Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a spice with a maple syrup aroma thought to have been originally brought into cultivation in the Near East from wild species.
Fenugreek has uses as a spice, vegetable, food additive, food flavoring, animal feed, personal care, traditional medicine, nutritional supplements and green manure in agriculture (as it is in the pea family and a nitrogen fixer). It is commonly used as a spice for South and Central Asian cuisines, and our use of Fenugreek dates back to ancient times, as the Romans flavored wines with it, and in the 1st century in Galilee it was grown as a staple food.
The traditional herbal uses for Fenugreek include its use for promoting digestion, for increasing breast milk, enhancing libido, and for maintaining healthy blood sugar for diabetics.
Scientific investigations have found it to have activities relating to blood sugar balance, weight management, blood lipid balance, antioxidant, microbial balance and as a galactagogue.
In a systemic review of five clinical studies, Fenugreek was found to be effective as a galactagogue. In recent clinical study investigations, newer uses for Fenugreek as an herbal supplement seem to keep emerging: for example, an extract of the Fenugreek husk was found to improve postmenopausal symptoms and establish hormonal balance in women; the seed extract was found promote ovarian health; another study found it to act as an effective adjuvant with L-Dopa; yet another found it to promote healthy testosterone levels and sperm profiles in men; and the Fenugreek dietary fiber was found effective for occupational stress…what could be next for this ancient herb?
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.