The medicinal use of Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) dates back to at least 1500 B.C. when ancient Egyptians wrote about them. Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) are often used in recipes. Historically, Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) were used to combat the symptoms of menopause and digestion problems, as well as help induce childbirth. Today it is believed that Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) may lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) are also used for loss of appetite and for treating inflammation.

Fenugreek Seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) contain a newly discovered alkaloid called trigonelline which demonstrates hypoglycemic activity. In a recent East Indian study on Type I diabetic patients (Eur. J. of Clinical Nutrition. 1990, 44, 301-306), Fenugreek seeds reduced 24 hr. urinary sugar excretion 54%, while improving glucose tolerance. This study was in agreement with one earlier which demonstrated equal significance on Type II diabetics. In yet another study, fenugreek seeds were found to exert hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) and hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) effects.

Further, serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol levels showed a steady decrease during the 24-week period of the study, while HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) showed a 10% increase. It is thought that because of these significant results, the very selective activity of fenugreek which appears to reduce LDL and VLDL while increasing HDL levels could make it beneficial in preventing atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia in diabetics. Fenugreek seeds have no known toxicity, being used for thousands of years as a condiment in East Indian cooking. (Sharma, R.D., et al, Hypolipidaemic Effect of Fenugreek Seeds: a Chronic Study in Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetic Patients, Phytotherapy Research, Vol 10, pp. 321-334.)