Review on Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) and its Important Secondary Metabolite Diosgenin

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a medicinal plant used worldwide since ancient times. Its use as smelling agent and spice was documented since 15 th century. The genus Trigonella includes around 260 species diffused worldwide and belonging to Fabaceae family. In the last decades, a number of studies highlighted the biological activities and therapeutic properties of this species mainly attributed to bioactive secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and saponins. In particular, diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, has been investigated for its medicinal uses and fenugreek has been reported as source of raw material for the production of steroidal hormones. This review article focuses on the cultivation, genetics, ecophysiology and traditional uses of fenugreek, as well as on its medicinal properties, phytochemical and nutrient contents. Extraction procedures and pharmacological activities of diosgenin are also reviewed, as well as methods for its chemical analyses. This review focuses on the medicinal importance of Fenugreek and its important secondary metabolite diosgenin. The review article complies the results of pre-clinical studies conducted to establish the various medicinal applications of diosgenin. This will help researcher to discover fundamental role of diosgenin as a potential product for drug manufacturers and use of fenugreek as a source of diosgenin.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Genes Involved in Diosgenin Biosynthesis in Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

“…Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) is an annual dicotyledonous legume belonging to family Fabaceae (subfamily Papilionaceae), which is widely distributed throughout the world [1,2]. Fenugreek has reportedly been used for the treatment of poor digestion, eczema, inflammation, anemia and bronchitis [3,4,5]. Studies showed that fenugreek contains diverse bioactive compounds with anticancer, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial activities, and cholesterol-lowering effects [6,7,8].…”

In vitro and in silico Evaluation of Some Natural Molecules as Potent Glutathione Reductase Inhibitors

“…It has cardioprotective, anticancer, antiaging and contraceptive properties and high economic value. Progesterone which produced by many pharmaceutical companies is synthesized from diosgenin [26].…”

In vitro ruminal fermentation of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) produced less methane than that of alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

“…This is supported by the observation of lower methanogen gene copies with FG than with Alf. Several biological compounds such as steroidal saponins and phenolic compounds that possess varying biological activities have been found in FG [ 11 , 12 , 28 ]. Among them, steroidal saponins have been reported to possess anti-methanogenic activity in both in vitro or in vivo studies [ 4 , 29 , 30 ].…”