Fenugreek : nutraceutical properties and therapeutic potential

In recent years, there is an increasing tendency towards traditional medicine, motivated by the occurrence of harmful effects of chemical drugs on human health as well as the various deficits of modern medicine in treating some diseases. Piggybacking the global success of Brahmi (Bacopa), ashwagandha, turmeric and tulsi, fenugreek is perfectly positioned as new frontrunner with substantial and convincing scientific and clinical support building around it. The list of potential health benefits of fenugreek is continuing to grow with new clinical evidence. Fenugreek has antidiabetic, antifertility, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, lactation stimulant and hypocholesterolaemic effects which have been tested and verified through many clinical studies. Therefore, fenugreek, which possesses phenolic compounds, bioactive amino acids, glycosides and antioxidant activity, could be a good candidate for an herbal drug. Despite the impressive scientific and clinical profile of fenugreek, consumer understanding is still in its infancy and promoters of this herb need to focus on this important commercial hurdle

Fenugreek: Traditional and Modern Medicinal Uses

For many centuries, fenugreek has been one of the most popular spices and vegetables serving as an integral part of culinary practices across many cultures. Fenugreek contains exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties, but scientific evidence for its potential health benefits has been considerably understudied and is beginning to grow. This book is a comprehensive compilation and documentation on the scientific profile of fenugreek and its phytoconstituents, including their most known applications and health benefits. It features a wide range of chapters written by highly experienced academics and industrial professionals. Topics cover applications of fenugreek including information on nutrition, fitness supplements, functional food, and excipients of novel drug delivery systems. In addition, it features topics on related products in the areas of nutraceuticals, functional food preparations, and complementary medicines. Features: • Comprehensive review of traditional wisdom and modern scientific evidence on fenugreek • Presents scientific evidence of fenugreek as an ingredient for product development formulation • Contains information on extraction methods, risk assessment, claim validations, and the regulatory status of fenugreek-based products • Covers broad physiological benefits of fenugreek in management of diabetes mellitus, primary hyperlipidemia, inflammation and pain, neuropathy and neuroinflammation, neurological and psychological disorders, kidney and lung disorders, as well as immunological, infectious, and malignant disorders • Enhances awareness of existing scientific knowledge surrounding fenugreek, whilst encouraging future scientific research towards better and safer nutritional and medicinal applications This book is a valuable resource of information on fenugreek for researchers, students, nutritionists, sport medicine practitioners, fitness enthusiasts and trainers, naturopaths, traditional practitioners, and toxicologists. This book helps industries in the fields of nutraceuticals, fitness and sports medicine products to develop their future products. However, this book is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations