THERAPEUTIC AND TRADITIONAL APPLICATIONS OF TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM (FENUGREEK) AND NIGELLA SATIVA (BLACK SEED): AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) and Nigella sativa (black seed) are ancient herbs that have been prized for millennia in traditional medicine systems, including the Islamic Prophetic healing system. These plants are not only part of traditional ethnopharmacology but have also drawn increasing scientific attention because of their varied therapeutic potentials. This review integrates classic Islamic sources and modern biomedical findings to present an overview of the pharmacological properties of these plants. Fenugreek is traditionally known for its metabolic, lactogenic, and gastrointestinal benefits, which are ascribed to major phytochemicals such as diosgenin, trigonelline, and galactomannan. Likewise, black seed, which is considered a cure-all in Hadith literature, is known to possess strong anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects, which are largely ascribed to thymoquinone and other bioactive compounds. This article also discusses their combined use in treating metabolic and immune-related diseases. By taking ancient knowledge into conjunction with contemporary research, this book brings to light the promise of these plants in science-based integrative medicine and invites further clinical acceptance of their medicinal functions.