FENUGREEK: CHARACTERISTICS, PROPERTIES, CONSUMPTION, CONTRAINDICATIONS - BIOLOGY - 2025

The fenugreek or fenugreek (fenugreek) is a herbaceous forage species belonging to the family Fabaceae. Also known as fenugreek, alvolva, Greek hay, albolga, alfolva, alorba, caroba, fenacho, trigonela is a plant native to South Asia.

Today it is widely cultivated throughout the Mediterranean basin as a kind of aromatic seed. It is an annual plant with a short and robust bearing, trifoliate leaves with slightly serrated margins and papillionaceous flowers, solitary or paired, with yellowish-white tones.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Source: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

This herbaceous plant is considered a legume due to its pod-shaped fruits that contain up to 20 seeds of brown color, strong aroma and bitter taste. It is precisely these seeds that constitute the main source of use, both for their medicinal properties and for culinary use.

This species contains various beneficial compounds for the body, among which starches, sugars, fats, mineral elements, proteins and vitamins stand out. In addition, various active principles that provide therapeutic properties such as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, galactogenic, toning, emollient, emmenagogue, laxative or restorative.

General characteristics

Appearance

Annual herbaceous plant with simple stem and fast growth that reaches 20-60 cm in height. It is characterized by an erect and slightly branched stem with numerous oblong trifoliate compound leaves.

Leaves

The dull green trifoliate leaves are attached to the stem through a long petiole. The articulated leaflets are winged, oblong or ovate, narrow at the base and slightly serrated.

flowers

The small flowers of a yellowish or papillionaceous shape are located axillary, sessile, solitary or in pairs. They are generally light yellow or whitish in color, although there are some varieties with a light purplish color.

Fruit

The fruit is a 6-8 cm long arched or sickle pod containing 10-20 square or rhomboid grains of light brown color. The very hard consistency seeds are 3-5 mm long and have a central groove that divides them unevenly.

Chemical composition

The phytochemical analysis of the seeds has allowed to determine the presence of various compounds between essential oils (0.0015%) and the alkaloids trigonelline (0.13%) and choline (0.05%). Also, starches, amino acids, sugars, enzymes (diastase and manase), steroids, phenols, phytosterols, flavonones, lecithin, mucilages, proteins, saponins, tannins and vitamins (A, B ₁, B ₂, B ₃, B ₅, B ₈ and D).

Steroidal sapogenins include diosgenin, fenugrin-B, fenugrequine, gitogenin, neotigenin and yamogenin; as well as the saponins trigonelósidos A, B and C. The glycosides stachyose, galactomannan and trigofenosides A – G, and the flavonoids quercetin and Kaempferol.

Oleoresins and essential oils contain n-alkanes, oxygenates such as hexanol and sesquiterpenes, bitter principles, lignin and coumarin. The leaves and stems are a source of saponins, ascorbic acid, carotenoids and mineral elements such as iron and calcium; galactomannan mucilage is obtained throughout the plant.

The endosperm also contains a large amount of mucilage (30%) composed mainly of galactomannan which produces stachyose, d-galactose and d-mannose by hydrolysis. On the other hand, the embryo contains 28% albumin and 10% fat, as well as linolenic, oleic and palmitic acids, in addition to lecithin.

Fenugreek flowers (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Source: pixabay.com

Nutritional value per 100 g

- Energy: 320-325 kcal

- Carbohydrates: 55-60 g

- Dietary fiber: 24-28 g

- Fats: 5-8 g

- Proteins: 22-25 g

- Water: 8-10 g

- Retinol (vitamin A): 60 IU

- Thiamine (vitamin B ₁): 0.322 mg

- Riboflavin (vitamin B ₂): 0.366 mg

- Niacin (vitamin B ₃): 1,640 mg

- Vitamin B ₆: 0.600 mg

- Folic acid: (vitamin B ₉): 57 mg

- Vitamin C: 3.00 mg

- Calcium: 176 mg

- Phosphorus: 296 mg

- Iron: 33.53 mg

- Magnesium: 191 mg

- Potassium: 770 mg

- Sodium: 67 mg

- Zinc: 2.50 mg

Habitat and distribution

The Trigonella foenum-graecum species is native to Europe and South Asia, and has a wide distribution around the Mediterranean basin. In the wild it is used as a forage plant in some regions of Europe and commercially cultivated in China, Russia, India, the Middle East, Morocco and the Balkan Peninsula.

