Abstract

A CLASSICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW ON METHIKA (TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM L.)

Rajesh Sharma* and Dheeraj Sharma

ABSTRACT

Methika (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a medicinal plant belongs to the family Fabaceae. Methika is commonly used in many food preparations as condiment. Many formulations are described in classics in which methika is one of the main ingredients. In Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, it is described in Haritakayadi varga. In Raja Nighantu it is described in Pippalyadi varga. In Dhanwantri Nighantu, it is described in Suvarnadi varga. The present review is mainly concentrated to compile the classical references and then pharmacological activities about methika. Ayurvedic samhitas, Nighantus and recent research publications were used to compile the relevant information.

Keywords: Methika, Ayurveda, Classical, Pharmacological, Alternative medicine.