What is Fenugreek used for?
Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses The European herb fenugreek has been used for centuries as a cooking spice and has been used in folk medicine for almost as long. The herb has been used in folk medicine in the treatment of boils, diabetes, cellulitis, and tuberculosis. Extracts of the seeds are used to flavor maple syrup substitutes. Fenugreek also has been used as an insect repellent. The seeds are rich in protein and the plant is grown as an animal forage. Following commercial extraction of diosgenin (which is used as a natural precursor in commercial steroid synthesis), the nitrogen and potassium-rich seed residue is used as an agricultural fertilizer. Cholesterol-lowering effects Clinical data from very small studies suggest the use of fenugreek for cholesterol lowering. Further studies are necessary to determine the full benefits of fenugreek to reduce cholesterol. Glucose-lowering effects Glycemic control was improved in a small study of patients with mild type-2 diabetes mellitus
