Commonly called fenugreek or methi, it is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop and is a common ingredient in dishes from Pakistan and the Indian subcontinent. India is the largest producer of fenugreek with Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Argentina, Egypt, France, Spain, Turkey, Morocco and China being the other major producing countries.

Cosmetic use

The crushed seed mixed with oil and massaged into the scalp is recommended for glossy hair. An infusion of the seed, used as a skin lotion, is said to be good for the complexion.

Methi seeds are a rich source of the polysaccharide galactomannan. They are also a source of saponins such as diosgenin, yamogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin and neotigogens. Other bioactive constituents of fenugreek include mucilage, volatile oils and alkaloids such as choline and trigonelline.