REVIEW ON EFFECTS OF TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRAECUM ON DYSMENORRHEA

Shamna Jabin K. P.*, Jerrin Jose K., Dr. Shijikumar P. S., Dr. Sirajudheen M. K.3, Sherin A.

ABSTRACT

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum- graecum) commonly known as Methi, used in india as a traditional medicine for dysmenorrhea, diabetes, arthritis and lactation. Fenugreek is known for its medicinal qualities such as hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti inflammatory,analgesic and immunological properties. Recent research revealed that fenugreek is a valuable medicinal plant of multipurpose use and used for the preparation of various products such as steroidal hormone etc. The crop grows well under rainfall conditions and hence cost of production is lower compared to other crop. India has remained the largest fenugreek harvesting area in the world. Due to the lack of side effects compared with synthetic drugs, approximately 60% of the world's population is dependent on the plants for medication. Natural products have been known to be effective therapies. The use of herbal medicines has been common for hundreds of years before pharmaceutical companies started operating, and in addition, many medicines have a herbal basis. Consumption of herbal supplements has been increased in the developed countries, especially the USA, at different age groups for various reasons. Traditional medicines like brewed herbs have been used to treat dysmenorrhea across the world. Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological complaint among adolescents and young adult females. It is the painful menstruation cramps in the lower abdomen that is often accomapanied by other symptoms including sweating, headache, nausea vomiting tremulousness before or during menstruation. Fenugreek have a important role in menstruation which can reduce the severity of dysmenorrhea by reducing the pain. In this review, the effects of trigonella foenum graecum on dysmennorrhea is discussed.

Keywords: Fenugreek, Herbal medicine, Dysmenorrhea, Menstrual period.