Dissemination: Mediterranean region from the
Iberian peninsula to the Ukraine, the Near East, the Middle East, China
and Ethiopia. Also cultivated in Ethiopia and the USA.
Parts Utilized: Primarily the green parts, more
rarely the seeds.
Effective Ingredients: Saponins, ethereal oils,
tannins, flavonoids, coumarone, furanone, minerals, mucilage, enzymes,
protease inhibitors, vitamins.
Traditional use: Diabetes mellitus type I and II,
increased blood cholesterol, rheumatic disorders, respiratory disorders,
menstrual disorders, acute pancreatitis, during convalescence; used
topically on furuncles, carbuncles, phlegmons, swollen glands and nail bed
infections.
Side Effects: Saponin-mediated haemolytic effect
which can be prevented by special preparation and combination..
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) is an annual plant
with slender vertical stems that can reach a height of 50 - 100 cm. The
leaves vary from inverted egg shape to elongated lancet shape and are
similar to those of alfalfa. In July, the plant produces light yellow,
more rarely darker or light violet blossoms no more than 2 cm in length.
Fenugreek is known both as a vegetable and a medicinal plant.
Cultivated Since Antiquity
Fenugreek is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. It
originally came from Mesopotamia. Today, it is found throughout the
Mediterranean region from the Iberian peninsula to the Ukraine, the Near
East, the Middle East and China, as well as Ethiopia. It is presently
cultivated in Ethiopia, Ukraine, India, China and the USA.
Numerous Ingredients
Recent analyses show that Fenugreek is composed chiefly of
carbohydrates, primarily crude fibers and mucilage, as well as proteins
and lipids. The plant is rich in minerals, and mucilage, as well as
proteins and lipids. The plant is rich in minerals, especially copper and
phosphorous, and also contains enzymes, vitamins (C, E and beta-carotene)
as well as protease inhibitors. Ethereal oils, tannins, flavonoids,
coumarin and furanone have been identified as secondary plant components.
At a content level of 4.8%, saponins constitute the predominant secondary
component.
Antiphologistic and Cholesterol - Lowering Effects
The antiphlogistic effect of Fenugreek is well documented and can be
utilized e.g. in disorders of a rheumatoid nature. The saponins are
primarily responsible for this effect. Antiviral and antimicrobial effects
have also been attributed to this presently medicinal plant. More recent
scientific studies show that Fenugreek has an antidiabetic, blood glucose
lowering effect which again is derived from the saponins as well as from
the protease inhibitors. The cholesterol lowering effect of Fenugreek,
which can be attributed to the high saponin content - and possibly to the
mucilage - may prove to be of significant medical importance. In animal
models, saponins increase the release of bile acids, which bind
cholesterol and lead to its excretion. Direct binding of saponins to
cholesterol is also possible. Expectorant, diuretic, immune stimulating
and anti-oedematous effects have also been ascribed to saponins. An
important factor is the increased availability of blood oxygen obtained
through a moderate increase in erythrocytes. The undesirable haemolytic
properties of saponins can be prevented by concurrent intake of Vitamin E
(activated Fenugreek).
Systemic and Topical Use
In popular medicine, Fenugreek has been used internally as a tonic in
tuberculosis and osteomyelitis as well as generally during convalescence.
Topically, it has been used as an anti-inflammatory. Due to its high
mucilage content, it has been found useful in respiratory disorders. A
stimulating effect on the heart and uterus as well as an ability to reduce
cramps in colic have also been described. Today, the focus is on the
beneficial effects of Fenugreek in diabetes mellitus and cholesterolaemia.