It is a fast growing species that multiplies by seeds, sowing is done directly along furrows on the ground. It is recommended to grow in full sun exposure on loamy soils with a high content of organic matter and good drainage.

Following proper agronomic practices, germination occurs after 5-10 days. Flowering at 30-38 days and pod production at 60-90 days.

The harvest takes place when the pods are dry, they are plucked and left to dry directly in the sun. They are then shaken to separate the seeds that have just been dried in the sun, and are stored in a cool, dry place.

Leaves and pods of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Source: Yercaud-elango

Taxonomy

- Kingdom: Plantae

- Division: Magnoliophyta

- Class: Magnoliopsida

- Subclass: Rosidae

- Order: Fabales

- Family: Fabaceae

- Subfamily: Faboideae

- Tribe: Trifolieae

- Genus: Trigonella

- Species: Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Etymology

- Trigonella: the name of the genus comes from the Greek terms "tri" and "gonia" which mean "three" and "corner", referring to the shape of the flower.

- foenum-graecum: the specific adjective derives from the Latin expression that means "Greek hay".

Synonymy

- Foenugraecum sativum Medik. 1787

- Foenugraecum officinale Moench 1794

- Buceras odoratissima Medik. 1787

- Telis foenum-graecum (L.) Kuntze 1891

- Medicago foenum-graecum (L.) EHL Krause in Sturm 1900

- Folliculigera foenum-graecum (L.) Pasq. 1867

- Buceras foenum-graecum (L.) All.

Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Source: Sanjay Acharya

Health properties

The various active ingredients contained in fenugreek seeds give it antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioxidant, antianemic, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering and galactogenic properties.

The intense aroma of its seeds allows to tone and stimulate the digestive system, it also acts as an emollient, emmenagogue, hepatoprotective, laxative and restorative.

Invigorating

Fenugreek seeds have been used in traditional herbalism since ancient times for their invigorating effect. In fact, the bitter taste of the infusions prepared with its seeds allows to regulate digestion and quickly recover the appetite.

Restorative

As a natural restorative, its regular consumption allows to fortify the body, and as a nutritional supplement it is effective to increase muscle mass. It has been indicated in a natural therapeutic way for disorders related to excessive thinness, moderate anorexia and physical exhaustion in general.

Antianemic

Due to its high vitamin content (A, B ₁, B ₂, B ₃, B ₆ and C) and mineral elements such as iron and calcium, it is an effective antianemic. Its consumption contributes to the symptomatic treatment of certain antianemic diets, provided it is accompanied by nutritional supplements and medical monitoring.

Anti-inflammatory

In case of digestive system disorders such as colic or gastric problems, it has an anti-inflammatory function. In fact, the ingestion of potions or tea can alleviate the pain caused by gastrointestinal spasms and favors the proper functioning of the digestive system.

Laxative

The high content of mucilage in its seeds favors the regeneration of the intestinal mucosa and facilitates the involuntary movement of the digestive tract or peristalsis. It is a home remedy for reinforcement as a laxative or in case of casual or recurrent constipation.

Emmenagogue

The seeds contain saponins, phytosterols and phytoestrogens, which act as antispasmodics and anti-inflammatories that allow to alleviate certain gynecological disorders related to menstrual pain. Clinical studies have reported improvements in certain symptoms related to dysmenorrhea, such as general weakness, anemia, vomiting, exhaustion, and lack of energy.

Fenugreek culture (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Source: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

Hypoglycemic

The daily intake of 10-50 grams of fenugreek has reported a decrease in blood sugar levels and urea in the urine. Hence, it is attributed a hypoglycemic effect, being an alternative and natural remedy to treat type II diabetes problems.

Lipid-lowering

Fenugreek contains a number of helpful cholesterol-lowering substances, including trigonelline, saponides, the flavonoids rutin and luteolin, chromium, and b-sitosterol. The maximum effect is observed in the reduction of total cholesterol and high levels of LDL cholesterol, while it is less effective on triglycerides.

Galactogen

The habitual intake by nursing mothers favors the production of breast milk during the lactation period. It is recommended to take 3-5 days after delivery, although in a moderate way, since its bitter principles can cause side effects to the mother or the baby.

Skin diseases

Topical applications such as poultices or plasters, either a decoction of seeds or flour, are effective in treating skin problems. In this sense, its application helps combat eczema or dermatitis, hives, boils, folliculitis and skin abscesses, as well as eliminate pimples and acne.

