Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) is a medicinal plant included in the family Fabaceae.

The other common name of Fenugreek are Alholva, Bird's Foot, Boyotu, Chinagreye, Foenum Graecum, Greek Hay-seed, Halva, Helba, Hu Lu Pa, K'U Tou, Kelabat, Koroha, Methi, Shimli, Sickle-fruit)

Habitat of Fenugreek are Field verges, uncultivated ground, dry grasslands and hillsides. In India and some countries, Fenugreek leaves and sprouts are eaten as a vegetable.



The part used are the leaves, seeds and whole plant. The seed and leaves are anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, carminative, demulcent, deobstruent, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge, galactogogue, hypoglycemic, laxative, parasiticide, restorative and uterine tonic.

The seed yields a strong mucilage and is therefore useful in the treatment of inflammation and ulcers of the stomach and intestines. Taken internally, a decoction of the ground seeds serves to drain off the sweat ducts.

The seed is very nourishing and body-building and is one of the most efficacious tonics in cases of physical debility caused by anemia or by infectious diseases, especially where a nervous factor is involved.

It is also used in the treatment of adult-onset diabetes, poor digestion (especially in convalescence), insufficient lactation, painful menstruation, labour pains etc.

The seeds freshen bad breath and restore a dulled sense of taste. Externally, the seeds can be ground into a powder and used as a poultice for abcesses, boils, ulcers, burns etc, or they can be used as a douche for excessive vaginal discharge.

The leaves are harvested in the growing season and can be used fresh or dried. The seeds are harvested when fully ripe and dried for later use. Compounds extracted from the plant have shown cardiotonic, hypoglycemic, diuretic, antiphlogistic and hypotensive activity. One of its constituent alkaloids, called 'trigonelline', has shown potential for use in cancer therapy.

The seed contains the saponin diosgenin, an important substance in the synthesis of oral contraceptives and sex hormones, whilst saponins in the plant have been extracted for use in various other pharmaceutical products.

Some countries use fenugreek extracts in manufacturing of soaps and cosmetics.The fragrant properties of fenugreek often used as fragrances.

Fenugreek seeds contain musilaginous fibre (50%) which have various other pharmacologically active compounds are (1):


1. Alkaloids up to 0.13%
2. Proteins and amino acids Protein 23–25%
3. Flavonoids
4.  Saponins 0.6–1.7%.
5.  Other constituents Coumarin,(7) lipids (5–8%), vitamins (including nicotinic acid) and minerals.

 Fenugreek has pharmacological activities (2):

1.  Analgesic
2.  Anesthetic
3.  Antiatherosclerotic
4.  Antidiabetic
5.  Emmenagogue
6.  Antiinflammatory
7.  Antiseptic
8.  Antispasmodic
9.  Antitumor
10. Aphrodisiac
11. Astringent
12. Carminative
13. Hypocholesterolemic, Hypolipidemic and Hypotriglyceridemic
14. Hypoglycemic
15. Hypotensive
16. Lactagogue
17. Mucilaginous

Dosage (1): Seed 1–6 g or equivalent three times daily (dosages for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses recommended.)

Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (2)
Contraindicated in pregnancy: Fenugreek use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided due to its uterine stimulant actions.
Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages. Studies reports no contraindications or interactions for oral use of the seed.

References:
(1) Herbal Medicine 3 rd ed, Joanne Barnes, Linda A Anderson and J David Phillipson, Pharmaceutical Press

(2) Handbook Of Medicine Herbs, James A. DUke with Mary Jo Bogenschutz- Godwin Judi du Cellier and Peggy-Ann K. Duke, CRC PRESS