Proximate and mineral analysis of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fenugreek) seeds and leaves of variety HM444

The history of herbs and spices is as long as the history of mankind.These plants have been used by humans since the dawn of time.Spices and herbs have been effectively utilized in the indigenous systems of medicine and food in India.India has often been referred to as the medicinal garden of the world as nature has bestowed our country with an enormous wealth of medicinal plants.Annual herb, Trigonella foenum-graecum L. is locally known as "Methi".Fenugreek is well known for its gum, fiber, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, amino acids and volatile contents.The investigation aims to assess the proximate and mineral analysis of Fenugreek seeds and leaves of variety HM444 samples.The moisture content (%), ash (%), crude Fat (%), crude fiber (%), crude protein (%), total carbohydrates (%) and mineral content (ppb) were evaluated.Seeds had moisture content (8.96 ± 0.08%), ash (3.26 ± 0.01%), crude Fat (6.72 ± 0.01%), crude fiber (8.89 ± 0.02%), crude protein (27.99 ± 0.01%) and total carbohydrates (44.15 ± 0.09%) while leaves had moisture content (10.26 ± 0.16%), ash (8.72 ± 0.19%), crude fat (4.36 ± 0.31%), crude fiber (7.95 ± 0.01%), crude protein (36.66 ± 0.27%) and total carbohydrates (32.07 ± 0.07%).Seeds and leaves of Fenugreek of variety HM444 were found to be rich source of phytochemicals and minerals.Therefore, these had good nutritional and medicinal value.