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Review Article Volume 14 Issue 1
Functional properties and food applications of fenugreek - A review
HH Pandya, AM Shendurse
Received: February 02, 2026 | Published: February 12, 2026
Citation: Pandya HH, Shendurse AM. Functional properties and food applications of fenugreek - A review. J Nutr Health Food Eng. 2026;14(1):23‒30. DOI: 10.15406/jnhfe.2026.14.00384
Abstract
Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a legume which is rich in protein, minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients (alkaloids, including carpaine, gentianine and trigonelline). Fenugreek has medicinal and therapeutic properties like anti-cancer, gastroprotective, anti-obesity, antifungal–antimicrobial, cardiac protective, cholesterol-lowering agent, anti-carcinogenic and antidiabetic properties. In addition, it also functions in lowering the blood sugar level, improving insulin sensitivity as well as sexual function and also acts in detoxification of the body. Moreover, the flavonoids and phenolic compounds found in fenugreek helps to enhance its antioxidant capacity and have a positive impact on the pancreas and liver because antioxidant properties have been connected to the health advantages of natural foods. Fenugreek also have strong antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, fenugreek seeds have bitter taste and a maple flavour when raw, however, by roasting and germination, the bitterness can be lowered and its flavour can be improved. It has been historically used as a spice and herb to enhance the flavour, texture and colour of many food products. The fenugreek hydrocolloid, specifically fenugreek gum (soluble fibre), has the capability to emulsify, thicken, stabilize, gel and encapsulate substances. Consequently, dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, had made its way into dairy products, cereal bars and nutritional drinks.
Keywords: fenugreek, therapeutic, food, milk, antioxidant, antimicrobial
©2026 Pandya, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.