SpringerLink
Log in

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): An Overview of Food Uses and Health Benefits

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Neglected Plant Foods Of South Asia

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a leguminous plant that is consumed as a spice to improve the flavor of food around the world. Fenugreek has been extensively cited to hold medicinal properties such as hypo-cholesterolemic, anti-carcinogenic, antidiabetic, immunological activity, and as carrier of potential antioxidants. Aside from its therapeutic uses as an alternate and complementary medicine, Fenugreek has been in use as a stabilizing, emulsifying, and binding ingredient in foodstuff and in manufacturing numerous processed foods. Fenugreek leaves and seeds are extremely valuable and featured with important phytochemicals such as amino acids, steroidal saponins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, and other organic and inorganic substances and minerals of human health significance. Fenugreek seeds and leaves can be consumed either fresh or cooked as a spice, culinary ingredient, flavoring agent, and or preservative. In this chapter, we will discuss the possible uses of fenugreek as a nutraceutical ingredient and as a functional food.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Chapter
EUR 29.95
Price includes VAT (Germany)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
EUR 160.49
Price includes VAT (Germany)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
EUR 213.99
Price includes VAT (Germany)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free ship** worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abbas N, Al Rubaish AR, Ali S (2016) Study of anti-inflammatory analgesic and antipyretic antimicrobial effect of aqueous extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum sprouts and effect of glacial acetic acid on blood cells of mice. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci 1(1):67–73

    Google Scholar 

  • Acharya S, Srichamroen A, Basu S et al (2006) Improvement in the nutraceutical properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). J Sci Technol 28(1):1–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Addisu K (2011) Optimization of extrusion conditions for develo** ready-to-eat defatted soy-rice and chocolate blend extrudate. Dissertation, Addis Ababa University

    Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad A, Alghamdi SS, Mahmood K, Afzal M (2016) Fenugreek a multipurpose crop: potentialities and improvements. Saudi J Biol Sci 23(2):300–310

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad N, Riaz S, Ali A (2023) Ingredients for food products. In: Jeguirim M, Khiari B, Jellali S (eds) Palm trees and fruits residues, 1st edn. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 115–153

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmadiani A, Javan M, Semnanian S et al (2001) Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves extract in the rat. J Ethnopharmacol 75:283–286

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmed N, Ali A, Riaz S, Ahmad A, Aqib M (2021) Vegetable proteins: nutritional value, sustainability, and future perspectives. In: Yildirim E, Ekinci M (eds) Vegetable crops-health benefits and cultivation, 1st edn. IntechOpen, London, pp 42–56

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-atwi LF (2010) Clinical evaluation for the diuretic effect of the alcoholic extract of Trigonella faenum-gracum seeds (fenugreek) on rabbits. Kufa J Vet Med Sci 1(1):116–121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ali A, Ain Q, Saeed A et al (2021) Bio-molecular characteristics of whey proteins with relation to inflammation. In: Qureshi MS (ed) New advances in the dairy insdustry. IntechOpen, London, pp 3–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Ali A, Riaz S, Sameen A et al (2022) The disposition of bioactive compounds from fruit waste, their extraction, and analysis using novel technologies: a review. Processes 10(10):2014

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Jasass FM, Al-Jasser MS (2012) Chemical composition and fatty acid content of some spices and herbs under Saudi Arabia conditions. Sci World J 859892:1–5. https://doi.org/10.1100/2012/859892

  • Al-Oqail MM, Farshori NN, Al-Sheddi ES et al (2013) In vitro cytotoxic activity of seed oil of fenugreek against various cancer cell lines. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 14(3):1829–1832

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Timimi LAN (2019) Antibacterial and anticancer activities of fenugreek seed extract. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 20(12):3771–3776

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Amin A, Alkaabi A, Al-Falasi S, Daoud SA (2005) Chemopreventive activities of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) against breast cancer. Cell Biol Int 29(8):687–694

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anarthe SJ, Sunitha D, Raju MG (2014) Immunomodulatory activity for methanolic extract of Trigonella foenum graecum whole plant in wistar albino rats. Am J Phytomed Clin Ther 2(9):1081–1092

