Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fabaceae), also known as fenugreek, is an important nutritional and medicinal herb that is widely used in Asia and Africa. It is renowned for its distinct flavour and is commonly used in curry powders and dishes. It has applications in teas and as a preservative in sauces and pickles. In Indian cuisine, the leaves are utilised to add flavour to dishes or are consumed as green, while the seeds are employed for seasoning or crushed to create curry powders and pastes. Fenugreek is traditionally used to treat various ailments, including metabolic disorders, digestive problems, and gynaecological issues. Fenugreek is valued for its aphrodisiac, diuretic, emmenagogue, hair tonic, and conditioner properties. The seeds possess a fibrous, adhesive texture, owing to the presence of polysaccharide galactomannans. Fenugreek seeds are rich in alkaloids (trigonelline), saponins (furostanol class), and flavonoids. The extracts and isolated compounds of fenugreek exhibit a wide array of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-allergic, anti-asthmatic, anti-arthritic, anticancer, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-dyslipidaemic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressant, cardioprotective, nephroprotective, anti-osteopenic, wound-healing, and antimicrobial properties.