Fenugreek Seed Extract Improves Memory Status and Oxidative Stress-Related Parameters in Older Subjects

by | Mar 20, 2023 | 2023, Alzheimer's Disease, Botanicals, Brain Health, Fenugreek

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. 4-month supplementation of fenugreek seed extract (equivalent to 500 mg of dry extract) significantly lowered the clinical dementia rating score compared to placebo (p < 0.001). 

fenugreek - botanicalsCurrently 47 million people live with dementia globally and it is estimated to increase more than threefold (~131 million) by 20501. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia and is defined as a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles caused by amyloid-beta peptide’s (Aβ) accumulation in the medial temporal lobe and neocortical structures2. The risk factors associated with AD, apart from age, are low educational status, diabetes, genetics, diet, hypertension, and low physical activity levels3.

Herbal products, such as fenugreek, are often used as an alternative to pharmacological therapy because it contains polysaccharides, saponins, sterols, flavonoids, and other secondary metabolites that exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities4. Furthermore, fenugreek contains a phytochemical called diosgenin which may provide preventive effects for neurological disorders5. Fenugreek can also aid in reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, increasing dopaminergic functions in neurons, and by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a prominent element in the pathogenesis of AD6.

Foroumandi et al. conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate fenugreek seed extracts effect on memory, depression, quality of life, blood pressure (BP), and on serum MDA and TAC levels as indicators of oxidative stress in adult AD subjects. Study inclusion consisted of being an adult subject with a diagnosis of mild-to-moderate AD who were categorized in the clinical dementia rating (CDR) domain of 2 or lower than 2. Participants (n=38) in the intervention group received 5 cc orally of fenugreek seed extract (equivalent to 500 mg of dry extract) for 4 months. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 96.47 ± 4.38 mg GAE/g extract and 34.95 ± 1.52 mg RE/g extract, respectively. Those in the control group (n=40) received a placebo containing water. All subjects were asked to not change their physical activity, diet, or dietary supplements during the treatment.

At baseline, depression and memory status were assessed using a 15-item geriatric depression scale (GDS) and a 75-item Persian clinical dementia rating (CDR) questionnaire. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the short form health survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Follow-up took place over 4 sessions with monthly visits where depression, memory, and QoL were further assessed. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and after the 4 months of intervention to determine serum TAC and MDA concentrations. Blood pressure was measured at baseline and at end of intervention.

Independent sample t-test and Chi-square were used to compare study variables between intervention and control groups for quantitative and qualitative variables. General linear model analysis was utilized to investigate changes in the studied variables from baseline to the follow-up sessions. 65.9% of participants were female and the mean ± SD age of subjects was 72.05 ± 2.59 years. Significant findings of the study are as follows:

  • At the end of the intervention, the CDR score was significantly different between the groups (p < 0.001). The score was lower (7.16 ±27) in the intervention group, while it increased to 12.29 ± 2.52 in the placebo group.
  • The fenugreek group had significantly lower serum MDA levels after the intervention (p < 0.001), while the placebo group experienced higher MDA levels after the study (p < 0.001). The fenugreek treatment group caused a significant increase in serum TAC levels (p < 0.001) compared to baseline values in the intervention group and no significant changes were seen in the placebo group.
  • The intervention group had a significant reduction in both SBP and DBP after the intervention (p < 0.001).

Results of the study show that fenugreek seed extract improved CDR scores, blood pressure, and significantly improved oxidative stress-related parameters. Furthermore, subjects experienced an improved quality of life at the end of the 4-month intervention. Study limitations include lack of including subjects with advanced staged AD, only measuring two markers of oxidative stress, and the small sample size and duration of supplementation which may affect the effects of fenugreek seed extract on study variables.

Source: Foroumandi, Elaheh, Roghayeh Javan, Leili Moayed, Hossein Fahimi, Fereshteh Kheirabadi, Mahboubeh Neamatshahi, Fazeleh Shogofteh, and Azam Zarghi. “The effects of fenugreek seed extract supplementation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.” Phytotherapy Research 37, no. 1 (2023): 285-294.

© 2022 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

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Posted March 20, 2023.

Taylor Woosley studied biology at Purdue University before becoming a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Writing. She currently resides in Glen Ellyn, IL.

References:

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