Abstract

TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM: A HERBAL PLANT REVIEW

Sakshi R. Yadav*, Dr. Dinesh M. Biyani and Dr. Milind J. Umekar

Abstract

Fenugreek is an aromatic annual herb obtained from Trigonella foenum-graecum linn. family leguminosae. The plant is widely used for medicinal purpose also it has major role in cosmeceuticals and food. It is an erect hairy annual of the bean family, reaching 30-60 cm. It is cold season crop and is fairly tolerant to frost and very low temperature. It can also grow on black cotton soils. The main chemical components of Trigonella foenum-graceum are fibers, flavonoids, polysaccharides, saponins, fixed oils, proteins, amino acid, vitamins, lipids and some identified alkaloids. Fenugreek contains a number of steroidal sapogenins. The leaves contain 7 saponins, known as graecunins. The chemical components of fenugreek seeds include a large carbohydrate fraction; 20-30% proteins high in tryptophan and lysine; pyridine-type alkaloids; flavonoids; free amino acids; saponins; glycosides; vitamins, minerals, mucilage, proteids, 5% of a stronger-smelling, bitter fixed oil, volatile oils. Bitterness is mainly due to the oil, steroidal saponins and alkaloids. Seeds contain 0.1% to 0.9% diosgenin and are extracted on a commercial basis. Fenugreek is used for diabetes, painful menstruation, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, arthritis, poor thyroid function, and obesity. It is also used for conditions that affect heart health such as atherosclerosis and for high blood levels of certain fats including cholesterol and triglycerides. Because of its wide applications fenugreek has very vast therapeutic uses. The present review paper will be useful for preparation of various pharmaceutical products using fenugreek as a drug or as an excipient.

Keywords: Trigonella foenum-graecum, three-angled, galactogague, graecunins, trigonelline, appetide.