Therapeutic Prospects and Comparative Bioactive Evaluation of Fenugreek Seed Extracts

Abstract

A medicinal plant with substantial therapeutic potential, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is rich in bioactive phytoconstituents. The phytochemical makeup and antioxidant properties of aqueous and methanolic fenugreek seed extracts were compared in this study. Phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins were found in both extracts, with the methanolic fraction showing greater intensity, according to preliminary phytochemical screening. The methanolic extract has higher levels of phenolic, flavonoid, and terpenoid content, according to quantitative analyses. Antioxidant analysis showed that the methanolic extract had better reducing potential and lipid peroxidation inhibition than the aqueous extract. Additionally, the methanolic extract showed increased capacity to scavenge free radicals from DPPH, ABTS, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals. The richer phytochemical composition of the methanolic extract may be responsible for its increased bioactivity. Overall, the results demonstrate the therapeutic value of fenugreek seed extracts, especially the methanolic extract, for possible phytopharmaceutical and nutraceutical uses in conditions linked to oxidative stress.