# Fenugreek Herb

> Fenugreek Herb (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Flavone C-glycosides (vitexin, orientin) are absorbed intact via SGLT1 transporter with moderate bioavailability (20-35%). Leaf saponin content is lower than seeds, resulting in less GI disturbance.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Trigonella foenum-graecum

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Fenugreek_Herb |

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Fresh leaves (culinary/medicinal), Dried leaf powder (Kasuri [Methi](/herb/methi/)), Capsule (leaf extract), Tablet, Tea/infusion, Tincture

**Standard Dosage:** Fresh leaves: 10-30g in cooking; Dried leaf powder: 2-5g twice daily; 500mg standardized leaf extract capsule twice daily; infusion: 3-5g dried leaf in hot water

**Bioavailability:** Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves contain [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([vitexin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitexin), [orientin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#orientin), [isovitexin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isovitexin)), [saponins](/reference/saponins/) (at lower levels than seeds), and [chlorophyll](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chlorophyll). Flavone C-[glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) (vitexin, orientin) are absorbed intact via SGLT1 transporter with moderate bioavailability (20-35%). Leaf saponin content is lower than seeds, resulting in less GI disturbance. Fenugreek leaf [galactomannan](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#galactomannan) fiber modulates [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) absorption (beneficial for glycemic control but may reduce absorption of co-administered drugs). Enhancement: microparticle formulation; cooking in oil/ghee improves lipophilic constituent absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals for glycemic modulation; dried leaf tea after meals as digestive; fresh leaves consumed as part of meals

**Standardized Extract:** Leaf extract standardized to NLT 3% total flavonoids (as vitexin equivalent) by HPLC. Total saponin content NLT 1% (lower than seed extracts). Extract ratio 6:1.

**Shelf Life:** Fresh leaves: 3-5 days refrigerated; Dried leaves (Kasuri Methi): 1 year; Capsule: 2 years; Tincture: 3 years

**Storage:** Fresh leaves: refrigerate in perforated bags. Dried leaves: airtight containers, dark, cool, and dry place. Protect from moisture - dried fenugreek leaves absorb moisture rapidly, becoming limp and losing aroma.

**Marker Compounds:** Vitexin, Orientin, Isovitexin, Chlorogenic acid, [Diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin) (trace, lower than seed), [Trigonelline](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#trigonelline) (lower than seed), Iron content

### Extraction Methods

- Hot water infusion of dried leaves
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50 ethanol:water)
- Sun/shade-drying for Kasuri Methi preparation
- Spray-dried aqueous extract
- Fresh leaf juice expression

### Synergistic Combinations

- With fenugreek seeds for comprehensive metabolic support
- With [Gudmar](/herb/gudmar/) (Gymnema) for anti-diabetic synergy
- With [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) for immune-metabolic combination
- With Curry leaves for iron-rich nutritive formulation

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/fenugreek-herb/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.