    Google Scholar 

  • Baba WN, Tabasum Q, Muzzaffar S et al (2018) Some nutraceutical properties of fenugreek seeds and shoots (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) from the high Himalayan region. Food Biosci 23:31–37

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bahmani M, Shirzad H, Mirhosseini M et al (2016) A review on ethnobotanical and therapeutic uses of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L). J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med 21(1):53–62

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Balaraman R, Dangwal S, Mohan M (2006) Antihypertensive effect of Trigonella foenum-greacum. Seeds in experimentally induced hypertension in rats. Pharm Biol 44(8):568–575

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Basu SK, Zandi P, Cetzal-Ix W (2018) Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.): distribution, genetic diversity, and potential to serve as an industrial crop for the global pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food industries. In: Watson RR, Singh RB, Takahashi T (eds) The role of functional food security in global health, 1st edn. Elsevier Inc, London, pp 471–497

    Google Scholar 

  • Basch E, Ulbricht C, Kuo G, Szapary P, Smith M (2003) Therapeutic applications of fenugreek. Altern Med Rev. 8(1):20–27. PMID: 12611558.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bin-Hafeez B, Haque R, Parvez S et al (2003) Immunomodulatory effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) extract in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 3(2):257–265

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Biswal S, Das MC, Nayak P (2003) Antinociceptive activity of seeds of Trigonella foenum gracecum in rats. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 47(4):479–480

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bukhari SB, Bhanger MI, Memon S (2008) Antioxidative activity of extracts from fenugreek. Pak J Anal Environ Chem 9(2):78–83

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burey P, Bhandari BR, Howes T, Gidley MJ (2008) Hydrocolloid gel particles: formation, characterization, and application. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 48(5):361–377

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chatterjee S, Variyar PS, Sharma A (2010) Bioactive lipid constituents of fenugreek. Food Chem 119(1):349–353

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dhull SB, Punia S, Kidwai MK et al (2020) Solid-state fermentation of lentil (Lens culinaris L.) with Aspergillus awamori: effect on phenolic compounds, mineral content, and their bioavailability. Legum Sci 2(3):e37

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dhull SB, Punia S, Kumar R et al (2021) Solid state fermentation of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): implications on bioactive compounds, mineral content and in vitro bioavailability. J Food Sci Technol 58(5):1927–1936

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dixit P, Ghaskadbi S, Mohan H, Devasagayam TPA (2005) Antioxidant properties of germinated fenugreek seeds. Phytother Res 19(11):977–983

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • El Bairi K, Ouzir M, Agnieszka N, Khalki L (2017) Anticancer potential of Trigonella foenum graecum: cellular and molecular targets. Biomed Pharmacother 9:479–491

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Nasri NA, El Tinay AH (2007) Functional properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) protein concentrate. Food Chem 103(2):582–589

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elnour ME, Ali AM, Saeed BE (2015) Antimicrobial activities and phytochemical screening of callus and seeds extracts of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci 4(2):147–157

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fatima T, Maqbool K, Scholar P et al (2018) Potential health benefits of fenugreek. J Med Plants Stud 6(2):166–169

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernández-García E, Carvajal-Lérida I, Pérez-Gálvez A (2009) In vitro bioaccessibility assessment as a prediction tool of nutritional efficiency. Nutr Res 29(11):751–760

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Feyzi S, Varidi M, Zare F, Varidi MJ (2015) Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed protein isolate: extraction optimization, amino acid composition, thermo and functional properties. J Sci Food Agric 95(15):3165–3176

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gamlath S, Ravindran G (2009) Extruded products with fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecium) chickpea and rice: physical properties, sensory acceptability and glycaemic index. J Food Eng 90(1):44–52

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giosafatto CVL, Mariniello L, Ring S (2007) Extraction and characterization of Foeniculum vulgare pectins and their use for preparing biopolymer films in the presence of phaseolin protein. J Agric Food Chem 55(4):1237–1240

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • GoÅ‚aszewska KÅ», Wierzbowska J (2017) Fenugreek: productivity, nutritional value and uses. J Elem 22(3):1067–1080

    Google Scholar 

  • Guardiola FA, Bahi A, Esteban MA (2018) Effects of dietary administration of fenugreek seeds on metabolic parameters and immune status of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.). Fish Shellfish Immunol 74:372–379

