Chavda Saloni, Parmar Meghna and Ingalhalli Rajashekhar
ABSTRACT
A large number of different varieties of plants have been used for medicinal purposes throughout the world since centuries. In Ayurveda, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) was reported to be one of the most potent medicinal plants. Historical uses of fenugreek were recorded as abortifacient, appetite stimulant, baldness, boils, breast enhancement, bronchitis, cellulites, constipation, cough, diarrhoea, eczema, flatulence, galactagogue, hepatitis disease, hernia, indigestion, leg ulcers, menopausal symptoms, myalgia, postmenopausal vaginal dryness, hyperglycaemia, tuberculosis and wound healing. This plant has also the properties for decreasing blood lipids and sugar in diabetic and non-diabetic people and it also exhibits antioxidant and antibacterial activity. This plant is known to decrease body fats and found to be effective on obesity. Fenugreek contains oils, alkaloids, amino acids (lysine, arginine, tryptophan, threonine, vinyl and methionine) and contains vitamins A, C, D, B1 and minerals calcium, iron and zinc. In addition to its medicinal and nutritional properties, fenugreek is found to be responsible for so certain side effects.
Key words: fenugreek, therapeutic use, antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity