Fenugreek

Alhova; Bird's Foot; Greek Clover; Greek Hay; Hu Lu Ba; Methi; Trigonella; Trigonella foenum-graecum

... Fenugreek seeds contain a high percentage of mucilage -- a natural gummy substance present in the coatings of many seeds. Although it does not dissolve in water, mucilage forms a thick, gooey mass when exposed to fluids. Like other mucilage-containing substances, fenugreek seeds swell up and become slick when they are exposed to fluids. The resulting soft mass is not absorbed by the body, but instead passes through the intestines and also triggers intestinal muscle contractions. Both actions promote the emptying of intestinal contents. Therefore, fenugreek is a mild but effective laxative. ...

?Fenugreek Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Divisi ...