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Guo R, Ai L, Cao N et al (2016) Physicochemical properties and structural characterization of a galactomannan from Sophora alopecuroides L. seeds. Carbohydr Polym 140:451–460

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta A, Gupta R, Lal B (2001) Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds on glycaemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo controlled study. J Assoc Physicians India 49:1057–1061

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hamdani AM, Wani IA, Bhat NA (2019) Sources, structure, properties and health benefits of plant gums: a review. Int J Biol Macromol 135:46–61

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hamden K, Masmoudi H, Carreau S, Elfeki A (2010) Immunomodulatory, β-cell, and neuroprotective actions of fenugreek oil from alloxan-induced diabetes. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 32(3):437–445

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hamden K, Keskes H, Belhaj S et al (2011) Inhibitory potential of omega-3 fatty and fenugreek essential oil on key enzymes of carbohydrate-digestion and hypertension in diabetes rats. Lipids Health Dis 10(1):226

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Hannan JMA, Ali L, Rokeya B et al (2007) Soluble dietary fibre fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seed improves glucose homeostasis in animal models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes by delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and enhancing insulin action. Br J Nutr 97(3):514–521

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • He Y, Ding C, Wang X et al (2015) Using response surface methodology to optimize countercurrent chromatographic separation of polyphenol compounds from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds. J Liq Chromatogr Relat Technol 38(1):29–35

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hibasami H, Moteki H, Ishikawa K et al (2003) Protodioscin isolated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) induces cell death and morphological change indicative of apoptosis in leukemic cell line H-60, but not in gastric cancer cell line KATO III. Int J Mol Med 11:23–26

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hooda S, Jood S (2005) Organoleptic and nutritional evaluation of wheat biscuits supplemented with untreated and treated fenugreek flour. Food Chem 90(3):427–435

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jäger R, Lowery RP, Calvanese AV (2014) Comparative absorption of curcumin formulations. Nutr J 13(1):11

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Jamwal R (2018) Bioavailable curcumin formulations: a review of pharmacokinetic studies in healthy volunteers. J Integr Med 16(6):367–374

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Johanson JF (2007) Review of the treatment options for chronic constipation. MedGenMed 9(2):25

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kaviarasan S, Vijayalakshmi K, Anuradha CV (2004) Polyphenol-rich extract of fenugreek seeds protect erythrocytes from oxidative damage. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 59(4):143–147

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaviarasan S, Sundarapandiyan R, Anuradha CV (2007) Protective action of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed polyphenols against alcohol-induced protein and lipid damage in rat liver. Paper presented at VIIIth conference of the International Society for Trace Element Research in Humans (ISTERH), the IXth conference of the Nordic Trace Element Society (NTES), and the VIth conference of the Hellenic Trace Element Society (HTES). Springer, Dordrecht, pp 111–120

    Google Scholar 

  • Khalid W, Gill P, Arshad MS et al (2022) Functional behavior of DHA and EPA in the formation of babies brain at different stages of age, and protect from different brain-related diseases. Int J Food Prop 25(1):1021–1044

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kharat M, McClements DJ (2019) Recent advances in colloidal delivery systems for nutraceuticals: a case study – delivery by design of curcumin. J Colloid Interface Sci 557:506–518

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Khorshidian N, Yousefi Asli M, Arab M et al (2016) Fenugreek: potential applications as a functional food and nutraceutical. Nutr Food Sci Res 3(1):5–16

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar N, Kumar M, Verma MK et al (2021) Bioactive effects and safety profiles of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) for pharmaceutical and medicinal applications. Pharma Innov 10(12):912–919

    Google Scholar 

  • Laroubi A, Touhami M, Farouk L et al (2007) Prophylaxis effect of Trigonella foenum graecum L. seeds on renal stone formation in rats. Phytother Res 21(10):921–925

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Latif AD (2015) Evaluation of the antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) activity of ethanolic extracts of some medical plants. J Nat Sci Res 5(22):87–95

