History of Traditional Use of Fenugreek Seed
Fenugreek is a member of the Leguminosae family indigenous to the Mediterranean area and now primarily cultivated in India, China and the Middle East. Its Latin name means “Greek Hay” which is a reference to its use to fortify cattle feed due its highly nutritive properties. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies (hu lu ba) as a yang tonic; especially for kidney yang deficiency. In Ayurvedic Medicine it is called, Chandrika or Medhika. In European folk medicine the ground seed was eaten as a meal in convalescence and to improve the assimilation of nutrients in debilitating situations as well as for its gentle bulk laxative effects. It has been recommended by midwives for healthy support of lactation during the breastfeeding months.
Structure Function Claims
Healthy Support of Lactation During the Breastfeeding Months.
Mechanism of Theraputic Action
Fenugreek seeds contain steroidal sapponins, diosgenin, coumarin, hydroxy-isoluceine and luceine, tyrosine, protein, B-Complex Vitamins including folate, lecithin and small amounts of vitamin C and beta carotene. There have been some good human clinical trials conducted using the whole seeds and various extracts prepared from the seeds. These studies focused on the effects of Fenugreek on blood sugar levels and blood lipids; two are referenced below for further information or simply use the “Search PubMed” feature on this website to see all of the published data on this plant in peer reviewed scientific journals as archived by the National Library of Medicine.
Gupta, A Et al. J Assoc Physicians India. 2001 Nov; 49:1055-56 Effect of Fenugreek seeds on the glycaemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo controlled study.
Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Rao NS European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1990 April; 44(4):301-6 Effects of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type 1 diabetes.
Specific Differentiation of Gaia Herbs Product
Gaia Herbs uses Certified Organic Fenugreek to produce its Vegetarian Liquid Phyto-Caps and its Liquid Extract. The raw material and finished product are tested for heavy metal contamination, other impurities, concentration and shelf stability in Gaia Herbs analytical lab. Each 30ml serving (one dropper) of liquid extract is equal to 400mg or one capsule of dried herb material and one Liquid Phyto-Cap equals 1,200 mg or 3 crude herb capsules with the added benefits of rapid absorption and organic ingredients. Gaia Herbs captures the essence of Natures Vitality.
See All Herb of the Week Listings
