Review Article Trigonella foenum graecum (Methi): An important botanical drug of Unani system of medicine for the management of gynecological disorders

Abstract

Hulbah (methi) is a botanical drug used in traditional system of medicine and claimed to be effective in the management of gynecological disorders. In this study the aim is to review the role of Hulbah in the management of gynecological disorders (like Warm-e-Rahim, Warm-e-Unq-ur-Rahim, Cervicitis, galactogouge, dysmenorrhea uterine tonic, emmenagogue, labour pain, Mudirr-e-boul, Mudirr-e-Haiz, Mushile Wilaadat, Salabat Rehm, Warm-e-Rehm, Quruhal Rahim) as mentioned in Unani literature. A review of literature on Hulbah was undertaken using the bibliographic database viz. Pub Med, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus. The search was conducted using the terms ‘Hulbah’, ‘Methi’, ‘Trigonella foenum-gracum’, ‘Fenugreek ’and ‘Hu Lu Ba’. Further, books published in Urdu and English were used to compile the information as representative literature in Unani medicine. The result of review enumerated that Hulbah as such and as an ingredient in various formulations has been used for the management of gynecological disorders since ancient times mainly by the practitioners of traditional medicines. Literature of Unani medicine clearly indicated that Hulbah and its different formulations are safe in gynecological disorders. Sufficient information in respect of Antiarthritic effect, Antibacterial and Antifungal activity, Hypolipidemic effect, Anthelmintic activity, Estrogenic activities, Effect on polycystic ovarian syndrome, Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities etc., of Hulbah are available.  Hulbah and its formulations have been claimed by Unani medicine to be useful in the management of gynecological disorders. Modern scientific reports though scarce, also suggest the possibility of such an effect. Keywords: Methi: Hulbah: Trigonella foenum gracium: Fenugreek