Studies on the physicochemical properties of fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L.) seeds

摘要

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is one of the most promising medicinal herbs known from ancient times having nutritional value. This study aimed at determining the physicochemical properties of fenugreek seeds in order to ascertain its quality as a food and medicinal agent. The proximate analysis was carried out based on standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), while the vitamin composition was analyzed based on the method described in CODEX. Vitamin C was determined by titration method. The moisture and ash contents of the sample had average values of 10.91±0.85% and 2.99±0.48% respectively. The protein content had an average value of 2.74±0.35%, while fat and carbohydrate contents were 6.33±0.52% and 77.04±0.63% respectively. The vitamin B1, B2, B6 and B12 gave average values of 0.1137mg/g, 0.0366 mg/g, 0.0495 mg/g and 0.8710 mg/g respectively, whereas vitamin C and folic acid contents had values of 10.5400 mg/g and 0.0386 mg/g respectively. The aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds found vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins and fats may be a very good source of food supplement and has potential for treating diverse medical ailments which supports its traditional use.