Methi

HABITAT

Fenugreek is an erect annual herb, growing about 2 feet high. Fenugreek is naturally found in field verges, uncultivated ground, dry grasslands, and hillsides in semi-highland and highland regions. It is grown as a cool season crop in India and the Mediterranean region, both irrigated and as a rainfed crop. It is Indigenous to the countries on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean. It is cultivated in India, Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and occasionally in England.

INTRODUCTION

Fenugreek is also considered as a rich source of dietary fiber and other important nutrients needed for proper growth and development. The name comes from Foenum-graecum, meaning Greek Hay, the plant being used to scent inferior hay. The name of the genus, Trigonella, is derived from the old Greek name, denoting 'three-angled,' from the form of its corolla. The seeds of Fenugreek have been used medicinally all through the ages and were held in high repute among the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for medicinal and culinary purposes. The importance of including herb - Fenugreek in the dietary choices is well-known for maintaining the health lifestyle and preventing several types of diet-related ailments including diabetes, cancer, hypertension, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases.

BENEFITS

Manages Diabetes: The excellent hypoglycaemic property of fenugreek powder plays a noteworthy role in alleviating the blood sugar levels of the body. The production of insulin from the β-pancreatic cells becomes active while taking Methi powder and helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose which in turn leads to low blood glucose levels. Fenugreek has the properties that reduce the absorption of sugar by the body and on the other hand also promotes the secretion of insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating the glucose in the blood. That is why, fenugreek is effective for both type 1 and type 2 patients.

Curbs High Cholesterol Levels: Fenugreek seeds contain compounds known as steroidal saponins that inhibit both cholesterol absorption in the intestines and cholesterol production by the liver. Fenugreek derived galactomannans, due to its unique structure of galactose to mannose 1:1 ratio, have shown to have the maximum efficacy in lowering the plasma cholesterol level. Furthermore, soluble fibre fractions reduce only the dangerous low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides intake, whereas keeping the good high-density cholesterols intact.

Galactagogue: Fenugreek is one of the most frequently used galactagogues that stimulate breast milk secretion. Fenugreek induces sweat production and since the breast is a modified sweat gland, affect breast milk secretion. Fenugreek seeds contain oestrogen-like compounds which stimulate pS2 expression in MCF-7 cell lines.

Reduces Inflammation: Fenugreek was discovered to have medicinal qualities, including management of metabolic and nutritive disorders such as diabetes. It leads to slow absorption of sugars in the stomach and stimulates insulin. It breaks up stuck energies and cool inflammation within the body. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property of fenugreek fights inflammation.

Improves Digestive Issues: Fenugreek can be a boon for those suffering from stomach ailments. It prevents constipation as well as digestive problems created by stomach ulcers and is also effective for treating gastritis and indigestion. Fenugreek is a natural digestive tonic and the lubricating properties in it help soothe your stomach and intestines.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Saponin compounds diosgenin, alkaloids and trigonelline were shown to be associated with inhibition of intestinal glucose uptake in vitro. Fenugreek has been shown to increase erythrocyte insulin receptors and improve peripheral glucose utilization, thus showing potential pancreatic as well as extra pancreatic effects. 4-hydroxyleucine, a novel amino acid from fenugreek seeds increased glucose stimulated insulin release by islet cells in both rats and humans. The hypoglycaemic effect of fenugreek is thought to be largely due to its high content of soluble fibre which acts to decrease the rate of gastric emptying, thereby delaying absorption of glucose from the small intestine. Diosgenin, the primary furostanol saponin in fenugreek has been proven to have various effects on cholesterol metabolism, the most important being its capacity to lower plasma cholesterol concentration. This hypocholesterolemic effect appears to be dependent upon the capacity of diosgenin to inhibit cholesterol absorption, to decrease liver cholesterol concentration and to increase biliary cholesterol secretion and the faecal excretion of neutral sterols.

CLINICAL STUDIES & REFERENCES

Mathern JR, Raatz SK, Thomas W, Slavin JL. Effect of fenugreek fibre on satiety, blood glucose and insulin response and energy intake in obese subjects. Phytother Res. 2009;23(11):1543-1548.19353539
Pattanittum P, Kunyanone N, Brown J, et al. Dietary supplements for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;3:CD002124.27000311
Gong J, Fang K, Dong H, Wang D, Hu M, Lu F. Effect of fenugreek on hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia in diabetes and prediabetes: a meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016; 194:260-268.27496582
Nathan J, Panjwani S, Mohan V, Joshi V, Thakurdesai PA. Efficacy, and safety of standardized extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum L seeds as an adjuvant to L-Dopa in the management of patients with Parkinson's disease. Phytother Res. 2014;28(2):172-178.23512705
Gupta A, Gupta R, Lal B. Effect of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seeds on glycaemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. J Assoc Physicians India. 2001; 49:1057-1061.11868855