Hypoglycemic effect of fenugreek seeds in type 2 diabetes mellitus: clinical study

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fenugreek seed diet supplementation on blood glucose and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. These effects were attributed to active biological substances in the seeds that include saponins, alkaloids, amino acids, galactomannan, nicotinic acid, vitamins and minerals. Diabetic subjects were divided into 5 groups, 20 patients each. The control group received only a regular diabetic diet and the other groups followed the same diet in addition to fenugreek supplement that varied according to the group. Four processed types of seeds were implemented in the study involving the oral intake of boiled fenugreek [BF], fenugreek seed powder [PF], germinated fenugreek [GF] and defatted fenugreek [DF]. The results demonstrated the usefulness of fenugreek seeds as a dietary supplement of therapeutic and nutritive value in the management of type 2 diabetes