In vitro studies on antiradical and antioxidant activities of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds

An extract of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds was isolated and evaluated for antioxidant activity using various in vitro assay systems. The seed extract exhibited scavenging of hydroxyl radicals (OH) and inhibition of hydrogen peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver mitochondria. The OH scavenging activity of the extract was evaluated by pulse radiolysis and the deoxyribose system. The antimutagenic activity of the extract was recorded by following the inhibition of γ-radiation induced strand break formation in plasmid pBR322 DNA. The extract at high concentrations acted as a scavenger of 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS−) radicals. The total phenolic content in the extract was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin–Ciocalteau procedure and expressed as mg or mM gallic acid equivalents. The results indicate that the extract of fenugreek seeds contains antioxidants and protects cellular structures from oxidative damage. These findings provide evidence for the in vivo beneficial effects of the seeds reported in the literature.