Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

Chronic inflammation is a critical underlying factor in many non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs and corticosteroids, while effective, often cause adverse side effects with prolonged use. As a result, there is increased interest in investigating natural, plant-based alternatives with fewer side effects. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), a traditional herb and spice, is rich in bioactive compounds such as diosgenin, quercetin, and saponins, which have demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of diosgenin, quercetin, and crude fenugreek extract in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The cytokine levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured using ELISA, and the NF-κB activation pathway was assessed by Western blotting. The results showed that diosgenin was the most potent anti-inflammatory agent, significantly reducing TNF-α, IL-6 levels, and inhibiting NF-κB p65 translocation. Quercetin also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects, though slightly less potent than diosgenin. Crude fenugreek extract showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity, likely due to the synergistic effects of its multiple bioactive compounds. The findings suggest that diosgenin, quercetin, and fenugreek could be promising natural alternatives for the management of chronic inflammation, offering a safer therapeutic approach compared to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. Further studies are needed to explore the synergistic interactions among fenugreek's compounds and assess their clinical efficacy in human populations.