Background
- Fenugreek is a plant in the family Fabaceae. Both its leaves and seeds are commonly used. Fenugreek is produced in Asia, the Middle East, South America, and southern Europe. Fenugreek seeds are often used in the making of garam masala (a South Asian spice blend). Fenugreek has a long history of medical uses in Indian and Chinese medicine, and it has been used for numerous indications, including for labor induction, as a digestive aid, and as a general tonic to improve metabolism and health.
- Preliminary research has suggested possible blood sugar-lowering and blood lipid-lowering properties of fenugreek seed powder when taken by mouth. However, at this time, the evidence is insufficient to make a conclusion on the effectiveness of fenugreek for diabetes or high blood lipids. Preliminary trials have also studied the use of fenugreek to stimulate breast milk production and for exercise performance enhancement, obesity, and skin care.
- Caution is warranted in patients taking blood sugar-lowering agents. Blood glucose levels should be monitored. Lowered blood potassium levels have also been reported. Potassium levels should be monitored in patients taking fenugreek and potassium-lowering agents, and in those with underlying heart disease.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Chevassus H, Gaillard JB, Farret A, et al. A fenugreek seed extract selectively reduces spontaneous fat intake in overweight subjects. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2010;66(5):449-455.
View Abstract - Chevassus H, Molinier N, Costa F, et al. A fenugreek seed extract selectively reduces spontaneous fat consumption in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2009;65(12):1175-1178.
View Abstract - Damanik R, Wahlqvist ML, Wattanapenpaiboon N. Lactagogue effects of Torbangun, a Bataknese traditional cuisine. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2006;15(2):267-74.
View Abstract - Gupta A, Gupta R, Lal B. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds on glycaemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo controlled study. J Assoc Physicians India 2001;49:1057-1061.
View Abstract - Izzo AA, Di Carlo G, Borrelli F, et al. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and herbal medicines: the risk of drug interaction. Int J Cardiol 2005;98(1):1-14.
View Abstract - Lambert JP, Cormier A. Potential interaction between warfarin and boldo-fenugreek. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21(4):509-512.
View Abstract - Losso JN, Holliday DL, Finley JW, et al. Fenugreek bread: a treatment for diabetes mellitus. J Med Food 2009;12(5):1046-1049.
View Abstract - Nahas R, Moher, M. Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Can Fam Physician 2009;55(6):591-596.
View Abstract - Patil SP, Niphadkar PV, Bapat MM. Allergy to fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1997;78(3):297-300.
View Abstract - Prasanna M. Hypolipidemic effect of fenugreek: a clinical study. Indian J Pharmacol 2000;32:34-36.
- Satheeshkumar N, Mukherjee PK, Bhadra S, et al. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitory potential of standardized extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum L and its constituents. Phytomedicine 2010;17(3-4):292-295.
View Abstract - Slivka D, Cuddy J, Hailes W, et al. Glycogen resynthesis and exercise performance with the addition of fenugreek extract (4-hydroxyisoleucine) to post-exercise carbohydrate feeding. Amino Acids 2008;35(2):439-444.
View Abstract - Thompson-Coon JS, Ernst E. Herbs for serum cholesterol reduction: a systematic view. J Fam Pract 2003;52(6):468-478.
View Abstract - Waqas MK, Akhtar N, Ahmad M, et al. Formulation and characterization of a cream containing extract of fenugreek seeds. Acta Pol Pharm 2010;67(2):173-178.
View Abstract - Wilborn C, Bushey B, Poole C, et al. Effects of Torabolic supplementation on strength and body composition during an 8-week resistance training program. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2008;5(1):11.