3) CANCER
Cancer is the final outcome of a plethora of events. Targeting the proliferation or inducing programmed cell death in a proliferating population is a major standpoint in the cancer therapy and more herbs are being recognized for their potential to effectively stimulate apoptosis as effectively as drugs.
Proliferation of cancer is regulated by several cellular and immunologic processes. Fenugreek inhibits the proliferation by augmenting immune surveillance, silencing acute inflammation, and inducing mediated apoptosis of cancer.
In the journal Integrative Cancer Therapy researchers found that fenugreek along with other medicinal extracts reduced the number, incidence, and multiplicity of tumors, which was confirmed by the pathologic studies that showed regressed tumors.
Results of the study confirmed that fenugreek extract not only limits the rate of proliferation by inhibition of the processes integral to cancer development but also induce programmed cell death of cancer cells leading to fewer and regressed tumors.
Various animal experiments have shown fenugreek inhibits liver cancer cells. In China, fenugreek is employed as a pessary in the treatment of cervical cancer.
4) REDUCE ALUMINUM TOXICTY
In open access, peer-reviewed journal Nutrition Research and Practice, researchers demonstrated that a diet supplemented with fenugreek seeds could offer protection from aluminum toxicity for the kidney, bone and brain, at the same time.
The researchers concluded that fenugreek seeds can be used as a regular nutrient to alleviate the side effects of aluminum ingestion, especially for anybody populations who are more susceptible to developing aluminum toxicity.
The known multiple pharmacological effects of fenugreek, including its antidiabetic, antioxidative, antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, antipyretic, antitumor and immunomodulatory effects assist in the detoxification process. The active components of fenugreek seeds behind their most common properties have been described as polyphenolic flavonoids, steroid saponins, and mainly galactomannans.
5) COUGHS AND RESPIRATORY
Fenugreek increases the production of mucosal fluids to help remove allergens and toxins from the respiratory tract. Fenugreek acts as an expectorant and antispasmodic to loosen phlegm and help stop chronic coughs. Research has also found that fenugreek induces perspiration to help lower fever, a quality which has been compared by some authorities with that of quinine. It is often included in lung-healing formulas for treating emphysema and lung congestion, as well as allergies, bronchitis, fever, hayfever and respiratory tract infection.
6) ENHANCES DIGESTION
Fenugreek also stimulates the production of digestive fluids to enhance digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Fenugreek is even recommended during convalescence and in cases of anorexia to promote weight gain. Fenugreek provides anti-inflammatory properties which help soothe inflamed tissues, as confirmed by Belgian researchers. In fact, these soothing properties have been found to help stomach problems such as dyspepsia, gastric ulcers and gastritis. Fenugreek even acts as a mild laxative to relieve constipation.
In general, fenugreek encourages an overall improvement in health, weight gain, more efficient protein utilization, reduced phosphorous secretion, and increased red blood cell counts. It is a worthy medicinal herb in any kitchen or medicine cabinet.
John Summerly is nutritionist, herbologist, and homeopathic practitioner. He is a leader in the natural health community and consults athletes, executives and most of all parents of children on the benefits of complementary therapies for health and prevention.
