Abstract

M. L. PAHWA

Several plants and compounds have been described in Indian systems of oriental medicine as antidiabetic agents1-7. Some of these are Momordica charantia L. (Kerala), Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. (Gurmar). Syzygium cumini L. (Jamun), Tinospora cordifolia willd(Gulu), Melia azadirachta (Neem seeds), Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn (Ami) and Methi seeds (Trigonella foenumgraecum). Of late, some attention has been given to experimental work8-10. Methi is widely available, being extensively cultivated in India and North Africa. Its seeds are used in India as a condiment and in Egypt as a supplement to wheat and maize flour for bread making. The medicinal uses of methi have also been known for a long time. Methi seeds, in the Greek and Latin pharmocopoeias have been described to posses antidiabetic activity11-13. Fourier14 observed that infusion of coarsly ground fenugreek seeds, improved severe diabetes in hurran subjects. Fenugreek leaves (Methi leaves) are also consumed in India as a green leafy vegetable and are rich source of calcium, iron, β-carotene and other vitamins. These observations and practices signify that methi seeds*. if consumed in appropriate dosage are not likely to cause any toxic effect. In view of the above, we have further investigated the hypoglycemic activity of the methi seeds.

Methi Intake; Sugar

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