Methee-Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L)
Methee-Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L ) Introduction Methee or Fenugreek an annual, leafy, small herb is native to India. It is commonly found growing in the Mediterranean region. Though it is now cultivated worldwide, India remains the largest producer of Methee or Fenugreek. (1), (2) Methee has been around for thousands of years being used as a medicine, spice and food for both humans and animals. It is one of the oldest medicinal plants in medical history. Its description is found in Ayurvedic scriptures, ( Bhaawaprakaash, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia etc . ) the oldest repository of medicinal plants. The description of this plant is also found in the Ebers Papyrus (the oldest Egyptian compilation of medical texts), 1500 BC. Zohary D and Hopf M, authors of the book “Domestication of Plants in the Old World… 2000” note that it is not yet certain which wild strain of the genus Trigonella gave rise to the domesticated Methee-Fenugreek. They...