Search Results (93)

Background and Objectives: This study investigated the antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and hepatoprotective effects of two fenugreek seed varieties, Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) and Trigonella corniculata (TC), and analyzed their bioactive potential using various solvents, doses, and biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant analyses, including ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, were conducted, and interventional studies were performed on rats divided into groups receiving disease + standard basal diet (G₀), standard basal diet only (G₁), and disease + standard basal diet supplemented with TC or TFG at 400 mg/kg/day (G₂, G₃) and 800 mg/kg/day (G₄, G₅). Biochemical blood tests assessing lipid profiles and liver function parameters, coupled with histopathological examination of the liver and heart tissues, were also performed. Results: Antioxidant assessments indicated that TFG exhibited greater free radical scavenging ability, higher total phenolic content, and stronger ferric-reducing power than TC did. In the in vivo experiments, both TFG and TC significantly enhanced lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol VLDL-c, and triglycerides while boosting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels (p < 0.001). Liver function tests indicated significant decreases in bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels with dose and plant effects, particularly at 800 mg/kg (G₅). Histopathological examination revealed that TFG at a dose of 800 mg/kg led to an almost normal liver structure and intact myocardial fibers with minimal inflammation, whereas TC groups displayed slight vacuolation of hepatocytes and some inflammatory responses. Conclusions: In conclusion, TFG shows the superior functional food properties of TFG in managing oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in comparison to TC. Future studies should aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms, optimize dosing regimens, and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy to support clinical applications. Full article

In the context of promoting ecological alternatives to synthetic pesticides, this study investigates the antifungal activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. seed extract and its potential application in plant protection. The extract, obtained by maceration in 40% ethanol, was analysed using UV-Vis spectrophotometric methods to assess its phytochemical composition, including phenolic compounds, reducing sugars, and soluble proteins, as well as antioxidant activity in acellular system (ABTS, DPPH, TEAC, and CUPRAC) and CAT, SOD, peroxidase, and lipid peroxidation in planting material lysate. Additionally, the extract was qualitatively analysed using ATR-FT-IR and FT-ICR-MS methods. The antifungal activity was tested in vitro against three fungal strains, revealing significant inhibitory effects, especially on Fusarium graminearum and Monilinia laxa. Following the biogermination study on wheat seeds, it was highlighted that the extract obtained from fenugreek seeds manifested a strong inhibitory effect, especially at the highest concentration (1.50%) studied, probably due to the high content of phenols and presence of steroidal saponins (diosgenin and precursor diosgenin–protodiosgenin) and pyridine alkaloids (trigonelline). These findings suggest that Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract possesses potent antifungal properties, making it a promising candidate for the development of biofungicides in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Anemia remains a widespread public health concern, and the search for interventions demonstrating potent anti-anemic activity is critical for reducing its impact among high-risk populations. Conventional iron therapies are associated with several complications and potential adverse effects. This study explored a polyherbal approach to develop a safer and more effective alternative treatment for anemia. A molecular docking study was initially performed to screen and evaluate alizarin, catechin, kaempferol, recesmol, rubiadin, and rutin, which are known for their antioxidant and hematinic potential. Using AutoDock Vina, these compounds were docked against the target protein (PDB ID: 6MOE) with EPE and ferrous ions as controls. Rutin demonstrated the highest binding affinity of −6.4 kcal/moL, whereas alizarin and rubiadin both followed closely with −6.3 kcal/moL, while kaempferol and ellagic acid exhibited a binding affinity of −6.2 kcal/moL. In comparison, the reference compounds tested ferrous ions, and native ligand EPE (−5.0 kcal/moL) and iron (−4.8 kcal/moL), showed mild affinities. Moreover, the tested compounds demonstrated stable binding, suggesting their potential relevance in modulating anemia-related pathways. Based on the docking results and traditional therapeutic values, a polyherbal formulation (PHF) was developed using methanolic extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum, Emblica officinalis, Pterocarpus marsupium, Withania somnifera, Asparagus racemosus, Zingiber officinale, Rubia cordifolia, Boerhavia diffusa, and Adhatoda vasica. Phytochemical screening via HPTLC analysis was used to quantify the presence of gallic and ellagic acids. In addition, PHF showed significant antioxidant potential (DPPH IC₅₀: 14.29 µg/mL; FRAP IC₅₀: 58.57 µg/mL) and iron content (98.47 ppm) values. Furthermore, in vivo evaluation using a phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia model in Sprague Dawley rats revealed that the PHF achieved complete restoration of RBCs (6.15 ± 0.04), hemoglobin (14.82 ± 0.03 g/dL), and hematocrit (43.08 ± 0.28%) in anemic rats and improved histopathological features in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. These results demonstrate that combined molecular and pharmacological evidence support the efficacy of PHF as a promising candidate for the management of anemia by enhancing erythropoiesis, improving iron metabolism, and reducing oxidative stress. Full article

This review critically explores the pharmacological potential of four traditionally significant medicinal plants—Phoenix dactylifera, Solanum lycopersicum, Withania somnifera, and Trigonella foenum-graecum—with a specific focus on their antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial properties. In light of the escalating global burden of chronic metabolic diseases and the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent demand for alternative, sustainable therapeutic strategies. Drawing upon both ethnopharmacological evidence and contemporary biomedical research, this study identifies and characterizes the key bioactive constituents responsible for the observed therapeutic effects. These phytochemicals include flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and saponins, which modulate metabolic pathways, exert antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and inhibit microbial proliferation. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, covering peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025. Inclusion criteria emphasized both in vitro and in vivo experimental models to provide a holistic understanding of molecular mechanisms and biological efficacy. Importantly, this review does not propose these plant extracts as direct substitutes for clinically established therapies but rather as potential complementary agents or sources of novel compounds for future drug development. This integrative approach underscores the relevance of traditional medicinal knowledge in guiding the discovery of plant-based therapeutics. It highlights these species as promising candidates for innovative health interventions in the context of modern biomedicine and global public health. Full article

The present study examined the impact of germination using Aloe vera as an elicitor on the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro anti-hyperglycemic and antitumoral activity of fenugreek seed extracts germinated by pressurized n-propane. The lipid composition, free fatty acids, antioxidant activity, and phenolic content, as well as the contents of α-tocopherol, β-carotene, and minor compounds, have been determined for the extracts. The in vitro anti-hyperglycemic and anticancer activities were also evaluated in cervical cancer (HeLa) and colon cancer (SiHa) cell lines. Antioxidant activity increased two-fold, α-tocopherol increased almost three-fold, and β-carotene content was 55% higher in the germinated seed extracts compared to the raw. Fifteen polyphenolic compounds have been identified in fenugreek seed extracts, which promote germination by increasing high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids at the expense of reducing saturated fatty acids. Extracts obtained from seed germination and elicitation with Aloe vera demonstrated potential in vitro anticancer activity in HeLa and SiHa cells. Fenugreek extracts demonstrated high in vitro inhibition of α-glucosidase (99%) and α-amylase (95%), indicating anti-hyperglycemic potential. The use of Aloe vera germination, combined with extraction using pressurized n-propane, demonstrated efficiency in enriching fenugreek seed extracts with bioactive compounds with potential in vitro anti-hyperglycemic and antitumor activity. Full article

