What do we still not know about fenugreek?

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a plant that has recently gained recognition for its use in hair growth products, but this annual herb from the Fabaceae family offers much more than what it is best known for.

Traditional use

Fenugreek has long been recognized as a medicinal plant, and it is believed to have been used for therapeutic purposes for around 6,000 years. The earliest records of its use were found in one of the oldest medical documents – the Ebers Papyrus, written in hieroglyphs. In addition to its medicinal properties being known in ancient Egypt, Trigonella foenum-graecum was also used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, where it served as a demulcent, a lactation stimulant and as a laxative. The Romans used it to relieve labor pains and painful menstruation. It also reduces calcium oxalate levels in the body, which is why it was used in the treatment of kidney stones and for detoxification.

Effects of fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds are the most commonly used part of the plant in treatment, and numerous studies have confirmed their hypoglycemic effect. Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is believed that fenugreek improves peripheral glucose utilization and reduces insulin resistance due to the polyphenols it contains.

Fenugreek also lowers total serum cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol (LDL) without reducing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. By enhancing phagocytic activity, humoral immunity, and T-cell response, it may help strengthen the immune system and aid in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Antibacterial activity has been observed, but only in the form of a methanolic extract. The aqueous extract did not show effectiveness. Research has also indicated potential in cancer therapy—fenugreek extract demonstrated selective toxicity against tumor cells from various cell lines without exhibiting toxic effects on healthy cells.

The antioxidant effects are attributed to vitexin and isovitexin, while the phytoestrogens in fenugreek may help reduce menstrual pain.

What more can we expect from fenugreek?

Fenugreek is a plant that has been used for centuries, and its effects have been confirmed by numerous scientific studies. Further potential in the treatment of various diseases will be ensured once the mechanisms of action are fully understood. When this is known, it represents a great potential as a source of compounds for the development of new medications.

                                               Translated by: Josip Kokanović