Variability in the nutraceutical properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) sedes

Abstract

Variability in the nutraceutical properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seedsVariabilidad de las propiedades nutracéuticas de la alholva (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)Variability in seeds size and colour of different genotypes of fenugreek. Foto: K.P. Singh ABSTRACTFenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) leaves and seeds have been used extensively for medicinal purposes. Fenugreek seed is known to exhibit anti-diabetic properties and effects such as hypocholesterolaemic, anticancerous and thyroxine-induced hyperglycaemia. The result of the present experiment reveals considerable variability among fenugreek genotypes. They differ in morphology, growth habit, biomass and seed production capability. Chemical constituents of the seed, e.g. polyphenol, phytic acid, saponin, carbohydrate, protein and proximate analysis (moisture %, ash, fiber, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Mg) contents also differed markedly. This variability is most often overlooked or underestimated in clinical trials. Our research suggests that the genetic variability and the genotype by environmental interaction will play a significant role when the crop is used by the nutraceutical industry. Our research results indicate that the variability for important traits in fenugreek have a genetic base, making selection for improved levels of these traits possible. Fenugreek plays a major role to progress towards the exploitation of crop to overcome micronutrient deficiency in human beings. The associated issues to strengthen crop biofortification through fenugreek research and development have been dealt in this piece of research work. RESUMENLas hojas y semillas de alholva o fenogreco (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) se han utilizado ampliamente con fines medicinales. Se conoce que las semillas de alholva presentan propiedades antidiabéticas y efectos tales como hipocolesterolémico, anti-cancerígeno y tiroxina inducida de la hiperglucemia. Los resultados de los experimentos realizados revelan una considerable variabilidad entre los genotipos de alholva. Se diferencian en la morfología, hábito de crecimiento, biomasa, y capacidad de producción de semillas. Los componentes químicos de la semilla como por ejemplo los contenidos de polifenol, ácido fítico, saponina, carbohidratos, proteínas y análisis proximal (% de humedad, cenizas, fibra, Zn, Fe, Mn, y Mg) también diferían notablemente. Esta variabilidad es a menudo pasado por alto o es subestimada en los ensayos clínicos. Los resultados sugieren que la variabilidad genética y la interacción genotipo x ambiente desempeñarán un papel importante cuando el cultivo es utilizado por la industria nutracéutica. Además la variabilidad de rasgos importantes de la alholva indican que su base genética, permite la selección para el mejoramiento de los niveles de estos rasgos. La alholva juega un papel importante para avanzar hacia la explotación de su cultivo y superar la deficiencia de micronutrientes en los seres humanos. Los temas asociados para fortalecer la biofortificación de cultivos a través de la invest...

Identification of potential genotypes of fenugreek in rainfed vertisols for yield and diosgenin content

“…Giridhar and Sarada (2009) reported significant differences among different yield attributes and yield in rainfed vertisols of Krishna-Godavari Zone of Andhra Pradesh. Seeds pod -1 , test weight, number of pods plant -1 , branches plant -1 and plant height were the important characters for selection of high yielding lines as they exhibited direct and positive effect on seed yield per plant (Sharma and Sastry, 2008;Pushpa et al, 2012;Singh et al, 2013). Higher seed yield in fenugreek always associated with the higher number of branches, pods plant -1 , seeds pod -1 (Datta and Chatterjee, 2014;Singh et al, 2012), through better expression of associated physiological traits (Banafar, 2000).…”

“…The high yielding genotypes LFC-103 (0.72 %) and HM-348 (0.89 %) had significantly lower diosgenin content compared to the local cultivar. Singh et al (2013) reported wide diversity among fenugreek germplasm lines regarding the steroid sapogenin contents. Depending upon geographic origin, genotypes, environmental factors and management, diosgenin contents in fenugreek were reported to vary between 0.3 and 2.0% (Fazli and Hardman, 1968;Puri et al, 1976;Sharma and Kamal, 1982;Kamal et al, 1987;Taylor et al, 2002;Acharya et al, 2006).…”

Performance of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Genotypes for Seed Yield

“…The highest 100 seed weight of 2.55g was recorded in Ajmer Methi 1 which was on par with DFC 1, DFC 11, DFC 25 and Ajmer Methi 2 and these were also on par with the check Gujarat Methi 2. Seeds per pod, test weight, number of pods per plant, branches per plant and plant height were the important characters for selection of high yielding lines as they exhibited direct and positive effect on seed yield per plant (Sharma and Sastry, 2008;Pushpa et al, 2012;Singh et al, 2013;Jain et al,2014).…”

Nutritional Potentials and Nutrient Profile of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.): Review Article

“…Further they reported that seeds of all the spices and herbs showed high amount of potassium (383 to 823 mg/100g), calcium (75 to 270 mg/100g), magnesium (42 to 102 mg/100g) and iron (20.5 to 65 mg/100g) whereas low levels of zinc, manganese and copper. Singh et al, (2013) in a study on variability in nutraceutical properties of fenugreek revealed that chemical constituents of seeds of various fenugreek genotypes viz. Saponin, protein, moisture %, ash, fiber, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Mg contents differed considerably and such variability should not be overlooked or underestimated in research trials.…”