HULBAH (TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM.): A REVIEW

The Hulbah, Trigonella foenum-graecum of family Legumenasea which is commonly known as methi, in the traditional system of medicine including Unani Medicine. Hulba is an annual herb, 1-2 fit long contains the seed in long, narrow sickle shape pods called Tukhme Hulbah. Hulbah leaves are yellowish green, petiolate, usually 2-5 cm long called Burge Hulbah. The Hulbah contains alkaloids, e.g., trimethylamine, neurin, trigonelline, choline, gentianine, carpaine. amino acids, e.g., isoleucine, 4-Hydroxyisoleucine, histidine, leucine, lysine, valine tryptophan, argeniens, tyrosine, cystine, threonine, diosgenin, smilagenin, neotigogenin, gitogeninne, graecunins, fenugrin, fenugreekine, trigofoenosides. neogitogenin, yuccagenin, saponaretin, gum, neutral detergent, fiber, lipids, vitamins, minerals. 28% mucilage; 22% proteins; 5% bitter fixed oil. Therapeutic uses of Hulbah (Trigonella foenum-graecum), mentioned in the Unani Medicine are zof-e-meda (Indigestion), nafakh-e-shikam (Flatulence), qulanj, waj-ul-mafasil (Arthritis), waj-ul-qutn (Backacke), paralysis  It is also used in headache, nazla (common cold), sual (cough), asthma. It is also used in skin eruption (bahaq, bars), diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia etc. The present article reviews the pharmacological actions and therapeutic uses of Hulbah (Trigonella foenum-graecum) present in Unani literature supported with the available clinical and animal studies.