Medicinal value of Phytoestrogens in Trigonella foenum-graecum L (Fenugreek) - Review

Trigonella foenum-graecum known as fenugreek, is a widely used spice and an abundant source of phytoestrogens. Fenugreek has a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, obesity, antioxidant activity, osteoporosis, anti-inflammatory, and antirheumatic effects. Phytoestrogens are one of the constituents of fenugreek. These are nonsteroidal compounds that resemble the structure of 17β -estradiol and can bind to the ERa and ERβ estrogen receptors. It acts as an estrogen receptor modulator, producing antiestrogenic and/or estrogenic effects. The protective effect was also apparent in the cellular architecture of the kidney, liver, and common carotid artery. Several beneficial effects are ascribed to the phytoestrogens present in fenugreek. In the present review, we focused on the medicinal values of phytoestrogens in fenugreek.