Trigonella foenum-graecum
Fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum, commonly known as fenugreek, is a versatile medicinal herb prized for its diverse therapeutic properties. Rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds, it is widely used to support digestive health, regulate blood sugar levels, and boost lactation. This ancient botanical remains a cornerstone in traditional and modern wellness.
- Scientific name: Trigonella foenum-graecum
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Trigonella foenum-graecum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. It is further categorized under the genus Trigonella.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Trigonella | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Trigonella foenum-graecum, is recognized by various common names across different linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 胡芦巴 (zh-hans) or 胡芦巴 (zh-cn), and it is also known as 胡芦巴 (zh-sg) in Singapore. In Traditional Chinese contexts, such as in Taiwan, it is called 葫蘆巴 (zh-hant), while in Hong Kong, the name used is 葫蘆巴 (zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 胡芦巴 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 葫蘆巴 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 葫蘆巴 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 胡芦巴 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 胡芦巴 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 葫蘆巴 | Wikidata |
| pl | kozieradka pospolita | Wikidata |
| ta | வெந்தயம் | Wikidata |
| or | ମେଥି | Wikidata |
| hu | görögszéna | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be noted within the borders of Great Britain. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is found throughout the country of Austria. It also inhabits parts of Middle Europe including Belgium and the territory of Germany. Finally, the geographical range extends through the Czechia-Slovakia region of Middle Europe.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as fenugreek, is a versatile medicinal herb where various components serve different purposes. The small, hard seeds are widely used in traditional medicine to regulate blood sugar and improve digestion. The fresh leaf is often consumed to add nutritional value to meals, while the dried leaves are utilized in various herbal preparations. In many culinary traditions, the plant is treated as a vegetable when harvested young, and the single seed represents the fundamental unit of its potent pharmacological properties.- Total parts
- 18
- Scientific sources
- 38
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| leaves | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| seed | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vegetable | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sprouts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| spice | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methanolic extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf sap | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Trigonella foenum-graecum has 166 reported phytochemicals identified across 258 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include diosgenin, flavonoids, saponins, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, galactomannan.
- Total chemicals
- 166
- Scientific sources
- 258
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| diosgenin | 17 | ★★★★★ |
| flavonoids | 16 | ★★★★★ |
| saponins | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| 4-hydroxyisoleucine | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| galactomannan | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| trigonelline | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| phenols | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 4-Hydroxyisoleucine | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Activities
Trigonella foenum-graecum has 44 reported activities identified across 115 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Antibacterial, Hypoglycemic, Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 44
- Scientific sources
- 115
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 16 | ★★★★★ |
| Antidiabetic | 15 | ★★★★★ |
| Antibacterial | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| Hypoglycemic | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Anticancer | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticarcinogenic | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Hypolipidemic | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antihyperlipidemic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Trigonella foenum-graecum has 148 reported medicinal uses identified across 218 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, inflammation, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, Alzheimer's disease.
- Total uses
- 148
- Scientific sources
- 218
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| inflammation | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| insulin resistance | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| blood glucose | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| dyslipidemia | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| hyperglycemia | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |