Hydrophilic interaction LC-MS/MS method to avoid endogenous interference in the analysis of 4-hydroxy isoleucine from dietary supplementation of fenugreek

4-Hydroxy isoleucine is one of the potent hypoglycaemic active constituents of fenugreek seeds. A method capable of reducing biological interferences is required for bio-availability studies. An isocratic separation of 4-hydroxy isoleucine from endogenous interferences was achieved in ZIC-cHILIC column using 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile (20:80, % v/v) pumped at 0.5 mL/min. Quantification was performed in multiple reaction monitoring mode using the transitions of m/z 148.1→102.1 and m/z 276.1→142.2 for 4-hydroxy isoleucine and homatropine (as internal standard), respectively. After full method validation, 4-Hydroxy isoleucine levels in human plasma and commercial fenugreek formulations were determined. This method showed good linearity in the range of 50-2000 ng/mL. Intra-day and inter-day accuracy were in the range of 90.64-109.0% and precision was <4.82 % CV. The mean (SD) plasma concentration of 4-hydroxy isoleucine in healthy individuals at 2 hrs post oral administration of fenugreek tablet was found to be 1590 (260) ng/mL. Half of marketed formulations were found to contain < 0.05 % of 4-Hydroxy isoleucine content. We developed a rapid hydrophilic interaction LC-MS/MS method for analysis of 4-hydroxy isoleucine in human plasma. This method can be applied directly to conduct the clinical pharmacokinetics studies of 4-hydroxy isoleucine in human population. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Gamma-irradiated fenugreek extracts mediates resistance to rice blast disease through modulating histochemical and biochemical changes

The impact of gamma radiation on the activation of rice innate immunity to blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is described. In the present study, fenugreek seed extracts radiated with different doses of gamma rays viz. 5Gy, 10Gy, 15Gy, 20Gy and 25Gy were examined for their presence of biocompounds as well as for its ability to induce plant growth promotion and resistance against rice blast disease. The results of GC-MS analysis detected antimicrobial properties in methanolic extract. Enhanced germination (97%) and vigor (2718) was noticed in seeds pretreated with 20 Gy of gamma radiation in comparison with non-irradiated controls. Under greenhouse conditions, a significant disease protection of 56.7% on 3rd and 4th day after inoculation against rice blast was observed in 15Gy-irradiated rice plants challenge-inoculated with M. oryzae. Further, a significant increase in the hydrogen peroxide, phenol and lignin deposition was noticed in 20Gy-irradiated rice plants. Additionally, rice plants pretreated with 15Gy induced maximum activities of peroxidase (POX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) compared to untreated control plants. These findings revealed that rice plants-pretreated with gamma radiation elicit resistance against rice blast disease as well as strengthening the growth parameters by modulating cellular and biochemical defense system.

Potential preventive and protective perspectives of different spice powders and their mixtures in rat model

BACKGROUND

The spices based dietary interventions are in lime light among the scientific community owing to their promising therapeutic perspective. The bioactive components in spices can be used to exert various health promoting functions in human body such as prompting weight loss, inhibit diet-induced obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, allergies and various other maladies. In current study extraction and in vitro characterization of coriander seed (CS), black cumin seed (BCS) and fenugreek seed (FS) polyphenols was conducted for further development of dietary intervention against lipid and glycemia related abnormalities in experimental Sprague Dowley rats fed with control and different spice powder supplemented diets.

METHODS

Purposely, extraction of Coriander (CS), Black cumin (BCS) and Fenugreek seeds (FS) were carried out by using water and aqueous methanol (70:30 v/v). Afterwards, the resultant extracts were thoroughly investigated for their antioxidant potential through different indices like TPC, TFC, FRAP and β Carotene Bleaching Assay and ABTS. Furthermore, HPLC quantification were also conducted with special reference to thymoquinone, disogenin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and kaempferol alongside in vitro pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity estimation. Bio-evaluation trial was consisting of three modules i.e. study-I (normal diet), study-II (high cholesterol diet) and study-III (high sucrose diet). Furthermore, rats were sub-divided in five groups in each module on the basis of diet provision including T₀ (control), T₁ (Diet containing CS), T₂ (Diet containing BCS), T₃ (Diet containing FS) and T₄ (Diet containing CSP + BCSP + FSP). At the beginning of trial, some rats were dissected to evaluate the baseline values whilst rest of the rats was killed at the termination (56th day). Feed and drink intakes were quantified on daily bases whereas, body weight was calculated weekly. Cholesterol level, serum low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), triglycerides, glucose concentration and insulin level of collected sera was measured by standard procedures.

