Trigonella foenum-graecum

Trigonella foenum-graecum
Family:Trigonella foenum-graecum; Anticholesterolemic; Antiinflammatory; Antiphlogistic; Antitumor; Cardiotonic; Carminative; Demulcent; Deobstruent; Diuretic; Emollient; Expectorant; Febrifuge; Galactogogue; Hypoglycaemic; Hypotensive; Laxative; Parasiticide; Restorative.
Common name:Fenugreek
Fenugreek is much used in herbal medicine especially in North Africa the Middle East and India. It has a wide range of medicinal applications. The seeds are very nourishing and are given to convalescents and to encourage weight gain especially in anorexia nervosa. The seeds should not be prescribed medicinally for pregnant women since they can induce uterine contractions. Research has shown that the seeds can inhibit cancer of the liver lower blood cholesterol levels and also have an antidiabetic effect[. The seed and leaves are anticholesterolemic anti-inflammatory antitumor carminative demulcent deobstruent emollient expectorant febrifuge galactogogue hypoglycaemic laxative parasiticide restorative and uterine tonic. The seed yields a strong mucilage and is therefore useful in the treatment of inflammation and ulcers of the stomach and intestines. Taken internally a decoction of the ground seeds serves to drain off the sweat ducts. The seed is very nourishing and body-building and is one of the most efficacious tonics in cases of physical debility caused by anaemia or by infectious diseases especially where a nervous factor is involved. It is also used in the treatment of late-onset diabetes poor digestion (especially in convalescence) insufficient lactation painful menstruation labour pains etc. The seeds freshen bad breath and restore a dulled sense of taste. Externally the seeds can be ground into a powder and used as a poultice for abscesses boils ulcers burns etc or they can be used as a douche for excessive vaginal discharge. The leaves are harvested in the growing season and can be used fresh or dried. The seeds are harvested when fully ripe and dried for later use. Compounds extracted from the plant have shown cardiotonic hypoglycaemic diuretic antiphlogistic and hypotensive activity. One of its constituent alkaloids called 'trigonelline' has shown potential for use in cancer therapy. The seed contains the saponin diosgenin an important substance in the synthesis of oral contraceptives and sex hormones whilst saponins in the plant have been extracted for use in various other pharmaceutical products.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 06:30 []