Nutraceutical potential of Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) and Kasuri methi (Trigonella corniculata L.)

Abstract

The dried samples of methi leaves, stems (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) and Kasuri methi (Trigonella corniculata L.) (Fabaceae family) were investigated for their potential for use as nutraceuticals. The former is commonly known as fenugreek while the latter is renowned as cultivated fenugreek. Thorough characterization of the both the samples demonstrated their capability as rich sources of energy, natural antioxidants, polyphenols and minerals. The methi leaves and kasuri methi showed to be good sources of protein. While both the samples are excellent sources of Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus and moderate sources of Zinc, kasuri methi has a slightly richer amount of iron as compared to methi leaves. The samples revealed good amounts of alkaloids followed by moderate amounts of saponins. Total phenolics and flavonoids contents were obtained for methanolic and aqueous solvent extracts for each of the samples Antioxidant activity of the extracts was estimated using ABTS scavenging assay and FRAP assay. The methanolic extracts showed good antibacterial activity in B. subtilis, E. coli and P. mirabilis. GC-MS screening and flavour analysis showed the presence of several useful compounds indicating that the samples hold the potential to be stated under “nutraceuticals”.