Botanical Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn.
Family: Papilionaceae; Fabaceae
Introduction:
Latin name :Trigonella – treis = three, gona = angle, little triangle;
foenum = hay or grossum = large.
Names in different Indian languages
| English | Fenugreek, greek hayes |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Meti, mutti |
| Kannada | Mentya, mentesoppu, mente |
| Malayalam | Uluva |
| Sanskrit | Methikaa , kalanusari |
| Tamil | Vendhayam |
| Telugu | Mentulu, mentikura |
| Unani | Hulbaa, Methi |
| Folk |
Synonyms
Methikaa, Methi, Vastikaa, Selu, Methini, Dipani, Bahupatrikaa, Bodhaini, Gandhaphala.
Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata
| Charaka | |
|---|---|
| Susrutha | |
| Vagbhata |
Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants)
Morphology
A shrub – 30 cms. high.
Leaves compound, trigonal.
Flowers – small, pale yellow.
Fruit – 5-6 cms. long, legume contains 10-20 seeds.
Distribution & Habitat
Cultivated
Chemical constituents:
trigonelline, gentianine , carpaine; saponins, sapogenins, diosgenin
Properties:
Rasa : kashaya, katu;
Vipaka : katu;
Virya : ushna;
Vipaka;katu–
Karma –
Deepan, arochaka hara, hridya, balakari
Spleen and liver tonic
Srotogamitva:
Dosha : Vataghna. kaphaghna
Dhatu: Meda. asthi (hair fall). rasa )galactogogue)
Mala : Purisha (astringent).
Organ: Uterus.
Indication:
Sukla dosha, kasam, krimi, pradara
flatulence, dyspepsia, colic, diarrhoea, dysentery
Part used:
Whole plants, mainly seeds
Dosage:
Leaf juice 10-15 ml
Powder 2-4 g
Decoction 50-100 ml
Uses: Since it is an appetizer and carmiriative, it is useful in anorexia, toss of appetite and fever.
Women are advised to consume methi seeds in the post natal period to improve excretory and menstrual functions. It is used in dyspepsia. indigestion, rheumatoid arthritis and also as an aphrodisiac. Roasted seeds in the form of infusion are indicated in diarrhoea and small pox. Its porridge is used as galactogogue. Being astringent, roasted seeds along with dry grapes and common salt are given in diarrhoea. It is as potent as cod-liver oil because it contains phosphates. lecithin, nucleoalbumin
Seed powder or leaves pulp is used locally to reduce inflammation and hair fall, It is also used as lipolytic agent.
