The Effect of Fenugreek (Trigonella Foecum Graecum) Intake on the Oxidative Stress in Hypercholesterolaemic Subjects

Abstract

Introduction: The consumption of fenugreek (Trigonella Foecum Graecum) has been seen to have antidiabetic and hypolipedaemic effects. Hypercholesterolemia is a substrate for lipid per oxidation. An increased lipid per oxidation leads to oxidative stress. When the lipid levels are lowered, we can expect a reduction in the lipid per oxidation, which reduces the oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a well established factor in the pathogenesis of ageing to deadly disease like carcinoma. Objective: The purpose of this research was to study the effect of fenugreek intake on the oxidant and the antioxidant status in hyperlipedaemic subjects. Method: Twenty subjects with an elevated lipid profile were included in this study. A detailed history was taken and clinical examinations were done for all the patients. They were grouped into two. The first group was treated with placebo for 30 days. The second group was treated with Trigonella Foecum powder (fenugreek) for 30 days. Fasting blood samples were taken from both the groups before and after the 30th day of the intake of placebo and fenugreek. The blood levels of MDA (oxidant) and Caeruloplasmin (antioxidant were estimated. Their levels before and after the intake of placebo and fenugreek were compared statistically. Results: The levels of MDA and Caeruloplasmin were found to be reduced significantly following the fenugreek consumption as compared to their pre treatment levels. No significant difference was found in the controls who consumed placebo. Conclusion: This study proved that a regular intake of fenugreek could reduce the oxidative stress by reducing the lipid per oxidation.

Keywords

• caeruloplasmin
• mda (malon di aldehyde)
• fenugreek
• oxidative stress