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Home -> Shop By Store -> FenugreekFenugreekOther Common Names:Alhova, Bird's Foot, Greek Clover, Greek Hay, Hu Lu Ba, Methi, Trigonella, Trigonella foenum-graecum Parts Used: Aerial parts, seeds Fenugreek: Fenugreek consists of the dried ripe seeds of a small, southern European herb known technically as Trigonella foenum-graecum L.., a member of the family Fabaceae. It is variously referred to as trigonella or as Greek hayseed. The seeds contain up to 40 percent of a mucilage causing them to be used in various poultices and ointments intended for external application. Fenugreek has also been administered internally for stomach ailments, again due to its soothing mucilaginous properties. Small animal studies have revealed a number of potential therapeutic applications of the seed. These include its use in treating baldness, cancer, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, inflammations, microbial and fungal infections, and stomach ulcers. Needless to say, fenugreek's utility for any of these conditions has not been verified in human beings. In India, fenugreek seeds have traditionally been used as a treatment for diabetes. Various studies have identified hypoglycemic activity of various fenugreek seed extracts in rabbits, rats, and dogs. The effects have been attributed to a number of components, including a defatted seed faction, nicotinic acid, coumarin, and trigonelline. Fenugreek does contain a number of steroidal sapogenins, including yamogenin and diosgenin, which could contribute to some traditional therapeutic applications for the herb. Several small, and mostly uncontrolled, human studies have shown a reduction in plasma glucose concentrations and insulin responses in non-insulin-dependent diabetics. The mechanism of action is not clearly understood. A recent study showed that fenugreek seeds significantly lowered serum cholesterol levels (14 percent reduction) in a twenty-four-week study with sixty non-insulin-dependent diabetics. The taste of the seed, somewhat reminiscent of maple sugar, accounts for its use as a spice and a flavoring agent, especially in imitation maple syrup. Fenugreek is soothing, flavorful, and even nutritious. Although it is not a particularly potent medicament, it is quite harmless in normal use. Fenugreek is useful: Fenugreek seeds contain a high percentage of mucilage -- a natural gummy substance present in the coatings of many seeds. Although it does not dissolve in water, mucilage forms a thick, gooey mass when exposed to fluids. Like other mucilage-containing substances, fenugreek seeds swell up and become slick when they are exposed to fluids. The resulting soft mass is not absorbed by the body, but instead passes through the intestines and also triggers intestinal muscle contractions. Both actions promote the emptying of intestinal contents. Therefore, fenugreek is a mild but effective laxative. In addition, fenugreek seeds contain chemicals that slow down the time that food takes to go through the intestinal tract. As one result, sugars are absorbed from foods more slowly and blood sugar levels may not rise as high or fluctuate as much as usual. Also, fenugreek contains an amino acid called 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which appears to increase the body's production of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Higher insulin production may decrease the amounts of sugar that stay in the blood for many individuals. In some studies of animals and humans with both diabetes and high cholesterol levels, fenugreek lowered cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels. However, no blood-sugar lowering effect was seen in non-diabetic animals. Similarly individuals with normal cholesterol levels showed no significant reductions in cholesterol while taking fenugreek. Some evidence suggests that fenugreek may also have other medical uses. It may reduce the amounts of calcium oxalate in the kidneys. Calcium oxalate often contributes to kidney stones. In animal studies, fenugreek also appeared to lessen the chance of developing colon cancer by blocking the action of certain enzymes. Topically, the gelatinous texture of fenugreek seed may have some benefit for soothing skin that is irritated by eczema or other conditions. It has also been applied as a warm poultice to relieve muscle aches and gout pain. Side Effects : Most side effects reported with fenugreek are relatively minor ones such as gas or diarrhea. If it is taken in large amounts or for long periods of time, however, it may make blood sugar levels too low |
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