Indian researchers have shown that a compound extracted from fenugreek seeds (methi in Hindi) can be used for nasal delivery of medicines.

Scientists from the department of pharmaceutical technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, used the mucilage (sticky substance produced in certain plants) from methi seeds to develop a nasal gel to deliver a sedative, diazepam. The seeds were boiled in water and processed to extract the natural mucoadhesive (which sticks to the mucous membrane in the nose) fenugreek extract (NMFE). Fenugreek seeds yield between 20 and 25 per cent NMFE. The group studied the properties of NMFE in vitro on bovine nasal mucous membrane and compared its efficacy with that of synthetic polymers such as hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose and carbopol 934, which are commonly used for nasal delivery of drugs.

The scientists found NMFE was more viscous and had better adhesive properties. The natural compound also released the drug faster