A pharmacognostical insight into the traditional and modern applications of Kasuri Methi: A detailed overview

Abstract

Kasuri methi is the ethnomedicinal plant (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) which is a member of the Fabaceae family. Kasuri methi is also known as sickle fruited fenugreek. In ancient time fenugreek seed and leaves commonly used in Egypt for the treatment of burn. It is currently widely cultivated in central Africa, North America and parts of Australia, with India. Many extracts of each seed or leaf and its active components have been studied for their pharmacological effects and have been reported to have hypocholestrolaemic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, analgesic, antipyretic, CNS-stimulant, antioxidant, wound healing and immune modulatory activity as well as gastro-protective and chemo-preventive activities. This overview consolidates the botanical description, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and medicinal uses of kasuri methi.