Fenugreek's Therapeutic Potential in Diabetes Management: Galactomannan's Role

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), a clover-like herb, is native to the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, and Western Asia. People commonly use fenugreek seeds, which taste and smell like maple syrup, as a flavouring agent, spice, and medicine. Fenugreek is widely known for its potential therapeutic effects. Fenugreek is utilized to manage diabetes mellitus, hypertension, menstrual cramps, and to enhance milk production in breastfeeding women. Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic condition, is marked by elevated blood sugar levels. Fenugreek aids individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes in reducing their blood sugar levels. Fenugreek seeds have chemicals and fiber that slow down digestion and reduce the absorption of carbohydrates and sugars in the body. The major constituent that is responsible for the antidiabetic activity is galactomannan, which is a polysaccharide. Galactomannan suppresses intestinal glucose absorption, inhibits hepatic glucose production, promotes pancreatic β cell generation, improves glucose resistance, and suppresses oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and inflammation, thus exerting the hypoglycaemic effect. Other constituents are trigonelline, choline, and trimethylamine. We extracted galactomannan from the fenugreek seeds, purified it, and analysed it using FT-IR, the amylase inhibition method, standardizing mannose ions, docking studies, and ADME parameters.