-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.