Muscle injuries

Fenugreek flour is used as a traditional remedy in the form of a poultice or fostering to relieve injuries to the upper and lower extremities. Consequently, it has an anti-inflammatory effect, calms pain and deflates sprains, cramps or muscle contractions and sprains of the ligaments.

Visual infections

The decoction of the seeds, purified or isotonized, is used as eye drops to relieve eye infections. Its application is effective for the treatment of blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctivitis or inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye.

Gargling

Its use in the form of a rinse or gargle allows to relieve infections of the respiratory system. Specific applications act on throat irritation caused by pharyngitis problems, as well as symptoms caused by respiratory allergies.

Other benefits

- Stimulates the functioning of the immune system.

- Expels toxins from the body.

- Promotes uterine contractions during childbirth.

- It induces digestion and the functioning of the liver system.

- It is used to cure any disorder related to the kidneys.

Fenugreek is one of the most widely used spices in Hindu cuisine. Source: Lvalerga

Forms of consumption

The traditional way in which this species is marketed is through seeds (fresh or toasted) and the flour resulting from the grinding of dry grains. However, today it is easy to get different presentations:

- Decoction seeds: its consumption is recommended three times a day every other week, preferably on an empty stomach. The suggested dose to prepare the infusion is one tablespoon per half liter of water.

- Powdered seeds: this format allows you to consume fenugreek as a supplement by adding a teaspoon to coffee, tea, juice or drink once or twice a day.

- Fluid extract: 50-60 drops are added in water, juices or fruit juices.

- Capsules: for the treatment of diabetes or regulation of cholesterol levels, two to four capsules daily are suggested.

- Alcoholic tincture: it is recommended to relieve some type of digestive disorder, take up to three times a day, about 50 drops diluted in water or fruit juice.

- Decoction of the seeds: applied in the form of compresses or for partial washing. In order to relieve skin inflammations and soothe muscle pain in the event of bumps or sprains.

- Decoction of the seeds: in the form of gargles or rinses in case of throat irritation or mouth ulcers.

- Purified decoction: applied in the form of eye drops to alleviate blepharitis or conjunctivitis problems.

- Flour: mixed with olive or evening primrose oil to apply as a poultice in case of strains, sprains, boils or eczema.

Uses in gastronomy

Certain eastern cultures use the seeds as a condiment to prepare vegetable, fish or chicken stews. In Egypt, fenugreek flour is mixed with wheat flour to prepare a typical bread of the region.

In India, fenugreek is together with turmeric, coriander, cayenne and cumin one of the basic ingredients to prepare Indian curry. In fact, fenugreek brings a particular bitter taste, intense ocher coloration and pungent aroma to this characteristic Indian spice.

Illustration of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Source: Prof. Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thoméderivative work: Ninjatacoshell

Dose

Like any natural therapeutic supplement, the dose of fenugreek can vary according to the age, weight and height of each person. However, based on the traditional way of consumption, an average dose of 1,000 mg per day has been established.

This average dose is equivalent to 1 g of fenugreek per day, which is the recommended dose for most of the pathologies described. This dose can be increased to 4,000 mg or 4 grams of fenugreek per day, provided that no adverse reaction is observed.

Contraindications

Although fenugreek is listed as a beneficial food supplement, there are certain contraindications that can affect the health of those who ingest it. Its consumption is restricted to pregnant women and chronic patients related to hemolytic anemias, persistent allergies, hypoglycemic patients and the presence of toxic nodular goiter.

At the same time, its excessive consumption can cause diarrhea, gas or allergic reactions, as well as alteration of sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood. For this reason, it is recommended to consume no more than 4 grams of fenugreek seeds a day to avoid putting health at risk.

References

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3. Fenugreek (2019) retrieved in: fenugreek.org
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5. Pal Singh, K., Nair, B., Kumar Jain, P., Kumar Naidu, A., & Paroha, S. (2013). Variability of the nutraceutical properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). Colombian Journal of Horticultural Sciences. Vol. 7 (2) p. 228-239 ISBN: 2011-2173.
6. Rodríguez Ruiz, NC, & Nader-Macias, MEF (2014). Fenugreek-based novel food design. Nutritional assessment, organoleptic characteristics, acceptability and satisfaction. Nutrition Update, 15 (2), 40-50. ISSN 1667-8052.
7. Trigonella foenum-graecum. (2019). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Recovered at: es.wikipedia.org