Trigonella foenum-graecum

Botanical Extracts

Fenugreek an aromatic herb known to the scientific world as Trigonella foenum-graecum found extensively in India. It is traditionally used to treat number of health problems including Diabetes, rheumatism, anaemia, liver & spleen enlargement. 4-Hydroxyisoleucine, a peculiar amino acid extracted from fenugreek seeds exhibiting interesting insulinotropic activity.


Scientific Evidence

Number of scientific studies have confirmed its hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic activities. Further the studies have identified the presence of 4-Hydroxy isoleucine which possesses insulinotropic activity.

This amino acid potentiated insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. Invivo studies in a type II diabetic rat model demonstrated that a single intravenous administration of 4-hydroxy isoleucine partially restored glucose-induced insulin response without affecting glucose tolerance. Further subchronic administration reduced basal hyperglycemia, decreased basal insulinemia & improved glucose tolerance. In vitro, 4-hydroxy isoleucine potentiated glucose-induced insulin release from NIDD rat-isolated islets.

Another study demonstrated that 4-Hydroxyisoleucine increases glucose-induced insulin release through a direct effect on isolated beta cells from both rats and humans. In addition, studies on isolated perfused rat pancreas, showed 1) that the pattern of insulin secretion induced by 4-hydroxyisoleucine was biphasic, 2) that this effect occurred in the absence of any change in pancreatic alpha- and delta-cell activity, and 3) that the more glucose concentration was increased, the more insulin response was amplified.

Hence 4-Hydroxy isoleucine may be considered as a novel drug with potential interest for the treatment of Type II Diabetes.


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