Trigonella foenum-graecum Seeds Oil Attenuated Inflammation and Angiogenesis In Vivo through Down-Regulation of TNF-α

Introduction: Inflammation is a vital reaction of the natural immune system that protects against encroaching agents. However, uncontrolled inflammation can lead to complications. Trigonella foenum-graecum is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory herb.

Objectives: The current study was conducted to explore the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic potentials of Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds oil.

Methods: Oil was extracted from seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum by cold press method and labelled as TgSO. Phytochemical (GCMS, Folin-Ciocalteu method) and metal analyses were conducted to evaluate the metalo-chemical profile of TgSO. In vitro antioxidant assays (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid and ferric reducing antioxidant power) were performed to assess its antioxidant potential. In vitro antimicrobial property was evaluated using the agar disc diffusion method and the safety profile of TgSO was assessed following OECD 425 guidelines. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of TgSO was assessed in carrageenan, serotonin, histamine, formalin, and cotton pellet-induced oedema models. Serum TNF-α, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and, catalases (CAT) levels were assessed by ELISA kit while the effects on angiogenesis were assessed by chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Histopathological studies using excised paws were conducted to observe the effect of TgSO treatment at the tissue level. In silico docking studies were conducted to screen binding potential of identified compounds towards TNF- α.

Results: Extraction by cold press yielded 16% of TgSO. Phytochemical analysis of TgSO through GC-MS showed the presence of eugenol, dihydrocoumairn, and heptadecanoic acid, tri- and tetradecanoic acid and hexadecanoic acid respectively. Total phenolic contents of TgSO were found to be 37.1 ± 0.91 mg/g gallic acid equivalent in Folin-Ciocalteu method. Metal analysis indicated the presence of different metals in TgSO. Findings of antioxidant models showed moderate antioxidant potential of TgSO. Findings of antimicrobial assays showed that TgSO was active against S. aureus, S.epidermidis, C. albicans, and A. niger. In vivo toxicity study data showed that TgSO was safe up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg. Data of oedema models showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in oedema development in TgSO treated animals in both acute and chronic models. Histopathological evaluations of paws showed minimal infiltration with inflammatory cells in TgSO-treated animals. Treatment also significantly (p < 0.05) down-regulated TNF-α in serum and while levels of SOD and CAT were upregulated. CAM assay findings revealed antiangiogenic activity of TgSO. Findings of in silico docking studies showed that identified phytoconstituents have potential to bind with culprit cytokine.

Conclusion: Data of that current study conclude that TgSO has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic effects that validate its traditional uses. Moreover, the synergistic actions of different phytoconstituents are proposed to be responsible for the observed effects.

Keywords: Oedema; TNF- α; Trigonella foenum-graecum; angiogenesis; antioxidants; inflammation.