What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek has been traditionally employed as a medicine for a very long time. Fenugreek seeds were commonly used as a food supplement and even a medication by the ancient Egyptians. They thought consuming fenugreek enhanced digestion and increased vigor. The Greeks and Romans employed fenugreek for its medicinal properties in ancient times. Fenugreek is still used today for its medical benefits all over the world.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) is an annual plant in the Leguminosae family. It is one of the most well-known spices in human cuisine. The seeds and green leaves of fenugreek are generally utilized in both food and medicine.
Among the chemical ingredients of fenugreek are steroidal sapogenins. The oily embryo of fenugreek has a diosgenin component. Fenugreek contains two furastanol glycosides, which are F-ring opening precursors of diosgenin, as well as hederagin glycosides. Trigocoumarin, nicotinic acid, trimethyl coumarin, and trigonelline are among the alkaloids found in the stem. The mucilage is a prominent component of the seeds. The stem contains around 28% mucilage, a volatile oil, two alkaloids such as trigonelline and choline, 5% of stronger-smelling, bitter-fixed oil, 22% proteins, and a yellow coloring component. Fenugreek has 23-26% protein, 6-7% fat, and 58% carbs, approximately 25% of which is dietary fiber. Fenugreek has a lot of iron.
You would like to Read – 10 Probiotics apart from yogurt
Description of Fenugreek
- Leaves: The leaves contain graecunins, which are saponins. These substances are diosgenin glycosides. Leaves have an average moisture content, protein, fat, minerals, fiber, and carbs. Calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, riboflavin, carotene, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin C are among the minerals and vitamins found in leaves. Fresh fenugreek leaves contain around ascorbic acid per 100 g of leaves and β-carotene. Fresh leaves are mostly consumed as vegetables.
- Seed: The fenugreek seeds are bitter and slightly sweet. The seeds are available in whole or ground form and are mainly used to flavor a variety of meals, most notably curry powders, teas, and spice blends. The endosperm of fenugreek has the highest levels of saponin and protein. Fenugreek seeds are commercially extracted and have a diosgenin content of 0.1-0.9%. Researchers have discovered that fenugreek seeds contain a variety of coumarin chemicals as well as many alkaloids (e.g., trigonelline, gentianine, carpaine). Polyphenol chemicals like rhaponticin and isovitexin are the main bioactive components in fenugreek seeds.
Chemical constituents that Show Fenugreek Benefits
You would like to know – Nettle Benefits- Uses and Home Remedy
Alkaloids- Betaine, gentianine, trimethylamine, neurin, trigonelline, choline, and gentianine
Flavonoids- Rutin, vitexin, isovitexin, and quercetin
Lipids- Triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, and free fatty acids are examples of acylglycerols.
Saponins- Trigofoenosides, graecunins, fenugrin B, and fenugreek A–G
staphylococcal sapinogen- Yamogenin, diosgenin, smilagenin, and saponaretin.
Fibers- Gum, fiber for a neutral detergent
Others- lipids, vitamins, minerals, and more coumarin. protein, mucilage, and a stronger-swelling, bitter fixed oil
Diosgenin is the primary active component. Diabetes patients consume diosgenin because it controls insulin. It helps to treat constipation. Fenugreek also treat Breast cancer. According to studies, fenugreek contains chemicals that inhibit tumor growth and have anticancer properties. Fenugreek encourages lactation and boosts milk output. Additionally, it might aid in reducing morning sickness.
Fenugreek has a positive impact on purifying the blood, and because it is a diaphoretic, it can cause sweat and aid in body detoxification. Although its essential function is to irrigate the cells with nutrients and eliminate harmful wastes, dead cells, and stuck proteins from the body, fenugreek is also well known for its lymphatic cleansing activity. Wherever in the body of a person, a block in the lymphatic system can result in poor fluid circulation, fluid retention, pain, energy loss, and disease. By aiding in the clearing of congestion, fenugreek helps to maintain mucus conditions in the body, particularly the lungs. It also serves as a mucous and throat cleaner. Fenugreek also treats Emphysema, tuberculosis, bronchial issues, influenza, catarrh, sinusitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, sore throat, laryngitis, and hay fever.
You would like to know – Catnip Benefits- Uses and Herbal Remedy
Health Benefits of Fenugreek
Part 1- Fenugreek Benefits
- Diabetes control: According to many studies the efficacy of fiber, particularly the soluble component of fenugreek dietary fiber, on blood and serum glucose management and insulin production. Adding 100 g fenugreek powder with 50% dietary fiber for 10 days reduced blood glucose levels by 25% in type II diabetes patients.
- Effect on decreasing cholesterol: Several significant studies are usually conducted on the effectiveness of dietary fiber, particularly its soluble form known as beta-glucans or galactomannans, in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Because of their distinctive 1:1 galactose to mannose ratio, fenugreek-derived galactomannans are mainly found to be the most effective at lowering plasma cholesterol levels.
- Reduces body weight and obesity: The anorexigenic and insulinotropic hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secrete in greater amounts by foods high in dietary fiber and protein, which improve glucose tolerance and decreases weight gain.
- The effect of fenugreek fiber on constipation and irregularity: Fenugreek fiber may be effective in treating constipation and preventing the development of diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Due to incomplete fermentation in the large intestine, fenugreek fiber promotes proper placement. It can make waste bulkier, soften the stool by holding water, and reduce transit time through the gut; thus, it aids in maintaining consistent and stable stool time.
You would like to know – Burdock- Health Benefits, Uses, Herbal Remedy
Part 2- Fenugreek Benefits
- Antioxidant activity: Fenugreek has a great antioxidant property that has a positive effect on the liver and pancreas because of its phenolic and flavonoid substance since a plant’s antioxidant activity is dependent on its active phytochemicals.
- Anticarcinogenic activity: In numerous investigations, fenugreek seeds show anticarcinogenic properties. Fenugreek seed consumption reduces the activity of mucinase and -glucoronidase and prevents the development of colon cancer.
- Effect on lactation: For millennia, people have utilized herbs and other natural compounds to improve milk production. Fenugreek is one of the most well-liked galactagogues for encouraging breast milk production. Fenugreek also boosts sweat production and has an impact on breast milk output.
- Effects on Men’s testosterone levels: Increasing testosterone is one of the most popular reasons men take fenugreek pills. It has positive impacts, including a raised libido, according to some research.
- Treat hair fall and dandruff: Fenugreek seeds contain a variety of elements that encourage hair development. Its leaves also help in this way. According to research, putting a paste produced from the leaves on the scalp increases hair development and protects natural hair color. Fenugreek seeds also treat dandruff at a low cost. We can use the seeds and leaves externally and internally because they possess both antibacterial and antifungal characteristics.
- Treat heartburn: Fenugreek products are also treated to lessen the severity of heartburn in research. Fenugreek has similar effects to over-the-counter antacids. Fenugreek also reduces gastrointestinal inflammation by building a protective layer over the intestinal lining.
You would like to know – Vervain Benefits- Uses, Herbal Remedy
