Fenugreek

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a plant native to the Mediterranean and southwest Asia. Its name derives from the Latin for “three angles”, because its corolla has three leaves forming an imaginary triangle. Traditionally, it was widely used by the Greeks, Egyptians and Romans for medicinal purposes, as a general tonic and stimulator of the immune system (4).  
Studies have since confirmed these properties and have shown that taken after exercise, it improves recovery by increasing muscle glycogen synthesis (1), increasing levels of free testosterone and its bioavailability (2).
Fenugreek also protects against free radicals generated during exercise, due to its antioxidant capacity (6). It is also recommended as a complementary therapy in diets treating obesity, due to its lipid-lowering action, i.e. its ability to decrease blood lipid levels, preventing cardiovascular risk factors. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect on joints, which tend to swell during exercise.

Finally, fenugreek has been used as an alternative treatment to oral hypoglycemics (3) in non-insulin dependent diabetes, due to the combined action of the coumarins, nicotinic acid and trigonelline (saponin) it contains, and the mucilage lining the cells of the mucous membrane slowing the absorption of nutrients.

EXTRACT PROPERTIES:
COMMON NAME: Fenugreek
Product:  Fenugreek Extract 50% saponins
Part used: Seed
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Trigonella foenum-graecum L.
ACTIVE SUBSTANCE: 50% saponins

OUR EXTRACT: Fenugreek seed extract containing a minimum of 50% saponins, the active substance responsible for its tonic and hormone modulation properties.
Fenugreek extract is also subjected to stringent microbiological control and monitoring for heavy metals, in accordance with European Pharmacopoeia criteria.

MAIN PROPERTIES OF THE PRODUCT:
•    When taken after exercise, improves recovery by increasing muscle glycogen synthesis. (1)
•    Its androgenic effect increases testosterone, increasing levels of free testosterone and its bioavailability. (2)
•    Fenugreek helps control blood glucose levels and insulin resistance in patients with type II diabetes. (3)
•    Has a stimulatory effect on immune response by increasing lymphocyte production. (4)
•    Its antineoplastic action inhibits tumorous cells. (5)
•    Protects against cell damage, due to its antioxidant capacity. (6)

1. The addition of fenugreek extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum) to glucose feeding increases muscle glycogen resynthesis after exercise. B. C. Ruby et Al. Amino Acids. 2005
2. Effects of glycosides based fenugreek seed extract on serum testosterone levels of healthy sedentary male subjects: an exploratory double blind, placebo controlled, crossover study. Mahesh Mokashi et Al. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research. 2014
3. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds on glycaemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo controlled study. Gupta Aet Al. The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India. 2001
4. Immunomodulatory effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) extract in mice. Bilal Bin-Hafeez et Al. International Immunopharmacology. 2003
5. Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seed extract as an antineoplastic agent. P. Sur et Al. Phototherapy Research. 2001
6. In vitro studies on antiradical and antioxidant activities of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds. S. Kaviarasan et Al. Food Chemistry. 2007