Fenugreek, being botanically called as Trigonella foenum-graecum is also known as “Methi” in Hindi. Fenugreek is an edible seed and hence its isolated gum is the latest addition to the list of galactomannan gums. Fenugreek is an annual crop, mainly cultivated in India. Fenugreek gums was not used in industries till 1990 but after that fenugreek had dual use by removing the spice and other components and separate the unique galactomannan which is also known as fenugreek gum powder to be used in the industries. Currently fenugreek gum is having high demand as it is having considerable amount of applications in industries. Fenugreek being an annual legume plant is native to the Mediterranean region but is also grown in Middle East, Asia and Africa. India is an important exporter of Fenugreek seeds. Moreover, in India fenugreek is used as a spice as well as in medicines also. Applications of Fenugreek Gum Powder: Due to the presence of galactomannan in high proportion as the major component, in fenugreek gum powder, it has the quality of controlling blood sugar and blood lipid. So, it is considered very good for obesity and diabetic patients. Fenugreek gum powder also helps in reducing cholesterol, hypertension and chance of heart attack. Fenugreek gum powder also has the distinctive properties due to which the level of sugar in the blood can be lowered. Due to so many medicinal properties, fenugreek gum powder is used in tablet and capsules. It is also used in weight control formulation and other diet food.
