Comparative efficacy of four potent bioactive molecules of fenugreek seed in holistic management of type 1 diabetes

Fenugreek seed extract (FSE) is known to possess antidiabetic properties. The current study evaluated the comparative potency of 4 different components of FSE (Trigonelline, 4-Hydroxyisoleucine, Diosgenin, and Galactomannan) in amelioration of diabetes-induced hyperglycaemia; metabolic and stress disorders. FSE and the four bioactives were fed to normal and alloxan-induced type-1 diabetic rats for four weeks. Changes in pancreatic hormones, lipid profile, antioxidant enzymes, and expression of Glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2) and Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) were evaluated. Key findings revealed the highest levels of serum insulin and GLP-1; islet cell regeneration, increased Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme inhibition, significant recovery of GLUT-2 and GLP-1R expression, and maximum levels of low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR) in trigonelline fed diabetic rats. The same bioactive also caused the maximum increase in various antioxidant enzymes with decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in diabetic rats. The 4-Hydroxyisoleucine showed antidiabetic properties either equal to or less significantly as compared to trigonelline. Diosgenin on the other hand caused maximum stimulation only in lipid metabolism whereas galactomannan couldn’t produce significant changes in any parameters over the other 3 components. The results indicated trigonelline is the most desirable component of FSE and may be used as a phytotherapeutic agent for the holistic management of type-1 diabetes.