ANTIDIABETIC AND HYPOCHOLESTEROLEMIC EFFECTS OF FENUGREEK

The seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) have been reported to have antidiabetic and hypocholesterolaemic properties in both anima l 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 link ed to delayed gastric emptying caused by the fibre content, and to (un identified) components that inhibit carbohydrate digestive enzymes, Fe nugreek administration may increase plasma insulin levels in vivo. Its major free amino acid, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, stimulates insulin secret ion from perfused pancreas in vitro. The hypocholesterolaemic effect h as been attributed to increased conversion of hepatic cholesterol to b ile salts due to loss, in the faeces, of complexes of these substances with fenugreek fibre and saponins. Fenugreek treatment selectively re duces the LDL and VLDL fractions of total cholesterol, and HDL-cholest erol has also been reported to increase in alloxan-induced diabetic ra ts and type II diabetic individuals following treatment with fenugreek . Fenugreek administration has not been reported to cause any toxicolo gical effects. Its regular consumption may therefore be beneficial in the management of diabetes and the prevention of atherosclerosis and c oronary heart disease. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.