Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain fenugreek. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with a pharmacist or health care professional before starting.
Scientists have studied fenugreek for the following health problems: Diabetes | Early studies suggest that in people with type 2 diabetes (also called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes), fenugreek may lower blood sugar levels and may improve problems associated with high blood sugar levels. These problems can include frequent urination, excessive thirst, nerve pain and skin infections. There is one study that suggests fenugreek may also improve blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes (also called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes). However, these studies have been small, low quality and not fully convincing. Better studies are underway that may provide more definitive answers. At this time, there is not enough evidence to recommend fenugreek for diabetes. Diabetes is a serious illness and should be treated under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. | High cholesterol | A few studies suggest that fenugreek may help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, but there is not enough information available at this time to recommend using fenugreek for this purpose. |
Fenugreek has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care professional before using fenugreek for any unproven use. Abscesses
Antioxidant
Appetite stimulant
Baldness
Beriberi
Boils
Breast enhancement
Bronchitis
Burns
Cancer
Cataracts
Cellulitis
Chapped lips
Clogged arteries
Colic
Constipation
Convalescence
Cough
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion
Eczema
Ethanol toxicity
Gas
Gout
Hernia
High blood pressure
Hyperthyroidism | Immune system stimulant
Impotence
Indigestion
Infections
Inflammation
Inflammatory bowel disease
Kidney abnormalities
Labor/abortion induction
Lactation stimulant
Larvicidal
Leg edema
Leukemia
Lice
Liver disease
Low energy
Lymphadenitis
Menopausal symptoms
Muscle aches
Pain
Peptic ulcer
Protection against alcohol toxicity
Rickets
Spleen enlargement
Stomach upset
Tuberculosis
Ulcers
Vaginal dryness (after menopause)
Wound healing |
Allergies People with allergies to fenugreek or chickpeas should avoid using this herb. Fenugreek has caused difficulty breathing, fainting and hayfeverlike symptoms in people with allergies. People with asthma may also be at risk of allergic reactions to fenugreek. One person with chronic asthma experienced facial swelling, difficulty breathing and numbness of the head when fenugreek was applied to the scalp. Side Effects Few side effects have been reported when fenugreek is used at recommended doses, although dizziness, diarrhea and gas may occur. Some side effects reported from exposure to fenugreek, such as facial swelling, numbness, difficulty breathing and fainting are likely a result of an allergic reaction. In theory, fenugreek may increase the risk of bleeding. You may need to stop taking fenugreek before some surgeries; discuss this with a health care professional. It is also possible that fenugreek may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are also taking drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by a health care professional while using fenugreek. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. There is some evidence that fenugreek may reduce potassium levels in the blood. Ask a health care professional to monitor your potassium level to make sure it does not become too low while you are using fenugreek. Although it has not been widely studied in humans, fenugreek may alter the levels of thyroid hormones in your body. If you have thyroid disease and are considering using fenugreek, discuss this with a health care professional. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Fenugreek cannot be recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding because there is not enough information to support its safety. During pregnancy, fenugreek should be used with extreme caution because it may cause blood sugar levels to become too low. In animal studies, fenugreek has caused spontaneous abortions and induced labor prematurely. During pregnancy, fenugreek is not recommended in doses higher than those found in foods.
Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with a health care professional or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs Fenugreek may interfere with the absorption of other drugs that are taken orally, and fenugreek should be used at least two hours before or after any prescription drug. In theory, fenugreek may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Some pain relievers may also increase the risk of bleeding if used with fenugreek. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox). Fenugreek may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are also taking drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by a health care professional while using fenugreek. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Because fenugreek may lower potassium levels in the blood, its use with some diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide; mineralocorticoids, such as fludrocortisone (Florinef); or laxatives is not recommended because potassium levels may become too low. Several other drugs interactions have been suggested, but there are no data in humans proving that these interactions exist. Fenugreek may increase the side effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors or estrogens, may alter the effects of thyroid hormones, may increase the toxic effects of digoxin (Lanoxin) or may inhibit the activity of corticosteroids, such as prednisone. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements Very few interactions between fenugreek and herbs or supplements have been reported. Fenugreek may lower blood sugar levels. People using other herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon ( Momordica charantia), should be monitored closely by a health care professional while using fenugreek. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. In theory, fenugreek may increase the risk of bleeding when also taken with other products that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Examples include Ginkgo biloba and garlic ( Allium sativum). Although not studied in humans, fenugreek may, in theory, increase the toxicity of glycosides, such as foxglove, or of agents with monoamine oxidase inhibitor properties, such as St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum). Fenugreek may also increase the laxative effects in people who use agents such as psyllium or may increase the estrogenlike effects in those using phytoestrogens such as red clover ( Trifolium pratense).
