Latin Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum
English Name: Fenugreek
Sanskrit / Indian Names: Medhika, Chandrika

An aromatic annual. The germinating seeds contain pyridoxine, cyanocobalamine, calcium pantothenate, biotin and vitamin C.
Fenugreek is a good source of nicotinic acid. The germinated seeds contain a-galactosidase. The young seeds of the plant contain small amounts of low-molecular weight carbohydrates. The seeds contain 30 per cent protein. It prevents hair fall, contains lecithin and promotes hair growth. The seeds contain four flavonoid components (2 glycosides and 2 aglycones) and two steroidal saponins. An alkaloid, trigonelline, is present in the seeds. The presence of vitamin K in the leaves has been reported. The leaves contain xanthophyll and ß-carotene; they also contain neo-ß-carotene ß and neo-ß-carotene. The leaves are a good source of choline. The seeds are aromatic, carminative, tonic, and galactagogue. It is a mild diuretic and is effective in reducing weight.

They are used externally in poultices for boils, abscesses and ulcers, and internally as emollient for inflammations of the intestinal tract. They find application also in Veterinary medicine, and are used in poultices, ointments and plasters, and form a constituent of 'condition powders' for cattle, horses and sheep.