Antidiabetic and hypocholesterolaemic effects of fenugreek Molham Al-Habori 1 *, Amala Raman 2 1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and

Health Sciences, University of Sana'a, Sana'a, Republic of Yemen 2Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories, Department of Pharmacy, King's College London, Manresa Road, London SW3 6LX, UK *Correspondence to Molham Al-Habori, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sana'a, P.O.Box 19065, Sana'a, Republic of Yemen Funded by: British Council KEYWORDS fenugreek antidiabetic insulin hypocholesterolaemic saponins fibre ABSTRACT The seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) have been reported to have antidiabetic and hypocholesterolaemic properties in both animal models and humans. Activity has been attributed largely to fenugreek's saponin and high fibre content, and is probably not related to its major alkaloid trigonelline. Antihyperglycaemic effects have been linked to delayed gastric emptying caused by the fibre content, and to (unidentified) components that inhibit carbohydrate digestive enzymes. Fenugreek administration may increase plasma insulin levels in vivo. Its major free amino acid, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, stimulates insulin secretion from perfused pancreas in vitro. The hypocholesterolaemic effect has been attributed to increased conversion of hepatic cholesterol to bile salts due to loss, in the faeces, of complexes of these substances with fenugreek fibre and saponins. Fenugreek treatment selectively reduces the LDL and VLDL fractions of total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol has also been reported to increase in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and type II diabetic individuals following treatment with fenugreek. Fenugreek administration has not been reported to cause any toxicological effects. Its regular consumption may therefore be beneficial in the management of diabetes and the prevention of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ________________________________________ Research Article Hypolipidaemic Effect of Fenugreek Seeds: a Chronic Study in Non-insulin Dependent Diabetic Patients R. D. Sharma *, A. Sarkar, D. K. Hazra, B. Misra, J. B. Singh, B. B. Maheshwari, S. K. Sharma Postgraduate Department of Medicine, S. N. Medical College, Agra, India *Correspondence to R. D. Sharma, Postgraduate Department of Medicine, S. N. Medical College, Agra, India Funded by: Indian Council of Medical Research KEYWORDS lipids dietary fibre condiment fenugreek seeds ABSTRACT 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.

Research Article

Hypolipidaemic Effect of Fenugreek Seeds: a Chronic Study in Non-insulin Dependent Diabetic Patients R. D. Sharma *, A. Sarkar, D. K. Hazra, B. Misra, J. B. Singh, B. B. Maheshwari, S. K. Sharma Postgraduate Department of Medicine, S. N. Medical College, Agra, India *Correspondence to R. D. Sharma, Postgraduate Department of Medicine, S. N. Medical College, Agra, India Funded by: Indian Council of Medical Research KEYWORDS lipids dietary fibre condiment fenugreek seeds ABSTRACT 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 seeds on blood lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in diabetic rats P. Ravikumar, C. V. Anuradha * Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar - 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India *Correspondence to C. V. Anuradha, Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar - 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India Keywords experimental diabetes; fenugreek seeds; blood lipid peroxidation; antioxidants Abstract 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 -carotene in blood were significantly lowered and -tocopherol content was increased. Supplementation of fenugreek seeds in the diet lowered lipid peroxidation. The contents of glutathione and -carotene were increased and the -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. Antioxidant properties of germinated fenugreek seeds Priyanjali Dixit 1, Saroj Ghaskadbi 1 *, Hari Mohan 2, Thomas P. A. Devasagayam 3 1Department of Zoology, University of Pune, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411 007, India 2Radiation Chemistry and Chemical Dynamics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India 3Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India email: Saroj Ghaskadbi (ssg@unipune.ernet.in) *Correspondence to Saroj Ghaskadbi, Department of Zoology, University of Pune, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411 007, India. Funded by: Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, Department of Atomic Energy, Government

of India University of Pune- BARC Joint Research Programme KEYWORDS germinated fenugreek antioxidant properties TBARS, lipid peroxidation ABSTRACT Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is used as a spice, vegetable and a medicinal plant. Since antioxidant properties have been linked to health benefits of natural products, such properties were studied in germinated fenugreek seeds which are considered to be more beneficial than dried seeds. Different fractions of the germinated seeds were used to determine their antioxidant potential at different levels. The assays employed were ferric reducing antioxidant power, radical scavenging by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ferrylmyoglobin/2,2 -azobis3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, pulse radiolysis, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in mitochondrial preparations from rat liver. An aqueous fraction of fenugreek exhibited the highest antioxidant activity compared with other fractions. As the quantity of phenolic and flavonoid compounds can be related to antioxidant activity, the contents from these extracts were measured. HPLC analysis was carried out to detect polyphenols, flavonoids and other components. This study reveals significant antioxidant activity in germinated fenugreek seeds which may be due partly to the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols. Copyright 2005 John Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in diabetic rats P. Ravikumar, C. V. Anuradha * Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar - 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India *Correspondence to C. V. Anuradha, Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar - 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India Keywords experimental diabetes; fenugreek seeds; blood lipid peroxidation; antioxidants Abstract 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 -carotene in blood were significantly lowered and -tocopherol content was increased. Supplementation of fenugreek seeds in the diet lowered lipid peroxidation. The contents of glutathione and -carotene were increased and the -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. ________________________________________ Accepted: 24 July 1998 Hypolipidaemic Effect of Fenugreek Seeds: a Chronic Study in Non-insulin Dependent Diabetic Patients R. D. Sharma *, A. Sarkar, D. K. Hazra, B. Misra, J. B. Singh, B. B. Maheshwari, S. K. Sharma Postgraduate Department of Medicine, S. N. Medical College, Agra, India *Correspondence to R. D. Sharma, Postgraduate Department of Medicine, S. N. Medical College, Agra, India Funded by: Indian Council of Medical Research

