ABSTRACT
Fenugreek consists of the dried ripe seeds of a small, southern European herb known technically as Trigonella foenum-graecum L., a member of the family Fabaceae. It is variously referred to as trigonella or as Greek hayseed. The seeds contain up to 40 percent of a mucilage causing them to be used in various poultices and ointments intended for external application. Fenugreek has also been administered internally for stomach ailments, again due to its soothing mucilaginous properties. Small animal studies have revealed a number of potential therapeutic applications of the seed. These include its use in treating baldness, cancer, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, inflammations, microbial and fungal infections, and stomach ulcers.1 Needless to say, fenugreek's utility for any of these conditions has not been verified in human beings.
