Fenugreek (
Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a plant in the family Fabaceae. Fenugreek is used both as a herb (the leaves) and as a spice (the seed). The leaves, known as methi in Hindi/Urdu/Hindi/Nepali), are also eaten as vegetables. The plant is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop and is a common ingredient in dishes from the Indian Subcontinent.
Trigonellafoenum-graecum (Fenugreek) (Leguminosae) is employed as a herbal medicine. Its seeds are known for their carminative, tonic and antidiabetic effects. A curative dose of Trigonellafoenum-graecum also produces antiulcer action.
Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of the polysaccharide galactomannan. They are also a source of saponins such as diosgenin, yamogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogens. Other bioactive constituents of fenugreek include mucilage, volatile oils, and alkaloids such as choline and trigonelline.