Phytochemical Analysis and in vitro Anti-inflammatory Potential of the Ethanolic Extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) Seeds
Chikezie, Amarachi Chidinma *
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Okereke, Chukwuma Stanley
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Nosiri, Chidi Ijeoma
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Aaron, Friday Chinomso
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Edom, Chibuike Valentine
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Stanley Udochukwu Alugbuo
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Okore, Finian Uchenna
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Iwuchukwu, Bruno Obinna
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Edom, Jennifer Chiazokam
Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria and Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Inflammation is a complex biological process which, when persistent, plays a vital role in the development of numerous chronic disorders. Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds have long been used in traditional medicine to relieve inflammation, although scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is still limited. This study investigated the phytochemical profile and the in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of the ethanolic extract of fenugreek seeds. Qualitative analysis was performed to identify major phytochemicals, while the anti-inflammatory potential of the extract was determined using two models: membrane stabilization and protein denaturation inhibition assays, with aspirin serving as the reference standard. All experiments were conducted in triplicate, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan’s multiple range test at a significance level of p < 0.05. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides in varying intensities.The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of hemolysis and protein denaturation. At 800 µg/mL, it showed 10.51 ± 0.31% membrane stabilization compared to 27.79 ± 0.22% for aspirin, while at 400 mg/mL, it produced 69.90 ± 0.34% inhibition of protein denaturation relative to 84.46 ± 0.51% for aspirin. These effects suggest that the extract’s anti-inflammatory activity may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds, which enhance membrane integrity and prevent the release of inflammatory mediators. In conclusion the ethanolic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds possesses strong in vitro anti-inflammatory potential through membrane stabilization and protein denaturation inhibition. These findings support the ethnomedicinal use of fenugreek seeds in treating inflammatory disorders and demonstrate their potential as a natural source for developing effective and safe anti-inflammatory agents.
Keywords: Trigonella foenum-graecum, fenugreek, anti-inflammatory, membrane stabilization, protein denaturation