Unfavorable effect of trigonelline, an alkaloid present in coffee and fenugreek, on bone mechanical properties in estrogen‐deficient rats

Abstract

Scope Trigonelline (1‐methylpyridinium‐3‐carboxylate), an alkaloid present in coffee and fenugreek seed, has been reported to exhibit phytoestrogenic activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of trigonelline on bone mechanical properties of rats with normal estrogen level and estrogen deficiency (developing osteoporosis). Methods and results The experiments were performed on 3‐month‐old nonovariectomized and ovariectomized (estrogen‐deficient) Wistar rats, divided into control rats and rats receiving trigonelline (50 mg/kg p.o. daily) for 4 weeks. The ovariectomy was performed 7–8 days before the start of trigonelline administration. Serum bone turnover markers and bone mineralization, as well as mechanical properties of the tibial metaphysis, femoral diaphysis, and femoral neck were examined. Estrogen deficiency caused worsening of bone mineralization and mechanical properties of the tibial metaphysis, as well as increases in bone turnover markers. Administration of trigonelline did not affect the investigated parameters in nonovariectomized rats, but it worsened the mineralization and mechanical properties of cancellous bone in ovariectomized rats. Conclusion Unfavorable effects of trigonelline on the skeletal system depended on the estrogen status. They were observed only in cancellous bone of estrogen‐deficient rats.

Effect of diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, on the rat skeletal system.

“…Plant extracts contain diosgenin mainly as glycosides (saponins); they also include other, various components (like flavonoids or alkaloids) which may exert their own effects on the skeletal system. For example, in studies performed parallelly to the study reported here, we observed that fenugreek seed (1% in the diet) tended to favorably affect the rat skeletal system, whereas at a higher dose (administered as an (Folwarczna et al, 2014a), to which trigonelline could contribute (Folwarczna et al, 2014b). Effects of diosgenyl saponins may also differ from those of diosgenin, due to, among others, different bioavailability.…”

Influence of coffee consumption on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with estrogen deficiency in menstrual history

“…The aim of Folwarczna J. et al study was to investigate the effects of trigonelline, an alkaloid present in coffee, on bone mechanical properties of rats with normal estrogen level and estrogen deficiency. Administration of trigonelline did not affect the bone turnover markers, bone mineralization and mechanical properties of the tibial metaphysis, femoral diaphysis, and femoral neck in non-ovariectomized rats, but it worsened the mineralization and mechanical properties of cancellous bone in ovariectomized rats (estrogen-deficient rats) (23). The results of Folwarczna J. et al study showed that caffeine has favorably affected on the skeletal system of ovariectomized rats, slightly inhibiting the development of bone changes induced by estrogen deficiency.…”

“…Data from animal studies are also inconsistent (9,10). In animal studies the influence of individual constituents of coffee on bone tissue was examined (23,24). The aim of Folwarczna J. et al study was to investigate the effects of trigonelline, an alkaloid present in coffee, on bone mechanical properties of rats with normal estrogen level and estrogen deficiency.…”

Trigonelline Demonstrated Ameliorative Effects in Dexamethasone Induced Osteoporotic Rats

“…Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a medicinal plant having various properties, which include stimulation of lactation, aids digestion and improves metabolism and health [15,16]. Fenugreek seed contains at least three major constituents, which reported to affect the skeletal system.…”

“…Trigonelline an alkaloid from plants like coffee and fenugreek [15,16] known has various pharmacological activities have been attributed to trigonelline such as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-migraine, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulator and anti-tumor activities [18,19,20]. 4-Hydroxyisoleucine, an amino acid characteristic of fenugreek, is considered responsible for antidiabetic and lipidlowering actions [21], together with galactomannan, trigonelline and diosgenin [22,23], antidiabetic drugs may exert differential effects on bones [24].…”