Abstract

Background: Fenugreek is an aromatic plant widely grown worldwide. Two fairly distinct types of plants are recognized—the dwarf type grown for culinary purposes and the tall type grown for medicinal purposes. It has small round leaves sold as vegetables (fresh leaves, sprouts) commonly known as methi and long pods that contained seeds known as menthe, which are used as such or in powdered form. These seeds are rich in soluble fibers and many phytochemical compounds. In addition to its hypoglycemic effect, the hypolipidemic effect of fenugreek seeds has also been documented. Therefore, fenugreek seeds have a dual role in the management of diabetes. It has been used as a herbal medicine in the management of glycemia and dyslipidemia since a long time in India.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of fenugreek seeds taken orally in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with dyslipidemia.

Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on patients with type 2 DM with dyslipidemia after meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into two groups (age matched). One group received fenugreek seeds and other group received drugs (oral hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic agents). Lipid profile and HbA1C were measured initially as well as after 8 weeks of treatment period. Blood sugar (fasting) was recorded weekly. Student’s t-test was applied for statistical analysis.

Results: After 8 weeks of treatment of fenugreek seeds in group 1 patients, there was a significant improvement in blood glucose Fasting level (178±72.4 to 104±28.2; p < 0.0001), T-cholesterol (350±20.6 to 176±17.2; p < 0.0001), triglycerides (280±18.2 to 132±16.8; p < 0.0001), low-density cholesterol (220±21.4 to 96±14.2; p < 0.0001), and high-density cholesterol (27.0±13.4 to 58±32.2; p < 0.0002). Although there was an improvement in HbA1C status but it was not significant.

Conclusion: This study supports beneficial effects of fenugreek seeds on glycemia and dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 DM and can be used as an adjuvant/alternative in management of diabetes and its complications.

Key words: Fenugreek seeds, glycemia, dyslipidemia