-IBIS-1.5.0-

rx

herb

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Trigonella foenum-graecum

synonyms: fenugreek, bird's foot, Greek hayseed, bocksbornklee, fenugrec, fenogreco, mayti

part(s) used: seed

qualities:

affinities:

actions: demulcent, nutritive, laxative, digestive, antipyretic and expectorant

dosage:

» powder: 1-2 g.

» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.

therapy: tuberculosis, bronchitis, fever; as a poultice for sores, wounds, furuncles, fistulae, swollen glands, neuralgia, sciatica

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b

toxicity: 1

» caution is advised during pregnancy (Brinker, p. 122) due to emmenagogue and abortifacient effects and uterine stimulant action on animal uteri (Farnsworth)

» may cause changes in lactation; galactagogue effects include increased milk production and a unique flavor (Duke, p. 490; Muenscher p. 19)

» possesses hypoglycemic activity (Duke, p. 490)

» trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors are found in the seeds (Duke, p. 490)

constituents: volatile oil, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, mucilage; mostly a galactomannan; protein, fixed oil, vitamins A, B1, C and minerals

drug interactions:

» mucilage coats GI mucosa and retards absorption of oral drugs (Wichtl)

footnotes

Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA, Crane FA, Fong HHS. 1975. Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.

Muenscher, W.C. 1951. Poisonous Plants of the United States. New York: The MacMillan Company.

Wichtl M (ed.). 1994. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA, Crane FA, Fong HHS. 1975. Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.

Muenscher, W.C. 1951. Poisonous Plants of the United States. New York: The MacMillan Company.

Wichtl M (ed.). 1994. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.