ABSTRACT
Cardiovascular diseases are critical public health concerns that are substantially increasing across the world. One of the medicinal herbs with potential therapeutic effects on CVD risk factors is fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Positive effects of fenugreek on CVD risk factors including lipid profile, glycemic status, hypertension, obesity, oxidative stress, and inflammation have been indicated in previous preclinical and some clinical trials. However, previous mechanisms for each parameter are under debate. Based on evidence, main possible mechanisms of fenugreek on CVD risk factors are affecting inflammatory and oxidative pathways, activating beta-cells functions, reducing insulin resistance, affecting the secretion of c-peptide, reducing appetite and inducing delay in gastric emptying, reducing the absorption of glucose and lipid, modulating glucagone-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and altering gut flora. All in all, evidence shows that fenugreek can be an effective complementary therapy along with common treatments to control CVD risk factors. However, further high-quality studies in the form of experimental studies and clinical trials are needed for each parameter to shed more light on the most effective dosage and form of fenugreek as well as the duration of the intervention.
