Fenugreek is used both as a herb (the leaves) and as a spice (seeds). Cultivated world-wide, fenugreek forms an essential part of the cooking in several African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Fenugreek seeds are used in a variety of ways from cooking to managing diabetes. In India fenugreek seeds are used regularly in cooking curries and breads just as in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. In Egypt, the seeds are used as a very popular tea drink, by being boiled in water and then sweetened. Apart from being used as a spice, fenugreek seeds have other uses as well. In Ethiopia and India, fenugreek seeds are used as a natural remedy for diabetes and are part of traditional Chinese medicine. In the US, where maple syrup is a much loved by expensive product, fenugreek seeds are used to produce maple syrup favouring. Fenugreek seeds are also used by lactating women to increase milk supply since they are galactagogue.

Indole-3-Carbinol is formed by the breakdown of Glucosinolate glucobrassicin that may be found at comparatively high quantity in cruciferous vegetables. It is the subject of study of current Biomedical research into its probable antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and anti-atherogenic effects. The researches on indole-3-carbinol have been performed primarily using cultured cells and laboratory animals. Only few, inconclusive and indecisive human studies have been reported. The latest analysis of the biomedical research found that the proof of an association between the intake of cruciferous vegetables and prostate or breast cancer, in human beings is inconsistent and limited. Controlled and randomized trials are required to establish if indole-3-carbinol supplements have health benefits.

Piperine has the ability to inhibit many enzymes which break down drugs. This means that it increases the bioavailability of drugs by preventing their breakdown. However, for the same reason, it should be used with caution if one is taking some special medication. The extracts of the plant also have an effect on pigmentation of the skin.

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid derived mostly from blue-green algae. Quercetin is a strong antioxidant commonly found in onions, wine and tea.