    Google Scholar 

  • Li G, Luan G, He Y et al (2018) Polyphenol stilbenes from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds improve insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Oxidative Med Cell Longev 2018:1–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Madhava Naidu M, Shyamala BN, Pura Naik J et al (2011) Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the husk and endosperm of fenugreek seeds. LWT – Food Sci Technol 44(2):451–456

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Manzoor MF, Hussain A, Tazeddinova D, Abylgazinova A, Xu B (2022) Assessing the nutritional-valuebased therapeutic potentials and non-destructive approaches for mulberry fruit assessment: An overview. Computational intelligence and neuroscience, 2022.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maqbool Z, Arshad MS, Ali A et al (2022) Potential role of phytochemical extract from saffron in development of functional foods and protection of brain-related disorders. Oxidative Med Cell Longev 2022:6480590

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McClements DJ (2019) Food nanotechnology: harnessing the power of the miniature world inside our foods. In: McClements DJ (ed) Future foods, 1st edn. Springer Nature, Cham

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Mirzaie M, Khalili M, Kiasalari Z, Roghani M (2016) Neuroprotective and antiapoptotic potential of trigonelline in a striatal 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson’s disease. Neurophysiology 48(3):176–183

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mukthamba P, Srinivasan K (2015) Beneficial hypolipidemic influence of a combination of dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds and garlic (Allium sativum) in induced hypercholesterolemic rats. Eur Food Res Technol 240(5):1049–1058

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mukthamba P, Srinivasan K (2017) Dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds and garlic (Allium sativum) alleviates oxidative stress in experimental myocardial infarction. Food Sci Hum Wellness 6(2):77–87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Navarro del Hierro J, Reglero G, Martin D (2020) Chemical characterization and bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds from saponin-rich extracts and their acid-hydrolysates obtained from fenugreek and quinoa. Foods 9(9):1159

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Nayak AK, Pal D (2018) Functionalization of tamarind gum for drug delivery. In: Thakur VK (ed) Functional bioplomers, 1st edn. Springer Nature, Cham, pp 25–56

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Nayak AK, Bera H, Hasnain M, Pal D (2018) Synthesis and characterization of graft copolymers of plant polysaccharides. In: Thakur VK (ed) Biopolymer grafting, 1st edn. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 1–62

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Keefe JH, Captain BK, Jones PG, Harris WS (2004) Atorvastatin reduces remnant lipoproteins and small, dense low-density lipoproteins regardless of the baseline lipid pattern. Prev Cardiol 7(4):154–160

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ozturk M, Hakeem KR, Ashraf M, Ahmad MSA (eds) (2018) Global perspectives on underutilized crops. Springers Nature, Cham

    Google Scholar 

  • Pal D, Mukherjee S (2020) Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum) seeds in health and nutrition. In: Preedy VR, Watson RR (eds) Nuts and seeds in health and disease prevention, 1st edn. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 161–170

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Pandian RS, Anuradha CV, Viswanathan P (2002) Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on experimental gastric ulcer in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 81(3):393–397

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Passano P (1995) The many uses of methi. Manushi 2(1):31–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Petropoulos GA (ed) (2002) Fenugreek: the genus Trigonella. CRC Press, Florida

    Google Scholar 

  • Platel K, Srinivasan K (2000) Influence of dietary spices and their active principles on pancreatic digestive enzymes in albino rats. Nahrung – Food 44(1):42–46

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rababah TM, Ereifej KI, Esoh RB et al (2011) Antioxidant activities, total phenolics and HPLC analyses of the phenolic compounds of extracts from common Mediterranean plants. Nat Prod Res 25(6):596–605

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Raju J, Bird RP (2006) Alleviation of hepatic steatosis accompanied by modulation of plasma and liver TNF-α levels by Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seeds in Zucker obese (fa/fa) rats. Int J Obes 30(8):1298–1307

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Raju J, Gupta D, Rao AR et al (2001) Trigonellafoenum graecum (fenugreek) seed powder improves glucose homeostasis in alloxan diabetic rat tissues by reversing the altered glycolytic, gluconeogenic and lipogenic enzymes. Mol Cell Biochem 224:45–51