The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care professional before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. In general, experts suggest using fenugreek for no longer than 12 weeks, and there is limited scientific information about use for longer periods of time. For Type 1 Diabetes Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Debitterized powdered seeds: A dose of 50 grams twice daily taken by mouth has been used. Children (Younger Than 18) The dosing and safety of fenugreek have not been studied thoroughly in children, and fenugreek is not recommended. For Type 2 Diabetes Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Capsules: A dose of 2.5 grams of seed powder twice daily for three months taken by mouth has been used. Debitterized powdered seeds: A dose of 12.5 grams twice daily taken by mouth has been used. For High Cholesterol Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Capsules: A dose of 2.5 grams of seed powder twice daily for three months taken by mouth has been used. Debitterized powdered seeds: A dose of 50 grams twice daily taken by mouth has been used.
Although fenugreek has been suggested for many conditions, it has been most studied as a treatment for diabetes and high cholesterol. It should be avoided in pregnant women and in children in doses larger than what is commonly found in foods. Fenugreek may lower blood sugar levels or increase the risk of bleeding. Patients with diabetes and those prone to bleeding should be especially cautious when taking fenugreek. Fenugreek should be used in recommended doses for no longer than three months. Consult a health care professional immediately if you experience side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
- Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Fenugreek Natural Standard reviewed more than 145 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below: - Abdel-Barry JA, Abdel-Hassan IA, Jawad AM, et al. Hypoglycaemic effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Trigonella foenum-graecum in healthy volunteers. East Mediterr Health J 2000;6(1):83-88.
- Abebe W. Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. J Clin Pharm Ther 2002;Dec, 27(6):391-401.
- Al-Rowais NA. Herbal medicine in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Saudi Med J 2002;Nov, 23(11):1327-1331.
- Basch E, Ulbricht C, Kuo G, et al. Therapeutic applications of fenugreek. Altern Med Rev 2003;Feb, 8(1):20-27.
- Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease. Prostagland Leuk Essen Fat Acids 1997;56(5):379-384.
- Fugh-Berman A. "Bust enhancing" herbal products. Obstet Gynecol 2003;Jun, 101(6):1345-1349.
- Gabay MP. Galactogogues: medications that induce lactation. J Hum Lact 2002;Aug, 18(3):274-279.
- Neeraja A, Pajyalakshmi P. Hypoglycemic effect of processed fenugreek seeds in humans. J Food Sci Technol 1996;33(5):427-430.
- Puri D, Prabhu KM, Murthy PS. Mechanism of action of a hypoglycemic principle isolated from fenugreek seeds. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2002;Oct, 46(4):457-462.
- Sharma RD, Sarkar A, Hazra DK, et al. Use of fenugreek seed powder in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Nutrit Res 1996;16(8):1331-1339.
- Sharma RD, Sarkar DK, Hazra B, et al. Hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek seeds: a chronic study in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Phytother Res 1996;10:332-334.
- Sowmya P, Rajyalakshmi P. Hypocholesterolemic effect of germinated fenugreek seeds in human subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 1999;53(4):359-365.
- Thompson Coon JS, Ernst E. Herbs for serum cholesterol reduction: a systematic view. J Fam Pract 2003;Jun, 52(6):468-478.
- Tiran D. The use of fenugreek for breast feeding women. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery 2003;Aug, 9(3):155-156.
Last updated July 12, 2005
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