Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Fenugreek Herb

Trigonella foenum-graecum

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 nameTrigonella foenum-graecum
FamilyFabaceae · other entries in this family
OrderFabales
Also known asFenugreek Herb, FenugreekHerb
Taxon identifiersGBIF 5360475 · Wikidata Q133205 · NCBI Taxonomy 78534

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishFenugreek_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), 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 (vitexin, orientin, isovitexin), saponins (at lower levels than seeds), and chlorophyll. 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. Fenugreek leaf galactomannan fiber modulates 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 (trace, lower than seed), 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 (Gymnema) for anti-diabetic synergy
  • With Tulsi for immune-metabolic combination
  • With Curry leaves for iron-rich nutritive formulation

Published research

Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.

Randomised controlled trials1

  1. Rao A, Steels E, Inder WJ and others. 2016. Testofen, a specialised Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract reduces age-related symptoms of androgen decrease, increases testosterone levels and improves sexual function in healthy aging males in a double-blind randomised clinical studyThe aging male : the official journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male. PMID 26791805 · doi:10.3109/13685538.2015.1135323

Other clinical studies and reviews8

  1. Akhtar H, Ali YA, Wei CR and others. 2025. Bioactive Potential and Health Benefits of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.: A Comprehensive ReviewFood science & nutrition. PMID 40918167 · doi:10.1002/fsn3.70887
  2. Semwal P, Painuli S, Abu-Izneid T and others. 2022. Diosgenin: An Updated Pharmacological Review and Therapeutic PerspectivesOxidative medicine and cellular longevity. PMID 35677108 · doi:10.1155/2022/1035441
  3. Visuvanathan T, Than LTL, Stanslas J and others. 2022. Revisiting Trigonella foenum-graecum L.: Pharmacology and Therapeutic PotentialitiesPlants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35684222 · doi:10.3390/plants11111450
  4. Mohamadi N, Sharififar F, Pournamdari M and others. 2018. A Review on Biosynthesis, Analytical Techniques, and Pharmacological Activities of Trigonelline as a Plant AlkaloidJournal of dietary supplements. PMID 28816550 · doi:10.1080/19390211.2017.1329244
  5. Yadav UC, Baquer NZ. 2014. Pharmacological effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. in health and diseasePharmaceutical biology. PMID 24102093 · doi:10.3109/13880209.2013.826247
  6. 2012. Fenugreek PMID 31644133
  7. Tomczyk M, Zovko-Koncić M, Chrostek L. 2012. Phytotherapy of alcoholismNatural product communications. PMID 22474979
  8. Madar Z, Stark AH. 2002. New legume sources as therapeutic agentsThe British journal of nutrition. PMID 12498629 · doi:10.1079/BJN2002719

Laboratory and animal studies3

  1. Sinka D, Doma E, Szendi N and others. 2022. Formulation, Characterization and Permeability Studies of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Containing Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SEDDS)Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35566198 · doi:10.3390/molecules27092846
  2. Al-Dabbagh B, Elhaty IA, Al Hrout A and others. 2018. Antioxidant and anticancer activities of Trigonella foenum-graecum, Cassia acutifolia and Rhazya strictaBMC complementary and alternative medicine. PMID 30134897 · doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2285-7
  3. Zargar S. 2014. Protective effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum on thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity in ratsSaudi journal of biological sciences. PMID 24600306 · doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2013.09.002

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