Does fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed improve inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus? A parallel group randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: Fenugreek seed has not previously been investigated for its effect on oxidative stress and inflammation in human subjects. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of fenugreek seeds on selected inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Forty-eight T2DM patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group using a parallel group design. The intervention group received 15 g/day fenugreek seed powder. There was no placebo used in this study due to intervention food-based nature. Dietary intake and physical activity were assessed during the study. Blood samples were collected at the baseline and after 8 wk of the intervention to quantify intended variables. Results: Fenugreek seed consumption resulted in a significant decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (p = 0.012) compared to the control group. Within-group analysis showed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p = 0.001) among the fenugreek group without any changes in the control group. There was no significant effect of fenugreek seed on glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), serum interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Conclusion: The present study indicates some promising properties for fenugreek seed on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in T2DM patients, but further human research is needed.