Abstract

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) is widely used for its medicinal properties all over the world and it is a very important spice in Indian culture. The genus name Trigonella means #x2018;tri-angled#x2019;, maybe because of triangular shape of its flowers, whereas the species name foenum-graecum means #x2018;Greek hay#x2019;. It is an annual crop and dicotyledonous plant belonging to the subfamily Papilionaceae, family Fabaceae. It is used as a functional food, traditional food and as a nutraceutical, as well as its physiological utilization such as antibacterial, anticancer, antiulcer, anthelmintic, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant and anti-diabetic agent. The main objective of the study was to extract phytoconstituents from fenugreek seeds. The present study will be helpful in determining the quality and purity of a crude drug and laying down pharmacopoeial standards for Trigonella foenum-graecum. Fenugreek seed was extracted with water using hot continuous percolation method and the aqueous extract was used for determining the laxative activity.