RESULTS

The in vitro characterization showed better extraction of spices antioxidant through aqueous methanol as compared to water. Among the spices, Black cumin seed alone or in combination revealed highest antioxidant activity in T2 (BCS) followed by T4 (CS + BCS), T7 (CS + BCS + FS), T1 (CS), T6 (BCS + FS), T5 (CS + FS) and lowest in T3 (FS). Likewise, the HPLC characterization showed the presence of thymoquinone in BCS, Dosignienin FGS and chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and kaempferol in the other treatments. Furthermore, all the treatments showed dose dependent inhibition in Pancreatic lipase activity and order of inhibition was BCS > CS + BCS > CS + BCS + FS > CS > BCS + FC > CS + FS > FS. The maximum feed intake, drink intake and weight gain was observed in T0 (control) trailed by T1, T2, T3 and T4 group in experimental study I, II and III, respectively. The resultant diet T4 enhanced the high density lipoprotein from T0 (58.58 ± 2.51) to 61.71 ± 1.62 (T4) in hypercholesterolemia rats whereas in hyperglycaemia rats the HDL was varied from 38.77 ± 1.2 to 40.02 ± 0.99 in T0 and T4, respectively. Similarly, T2 significantly lowered the low density lipoprotein from 62.53 ± 1.22 (T1) & 46.53 ± 0.99 to 54.88 ± 0.52 & 40.94 ± 1.99 (T2) in hypercholesteraemic and diabetic rats. Moreover, T4 treatment showed maximum reduction as 10.01 & 11.53% in respective studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The diet prepared from the different combination of spices has been proven effective against Oxidative stress related physiological malfunctioning.

Biofortification of chromium in fenugreek seeds

BACKGROUND

Fenugreek and chromium are known to have anti-diabetic properties and this has been well demonstrated by multiple studies. Researches have been undertaken to study thebiofortification of chromium (Cr3+) in fenugreek. Some of the researchers have studied the biofortification from the soil irrigated with tannery waste water or from soil amended by tannery-sludge, with a view of enhancing the anti-diabetic effect of fenugreek plants. The present research work was also undertaken to increase the chromium content of fenugreek seeds, but through direct treatment of chromium picolinate solution to fenugreek seeds.

METHODS

Fenugreek seeds were procured and divided in four groups having three batches of 10 g seeds- treatment1, treatment2, control1 and control2. Control1 group was kept raw and was given no treatment and control2 group was germinated using double distilled water. Treatment1 and treatment2, on the other hand, were given treatment of 0.02 g and 0.04 g chromium picolinate solution, on first day and 0.01 g and 0.02 g chromium picolinate solution on second day, respectively. The germinated samples were then completely dried, powdered, digested with di-acid mixture and assayed using Inductively Coupled Plasma optical emission spectrometry method for chromium content. The treatment1 sample was selected for further nutritional analysis along with control1 and control2 group to compare the nutritional composition of raw, germinated and chromium treated fenugreek seed flour. Fifteen sprouts from treatment1 group (treatment1A group) and fifteen sprouts from control2 group (control3 group) were sown in earthen pots for the analysis of chromium content in seeds of new plants.

RESULTS

The fenugreek seeds treated with two different concentrations of chromium picolinate viz. treatment1 and treatment2 group attained 55 and 80 times higher chromium content as compared to control2 group, respectively. All the estimated minerals and bioactive compounds were significantly high (p ≤ 0.01) in germinated fenugreek seed flour and chromium treated fenugreek seed flour compared to raw fenugreek seed flour. Germinated fenugreek seed flour and chromium treated fenugreek seed flour were statistically comparable to each other in respect of all the parameters analysed. Hence, it was evident that enriching fenugreek seeds with chromium, did not affect the nutritional content of fenugreek seed by any mean. Also, there was no significant difference between the chromium content in seeds of control3 group and T1A group.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of fenugreek seeds with chromium solution seems to be an efficient and safe method for increasing their chromium concentration as compared to application of chromium to the soil for biofortification with minimal to no chance of chromium accumulation and inheritance in next generation plants. However, there is a need of more research to see how reliable these observations would be when different chromium salts and/or varied chromium concentration are used.

Advances on application of fenugreek seeds as functional foods: Pharmacology, clinical application, products, patents and market

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) is one of the oldest applied medicinal herbs. Significant pharmacological and clinical evidence have highlighted the medicinal application of fenugreek. Explore the current knowledge regarding the bioactivity (animal aspects) and clinical application of fenugreek and its bioactive components, as well as the products, markets and patents related to fenugreek. This review highlights the phytochemicals, bioactivity (animal aspects) and clinical application of fenugreek from recent literatures and products, markets and patents from database. Until now, more than 100 phytochemicals have been isolated from fenugreek seeds, mainly including polysaccharides, saponins, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. Fenugreek extract and its bioactive compounds showed excellent antidiabetic activity and anti-obesity activity in animal and human study. Although the fenugreek seed has been used as TCM raw materials for a long time of period in China, China is lacking the research of fenugreek in both depth and width.

Attenuation of diabetic nephropathy by dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds and onion (Allium cepa) via suppression of glucose transporters and renin-angiotensin system

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds and onion on the hyperglycemia-stimulated glucose transporters and activation of renin-angiotensin system-mediated cascade of events leading to renal lesions in diabetic animals.

METHODS

The mechanistic aspects of nephroprotective influence of dietary fenugreek seeds (10%) and onion (3%) on diabetic renal lesions was investigated in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Renal damage was assessed by measuring proteinuria, enzymuria, expression of glucose transporters, renin-angiotensin system, and activities of polyol pathway enzymes.

RESULTS

Diabetes resulted in an upregulation of glucose transporters in kidney tissue, which was countered by these dietary interventions. The upregulation of renal angiotensin-converting enzyme and its receptor was also countered by these dietary interventions. Dietary fenugreek and onion significantly reduced metabolites of polyol pathway, nitric oxide, and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase activity. Markers of podocyte damage in kidney (nephrin, podocin, and podocalyxin) and their urinary excretion were normalized along with downregulation of the expression of kidney injury molecule-1 by these dietary interventions. Dietary fenugreek and onion effectively countered the diabetes-induced structural abnormalities of renal tissue.

CONCLUSION

Feeding fiber-rich fenugreek seeds and sulfur compounds-rich onion produced a blockade in glucose translocation and renin-angiotensin system in the early stage of diabetic nephropathy. This involved a downregulation of the expression of polyol pathway enzymes, partial restoration of the podocyte damage, revival of renal architecture and functional abnormality. The present study also suggested that these two dietary interventions offer a higher renoprotective influence when consumed together.

Alleviation of Cardiac Damage by Dietary Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Seeds is Potentiated by Onion (Allium cepa) in Experimental Diabetic Rats via Blocking Renin-Angiotensin System

Hyperglycemia is one of the metabolic and homeostatic abnormalities that increase the cardiovascular mortality in diabetic patients by increased oxidative stress. We have recently reported amelioration of oxidative stress in cardiac tissue by dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds and onion (Allium cepa) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The mechanistic aspects of the cardio-protective influence of dietary fenugreek seeds (10%) and onion (3% powder) both individually and in combination on hyperglycemia-mediated cardiac damage was further investigated in this study on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Cardio-protective influence of these dietary spices was evidenced by their blocking potential on renin-angiotensin system. This might be the consequence of reduced activation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT₁) in cardiac tissue. The combination produced an additive effect on ACE and AT₁ protein and mRNA expressions. Increased expression of type IV collagen, fibronectin, Bax, 4-hydroxynonenal, iNOS and metabolites of nitric oxide (nitrate/nitrite) along with disturbed PUFA-to-SFA ratio and activities of cardiac marker enzymes in blood confirmed the myocardial damage. Dietary fenugreek seed, onion and fenugreek + onion were found to ameliorate these pathological changes in the cardiovascular system. The beneficial effect being higher with the combination sometime amounting to additive (iNOS expression) or even a synergistic (cardiac Bax and type IV collagen expression and circulatory marker enzymes) in diabetic rats. Thus, the results of present investigation suggested that the combination of fenugreek seeds and onion offers higher beneficial influence in ameliorating cardiac damage accompanying diabetes.

