Trigonella foenum graecum is an annual bush, which despite its name is not common in Greece, being much more common in Syria, Arabia and North Africa. The tender shoots are edible, either raw in salads or cooked, and its seeds are used as the main spice in the preparation of carefully matured lean meat known as pasturmas. The chief active ingredients of the herb are saponins and flavonoids.
- Blood sugar reducer. Clinical studies have shown that fenugreek possesses a significant capacity for lowering blood sugar levels, and hence of assistance to diabetics and others that must keep blood sugar levels under control.
- Cholesterol and lipid reducer. Research equally suggests that the herb can reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides, while at the same time increase the levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL or good) cholesterol, useful against atherosclerosis, etc.
- Digestive tonic. Fenugreek exerts a tonic effect on the digestive process through its bitter taste, increasing gastric secretions. It also has a demulcent affect, soothing irritated or inflamed mucous membranes. In addition, it appears to help in conditions of abdominal bloating.
- Expectorant. Another usage and perhaps the most common, is for helping to remove catarrh secretions from the respiratory tract.