Fenugreek is a plant that is used in Traditional medicine for its beneficial therapeutic effects. It is also used in cuisine for its nutritional properties. The plant is part of the Fabaceae (legume) family and is characterised by small ovate to oblong leaves. Evidence suggests that fenugreek may have mood elevating properties on account of the phytochemicals the plant contains. In particular, the seeds are rich in phytochemicals that are known to be responsible for anxiolytic effects in other plants. Animals exposed to experimental stress have been shown to demonstrate behavioural adaptations that indicate a decrease in anxious behaviour when fed fenugreek seed extract for 15 days. However, this reduction in anxious behaviour was not accompanied by any sedation, although a mild muscle relaxing effect was observed. Fenugreek seeds therefore appear to possess anxiolytic effects in animals. However, it is not known which of the phytochemicals within the seeds are responsible for this effect.
Fenugreek seeds contain a large number of phytochemicals that may possess biological activity in humans and animals. These include saponins, β-carotene, alkaloids (trigonelline, gentianine, carpaine) and flavonoids. The seeds are also nutritionally rich, containing protein, starch, natural fiber, gum, lipids, vitamins (thiamine, choline) and minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn).
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