Dietary administration effects of fenugreek seeds on skin mucosal antioxidant and immunity status of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

Improving fish defense through the preventive administration of immunostimulants has an important role in controlling the outbreak of the disease in aquaculture. As a continuity of our previous studies, this paper describes the effects of dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds on the skin mucosal antioxidant status and immune response of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.). Fish were fed with four experimental diets: one a basal diet (control) and three diets with powdered fenugreek seeds incorporated in the fish feed at 1%, 5%, and 10%. After eight weeks of feeding, free radicals scavenging and antioxidant assays were assessed in skin mucus by measuring the peroxidation of phospholipid liposomes, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging, measurement of total antioxidant activity and the determination of antioxidant activity in a linoleic acid system. The skin mucosal immune response was evaluated by measuring the IgM levels and some enzymatic activities (peroxidase, antiprotease, protease, esterase, and ceruloplasmin). Our results demonstrated that fenugreek inclusion improved the hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity and conferred very high antioxidant activity. Besides, only the highest supplementation level (10%) was able to augment the peroxidase and protease activities confronted by a general decrement in the antiprotease activity in the experimental fed groups with 1% and 10%. These results suggest that the dietary administration of fenugreek at the higher inclusion dose enhances the skin mucosal immunity response and the antioxidant status of gilthead seabream a species with one of the highest rates of production in marine aquaculture.

Haemato-protective influence of dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds is potentiated by onion (Allium cepa L.) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

We have recently reported the beneficial modulation of metabolic abnormalities and oxidative stress in diabetic rats by dietary fenugreek seeds and onion. This investigation evaluated the protective influence of dietary fenugreek seeds (100 g kg^-1) and onion (30 g kg^-1) on erythrocytes of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, through modulation of reduced haematological indices and antisickling potency. This study also evaluated the altered erythrocyte membrane lipid profile and beneficial countering of increased lipid peroxidation, osmotic fragility, along with reduced membrane fluidity and deformability, nitric oxide production and echinocyte formation. Dietary fenugreek seeds and onion appeared to counter the deformity and fragility of erythrocytes partially in diabetic rats by their antioxidant potential and hypocholesterolemic property. The antisickling potency of these spices was accomplished by a substantial decrease in echinocyte population and AGEs in diabetic rats. Further insight into the factors that might have reduced the fluidity of erythrocytes in diabetic rats revealed changes in the cholesterol: phospholipid ratio, fatty acid profile, and activities of membrane-bound enzymes. Dietary fenugreek seeds and onion offered a beneficial protective effect to the red blood cells, the effect being higher with fenugreek + onion. This is the first report on the hemato-protective influence of a nutraceutical food component in diabetic situation.

Effects of dietary supplementation with fenugreek seeds, alone or in combination with probiotics, on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) skin mucosal immunity

Despite increasing interest in modulating the immune response of fish, providing a combination of probiotics and herbal immunostimulants in aquafeed has rarely has been studied. The effects on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) of the dietary administration of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds alone (FE), or combined with one of the following probiotic strains: Bacillus licheniformis (FEBL), Lactobacillus plantarum (FELP) or Bacillus subtilis (FEBS) were evaluated. Fish were fed a control or one of the supplemented diets for 3 weeks. After 2 and 3 weeks of the feeding trial, the abundance of terminal carbohydrates, IgM levels, enzymatic activities (proteases, alkaline phosphatase, esterase and ceruloplasmin) and bactericidal activity were determined in skin mucus. Our results demonstrated that the dietary administration of FE in combination with L. plantarum, particularly, increased carbohydrate abundance, the activity of certain enzymes such as ceruloplasmin, and bactericidal activity against the pathogenic bacterium Photobacterium damselae and the non-pathogenic bacterium B. subtilis in skin mucus at the end of the trial. The carbohydrates most affected by the FELP diet were mannose/glucose, N-acetyl-d-galactosamine and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosamine. Interestingly, IgM levels were significantly higher in fish fed the FELP and FEBS diets whilst protease activity generally increased in all supplemented diets, which could suggests that the main effect in this activity was to the result of FE supplementation although that fact cannot be confirmed because the effects of probiotics addition alone were not studied. These results suggest that the combined dietary administration of fenugreek and L. plantarum will best enhance the skin mucosal immunity response of gilthead seabream.