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rambhade S, Chakraborty A, Patil U, Rambhade A (2010) Diabetes mellitus – its complications, factors influencing complications and prevention: an overview. J Chem Pharm Res 2(6):7–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramulu P, Giridharan NV, Udayasekhararao P (2011) Hypolipidemic effect of soluble dietary fiber (galactomannan) isolated from fenugreek seeds in WNIN (GR-Ob) obese rats. J Med Plant Res 5(19):4804–4813

    Google Scholar 

  • Ranade M, Mudgalkar N (2017) A simple dietary addition of fenugreek seed leads to the reduction in blood glucose levels: a parallel group, randomized single-blind trial. Int Q J Res Ayurveda 38(1):24–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Rashid F, Hussain S, Ahmed Z (2018) Extraction purification and characterization of galactomannan from fenugreek for industrial utilization. Carbohydr Polym 180:88–95

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rayyan S, Fossen T, Andersen ØM (2010) Flavone c-glycosides from seeds of fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum L. J Agric Food Chem 58(12):7211–7217

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rehman T, Owais Ghauri A, Tayyeba Rehman C (2018) Nutritional and health benefits of fenugreek: a short review. Int J Home Sci 2(2):28–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Riaz S, Ahmad A, Farooq R et al (2022) Edible mushrooms, a sustainable source of nutrition, biochemically active compounds and its effect on human health. In: Shiomi N, Savitskaya A (eds) Current topics in functional food, 1st edn. IntechOpen, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruby BC, Gaskill SE, Slivka D, Harger SG (2005) The addition of fenugreek extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum) to glucose feeding increases muscle glycogen resynthesis after exercise. Amino Acids 28(1):71–76

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sfar M, Jaouani A, Ben-Mahrez K et al (2018) The effect of fenugreek on blood glucose, lipid parameters, insulin and resistin in obese women with type 2 diabetes. Int J Pharm Pharm Res 11(3):108–123

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shang M (1998) Studies of flavonoids from fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.). Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 23:614–616

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma RD (1984) Hypocholesterolemic activity of fenugreek (T. foenum graecum). An experimental study in rats. Nutr Rep Int 30(1):221–231

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma RD, Raghuram TC (1990) Hypoglycaemic effect of fenugreek seeds in non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects. Nutr Res 10(7):731–739

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Rao NS (1990) Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr 44(4):301–306

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma V, Singh P, Rani A (2016) Antimicrobial activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek). Eur Exp Biol 7(1):1–4

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sindhu G, Shyni GL, Pushpan CK et al (2018) Evaluation of anti-arthritic potential of Trigonella foenum graecum L. (fenugreek) mucilage against rheumatoid arthritis. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 138:48–53

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Soetan KO, Oyewole OE (2009) The need for adequate processing to reduce the anti-nutritional factors inplants used as human foods and animal feeds: a review. Afr J Food Sci 3(9):223–232

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sreeja S, Anju VS (2010) In vitro estrogenic activities of fenugreek Trigonella foenum graecum seeds. Indian J Med Res 131(6):814–819

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Srinivasan, K. (2005). Plant foods in the management of diabetes mellitus: spices as beneficial antidiabetic food adjuncts. Int J Food Sci Nutr 56(6), 399–414

    Google Scholar 

  • Srinivasan M, Sudheer AR, Menon VP (2007) Ferulic acid: therapeutic potential through its antioxidant property. J Clin Biochem Nutr 40(2):92–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Srivastava D, Rajiv J, Naidu MM et al (2012) Effect of fenugreek seed husk on the rheology and quality characteristics of muffins. Food Nutr Sci 03(11):1473–1479

    Google Scholar 

  • Suresh P, Kavitha CN, Babu SM et al (2012) Effect of ethanol extract of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seeds on Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in albino rats. Inflammation 35(4):1314–1321

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sureshkumar D, Begum S, Johannah NM et al (2018) Toxicological evaluation of a saponin-rich standardized extract of fenugreek seeds (FenuSMART®): acute, sub-chronic and genotoxicity studies. Toxicol Rep 5:1060–1068

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Swaroop A, Bagchi M, Preuss HG, Bagchi D (2018) Safety and antidiabetic efficacy of a novel Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract. In: Bagchi D, Nair S (eds) Nutritional and therapeutic interventions for diabetes and metabolic syndrome, 1st edn. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 357–364

