ABSTRACT
Trigonella foenum-graecum L., commonly known as fenugreek, is a plant of the family Fabaceae. It is a valuable culinary and medicinal plant possessing antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antitumorigenic and antioxidant properties. The plant is also effective in boosting immunity and combating digestive and reproductive impairments. The plant is very rich in phytoconstituents, having diverse pharmacological properties. The plant is commonly cultivated in India, Egypt, the Middle East and North Africa. Traditionally, the plant is used as an ingredient in medicines and food. Galactomannan is an important gum and emulsifier used as a stabilizing, thickening, and binding agent in food items. Fenugreek has strong flavour and aroma when used as spice and flavouring agent in food preparation. The medicinal properties of fenugreek oils and extracts are reviewed in this chapter, which is based on different scientific studies. Botanical description, traditional use, phytoconstituents, pharmacology and antidiabetic properties of the plant have also been discussed in this chapter.
