Properties /Uses : The fenugreek herb is native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean region and western Asia where both the seeds and leaves are used primarily as a culinary spice. The seeds of the fenugreek herb are an effective nutritional supplement and have also been used by herbalists for many centuries for the health benefits it provides. Traditionallly, It is said to have numerous health benefits, including increased libido, elevated testosterone and increased insulin release.

Just like tribulus, terrestris, this herb is also found to contain a high amount of furostanolic saponins. Therefore, fenugreek extract works in a manner similar to Tribulus--elevating testosterone levels.

The active constituents in fenugreek are alkaloids, lysine and L-tryptophan. It also contains steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber which are believed to be responsible for many of the beneficial effects fenugreek exhibits. The mucilage found in fenugreek does not dissolve but instead swells when mixed with fluids. Since the body cannot digest the mucilage from fenugreek it is believed to be an effective laxative.

The chemical compounds found in fenugreek have the ability to aid the digestive process. Consequently, when taken with meals it is believed that fenugreek is able to slow down the rate at which sugars are absorbed into the body, whereby regulating blood sugar levels. As an external application fenugreek may sooth irritated skin and relieve surface aches and pains.

A common dosage for diabetes or cholesterol-lowering is 5 to 30 grams with each meal or 15 to 90 grams per day.