Trigonelline (TRG) as a polar hydrophilic alkaloid is extracted from many plant species, for example, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Allium sepapea, Coffea sp, Pissum sativum, Glycine max, and Lycopersicon esculentum. Numerous biological activities have been reported for TRG such as protection of heart and liver and treatment of hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, nervous and hormonal disorders, and cancers. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarize some information about TRG's biosynthesis pathway, pharmacological activity, pharmacokinetics, and analytical techniques to introduce TRG as an alternative choice to treat the various diseases. However, current evidence is still inadequate for introducing TRG as a novel drug, and it is necessary to examine more clinical trials to determine its acute and chronic side effects, bioavailability, pharmacokinetic parameters, and mechanisms of action.
Keywords: pharmacokinetic assay; pharmacological activity; plant alkaloid; plant toxicology; trigonelline.