The fenugreek is biologically referred to as Trigonella Foenum-graecum. It is legume that has been discovered to have wide ranging uses such as:
- Spice to improve the sensory quality of foods
- Medicinal qualities such as anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, cholesterol regulator, antioxidant, and other immunological functions.
- Food Stabilizer, adhesive properties and emulsifying agent
- Production of healthy and nutrient rich bakery products
There has been a lot of research in the pharmaceutical industry about the fenugreek gum powder which has led to the emergence of new uses for the fenugreek powder. The major Nutraceutical properties include:
Beneficial Effect on the Blood
The Fenugreek has been discovered to have an immense ability to cleanse the blood, or act as a diaphoretic. It acts as an important factor in detoxification of the body. As an antioxidant, the gum contains phenolics and flavonoids molecules that promote the antioxidant activity. These have huge beneficial effect on the liver and the pancreas.
Pungency
From the aroma of the plant, it is used to clear the smell of sweat with that of the gum. When consumed it has a tendency to create a nice scent from the body and shadow bad odors.
Lymphatic System
The plant has also been seen to purify the lymphatic system through its ability to “irrigate cells” with nutrients as well as remove the wastes, dead cells, and even locked up proteins in the body. It is important to note that blockage in the lymphatic system leads to poor fluid circulation pain, loss of energy and disease.
Respiratory System
The gum from the plant, when used as a food additive helps maintain the mucus levels in the body, especially in the lungs. This makes it efficient in cleansing the lungs and relieving of congestion.
Anti-carcinogen
The Fenugreek gum powder is under research as an important complementary therapy in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy interventions. Research has shown that the fenugreek gum is used as a starting material for development of steroid hormones such a cortisone and progesterone.
In photochemistry, the most important compound is the 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which works in the regulation of glucose metabolism.Other compounds in the gum that work in glucose metabolism are the trigonelline, galactomannan, and trigoneosides.
Viscosity
The fenugreek gum powder increase viscosity with increase in temperature. It also exhibits the non – Newtonian (sheer thinning) viscosity characteristics. Due to the fully substituted backbone, the gum never interacts with other hydrocolloids.
Unlike other hydrocolloids, the fenugreek is unique in reducing the surface tension of the fluid. From this concept, the gum helps to prevent the fluid mixture against flocculation and coalescence. This factor, combined with the water holding ability of the gum has now opened up research in the use of the gum for manufacture of cosmetics.
Conclusion
The fenugreek gum has recently gained popularity as a hydrocolloid with major uses in the world. Its main uses are in the food industry as a thickening and emulsifying agent. It also has immense nutritional value as a fiber as well as spice that adds aroma to the food.
These properties have also enabled the gum to have significant usage in the pharmacy Sector.