Fenugreek Seed Extract Latin Name: Trigonella Foenum-Graceum
Fenugreek extract is a versatile herb approved by the German Pharmacopoeia(Commission E) and FDA (GRAS status) with multiple benefits for both women and men, and among the 40 top-selling herbal dietary supplements in the mainstream multi-outlet channel in the United States in 2013, with sales of $3,539,609, an increase of 137.7% from 2012. Fenugreek seed has long been used in China's herbal remedy history as traditional Chinese Medicines for thousand years. The seeds of fenugreek extract are the main parts for medical uses. Although there are too many compounds in the seeds, the standardized ingredients from fenugreek extract are 4-Hydroxyisoleucine, saponins, and furostanol Saponins respectively for different purposes. We will illustrate the active ingredients and different benefits in details.
Chemical constituents of Fenugreek seed According to Wikipedia, the main bioactive phytochemical components of fenugreek seeds include, but not limited to protodioscin, trigoneoside, diosgenin, yamogenin, and also contain (2S,3R,4S) 4-hydroxyisoleucine, trigonelline, sotolone, furostan-based and spirostan-based saponins. Steroidal saponins constitute 4% to 6% of the dried fenugreek seeds weight. As per studies on flavonoids from Fenugreek by Chinese researchers, fenugreek seed contains more than 40 approved components in the categories of proteins and amino acids, flavonoids, saponins and steroidal saponins, coumarin, lipids, vitamins, minerals, galactomannan fiber and alkaloids 45-60% carbohydrates, mainly mucilaginous fiber (galactomannans); 20-30% proteins high in lysine and tryptophan; 5-10% fixed oils (lipids); pryridine-type alkaloids mostly trigonelline (0.2-0.36%), choline (0.5%), gentianine, and carpaine; flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, orientin, quercetin, vitexin, and isovitexin); free amino acids (4-hydroxyisoleucine , arginine, histidine, and lysine); calcium and iron; saponins (0.6-1.7%); glycosides yielding steroidal sapogenins on hydrolysis (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, neotigogenin); cholesterol and sitosterol, vitamins A, B1, C, and nicotinic acid; And 0.015% volatile oils (n-alkanes and sesquiterpenes).
Mechanism of action of fenugreek seed extract How does fenugreek seed extract work? The process is complicated for different benefits. Steroidal saponins, fibers,alkaloids, and protein are believed to be the main factors affecting the benefits of fenugreek. The saponins lower cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol absorption and synthesis, while lower blood sugar levels and diabetes due to the fibers by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorption. We may explain the details of how it works in the key benefits of fenugreek from the below paragraphs, such as how fenugreek increase milk production, diabetes, blood sugar and testosterone levels.
Benefits of taking fenugreek seed extract supplement In traditional Chinese medicines, fenugreek seeds are used to treat various ailments, such as warm the kidney, dispel cold, kill pain, in the application of kidney coldness, cold pain in the lower abdomen, hernia(colic) in the small intestine, beriberi caused by cold-wetness,etc. according to the Chinese pharmacopeia 2005. Too many benefits of fenugreek to list, and that's why I call fenugreek seed as the versatile herb in the very beginning. We only emphasize four benefits here:
Fenugreek seed extract for lowering blood sugar Fenugreek seeds (trigonella foenum graecum) are high in soluble fibre, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Just as Doctor Oz said, fenugreek prevents that muffin or piece of bread you just ate from spiking your blood sugar quickly. It may also decrease absorption of glucose from your diet and influence the release of insulin, which is your body's natural way of lowing blood sugar. And that's why many supplements claim that fenugreek may aid weight loss to some extent.
Fenugreek seed extract for diabetes 4-hydroxyisoleucine is the active ingredient in the fenugreek seeds with CAS number 55399-93-4, and the popular specifications available on the market are 20% 4-hydroxyisoleucine and 40% 4-hydroxyisoleucine. The 4-hydroxyisoleucine may help stimulate the secretion of insulin from your pancreas, reduce insulin resistance, and decrease blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. A reputed study conducted in India reveals that adding 100 gm of defatted fenugreek seed powder into the regular diet of insulin-dependent diabetic patients effectively reduces the fasting blood glucose level of the patients. It also helps to enhance the glucose tolerance and reduces the amount of cholesterol efficiently. Fenugreek lowers the bad cholesterol or LDL and triglycerides, while helping the release of good cholesterol or HDL.
Fenugreek milk supply benefits Enhancing milk production (As a galactogogue ) is one of fenugreek seeds' most popular and ancient benefits for breastfeeding moms. Milk supply is determined by the removal of milk from the breasts and the interaction of prolactin (which produces the milk) and oxytocin (which releases the milk). The mechanism of action of milk production of fenugreek is simple: Diosgenin, with CAS 512-04-9, is supposed to be the key compound to increase milk flow. Diosgenin is a kind of Phytoestrogens similar to the female sex hormone estrogen. However, the detailed relation between fenugreek and breastfeeding needs more scientific evidence. Experts think that it is possible because breasts are modified sweat glands, and active compounds in fenugreek stimulate sweat production. Experiments show that nursing mothers' milk supply increased within 24 to 72 hours after taking 3600mg fenugreek supplements daily.
Fenugreek seed extract for enhancing testosterone levels Bodybuilders, athletes and those who want to boost testosterone and build muscle mass should try fenugreek supplements. Many amino acids are found to play the key roles in testosterone enhancement. In fact, 27% of fenugreek is proteins, which is extremely high comparied with other sources, and most importantly, it is 100% natural and GRAS. Protein is the only nutrient directly responsible for building muscle. By being a direct precursor to building muscle protein is essential for muscle recovery and growth. So you know the importance of protein and fenugreek for bodybuilding importance. 4-hydroxyisoleucine is of course the important one. It also contains a high amount of concentrations of tryptophan, choline, niacin, potassium, and ascorbic acid. Choline is an important ingredient for athlete performance, while tryptophan is a serotonin precursor and the ascorbic acid is an antioxidant. Potassium and niacin are extremely important for the functioning of your immune system. Fenugreek seeds contain furostanolic saponins which are phytochemicals that stimulate the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormones, which causes the testicles to produce more testosterone. In China, fenugreek is one of the most commonly used herbs to detoxify the kidney and as relief for body pains, fever and colds. Fenugreek are said to be good for increase breast size, good for skin, hair, etc.
Fenugreek side effects Fenugreek is generally regarded as safe by the FDA. Any side effects are usually mild and limited to gastrointestinal effects like gas and bloating. Fenugreek can cause nursing mothers and their infants to develop a noticeable "maple syrup" body odor.
Dosage of Fenugreek seed extract Fenugreek supplements may be in the forms of capsules, tablets, liquid. However, fenugreek capsules form is recommended since the seeds of fenugreek are somewhat bitter and not pleased to the tongue. The usual recommended dosage of the seeds is 5 to 30 grams of defatted fenugreek 3 times a day with meals. But for standardized form of 4-Hydroxyisoleucine or saponins, the serving is obvious smaller than that. Most supplement companies use 1.2g fenugreek extract daily with 600mg/capsule, two capsules a day.
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