Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Hormone & Libido Support
Overview
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a leguminous herb native to the Mediterranean and South-Asian regions.
- Its seeds and leaf extracts are widely used as dietary supplements.
- They contain soluble fiber, saponins, and amino-acid derivatives influencing metabolic and hormonal pathways.
Chemistry
- Key constituents:
- Diosgenin: A steroidal sapogenin, molecular formula C₂₇H₄₂O₃, IUPAC: (25R)-spirost-5-en-3β-ol.
- 4-Hydroxy-L-isoleucine: C₆H₁₃NO₃, IUPAC: 2-amino-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid.
- Galactomannan: A high-molecular-weight polysaccharide (≈10⁶ Da) composed of β-(1→4)-linked mannose and α-(1→6)-linked galactose units.
- Saponins: (e.g., trigonelline, a quinoline-carboxylic acid, C₁₀H₁₀N₂O₅) contribute to surface-active properties.
- These structures confer amphiphilic properties (saponin soap-like, enabling membrane interaction) and enable binding to bile salts, receptors (PPAR-γ), and enzymes (α-glucosidase).
- The high solubility of galactomannan yields a gel-forming mucilage, while the steroidal backbone of diosgenin can interact with nuclear receptors, influencing gene transcription.
Sources & Quality
- Fenugreek is cultivated primarily in India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
- Climatic conditions (hot, semi-arid) promote high seed yields.
- Commercial supplements use whole-seed powder (air- or mechanically milled) or standardized extracts (aqueous-ethanol extraction, solvent removal, spray-drying).
- Standardization typically targets ≥50% saponins or ≥2% diosgenin, verified by HPLC-UV.
- Quality control includes testing for microbial contamination, heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg), and aflatoxins.
- Organic, non-GMO cultivation and GMP-certified facilities minimize pesticide residues.
- For high bioavailability, capsules use powdered seed or extract with added maltodextrin; liquid tinctures employ 40% ethanol extracts, both stabilized with antioxidants (e.g., vitamin E).
Where to Buy Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
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