A Review on the Functional Properties, Nutritional Content, Medicinal Utilization and Potential Application of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is one of the well known spices in human food. Its seeds and green leaves are used in food as well as in medicinal application which is an old practice of human history. It provides natural food fibre and other nutrients required in human body [1]. Fenugreek has strong spicy and seasoning type sweet flavor [2]. Aromatic and flavourful fenugreek is a popular spice and is widely used for well recognized culinary and medicinal properties [3]. “Kasuri Methi” is very famous for its appetizing fragrance and it is used for culinary preparations [4]. In recent trend, fenugreek is also used as spice adjunct [5]. India is a major producer of fenugreek and also a major consumer of it for its culinary uses and medicinal application. It is used in functional food, traditional food, nutraceuticals as well as in physiological utilization such as antibacterial, anticancer, antiulcer, anthelmintic, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and antidiabetic agent. It has beneficial influence on digestion and also has the ability to modify food texture.