Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): Health Benefits, Ayurvedic Uses, Dosage And Side Effects

Abstract

The annual plant from the Leguminosae family has green, small, triangular leaves and hard yellow seed pods with white – yellow flowers and is cultivated worldwide. This herb has been used medicinally and nutritionally since ancient times. Fenugreek or methi seeds are more beneficial to diabetics because of their bitter taste. These seeds help to control blood sugar levels. They also aid in detoxification by removing all harmful toxins from the body, thereby relieving digestion. People use methi in traditional ways, such as soaking it overnight and drinking it in the morning, to lower bad cholesterol and improve overall heart health. The seeds are high in alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. These bioactive molecules give fenugreek a variety of properties, including immunomodulation, neuroprotection, anti-diabeticity, and anti-carcinogenicity. Fenugreek is also thought to be a good antioxidant and can help with blood sugar control, making it an anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, and better gastric stimulant. This article discusses fenugreek seeds’ potential uses as an essential food and in the therapeutic industry.

Introduction

An erect, smooth herbaceous, aromatic annual legume belongs to the family Fabaceae. The stem is long, cylindrical, around 30-60cm long, and light pinkish in color. Fenugreek leaves are toothed and consist of three small obviate to elliptical leaflets, lanceolate, triangular, and trifoliate fluorescence. This is one of the most famous spices in India. This plant is found in parts of Iran to the north of India, and at present it is also planted in other regions of the world. In several countries, such as Iran, India, and China, fenugreek is considered a multipurpose traditional and therapeutic herb. Fenugreek is explained well in the treatment of diabetes. The fenugreek seeds, or in Hindi, this is called methi, have a tangy and bitter taste. Whereas the green leaves of methi have a mild and sweet taste. This small, hard dried mustard yellow seed is popular in Indian cookery. The seed and green leaves are both used in food as well as in medicinal applications.

Nutrient Composition Of Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds contain phospholipids , glycolipids, oleic acid, and linolenic acid. And it is rich in fibre, iron, calcium, and zinc. Which helps in moderating the human glucose metabolism.

• Vitamins: A, B1, B2, C , nicotinic acid, and niacin.
• Proteins: Globulin, lecithin, and albumin, And is rich in amino acids like histidine and isoleucine.
• Lipids: Mainly neutral lipids are present, like phospholipids and glycolipids. Some of the unsaturated lipids present include oleic, linolenic, and linoleic acids.

Bioactive Compounds

Each herb contains phytochemical components that are responsible for the compound’s biochemical activities. The seed contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds, all of which perform and contribute to specific functions. According to some research, there are seven saponins present, known as graecunins. These compounds are diosgenin’s glycosides. Fenugreek leaves contain a lot of water, protein, fat, minerals, fiber, and carbohydrates. The fresh leaf contains ascorbic acid. So fenugreek leaves are preferred as a diet.

The bioactive constituents found in Fenugreek are listed below –

Alkaloids	Trigocoumarin, nicotinic acid, and trimethyl glycosides
Phenolics	Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid , catechin, Gentisisc, vanillic, and chlorogenic acid
Flavonoids	Quercetin, rutin and vitexin
Saponins	Fenugreek, graecunin, and fenugreekine

1. Fenugreek Seeds: Anti-Diabetic Effect

The best of all fenugreek seeds is commonly used to treat diabetes. Diabetes cases are on the rise. High blood sugar levels can also harm the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. To control and maintain these harmful effects in the body, everyone takes anti-diabetic medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, and some sodium glucose inhibitors. These medications can treat diabetes but also cause weight gain and gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and diarrhea.

So from all these affects, researchers explore the one way to treat all these conditions without any harm: the natural substances in plants that can help cure diabetic complications. So Fenugreek is one of the best herbal plants and is used as medicine. Bioactive compounds, such as saponins and flavonoids, possess therapeutic properties. You know that, as discussed above, the seeds of fenugreek are rich in fibre. A study shows that these seeds help lower blood glucose levels by decreasing digestion time. Through this, more carbohydrates are absorbed, which helps treat patients with diabetes. One can drink methi dana water. Patients with disorders may also use it in combination with other herbs. After consuming a healthy diet and drinking fenugreek water, pancreatic cells produce the appropriate amount of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.

