(Foeniculum Vulgare)

For millennia, fenugreek has been used both as a medicine and as a food spice in Egypt, India, and the Middle East. Fenugreek grows today in many parts of the world, including India, northern Africa, and the United States.

Present interest in fenugreek focuses on its potential benefits for people with diabetes or high cholesterol. Numerous animal studies and preliminary trials in humans have found that fenugreek can reduce blood sugar and serum cholesterol levels in people with diabetes.

Its steroidal saponins and mucilaginous fiber are thought to account for many of the beneficial effects of fenugreek. The steroidal saponins are thought to inhibit cholesterol absorption and synthesis, while the fiber may help lower blood sugar levels.

Also Fenugreek is recommended by most breastfeeding groups to increase the milk production.

Health Concerns
Diabetes, Cholesterol, Increase breastmilk production

Active Constituents
Volatile oil (containing3-hydroxy-4, 5-dimethyl-2-furanone, dihydrobenzofuran, dihydroactinidiolide, muurolene, elemene, selinene), Alkaloids (including trigonelline, gentianine and carpaine), Saponins (based mainly on the sapogenins diosgenin and its isomer yamogenin, gitogenin and tigogenin), Flavonoids (including vitexin and its glycosides and esters, isovitexin, orientin, vicenins l and 2, quercetin and luteolin), Mucilage (mostly a galactomannan)

Warnings
As a commonly eaten food, fenugreek is generally regarded as safe. The only common side effect is mild gastrointestinal distress when it is taken in high doses.
Because fenugreek can lower blood sugar levels, it is advisable to seek medical supervision before combining it with diabetes medications.