, dyspepsia, food‐intake, body‐weight, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated at the baseline and at the end of the study. H. pylori eradication was evaluated at the end of the intervention. At the end of the study, H. pylori eradication was more in the N. sativa group compared with the placebo (p = .01). Weight, BMI, and dietary‐intake (p < .05) increased significantly as compared with placebo. A significant improvement was also observed in patients' quality of life in the treatment group compared with the placebo (p < .05). The differences of biochemical‐markers and dyspepsia between the two groups were not significant. So, N. sativa supplementation with medical treatment may have beneficial effects on H. pylori eradication, weight, BMI, dietary‐intake, and quality of life in infected patients.     

健脾消滞汤加减治疗糖尿病胃轻瘫的临床分析

目的:观察健脾消滞汤加减治疗糖尿病胃轻瘫(DGP)的临床疗效及对胃动素和胃泌素影响。方法:将96例患者采用随机按数字表法分为对照组47和观察组49例。对照组采用西沙必利片,5 mg/次,3次/d,每餐前30 min口服。观察组采用健脾消滞汤加减内服,1剂/d,水煎分2次服用。两组疗程均为4周。记录治疗前后主要症状、体征评分;进行治疗前后胃排空试验;检测治疗前后血浆胃动素和胃泌素水平。结果:观察组临床疗效总有效率为91.8%,对照组为74.4%,观察组优于对照组(P0.05);治疗后观察组胃排空时间少于对照组(P0.01);治疗后观察组血浆胃动素和胃泌素水平低于对照组(P0.01);治疗后观察组饱胀程度、饱胀持续时间、早饱、恶心呕吐、嗳气次数和大便情况等评分均低于对照组(P0.01)。结论:健脾消滞汤加减治疗糖尿病胃轻瘫,能改善临床症状,促进胃排空,并能调节胃动素和胃泌素,其临床疗效优于西沙必利片。     

基于数据挖掘的《普济方》治疗痞满用药规律分析

目的 搜集《中华医典》^［1］中《普济方》^［2］治疗痞满的方剂,跨学科运用古今医案云平台（V2.3.5）大数据库,总结中药治疗痞满的临床应用规律。方法 选取《普济方》中治疗痞满的处方,建立标准化医案数据库,采用古今医案云平台（V2.3.5）统计用药频次、药物属性（药性、药味、归经）,并进行聚类分析,建立Excel数据库,并批量导入,从单味药频次、性味、归经、功效、药对关联和聚类处方以及复杂网络分析等角度进行分析。结果 筛选后共纳入429首方剂,包含种256种中药,总用药频次3772次;功效371个,总功效频次10712次;四气9种,总频次3580次;五味11种,经计算总频次5888次;12经总频次10210次。治疗痞满应用频次较高的药物前3位为陈皮、白术、人参;关联性药对以人参-白术出现最高,常用药物可聚为4类。结论 运用古今医案云平台（V1.4.5）分析数据,以图表展示出《中华医典》中治疗痞满的用药规律,分析临床治疗痞满的病机,为临床实践中药治疗痞满总结提供参考。