Quality and antioxidant response of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) to dietary supplements of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) alone or combined with probiotic strains

The present study was conducted to determine the potential effect of the dietary intake of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds alone or in combination with Bacillus licheniformis, Lactobacillus plantarum or B. subtilis on gilthead seabream quality and antioxidant response after 2 and 3 weeks of experimental feeding. The results showed that the supplements did not affect the percentage of the fatty acid profiles of muscle, demonstrating that all the additives tested can be administrated without any negative effect on biochemical composition and quality of gilthead seabream. The quantification of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in muscle demonstrated the significant beneficial effect of the experimental diets compared with the control one. Besides, an increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase in liver was recorded after 3 weeks of administration of experimental diets. Furthermore, real time qPCR revealed that dietary supplementation with FEBS significantly enhances the expression of scavenging enzymes, such as cat and gr genes in the liver after 3 weeks. The findings suggest that the administration of fenugreek supplement alone or combined with probiotic strains could be considered as a good source of natural antioxidants and as a functional aquafeed ingredient for gilthead seabream.

Effects of dietary administration of fenugreek seeds, alone or in combination with probiotics, on growth performance parameters, humoral immune response and gene expression of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

The use of immunostimulants is considered a promising preventive practice that may help to maintain animal welfare and a healthy environment, while increasing production and providing higher profits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) of the dietary administration of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds, alone or combined with one of the following probiotic strains: Bacillus licheniformis (TSB27), Lactobacillus plantarum or Bacillus subtilis (B46). Gilthead seabream were fed a control or one of the supplemented diets for 3 weeks. The effects of these supplemented diets on growth performance parameters and the humoral immune response (natural haemolytic complement, peroxidase, total IgM levels, proteases and antiproteases activities) were evaluated after 2 and 3 weeks of feeding. Simultaneously, the expression levels of some immune-relevant genes (igm, tcr-β, csfr1 and bd) were measured in the head-kidney. Interestingly, all probiotic supplemented diets increased seabream growth rates, especially the B. licheniformis supplemented diet. Generally, humoral immune parameters were enhanced by the dietary supplementation at the different time points measured. The results showed a significant increases in the immune parameters, principally in fish fed only fenugreek or fenugreek combined with B. subtilis. Furthermore, real time qPCR revealed that dietary supplementation significantly enhances the expression of immune-associated genes in the head-kidney, particularly igm gene expression. These results suggest that fenugreek alone or combined with one of the probiotic strains mentioned enhances the immune response of gilthead seabream, a species with one of the highest rates of production in marine aquaculture.

Effects of pre-germinated fenugreek seeds inclusion in low-fiber diets on post-weaned rabbits' health status, growth performances, carcass characteristics, and meat chemical composition

Newly weaned rabbits frequently suffer from digestive disorders particularly when fed low-fiber diets. Fenugreek seeds are rich in dietary fiber and would be suited to moderate such disorders. This study investigated the effect of pre-germinated fenugreek seeds (PGFS) on rabbits' health, digestibility, growth performance, and carcass parameters. Fourteen weaned rabbits were fed one of the following diets: (1) low fiber as negative control (NC), (2) low fiber containing 5% PGFS (F5), (3) low fiber containing 10% PGFS (F10), and (4) adequate fiber as positive control (PC). Each rabbit was reared in an individual cage for 7 weeks. Morbidity and sanitary risk indexes were not different (P > 0.05) between the four diets. Only 20% of the rabbits had a detectable caecal Escherichia Coli (E. coli) count (<10⁵ cfu/g), and all rabbits did not show Eimeria oocysts in their feces. Compared to NC, PC gave a lower (P < 0.05) weight gain and a higher (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR). It was associated with a lighter (P < 0.05) chilled carcass weight, and its meat had slightly more moisture and ether extract with less protein. Inclusion of PGFS decreased (P < 0.05) feed intake at the 10% level and, consequently, tended to improve FCR, while no effect was detected on carcass characteristics and meat composition. This study suggested that (1) the low-fiber diet was adequate for both health and growth aspects of post-weaned rabbits, and (2) the inclusion of PGFS was without consequence on rabbits' health status and growth performance.

