Introduction(1)
Thriving in temperate and subtropical climates, Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a versatile plant originating from the Mediterranean, Southern Europe, and Western Asia. India being one of the major producers of fenugreek, not only sustainably cultivates it; but also underscores its diverse applications and benefits for culinary and medicinal uses. Fenugreek seeds are widely used in culinary applications and impart a distinctive, slightly bitter flavor to dishes such as curries, pickles, and spice blends.
Historically valued in Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine for treating digestive and respiratory issues, fenugreek seeds extract, known by its INCI name Trigonella Foenum-Graecum Seed Extract, contain beneficial compounds like saponins, flavonoids, and diosgenin—an important precursor to steroid hormones.
Nutritional Value and Profitability in Food Industries (2)
Fenugreek extract is valued in the food industry for its nutritional richness and diverse applications. It contains significant dietary fiber, proteins, and essential amino acids, contributing to its nutritional profile. These components make fenugreek beneficial for enhancing the nutritional content of food products while adding a distinctive flavor.
Key Components of Fenugreek Extracts used in Food Industries (3)
Key components in fenugreek that are particularly beneficial for food industries include:
- Dietary Fiber: Aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
- Proteins and Amino Acids: Contributes to the protein content of food products.
- Saponins: Known for potential cholesterol-lowering effects.
- Flavonoids: Antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and support overall health.
Benefits of using Fenugreek Extracts in Food Industries (4)
- Flavor Enhancement: Fenugreek imparts a unique, slightly bitter flavor, enhancing the taste of curries, pickles, and spice blends.
- Nutritional Enrichment: High fiber and protein content enhance the nutritional value of food products.
- Health Benefits: Potential cardiovascular benefits due to saponins, and antioxidant effects from flavonoids.
Why choose Indfrag Biosciences Fenugreek Extracts?
Indfrag offers two high-quality fenugreek products in the market:
- Fenugreek soft extract –
Indfrag offers a high-quality fenugreek soft extract with a minimum of 75% total dissolved solids, confirmed positive for saponins by TLC. Gluten levels are rigorously tested to ensure they do not exceed 20 PPM. This dark brown extract features a characteristic fenugreek aroma and a mildly bitter taste, making it ideal for applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
- Fenugreek extract powder-
A premium fenugreek extract powder renowned for its exceptional quality and versatility. This light yellow to light-coloured powder boasts a characteristic odor and bitter taste, indicative of its high purity and potency. Derived from dried fenugreek seeds, it maintains a low moisture content with a loss on drying Not More Than (NMT) 5.0%. The extract exhibits a bulk density ranging from 0.20 to 0.80 g/ml and ensures particle uniformity with at least 95% passing through 40 mesh. Identification via Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) confirms its positive saponin content, reinforcing its suitability for diverse applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical formulations.
References
- Goyal, S.K., et al. (2017). Nutraceuticals: A Review. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 9(4), 1-7.
- Vijayakumar, M.V., et al. (2016). Nutritional and Medicinal Properties of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.): A Review. Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 6(4), 1-7.
- Kumar, P., et al. (2015). A Review on Pharmacological and Analytical Aspects of Trigonella foenum-graecum. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 6(12), 4960-4973