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an emerging forage crop known for its high nutritional value and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, making it a promising alternative in sustainable livestock feeding systems in the Mediterranean region. A field experiment was established at the Agricultural University of Athens during the growing season 2020–2021 in a split-plot design with five fertilization treatments (Biocyclic-Vegan Humus Soil; BHS, Farmyard Manure; FMA, Organic Compost; OCP, Inorganic Fertilizer; IFZ, and No Treatment Control; CTRL, and two main salinity treatments (High Salinity Level; HSL, and Normal Salinity Level; NSL). The Forage Quality Index (FQI) was the highest under BHS at NSL (45) and lowest under CTRL at HSL (32), emphasizing the positive impact of organic fertilization. Crude ash (CA) was higher under NSL (9.7%), with OCP and IFZ performing best, while salinity reduced CA under CTRL. Crude fiber (CF) increased under salinity, particularly with OCP and IFZ, whereas BHS and FMA at NSL showed the lowest CF (15.8%), enhancing digestibility. Total fat (TF) was the highest under BHS and FMA at NSL (5.8%) and lowest under IFZ and CTRL at HSL (4.0%), underscoring the importance of balanced fertilization in maintaining fat content. These results highlight the potential of organic amendments to improve nutrient availability, digestibility, and overall feed value. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, necessitating the development of effective preventive strategies. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) possesses well-documented pharmacological properties; however, its chemopreventive potential in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unexplored. This study evaluates the efficacy of methanolic fenugreek seed extract (FSE) in an azoxymethane (AOM)-induced murine colorectal cancer (CRC) model, focusing on the modulation of oxidative stress, regulation of biomarkers, induction of apoptosis, and maintenance of epithelial integrity. Methods: FSE was extracted using cold maceration (yield: 24%) and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying 13 bioactive compounds, including benzene, 1,3-dimethyl-; 1,3-cyclopentadiene, 5-(1-methylethylidene)-; o-Xylene; benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-; and benzene, 1,2,3-trimethyl-. All 13 compounds identified were matched with the NIST library with high confidence. Molecular docking was used to assess the interactions of FSE bioactives with E-cadherin–β-catenin complexes. Swiss albino mice received an FSE pre-treatment before AOM induction and continued this treatment three times weekly for 21 weeks. Key assessments included survival analysis, body weight changes, serum biomarker levels (GGT, 5′-NT, LDH), antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx1, MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantification, apoptosis detection via flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence-based evaluation of E-cadherin dynamics. Results: FSE improved survival rates, mitigated AOM-induced weight loss, and dose-dependently reduced serum biomarker levels. Antioxidant enzyme activity was restored, while MDA levels declined. A dose-dependent increase in ROS facilitated apoptosis, as confirmed by flow cytometry (16.7% in the low-dose FSE group and 34.5% in the high-dose FSE group). Immunofluorescence studies revealed that FSE-mediated restoration of E-cadherin localization counteracted AOM-induced epithelial disruptions. Conclusions: FSE exhibits potent chemopreventive potential against CRC by modulating oxidative stress, regulating key biomarkers, inducing apoptosis, and restoring epithelial integrity. These findings support further investigations into its clinical relevance for CRC prevention. Full article

Pastirma is an ethnic meat product derived from dry curing, drying, and pressing the whole muscles of cattle and buffalo and coating them with a special paste containing fenugreek seed flour, garlic, milled red capia pepper, and water. In this narrative literature review, the history of pastirma, its definition and classification, detailed production steps, composition and yield, chemical and microbiological properties, pastirma fraud, and customer concerns are mentioned. In this narrative review, relevant studies were identified by searching Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Trdizin, and Google Scholar, including articles, online reports, books, and electronic books in English or Turkish. The keywords “pastirma, cemen, cemening, cemen paste, fenugreek” were used. The results of this review indicate that future studies on pastirma may focus on the related cultural aspects, the elimination of unpleasant odor from fenugreek, providing a detailed grading guide, the histological and chemical effects of pressing meat parts, the kinetics of drying, osmotic dehydration, and developing new starter combinations. Additionally, this is the first article to provide information on grading and food fraud in pastirma. Full article

Vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes (HFs), commonly affect women during menopause, leading to a reduced quality of life. The current study evaluates the combined effect of active components Asparagus racemosus (AR) and Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) in a single oral formulation (IAT) for alleviating menopausal symptoms in ovariectomized rats. Following bilateral ovariectomy, the animals were randomly assigned to nine groups: (1) Control, (2) Ovariectomy (OVX), (3) OVX+TA1 (TA: Combination of Trigonella and Asparagus; TFG 30 mg/kg + AR 30 mg/kg), (4) OVX+TA2 (TFG 30 mg/kg + AR 15 mg/kg), (5) OVX+TA3 (TFG 15 mg/kg + AR 30 mg/kg), (6) OVX+TA4 (TFG 40 mg/kg + AR 30 mg/kg), (7) OVX+TA5 (TFG 30 mg/kg + AR 40 mg/kg), (8) OVX+IAT1 (IAT: Integrated Asparagus and Trigonella; TFG+AR integrated extract, 30 mg/kg), and (9) OVX+IAT2 (TFG+AR integrated extract, 60 mg/kg). On the 8th day of treatment, tail and skin temperatures were recorded every 30 min for 24 h. Ovariectomized rats exhibited menopausal symptoms, such as hormonal imbalances and elevated skin temperature. Administration of AR, TFG, and IAT significantly decreased serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and cortisol while increasing estradiol, progesterone, and dopamine (p < 0.0001), effectively alleviating hot flash-like symptoms. Additionally, they mitigated ovariectomy-induced oxidative stress by lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and restoring antioxidant enzyme activity. Ovariectomized rats exhibited increased expression of a proto-oncogene (c-FOS), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), Kisspeptin, Neurokinin B (NKB), and Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), along with reduced expressing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, which were reversed by treatment, especially with the IAT2 combination. The AR and TFG combination, particularly in IAT formulations, showed strong potential in alleviating menopausal symptoms in ovariectomized rats. These findings suggest that the combination of AR and TFG extracts could be a natural alternative for managing postmenopausal symptoms by restoring reproductive hormone levels, regulating lipid profiles, and enhancing antioxidant defense systems. Full article

Plants face various stresses, particularly water deficit, which negatively impacts photosynthesis, growth, and development, thereby limiting agricultural production. Utilizing growth regulators, such as amino acids and polyamines, to enhance osmotic stress tolerance is a crucial area of research in sustainable agriculture. This study investigates the impact of arginine and spermine treatments on various growth attributes, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, photosynthetic pigments, protein and lipid peroxidation, and yield traits of fenugreek plants under both normal and drought conditions. The results indicate that drought conditions significantly reduce morphological characteristics, leaf pigments, and yield traits. However, the application of arginine and spermine enhances these parameters, with spermine showing a more pronounced effect. Additionally, treatments boost antioxidant enzymes activities and improve the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants and osmolytes, contributing to better stress tolerance and growth performance. Principal component analysis confirms that drought significantly alters plant physiology, increasing proline and malondialdehyde levels, while arginine and spermine alleviate drought stress by enhancing antioxidant activity and osmolyte accumulation. The current investigation aims to evaluate the effectiveness of spermine and arginine treatments on various growth attributes and stress tolerance of fenugreek plants under normal and drought conditions, focusing on their comparative efficacy. Full article

Trigonella foenum-graecum is a widely cultivated legume in Mediterranean regions, and it is used for human and animal consumption, as well as for medical purposes. High temperatures and abundant rainfall during the spring season in Sicily favor the formation of an environment suitable for the growth and proliferation of fungi with the production of mycotoxins. In this study, ochratoxin A, aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisin, and T-2 toxin concentrations in Trigonella foenum-graecum were determined in feed administered to ruminants and also in blood samples from cattle and sheep in order to evaluate the toxicity correlated to the possible presence of these mycotoxins based on the clinical signs observed in the animals. Analyses of mycotoxins in fenugreek and blood samples were conducted using the enzyme immunoassay KIT. Five extensive farms sited in the northwest of the Sicily region, with a total of 90 intoxicated animals, reported a concomitant unusual outbreak of neurological disorders. Decreased spinal reflex responses, postural abnormalities associated with weakness or recumbency, and hyperesthesia of the limbs suggested a problem regarding the peripheral nervous system. The mortality rate recorded was very high, even reaching 100% of the intoxicated animals. OTA intoxication in Sicilian ruminants represents an important warning on the vulnerability of farms to mycotoxin contamination and underlines the importance of preventive measures and monitoring in animal health management. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increased frequency of extreme weather events related to climate change, including the occurrence of extreme temperatures, severely affects crop yields, impairing global food security. Heat stress resulting from temperatures above 30 °C is associated with poor germination performance and stand establishment. The combination of climate-resilient crop genotypes and tailored seed priming treatments might represent a reliable strategy to overcome such drawbacks. This work explores the potential of hydropriming as a tool to mitigate the heat-stress-mediated impact on germination performance in orphan legumes. Methods: For each tested species (Lathyrus sativus L., Pisum sativum var. arvense and Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), two accessions were investigated. Germination tests were performed at 25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C and 40 °C to assess the heat stress tolerance threshold. Hydropriming was then applied and germination tests were performed at 40 °C to test the impact of the treatment on the seeds’ ability to cope with heat stress. An alkaline comet assay and Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction were performed on embryos excised from primed and control seeds. Results: Phenotyping at the germination and seedling development stage highlighted the accession-specific beneficial impact of hydropriming under heat stress conditions. In L. sativus seeds, the alkaline comet assay revealed the dynamics of heat stress-induced DNA damage accumulation, as well as the repair patterns promoted by hydropriming. The expression patterns of genes involved in DNA repair and antioxidant response were consistently responsive to the hydropriming and heat wave conditions in L. sativus accessions. Full article

