trigonella foenum-graecum

Trigonella foenum-graecum (commonly known as fenugreek) is an annual herb in the Fabaceae family. Its seeds and leaves have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Fenugreek is primarily used for its hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering), hypolipidemic (cholesterol-lowering), galactagogue (milk production-promoting), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties. The main active constituents include galactomannan fiber, diosgenin (a steroidal saponin), and 4-hydroxyisoleucine. Mechanistically, fenugreek appears to slow glucose absorption in the gut and stimulate insulin secretion; it may also exert effects on lipid metabolism[1][3][8]. It has been studied for use in diabetes management (type 1 and type 2), dyslipidemia/hypercholesterolemia/hypertriglyceridemia[3][5], lactation promotion[4], menstrual cramps/dysmenorrhea[3], postmenopausal symptoms[3], appetite stimulation[5], constipation/laxative effect[2][5], atherosclerosis prevention/treatment[5], kidney ailments/kidney stones[2][5] and other conditions. However clinical evidence remains limited or inconsistent for many indications.

Brand names

fenugreek

Other names

fenugreekbirds footbockshornsamchilbefoenugraeci semenGreek haygriechische Heusamenhu lu bamethi