Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual plant belonging to the Fabaceae or legume family of plants. The plant grows to approximately 1 to 2 feet in height and it produces yellow or white flowers. Pods grow on the plant, and each pod contains around 10 to 20 seeds. These seeds have important medicinal effects. These medicinal effects include a use in Ayurvedic medicine as a digestive aid. Evidence supports a role for fenugreek as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesity, anticancer, hepatoprotective and antihyperlipidaemic. Fenugreek may also regulate sexual function. Fenugreek is grown mainly as a food in Europe, Asia and Africa, where it is used as a condiment or spice. Trigonella refers to the triangular shaped leaves that are characteristic of the Trigonella genus. Only the leaves and the seeds of fenugreek are edible. The seeds contain a fibre called glucomannan which is added to bread in Africa to improve its consistency, and which may help regulate blood sugar. The phytochemicals in fenugreek that might explain its medicinal effects include saponins, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic acid derivatives, amino acids and fatty acids and their derivatives.
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Nagulapalli Venkata, K. C., Swaroop, A., Bagchi, D. and Bishayee, A. 2017. A small plant with big benefits: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum Linn.) for disease prevention and health promotion. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 61(6): 1600950
