Fenugreek: an Emergent Allergen

Fenugreek or Trigonella foenum greacum is an ancient medicinal plant native to the eastern Mediterranean, later spread to Asia (especially in India); it belongs to Rosaceae order, Leguminosae family, subfamily of Papilonaceae and it is used as a medicinal herb, spice or food. It is a component of spice mix, such as curry, and it is also used as a supplement in wheat and corn flour for bread-making. Fenugreek appears to have many health benefits and potential medicinal properties (antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolemic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticarcinogenic, antiulcer, and antilithigenic) both in vitro and in vivo studies; for this reason it may be increasingly being used as nutraceutical formulations (powder, herbal teas, tablets and various combinations).This study aims to describe patients who came to our operating unit for suspected adverse reaction after ingestion of fenugreek and to highlight possible cross-reactivity between fenugreek and other legumes or other foods. Given the increasing use of novel spices in Mediterranean cuisine and the possible spread of fenugreek-based nutraceuticals, it is relevant to draw attention to possible allergic reactions.