The effects of fenugreek seed extract supplementation in patients with Alzheimer's disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Phytother Res. 2023 Jan;37(1):285-294. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7612. Epub 2022 Oct 5.

Abstract

The aim of the current randomized control trial (RCT) study was to investigate the effects of fenugreek seed extract on memory, depression, quality of life, blood pressure, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels in adult AD patients. This randomized clinical trial was conducted in geriatric homes in Iran. The study participants included 82 AD patients with mild-to-moderate memory deficit. Patients in the intervention group received 5 cc of fenugreek seed extract for 4 months and subjects in the control group received a placebo. Memory, depression, quality of life, and BP levels, as well as serum MDA and TAC, were assessed before and after the intervention. There was a significant increase in serum levels of TAC (p < 0.001) and a reduction in serum MDA status (p < 0.001) after 4 months of fenugreek seed extract supplementation. In addition, increasing levels of memory (p < 0.001) and quality of life (p < 0.001), as well as reduction of depression (p = 0.002), systolic BP (p < 0.001), and diastolic BP (p < 0.001) levels were detected in the intervention group compared with baseline. Fenugreek seed extract supplementation in AD patients shows promising positive effects on memory, quality of life, BP, and selective oxidative indices levels.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; fenugreek seeds; memory; oxidative stress; randomized controlled study.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease* / chemically induced
  • Alzheimer Disease* / drug therapy
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Plant Extracts / adverse effects

Substances

  • fenugreek seed meal
  • Antioxidants
  • Plant Extracts