The chemical quality of fenugreek seeds is a critical factor influencing their nutritional value, medicinal properties, and suitability for agricultural and industrial applications, making it essential to evaluate their biochemical composition and functional potential. This study evaluated the effects of salinity and different fertilization types on seed quality, early growth parameters, and key biochemical characteristics during fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) cultivation. A field experiment was established at the Agricultural University of Athens during the cropping period 2019–2020 (Year A) and 2020–2021 (Year B) in a split-plot design with the five main fertilization treatments Biocyclic-Vegan Humus Soil (BVH), Farmyard Manure (FM), Organic Compost (OC), Inorganic Fertilizer (IF; 11-14-14), and No Treatment Control (NTC) and two treatments: Elevated Salinity (ES) and Normal Salinity (NS). Fertilization significantly influenced various agronomic traits and seed compositions across both experimental years. The evaluation showed that organic fertilization with BVH yielded the best results among the treatments studied. The BVH × NS treatment consistently produced the highest plant height, seed protein content, seed yield, and mineral content, including nitrogen, calcium, and potassium, compared to the other treatments. ES impacted the concentrations of several elements, namely N (%), Ca (g/100 g), K (g/100 g), Fe (ppm), P (%), and Mg (g/100 g). Salinity also affected certain traits, such as Seed Total Ash and Dry Matter content, with significant interactions observed. These findings highlight the critical role of fertilization, especially organic fertilization, in improving both agronomic performance and seed nutritional quality in the studied crops, as well as in mitigating the adverse effects of salinity. Full article

This study focuses on optimizing the extraction conditions for antioxidants from the fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) through ultrasound-assisted extraction with the aim of creating a stable and effective cosmetic formulation. RSM was used to optimize the extraction parameters to ultrasonic power of 60%, with 50% ethanol concentration for 10 min. Under those conditions, the extract showed a phenolic-rich profile, with a total phenolic content equivalent to 18.56 mg GAE/g DM and a radical scavenging activity of 63.24%. Chromatographic analysis further confirmed the abundance of phenolic compounds, with epicatechin identified as the major compound at a concentration of 22.58 mg/g DM. The extract exhibited considerable antibacterial activity for a number of bacterial strains, and it exhibited no cell toxicity on RAW 267.4 cells, supporting its safe use in cosmetic products. The cosmetic formulation maintained high stability, with pH values from 6.25 to 6.35, viscosity values from 7941.69 to 7956.70 cp, and less color change after 90 days of preservation under varied temperature conditions. These findings validate fenugreek extract’s potential for producing a stable, eco-friendly, and effective cosmetic product, thus bringing skin health benefits and driving sustainable extraction methods in the cosmetic industry. Full article

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to diverse indigenous medicinal plants traditionally used for centuries. This study systematically evaluates the pharmacological and nutritional potential of key medicinal plants, including Lawsonia inermis, Nigella sativa, Ziziphus spina-christi, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Matricaria aurea, Phoenix dactylifera, Portulaca oleracea, Reichardia tingitana, Salvadora persica, Solanum lycopersicum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Withania somnifera, and Ziziphus lotus. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies relevant to their nutritional and pharmacological uses. The findings highlight the therapeutic roles of these plants in managing global health challenges such as gastrointestinal diseases, and antimicrobial resistance through bioactive compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Additionally, their contributions to nutrition, including essential vitamins and minerals, are emphasized for disease prevention and health promotion. While this research focuses on the UAE, the implications are globally relevant, as many of these plants are also found in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Integrating these findings into global nutritional and healthcare systems offers potential solutions for pressing public health concerns, reduces reliance on synthetic pharmaceuticals, and promotes sustainable healthcare practices. This work is a valuable reference for researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, bridging traditional knowledge and modern scientific applications globally. Full article