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Syed QA, Rashid Z, Ahmad MH et al (2020) Nutritional and therapeutic properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): a review. Int J Food Prop 23(1):1777–1791

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tamiru Kasaye A (2015) Evaluation of composite blends of fermented fenugreek and wheat flour to assess its suitability for bread and biscuit. Int J Nutr Food Sci 4(1):29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tavakoly R, Maracy MR, Karimifar M, Entezari MH (2018) Does fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed improve inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus? A parallel group randomized clinical trial. Eur J Integr Med 18:13–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thomopoulos C, Parati G, Zanchetti A (2018) Effects of blood pressure-lowering treatment on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. J Hypertens 36(8):1637–1647

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thorat R, Gaikwad D (2019) Pharmacognostical and phytophysicochemical investigations of Trigonella foenum – graecum Linn. J Drug Deliv Ther 9:138–145

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Timilsena YP, Adhikari R, Kasapis S, Adhikari B (2016) Molecular and functional characteristics of purified gum from Australian chia seeds. Carbohydr Polym 136:128–136

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vickers CE, Williams TC, Peng B, Cherry J (2017) Recent advances in synthetic biology for engineering isoprenoid production in yeast. Curr Opin Chem Biol 40:47–56

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang L, Zheng W, Yang J et al (2022) Mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus alleviating acquired hyperlipidemia induced by high-fat diet through regulating lipid metabolism. Nutrients 14(5):954

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Wani SA, Kumar P (2016) Fenugreek enriched extruded product: optimization of ingredients using response surface methodology. Int Food Res J 23(2):630–637

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wani SA, Kumar P (2018) Fenugreek: a review on its nutraceutical properties and utilization in various food products. J Saudi Soc Agric Sci 17(2):97–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Wielinga WC (2009) Galactomannans. In: Phillips GO, Williams PA (eds) Handbook of hydrocolloids, 1st edn. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 228–251

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Wiley J, Thirunavukkarasu V, Anuradha CV, Viswanathan P (2003) Protective effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds in experimental ethanol toxicity. Phytother Res 17(7):737–743

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yacoubi L, Rabaoui L, Hamdaoui MH et al (2011) Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linnaeus, 1753 (fenugreek) seed extract in experimental pulmonary fibrosis. J Med Plant Res 5(17):4315–4325

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yoshinari O, Igarashi K (2010) Anti-diabetic effect of trigonelline and nicotinic acid, on KK-Ay mice. Curr Med Chem 17(20):2196–2202

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zameer S, Najmi AK, Vohora D, Akhtar M (2018) A review on therapeutic potentials of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) and its chemical constituents in neurological disorders: complementary roles to its hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and antioxidant potential. Nutr Neurosci 21(8):539–545

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zandi P, Basu SK, Cetzal-Ix W et al (2017) Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.): an important medicinal and aromatic crop. In: El-Shemy H (ed) Active ingredients from aromatic and medicinal plants, 1st edn. IntechOpen, London, pp 207–224

    Google Scholar 

  • Zheng B, McClements DJ (2020) Formulation of more efficacious curcumin delivery systems using colloid science: enhanced solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Molecules 25(12):2791

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We are thankful to the digital library of GCUF for providing us access to the Publication.

Conflicts of Interest

All authors read and approved the final manuscript and declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutritional Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan

    Nazir Ahmad

  2. Department of Home Economics, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan

    Sakhawat Riaz

  3. Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, **angya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China

    Anwar Ali

  4. Office of the Human Resource Development Center Baltistan, Skardu, Pakistan

    Tariq Riaz

Authors
  1. Nazir Ahmad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Sakhawat Riaz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Anwar Ali
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Tariq Riaz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nazir Ahmad .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Science and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan

    Tariq Ismail

  2. Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan

    Saeed Akhtar

  3. Department of Food Technology Engineering and Nutrition, Lund University, Lund, Sweden

    Claudia E. Lazarte

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Ahmad, N., Riaz, S., Ali, A., Riaz, T. (2023). Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): An Overview of Food Uses and Health Benefits. In: Ismail, T., Akhtar, S., Lazarte, C.E. (eds) Neglected Plant Foods Of South Asia. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37077-9_18

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation