Trigonella foenum- graecum L., commonly known as fenugreek, is a traditional Indian medicinal plant of the Fabaceae family (sub-family: Papilionaceae). Fenugreek has been commonly used as a traditional food and medicine. The plant has been found to possess pharmacological activities such as anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant. The present investigation was therefore undertaken to determine the requisite pharmacognostic standards for the aerial parts (leaves and stem) of T. foenum- graecum L., Pharmacognostic studies including examination of macroscopic and microscopic characters and powder analysis were carried out for aerial plant parts. The physicochemical properties such as moisture content, total ash value, acid insoluble ash value, water soluble ash value and extractive values of aerial parts were also carried out. The presence of anomocytic stomata, simple trichomes, spiral and pitted thickening of vessels are the characteristic features observed in powder microscopy. Aqueous extractive value was found to be more than alcoholic. The preliminary phytochemical analysis indicated presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids. HPTLC fingerprint profile has been also developed for methanolic extract of Trigonella foenum- graecum; as the chemical fingerprint obtained by chromatographic techniques are strongly recommended for the purpose of quality control of herbal medicines. The results of the study could be useful in setting some diagnostic indices for the correct identification, standardization and preparation of monograph of the plant.