KEYWORDS lipids dietary fibre condiment fenugreek seeds ABSTRACT 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. Protective effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds in experimental ethanol toxicity V. Thirunavukkarasu 1, C. V. Anuradha 1 *, P. Viswanathan 2 1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India 2Department of Pathology, RMMCH, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India email: C. V. Anuradha (cvaradha@hotmail.com) *Correspondence to C. V. Anuradha, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608 002, Tamil Nadu, INDIA. KEYWORDS Ethanol toxicity lipid peroxidation antioxidants fenugreek seeds ABSTRACT 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 -tocopherol concentrations. Activity of Ca2+ 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 -tocopherol. Further, histopathological examination of liver and brain revealed that, aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds could offer a significant protection against ethanol toxicity. Copyright 2003 John Short Communication Supplementation of fenugreek leaves to diabetic rats. Effect on carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in diabetic liver and kidney B. Anitha Devi, N. Kamalakkannan, P. Stanely Mainzen Prince * Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608002, Tamil Nadu, India email: P. Stanely Mainzen Prince (psmprince@rediffmail.com) *Correspondence to P. Stanely Mainzen Prince, Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608002, Tamil Nadu, India. KEYWORDS antidiabetic fenugreek leaves streptozotocin diabetes insulin glycosylated haemoglobin hexokinase

ABSTRACT 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. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ________________________________________ Received: 30 July 2002; Accepted: 4 April 2003 DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI) Research Article Effect of Fenugreek Fiber on Satiety, Blood Glucose and Insulin Response and Energy Intake in Obese Subjects Jocelyn R. Mathern 1, Susan K. Raatz 3, William Thomas 2, Joanne L. Slavin 1 * 1Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN USA 55108 2Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA 55455 3Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA 55455 email: Joanne L. Slavin (jslavin@umn.edu) *Correspondence to Joanne L. Slavin, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, 1334 Eckles Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA. Funding for this study was supported by M01-RR00400, General Clinical Research Center Program, National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health. Additional research funding was provided by Frutarom USA, North Bergen, NJ. KEYWORDS fiber fenugreek satiety glucose insulin obesity ABSTRACT 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 Antiinflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of total glucosides of Yupingfeng

powder GAO Jian, LI Jun, SHAO Xu, JIN Yong, L Xiong-wen, GE Jin-fang, HUANG Yan, ZHANG Lei , CHEN Lin GAO Jian School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032 China; LI Jun School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032 China; SHAO Xu Hefei Seven Star Medicine and Technology Co. Ltd, Hefei, Anhui 230088 China; JIN Yong School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032 China; L Xiong-wen School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032 China; GE Jinfang School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032 China; HUANG Yan School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032 China; ZHANG Lei School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032 China; CHEN Lin Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630 China Correspondence to: LI Jun School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China (Tel:86-551- 5161001 Fax:86-551-5161001 Email:gaojianayfy@163.com; lijun@ahmu.edu.cn ) This study was supported by : Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province, China(No. 050431001) Keywords: medicine, traditional ChineseYupingfengantiinflammatoryIgMCD4+CD8+ ratio Abstract: Background Yupingfeng, a traditional Chinese complex prescription, has been used efficaciously in China for the cure and prevention of inflammatory diseases related to immunodeficiency such as allergic rhinitis and chronic bronchitis. However, the active components of this prescription remain unclear. The present study focused on investigating the antiinflammatory and immunoregulatory effects of the glucosidic extract from Yupingfeng. Methods We tested animal models for ear swelling induced by dimethylbenzene in mice; palm swelling induced by carregeenin and granuloma induced by cotton pellet in rats; level of haemolysin, antibody generation by the splenic cells, delayed hypersensitivity and T cell subsets in spleen of immunosuppressed mice. Results Glucosidic extract of 24 mg/kg, 48 mg/kg and 96 mg/kg significantly inhibited mices ear swelling induced by dimethylbenzene. Similarly glucosidic extract of 16 mg/kg, 32 mg/kg and 64 mg/kg inhibited rats palm swelling induced by carregeenin and granuloma induced by cotton pellet. Glucosidic extract of 24 mg/kg, 48 mg/kg and 96 mg/kg improved the IgM level in serum and level of haemolysin in splenocytes in mice immunosuppressed by cyclophosphamide. Delayed hypersensitivity in mice suppressed by cyclophosphamide was enhanced by glucosidic extract of 24 mg/kg, 48 mg/kg and 96 mg/kg. These results suggested that Yupingfeng could recover humoral and cellular immune function in mice with immunosuppression. Glucosidic extract of 48 mg/kg and 96 mg/kg significantly resisted the immunosuppressive mice ear swelling and maintained it at nearly normal level. The enhanced, delayed hypersensitivity actions of glucosidic extract, suppressed by cyclophosphamide, might be brought about by inducing TH cell and regulating T lymphocytes subset. Conclusions The glucosidic extract from Yupingfeng has antiinflammatory and immunoregulation action, suggesting that these glucosides are the principal active components of the traditional Chinese prescription Yupingfeng. 2009 Article The use of a hydrophobic resin as a product reservoir in steroid transformations R. P. Saunders 1, R. Hardman 1, P. S. J. Cheetham 2 1School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, The University of Bath, Claverton Down,

