| Sabinsa
Corporation will shortly introduce to the marketplace
a new product derived from Fenugreek seeds. Fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum-graecum, Family: Leguminosae) is
native to North Africa and countries bordering the eastern
Mediterranean and is widely cultivated in India. The
seeds of Fenugreek are a condiment commonly used in
Indian homes and are a rich source of fiber, particularly
gel fiber. Gel fiber from Fenugreek resembles guar gum
in chemical structure.
Pre-clinical and clinical
studies have documented the anti-diabetic properties
of the fiber-rich fraction of Fenugreek seeds. Diabetes
mellitus is a disease characterized by high blood sugar
levels. Diabetics also suffer from abnormal lipid profiles
and are therefore prone to the development of coronary
heart disease.
In Type I diabetics, the
administration of the defatted fiber-rich seed significantly
reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved performance
in the glucose tolerance test. Serum total cholesterol,
LDL and VLDL cholesterol, as well as triglyceride levels,
were significantly reduced, while the HDL levels remained
unchanged. Similar effects were repeated in Type II
diabetic patients2.
Pre-clinical studies indicate
that the hypoglycemic effect of fenugreek is mediated
through delayed gastric emptying and direct interference
with glucose absorption3.
The gel forming dietary fiber reduces serum cholesterol
by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol and depleting
cholesterol stores in the body by means of increased
excretion of bile acids4.
Please contact Sabinsa
Corporation for samples and further information.
References
- Sharma, R.D. et al (1990). Eur J. Clin.
Nutr. 44:301.
- Sharma, R.D. et al (1990). Nutr. Res.
10:731.
- Madar, Z. (1984). Nutr. Rep. Intl. 29:1267.
- Gee, J.M. et al (1983). Br J. Nutr.
50:215.
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