A Brief Study on Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum): A Review

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is one of the oldest medicinal plants with exceptional medicinal and nutritional profile. Fenugreek is native to southern Europe and Asia, is an annual herb with white flowers and hard, yellowish brown and angular seeds, known from ancient times, for nutritional value beside of it medicinal effects. Fenugreek seeds contain a substantial amount of fiber, phospholipids, glycolipids, oleic acid, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, choline, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, nicotinic acid, niacin, calcium, iron and many other functional elements. Trigonella foenum-graecum was used as a traditional remedy for the treatment of various diseases. In this study after a general discussion of chemical constituents, the biological and pharmacological actions of fenugreek such as Anti-diabetic activity, Hypocholesterolaemic properties, Immunomodulatory activity, Anti-oxidant activity, Anti-cataract activity and Anti- carcinogenic activity were briefly reviewed. Current lifestyle, eating habits, stress, environmental factors and intensive use of synthetic chemicals in food processing and agriculture have radically increased the progression of several human diseases. Globally, researchers have been looking for natural therapeutic substances that can be used to treat or delay the onset of these lifestyle-related disorders. Overall, this review highlights the morphology, adaptability, nutritional constituents, and associated functionality and medicinal significance of Fenugreek