Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a member of the Leguminosae family of plants. Evidence suggests that fenugreek has a number of health effects in humans. In particular, the seeds of the fenugreek plant may contain a number of phytochemicals that can alter human biochemistry. For example, the amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine may have a number of beneficial effects on blood sugar by acting on the pancreatic cells. Evidence from human studies suggests that fenugreek seeds reduce the blood glucose response to a meal and this hypoglycemic effect may explain many of the health effects of the seeds. In addition, enzyme inhibitors may also inhibit the sucrase and alpha-amylase. Other leguminous plants have also shown similar effects on blood sugar and may work through similar mechanisms. Some evidence suggests that phytochemicals in fenugreek may also increase the number of insulin receptors available to cells. These mechanisms together make fenugreek an effective hypoglycemic agent.
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