Antioxidant and hemolytic activities, and effects in rat cutaneous wound healing of a novel polysaccharide from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant and hemolytic activities as well as the in vivo wound healing performance of a novel polysaccharide (FWEP) extracted from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vivo and in vitro using various assays. Results showed that FWEP exhibited strong antioxidant activities but no hemolytic activity was observed towards bovine erythrocytes. The application of FWEP hydrogel on the wound site in a rat model enhanced significantly wound healing activity and accelerated the wound closure after 14days of wound induction. Histological examination also demonstrated fully re-epithelialized wound with a complete epidermal regeneration. Altogether, these evidences demonstrated that FWEP had strong wound healing potential presumably achieved through its antioxidant activities.

Beneficial effects of fenugreek glycoside supplementation in male subjects during resistance training: A randomized controlled pilot study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the glycoside fraction of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds (Fenu-FG) on physiological parameters related to muscle anabolism, androgenic hormones, and body fat in healthy male subjects during an 8-week resistance training program using a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled design.

METHODS

Sixty healthy male subjects were randomized to ingest capsules of Fenu-FG (1 capsule of 300 mg, twice per day) or the matching placebo at a 1:1 ratio. The subjects participated in a supervised 4-day per week resistance-training program for 8 weeks. The outcome measurements were recorded at recruitment (baseline) and at the end of the treatment (8 weeks). The efficacy outcome included serum testosterone (total and free) levels, muscle strength and repetitions to failure, metabolic markers for anabolic activity (serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen), and % body fat. The standard safety measurements such as adverse events monitoring, vital signs, hematology, biochemistry, and urinalysis were performed.

RESULTS

Fenu-FG supplementation demonstrated significant anabolic and androgenic activity as compared with the placebo. Fenu-FG treated subjects showed significant improvements in body fat without a reduction in muscle strength or repetitions to failure. The Fenu-FG supplementation was found to be safe and well-tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Fenu-FG supplementation showed beneficial effects in male subjects during resistance training without any clinical side effects.

Effect of processing techniques on nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed flour

Fenugreek (Pusa Early Bunching) seeds were processed by using different processing methods viz. soaking, germination and roasting. Raw and processed fenugreek seed flours were analyzed for nutritional composition, anti- nutritional, and antioxidant activity. Raw fenugreek seed flour contained higher amount of dietary fiber (45.4 %) followed by 41.7 % in soaked seed flour, 40.9 % in roasted fenugreek seed flour and 31.3 % in germinated fenugreek seed flour. Processing of fenugreek seeds improved in vitro starch digestibility and in vitro protein digestibility. Soaking, germination and roasting enhanced total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of fenugreek seed flour as compared to raw fenugreek seed flour. The phenolic content of soaked, germinated and roasted fenugreek seed flours was 54.4, 80.8 and 48.5 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of sample in contrast to raw fenugreek seed flour (45.4 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of sample). The antioxidant activity of the extracts of soaked, germinated and roasted fenugreek seed flours was 60.7 %, 73.9 % and 32.0 % whereas as the raw fenugreek seed flour exhibited 18.1 % antioxidant activity. Processing of fenugreek seeds also decreased phytic acid content significantly (P < 0.05) as compared to raw seeds.

In vitro anti-hyperglycemic activity of 4-hydroxyisoleucine derivatives

The nonproteinogenic amino acid, 4-hydroxyisoleucine (1) has been isolated in large quantities from the fenugreek (T. foenum-graecum) seeds. Few novel derivatives (3-11 and 13-18) were prepared from the naturally occurring 4-hydroxyisoleucine (1) and screened for their in vitro glucose uptake stimulatory effect in L-6 skeletal muscle cells. The derivatives 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 exhibited better glucose uptake stimulatory activity than parent compound, 4-hydroxyisoleucine at 5 and 10µM concentrations and compounds 7 and 11 enhanced translocation of insulin sensitive glucose transporters-4 in skeletal muscle cells.