About this ingredient
Ingredients
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an herb whose seeds are commonly used as a culinary spice and botanical ingredient. Fenugreek seeds contain naturally occurring fiber, proteins, amino acids, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other plant compounds. The exact composition and concentration of active constituents vary according to the seed source, processing method, and supplement formulation.
Fenugreek is a clover-like herb scientifically known as Trigonella foenum-graecum. It is native to areas including the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, and western Asia. Its seeds have been used as a food ingredient, spice, and traditional herbal preparation for thousands of years.
Fenugreek seeds contain a range of naturally occurring plant constituents, including fiber, proteins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytochemicals. The seeds have a characteristic maple-like aroma and flavor and are widely used in traditional cuisines.
In dietary supplements, Fenugreek may be provided as whole-seed powder, capsules, tablets, extracts, or standardized botanical preparations. Some formulations are marketed for digestive, nutritional, women's wellness, or metabolic-support purposes.
Scientific evidence for specific health conditions is still limited or mixed. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that there is not enough high-quality evidence to establish Fenugreek's effectiveness for conditions such as diabetes or menstrual cramps.