Pharmacological aspects & medicinal uses of Trigonella foenum-graecum: A Current Review

Abstract

Globally a large number of people are affected by acute and chronic diseases resulting in high morbidity and mortality rate. A huge amount of pharmaceutical drugs are being manufactured on a daily basis to combat these diseases. But due to their high cost and deleterious effects, it becomes critically important to state emphasis on finding an alternative way to manage these long term conditions. Medicinal herbs could provide a good source of dietary supplement combined with existing therapies. Many scientific studies have demonstrated that medicinal plants and herbs have the potential for the treatment of many serious infections and many disorders. Out of these herbs, Fenugreek is recognized as an oldest herb with great medicinal potential. Fenugreek harbors many essential macronutrients and micronutrients along with trace elements. Numerous chemical constituents present in fenugreek highlights a variety of pharmacological activity such as anti-glycemic activity, anti-oxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory effects, hypocholesterolemic activity and many more. This article explores the diverse active compounds and potential pharmacological applications of Trigonella foenum-graecum also known as fenugreek. It also focuses on the medicinal significance and health impact of taking fenugreek in our day to day nutrition.