“Among the spices that are esoteric food adjuncts being used to enhance flavoring and color, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) also modifies the texture of food. This seed spice is also employed for medicinal purpose in many traditional systems as antibacterial, gastric stimulant, against anorexia, antidiabetic agent and as a galactagogue,” a review in India reports.
“In recent decades,” wrote K. Srinivasan at the Central Food Technology Research Institute, “several health beneficial physiological attributes of fenugreek seeds have been seen in animal studies as well as human trials. These include antidiabetic effect, hypocholesterolemic influence, antioxidant potency, digestive stimulant action, and hepatoprotective effect. Among these beneficial physiological effects, the antidiabetic and hypocholesterolemic property, of fenugreek, both of which are mainly attributable to the intrinsic dietary fiber constituent, have promising nutraceutical value.”
The author finished “This article presents an overview of experimental evidence for the nutraceutical potential of fenugreek seeds.”
Srinivasan published the review in Food Reviews International (Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): A review of health beneficial physiological effects. FOOD REV INT, 2006;22(2):203-224).
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This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Health & Medicine Week via NewsRx.com.
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