ARS | Publication request: FENUGREEK: THE GENUS TRIGONELLA

Submitted to: Plant Science Bulletin
Publication Type: Literature Review
Publication Acceptance Date: June 20, 2003
Publication Date: July 15, 2003
Citation: GRUSAK, M.A. FENUGREEK: THE GENUS TRIGONELLA. Plant Science Bulletin 49:61-62. 2003.

Technical Abstract: Trigonella foenum-graecum, referred to as fenugreek in English-speaking countries, is possibly one of the oldest medicinal plants known to humankind. Fenugreek seed have been found in the tomb of Tutankhamun (entombed around 1325 B.C.) and the plant was mentioned by Hippocrates (470 to 410 B.C.). T. foenum-graecum, like other members of this genus, contains a wide array of biologically and/or pharmacologically active steroids, polyphenolics, and volatiles in its leaves and seeds. It has been used successfully as a forage crop thanks to the nutritional value of its leaves, and several industrial uses have been realized for the galactomannans (polysaccharide mucilage) in its seeds. These and other aspects of the phytochemistry, agronomy, and industrial applications of fenugreek are covered in the book "Fenugreek: The genus Trigonella," a recent volume in the series "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Industrial Profiles." This book review discusses the content, strengths and weaknesses of this volume, and provides recommendations on who would find this book beneficial.