Phytochemical analysis and anti-microbial activity of Trigonella foenumgracum (Methi seeds)

Abstract

Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. (fabaceae), a spice seed used to flavour, color and texture of food and it is employed in various medicinal purposes in traditional systems. Trigonella foenum-graecum commonly known as fenugreek is a plant extensively used as source of antidiabetic compounds from its seeds. It has been acutely lower postprandial glucose levels. Number of laboratory research gives the information about the biological actions of fenugreek. The aim of the study was to screen the medicinal and antibacterial activities of distilled water, methanol, acetone; ethanol extract of the spice. The invitro antibacterial activity was performed by agar well diffusion method. Methanol, acetone, ethanol and distilled water extract of Fenugreek revealed an elevated antimicrobial activity against Bacillus Subtilis and Candida parapsilosis at lower concentration of the crude extract.The results obtained in the present study suggest that the methanol extract of Trigonella foenum L. revealed a significant scope to develop a novel broad spectrum of antibacterial herbal formation. In the phytochemical analysis, there is absence of anthraquinones by extracting with distilled water and glycosides by methanol.