Comparative Efficacy of Different Parts of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum Graecum) on Glycemic Response in Diabetic Subjects in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum), a leguminous herb, is cultivated extensively in India and is used for culinary and medicinal purposes and also for fodder. The hypoglycemic action of fenugreek has been investigated in experimental animals and in human beings. A significant decrease in fasting glucose level and a reduction in insulin response and urinary glucose excretion were evident in non-insulin diabetic patients following the consumption of fenugreek. Ground seeds of fenugreek offered to diabetic rats decrease the postprandial glucose levels. Hypoglycemic activity of fenugreek seeds and the defatted fraction of this herb in normal and diabetic dogs lower basal glucose plasma glucagon and stomatostatin levels.