Fenugreek Standardized Extract Powder 50% 4-Hydroxyisoleucine (Trigonella foenum-graecum), 25 kg (55 lbs): GL
Whole or ground fenugreek (foenum-graecum is Latin for ‘Greek hay’) is traditional in Mediterranean and Indian cooking, found in most Indian curries and chutneys. A favourite Indian dish is ‘methi aloo’ or pan-fried potatoes flavoured with fenugreek. It is also a basic Indian pickling spice. Fenugreek is also sprouted and used in salads, providing an excellent source of Vitamin E. Fenugreek’s steroidal saponins account for many of its beneficial effects, particularly the inhibition of cholesterol absorption and synthesis. The seeds are rich in dietary fiber, which may be the main reason they can lower blood sugar and cholersterol levels. This remarkable property has been confirmed in more than one modern study. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Fenugreek seed for ‘Internal: Loss of appetite. External: As poultice for local inflammation.’ ‘Side Effects: Repeated external applications can result in undesirable skin reactions. ‘Dosage: Internal: 6 g drug; equivalent preparations. External: 50 g powdered drug with ¼ liter water. Mode of Administration: Liniments in the form of alcoholic solutions, ointments, gels, emulsions, oils. Also bath additive and as an inhalant.’ ‘Actions: Secretolytic; Hyperemic; Mild antiseptic.’ Grieve’s classic ‘A Modern Herbal’: ‘In Cairo it is used under the name of Helba. This is an Egyptian preparation, made by soaking the seeds in water till they swell into a thick paste. Said to be equal to quinine in preventing fevers; is comforting to the stomach and has been utilized for diabetes. The seeds are soaked in water, then allowed to sprout, and when grown about 2 or 3 inches high, the green eaten raw with the seeds.’ ‘The seeds yield the whole of their odour and taste to alcohol and are employed in the preparation of emollient cataplasms, ointments and plasters. They give a strong mucilage, which is emollient and a decoction of 1 oz. seeds to 1 pint water is used internally in inflamed conditions of the stomach and intestines. The ground seeds are used also to give a maple-flavouring to confectionery.’ King’s 1898 Dispensatory: ‘The Greeks were acquainted with fenugreek, it being one of the important medicines employed by that people. The only property worth mentioning is its emolliency. A poultice (or plaster or ointment) of the powdered seeds, or a decoction, has been used on inflamed parts, and the latter has been used as a rectal and vaginal wash to soothe irritation or inflammation; it has likewise been used to allay irritation of the throat and breathing passages.’ ‘The decoction is prepared from 1 ounce of the seeds and 1 pint of water. Burns, etc., may be dressed with its bland oil. The infusion or tincture may be used as a tonic to improve digestion. It relieves uterine irritation and acts as an emmenagogue. Respiratory irritation is thought to be relieved by its internal use, and a sack of the gro