2. Improves Kidney Function

It can help in the detoxification of excess fluids. These seeds are useful for kidney stones and help in reducing the amount of salts (calcium oxalates) in the kidney. The active components of fenugreek help in the removal of toxins. You may have heard that drinking too much water can help in the removal of toxins from the body and keep you hydrated. Why not add fenugreek seeds in addition? This can clear all the unwanted salts, like potassium and calcium oxalates, from the kidney and purify it accordingly. And have no side effects. One can add methi to the diet.

3. Gastro-Protective Effects

An unhealthy diet results in discomfort in the stomach and abdominal region. Many severe diseases can be caused, such as ulcers (Gastric and peptic), nausea, and vomiting. Many recent and advanced studies show the vital role of fenugreek against gastrointestinal disorders. Polyphenols such as rhaponticin and isovitexin, which are present in fenugreek seeds, are responsible for treating gastric injuries in the stomach that are harmed by the chemicals. They show remarkable results in improving appetite and gastric problems, and consuming these seeds orally can enhance salivary flow as well as lactase activity.

4. Fenugreek Seeds In The Treatment Of Cancer

An anticancer compound named “diosgenin” found in fenugreek seeds helps in decreasing cancer cells present in the body through apoptosis. Several experiments have been done on this and found that this diosgenin influences the apoptotic pathway in cancerous cells. And these fenugreek seeds can inhibit around 70% of the growth of tumour cells. It shows the cytotoxic property, which is shown to be useful in preventing cancer. Also, this will show the inhibition of tumour growth in breast and prostate cancer cells.

5. Anti-Bacterial Properties

The herbal extracts of this herb are known for their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Consuming green leaves can help boost antibodies and prevent infections. Fenugreek seeds exhibit antibacterial properties against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, S. typhi, and A. niger. Several studies have suggested that using fenugreek oil can aid in achieving maximum inhibition against these bacteria. An anti-microbial MIC resistant test demonstrates that the fenugreek leaf extract inhibits drug resistance microorganisms significantly without causing any side effects. So, during a bacterial infection, one can consume methi seeds or leaves.

6. Fenugreek’s Other Uses In The Cosmetic Industry Include

The seeds of Trigonella foenum-Graecum contain a bioactive compound named: galactomannans. This is a naturally formed compound from herbs that has some dermetic effects, like improvements in skin hydration , treating acne, and glowing skin. It can be used as a good cleanser, which helps scrub the skin externally.

One can use the Fenugreek face pack, which can be easy to make at home. By soaking fenugreek seeds overnight in water. Then blend it with rose water and make a paste. You can add any other ingredient, like honey, which helps with skin tightening. The compound diosgenin, which is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties, can cure acne or pimples and also moisturize the skin. This is an easy herbal remedy that is chemical free. As in the market now, many organic products are launched that contain fenugreek seeds as a key ingredient. Moreover, not only internally but also externally, these seeds have the potential to treat every disease.

Conclusion

Herbal formulations are known to be more widely used than chemical products. Fenugreek is a multipurpose herb with numerous pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Fenugreek, also known as methi in Hindi, is a traditional spice in every Indian household. Everyone prefers this medicine because it treats bacterial infections. Fenugreek, a green vegetable, is high in iron and can help maintain blood sugar levels. Methi is preferred by diabetic patients because of its bitter taste; it purifies the blood. When consumed with water, it acts as an antioxidant and detoxifies the body fluids. Fenugreek’s bioactive compounds have had a significant impact. And it is useful in all properties. This herb in the nutricosmetic market contains a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, proteins, collagen, alkaloids, and other phytochemical properties that are important in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry.