The anticarcinogenic potential of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) extract
April 8, 2010
| Abstract Title: | The anticarcinogenic potential of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) extract |
| Authors: | Duka Robert, George Pribac, Aurel Ardelean |
| Affiliation: | “Vasile Goldis” Western University Arad, Romania |
| Abstract text: | Extensive research within the last two decades from laboratories all over the world has indicated that there are phytochemicals present in plants that may prevent various illnesses including cancerous, diabetic, pulmonary, neurological and autoimmune diseases. For instance, Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) extracts administrated to laboratory test rats are shown to have significantly decreased the activities of β-glucuronidase and mucinase two important enzymes associated with bacterial microflora. Enzymes that otherwise show an increased activity during the administration of the procarcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) that leads to induced colon carcinogenesis. In the case of intra-peritoneal administration of the alcohol extract of the Fenugreek seed in both mice and rats that were inoculated with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells there was a 70% inhibition of tumour cell growth with respect to the control, and the extract also produced a significant antiimflammatory effect according to the studies. The beneficial effect may be attributed to the presence of fibers, flavonoids and/or saponins. Like the steroidal saponin diosgenin found in a variety of plants including Fenugreek that suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis in cells of human carcinoma, osteosarcoma, leukemia and human rheumathoid arthritis. The current review presents and describes the active components, mechanism and potential of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) in cancer prevention and treatment. |
| Keywords: | Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek), saponins, diosgenin, plant extract, colon cancer, anticarcinogenic |
| Presentation type: | Oral |
| Correspondence: | no. 1 Feleacului St., Arad, Romania |
| Email: | rob_footprint@yahoo.com |
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