REVIEW OF THE TRADITIONAL USES, PHYTOCHEMISTRY, TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY OF FENUGREEK (TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM L.): AN IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PLANT IN UNANI MEDICINE

Abstract

Background: Trigonella foenum-graecum L. with common name fenugreek, is a very popular spice as well as an important herb of traditional Unani medicine. It is one of the most promising herbs having nutritional as well as medicinal value, used for the treatment of an extensive range of ailments. Objective: The aim ofthe review isto present the traditional uses, phytochemistry, toxicology in the light of Unani medicine as well as contemporary researchesto comprehend itsimportance. Methods: The literature was collected from classical Unani textssuch as Khazain al-Advia, Makhzan al-Advia, Muhit-i-Azam, Al-Jami li Mufradat al- Advia wa'l Aghziya, Al Qanoon Fit Tib etc., and scientific data from published experimental and clinical studies were searched from search engines like Scopus, Web of science, Embase, Google scholar, Pub Med etc. Results: Phytochemical studies have led to the isolation of different compounds such as alkaloid, flavonoids, saponin, volatile contents, gum and fibre. Fresh plant ingredients such as seed, leaves etc, crude extracts and isolated constituents of fenugreek showed a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo studies that embrace its hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. Conclusion: With its vast mode of action, it influences in multiple ways in treatment of the diseases and the present review revealed its therapeutic potential and status. For future research prospects, the need of further studies involving mechanisms of action on scientific parameters is essential.