Bath, Avon BA2 7AY, United Kingdom 2Tate and Lyle Group Research and Development, Phillip Lyle Memorial Laboratory, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire, P.O. Box 68, Reading, RG6 2BX, United Kingdom ABSTRACT Particles of the hydrophobic resin polydimethylsiloxane were found to preferentially accumulate steriods on the basis of their hydrophobicity. Thus, the resin selectively sorped the steroid products resulting from the transformation of diosgenin by Nocardia rhodochrous, with the result that higher yields of the later biotransformation product, 1-dehydrodiosgenone, and lower yields of the first product, diosgenone, were obtained than in the absence of resin. Furthermore, steroids accumulated by the resin were available for further biotransformation, so that a two-step reaction forming androstenes from a crude extract of furostanol glycosides (obtained from fenugreek seed) could be carried out. The first step involves deglycosylation and is catalyzed by Fusarium solani. In the presence of resin the water-insoluble diosgenin product becomes sorped to the resin and can be easily transferred to a second fermentation in which diosgenone, 1dehydrodiosgenone, and androstenes were formed by Mycobacterium phlei. These compounds were completely accumulated by the resin at the end of the fermentation. This procedure is logistically more convenient than the conventional chemical process and illustrates the potential of biotechnological processes in which simultaneous reaction, product isolation, and product purification occur. ________________________________________ Authors: Patil, Sangita P.; Niphadkar, Pramod V.; Bapat, Mrinal M. Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 78, Number 3, March 1997 , pp. 297-300(4) Publisher: American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Abstract: Background: Allergic reactions after consumption of spices are well known. In Asia, fenugreek seeds are consumed as spices and also as medicines. Literature survey carried out does not reveal reports of allergic reactions to fenugreek. In our survey carried out on patients with food allergy, we found two cases of severe allergy to fenugreek. Methods: We report here two cases of immediate allergy following ingestion, inhalation, and external application of fenugreek seed powder. In the first case, inhalation of the fenugreek seed powder resulted in rhinorrhea, wheezing, and fainting. The second case was of a patient with chronic asthma who developed numbness of head, facial angioedema, and wheezing after application of fenugreek paste to her scalp as a treatment for dandruff. Skin scratch test was performed with fenugreek and other members of the Leguminosae family as fenugreek also belongs to Leguminosae. Objective evidence of the reaction was obtained by conducting double-blind placebo-controlled challenges (DBPCFC). For detecting IgE binding by immunoblotting method, the proteins of the fenugreek extract were resolved using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results: Skin scratch tests for the patients revealed strong sensitivity to fenugreek and chickpeas. None of the controls showed such response with fenugreek extract. During DBPCFC, both patients showed >20% drop in peak flow rate after consumption of fenugreek and chickpea. Immunoblots demonstrated binding of specific IgE from the patients' sera with the protein from extracts between 20 to 70 kD bands. Conclusion: This case report has enlarged the list of food allergens with the addition of fenugreek. Document Type: Research article The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

