Fenugreek Use: Biological Role of Fenugreek in Health of Human Being- A Review:
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Abstract
Fenugreek is a legume plant used as spices in throughout the world. Fenugreek, scientifically known as Trigonella Foenum-graecum L., is a versatile legume crop with extensive cultivation in India. It holds significant value as an herb, spice, and traditional medicinal plant in the region.Fenugreek, scientifically known as Trigonella Foenum-graecum L., has a rich history of utilization in various traditional and medicinal practices. Its leaves and seeds have been employed extensively for therapeutic purposes, making it an ancient and valued herb. This review intends to provide an exhaustive examination of the scientific literature concerning fenugreek. This encompasses its botanical characteristics and chemical composition. The primary focus of this review centres around fenugreek's medicinal properties, which have been extensively studied and validated through in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical research. The herb exhibits inclusive beneficial effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, gastroprotective actions, anticancer, and anti-analgesic activity. Various bioactive compounds present in fenugreek, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and steroidal sapogenins, contribute to its therapeutic potential. Fenugreek, has demonstrated significant antidiabetic properties in both animal studies and human trials. These effects have primarily been associated with the presence of saponins and its rich fiber content, rather than its main alkaloid component, trigonelline. Notably, fenugreek consumption has been linked to the elevation of plasma insulin levels within living organisms. Additionally, one of its key free amino acids, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, has shown the ability to stimulate insulin secretion when tested on isolated pancreas samples in vitro.
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