Fenugreek: productivity, nutritional value and uses

This paper reviews the available literature about the botanical aspects and productivity, properties and applications of fenugreek. The source of this species are seeds and leaves. The high yield of fenugreek is influenced on the environmental and agricultural factors. The unique properties of this species are determined by variety, agricultural technology and habitat conditions, too. One of this species is a crop fenugreek (Trigonella foenum – graecum L.). Fenugreek belongs to the legume plants and is an environmentally friendly plant. The yields of plants depend on the genotype, climate, environmental conditions, cultivation practices, use of fertilizers, irrigation. The seeds are rich in biogenic element such as phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, calcium but were less abundant in zinc, manganese and copper. Fenugreek seeds and leaves contain biologically active substances (protein, amino acids, biogenic elements, lipids and fatty acids), and they are used in traditional medicine, as functional food and in the cosmetics industry. In traditional medicine, fenugreek is used to prepare infusions, water and alcohol extracts, tinctures, meads, tonics with antidepressant and psychotonic properties, and muscle growth supplements. Fenugreek constitutes high-quality feed for dairy cattle which improves the health status of livestock. The findings presented in this review paper will be useful for consumers hoping to improve their health by incorporating healthy biogenic elements and fatty acids into their diets.