Research Article Fenugreek affects the activity of -glucuronidase and mucinase in the colon T. Devasena, Venugopal P. Menon * Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India email: Venugopal P. Menon (cmrana@md3.vsnl.net.in) *Correspondence to Venugopal P. Menon, Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar - 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India. Funded by: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi KEYWORDS -Glucuronidase Mucinase Dimethylhydrazine Fenugreek Colon cancer ABSTRACT The effect of fenugreek seeds on the activities of -glucuronidase and mucinase during 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats was studied. Rats were given a weekly subcutaneous injection of DMH at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight, for 15 weeks. Fenugreek seed powder was weighed depending upon the weight of individual rats and incorporated in the powdered pellet diet at a dose of 2 g/kg body weight. After an experimental period of 30 weeks the activity of -glucuronidase significantly increased in the colon, intestine, liver and colon contents in DMH administered rats when compared to an untreated control group. Increase in -glucuronidase may increase the hydrolysis of carcinogenglucuronide conjugate, liberating carcinogen and/or co-carcinogen within the colonic lumen. Inclusion of fenugreek seed powder in the diet significantly decreased the activity of -glucuronidase in all the tissues studied. This may prevent the free carcinogens from acting on colonocytes. Mucinase helps in hydrolysing the protective mucin. Mucinase activity was increased in the colon content and fecal content of animals given DMH when compared to control, while the activity was significantly reduced in animals given DMH + fenugreek when compared to animals given DMH only. Our study shows that supplementation of fenugreek seeds in the diet inhibits colon carcinogenesis, by modulating the activities of -glucuronidase and mucinase. The beneficial effect may be attributed to the presence of fibre, flavonoids and/or saponins. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ________________________________________ Received: 9 January 2002; Accepted: 22 November 2002 DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI)

Toxicological Evaluation of Fenugreek Seeds: a Long Term Feeding Experiment in Diabetic Patients R. D. Sharma *, A. Sarkar, D. K. Hazra, B. Misra, J. B. Singh, B. B. Maheshwari Postgraduate Deparment of Medicine, S.N. Medical College, Agra, India *Correspondence to R. D. Sharma, Postgraduate Deparment of Medicine, S.N. Medical College, Agra, India Funded by: Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi KEYWORDS fenugreek seeds toxicity liver function test kidney functin test haematological parameters clinical study ABSTRACT Toxicological evaluation of fenugreek seeds was made in 60 NIDDM subjects in a 24 week study in which changes in body weight, clinical signs and symptoms and serum

parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, creatinine and blood urea, together with haematological parameters, was studied. Ingestion of an experimental diet containing 25 g fenugreek seed powder resulted in no renal or hepatic toxicity, but interestingly blood urea levels were seen to decrease after week 12. Short Communication Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seed extract as an antineoplastic agent P. Sur 1, M. Das 1, A. Gomes 1, J. R. Vedasiromoni 1, N. P. Sahu 2, S. Banerjee 2, R. M. Sharma 1, D. K. Ganguly 1 * 1Division of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Calcutta - 700 032, India 2Division of Steroid and Terpenoid Chemistry, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Calcutta - 700 032, India email: D. K. Ganguly (iichbio@giascl01.vsnl.net.in) *Correspondence to D. K. Ganguly, Division of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Calcutta - 700 032, India Funded by: University Grants Commission Keywords Trigonella foenum graecum; fenugreek; Ehrlich ascites carcinoma; antineoplastic Abstract The antineoplastic effect of Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract has been evaluated in the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model in Balb-C mice. Intraperitoneal administration of the alcohol extract of the seed both before and after inoculation of EAC cell in mice produced more than 70% inhibition of tumour cell growth with respect to the control. Treatment with the extract was found to enhance both the peritoneal exudate cell and macrophage cell counts. The extract also produced a significant antiinflammatory effect. We report here the antiinflammatory and antineoplastic effects, of Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ________________________________________ Received: 15 July 1999; Accepted: 29 February 2000 Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

Short Communication Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seed extract as an antineoplastic agent P. Sur 1, M. Das 1, A. Gomes 1, J. R. Vedasiromoni 1, N. P. Sahu 2, S. Banerjee 2, R. M. Sharma 1, D. K. Ganguly 1 * 1Division of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Calcutta - 700 032, India 2Division of Steroid and Terpenoid Chemistry, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Calcutta - 700 032, India email: D. K. Ganguly (iichbio@giascl01.vsnl.net.in) *Correspondence to D. K. Ganguly, Division of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Calcutta - 700 032, India Funded by: University Grants Commission Keywords Trigonella foenum graecum; fenugreek; Ehrlich ascites carcinoma; antineoplastic Abstract The antineoplastic effect of Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract has been

evaluated in the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model in Balb-C mice. Intraperitoneal administration of the alcohol extract of the seed both before and after inoculation of EAC cell in mice produced more than 70% inhibition of tumour cell growth with respect to the control. Treatment with the extract was found to enhance both the peritoneal exudate cell and macrophage cell counts. The extract also produced a significant antiinflammatory effect. We report here the antiinflammatory and antineoplastic effects, of Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ________________________________________ Received: 15 July 1999; Accepted: 29 February 2000 Digital Object Identifier (DOI)