**2. Traditional uses of fenugreek**

Fenugreek has been used in traditional cure treatments dates back to the 15th century. Different parts of fenugreek such as seeds and leaves were used to treatment of symptoms and ailments. For instance, a paste prepared with ground fenugreek seeds was used to treat eczema, local inflammations of the skin-as locally administered poultice or added to a hot bath [15].

Fenugreek is easily grown all over the world because of its wide adaptation and its usage varies significantly between countries.

Many studies were conducted to determine and confirm the traditional uses of fenugreek as herbal cure using different plant part (seeds and leaves) or pure phytochemicals (saponins, steroids, alkaloids). Fenugreek seeds have been reported to have an aphrodisiac effect in ancient times, but modern vaidyas have used it more for digestive and respiratory problems caused by phlegm and wind. In ancient Egypt, it was recorded that methi (fenugreek) was used to facilitate childbirth and increase milk flow, and modern Egyptian women still use fenugreek to make hilba tea to relieve menstrual cramps and relieve other abdominal pains. The Chinese call it hu lu ba and also use it to treat abdominal pain. While the fresh stems and leaves are mostly used as a winter vegetable, seeds are used as a flavor agent in different foods in India [16].

The seeds are also eaten raw as sprouts and used medicinally. While fenugreek is used in baking bread by Egyptian and Ethiopian, Switzerland uses it to flavor cheese. In the USA, it is mostly used in spice mixes for soups and stews [16]. Fenugreek has been used as a spice in cooking for centuries in European countries and remains a popular ingredient in curry powders, pickles, and spice mixes in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other Asian countries. Fenugreek has been used in folk remedies to treat cellulite, boils and tuberculosis. Fenugreek remained a key ingredient in a 19th century patented drug for dysmenorrheal and post-menopausal symptoms [17].

Fenugreek was also used for ethnoveterinary applications such as the decrease of serum cholesterol in animals [18] and the increase of milk production in animals [19].

In the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine, fenugreek is used to cure epilepsy, paralysis, gout, dropsy, chronic cough and piles. This crop has also known as potential of oleoresin and steroid production for oral contraceptives. In addition, ground seeds use as a control mechanism for the blood sugar and thereby checks the diabetes in human beings [20].

Fenugreek leaves are widely used for treatment of eye diseases in Iran [21] and gynecological disorders [22]. In traditional medicine, it is used to prepare infusions, water and alcohol extracts, tinctures, honeys, tonics with antidepressant and psychotonic properties, and muscle growth supplements. It is also used in the treatment of seborrhea, acne and dermatitis. The plant is widely used in cosmetology [23]. It was reported that fenugreek seeds have been used as an oral insulin substitute to decreasing blood sugar [17].

The aroma and taste of fenugreek has led to its use in imitation maple syrup [24]. Furthermore, fresh and dried leaves are used as vegetables in the diets. It was found that these leaves included calcium; zinc iron, phosphorous, riboflavin, carotene,

thiamine, niacin and vitamin C. The leaves of fenugreek, which are stored in either in refrigeration conditions or dried in oven, are used to prepare in pressure cooker [25].

Aqueous solutions and softened fenugreek oils exert protective effects on mucous membranes in ulcer disease [26] and prevent colon cancer [27]. It is being utilized in the folk medicines for the treatment of cellulitis, tuberculosis and boils [28].

In Turkey, it has been found to be beneficial in healing internal wounds when taken with butter and sugar. It is used in healing hemorrhoids and it can be also used as a supplementary food supplement in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
