Fenugreek

Traditional usage

Fenugreek is one of the oldest cultivated plants and through the ages has found wide application as a food, a food additive and in the traditional medicine of every region in which it has been cultivated. The plant part used as a medicine has generally been the seeds. The Ebers Papyrus of 1500 BC Egypt, lists a preparation of Fenugreek for the skin. The Greek physicians Hippocrates considered it a valuable soothing herb while Dioscorides recommended Fenugreek for all types of gynecological problem. Fenugreek has been used since Biblical times to increase the production of milk for nursing. Traditional Chinese herbalists used it for kidney problems and conditions affecting the male reproductive tract. Similarly, in Pakistan, India and elsewhere, the leaves, and both the ripe and unripe seeds of Fenugreek are used as vegetables and the ripe seed also, has numerous applications in their traditional medicine system. The seeds also function as a preservative and are added to pickles, chutneys and other similar products. In modern food practice, the seeds or the extract are used in bakery products, frozen dairy products, meat products, relish, condiments, candy, gravy sauces, gelatin puddings and in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Fenugreek is currently used as a source of the steroid diosgenin , one of its active constituents from which other steroids can be synthesized.

Modern Day Uses

German Commission E approves fenugreek seeds for treatment of anorexia, and for local inflammation. In the rest of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Upper Africa Fenugreek seeds used in treating colic flatulence, dysentery, diarrhea, dyspepsia with loss of appetite, chronic cough, dropsy, enlargement of liver and spleen, rickets, gout and diabetes. The seed is stated to be a tonic. It is also used in post-natal cure and to increase lactation in nursing mothers. Modern medicine is beginning to provide confirmation of many of the traditional medicinal applications of Fenugreek seeds.

Selected Scientific Studies

Lactation Aid

Fenugreek seeds contain hormone precursors that increase milk supply. Some scientists believe it is possible because breasts are modified sweat glands, and fenugreek stimulates sweat production. It has been found that fenugreek can increase a nursing mother’s milk supply within 24 to 72 hours after first taking the herb. For further information please click here http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/fenugreek.shtml.

For ant-diabetic properties please see DH-1 data.

Cholesterol-Lowering Effect

Fenugreek has been shown to exert a cholesterol-lowering effect¹. In one 24-week study, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL levels showed a steady decrease over the testing period. Additionally, HDL levels (good cholesterol) showed a 10% increase. Results like this would indicate Fenugreek could be beneficial in preventing and treating atherosclerosis². It was observed that the steroidal saponins (steroidal glycosides) present in Fenugreek account for many of the beneficial effects of fenugreek, particularly the inhibition of cholesterol absorption and synthesis^3-4. One human study found that Fenugreek can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels in persons with moderate atherosclerosis and non-insulin-dependent diabetes⁵. According to several controlled studies, Fenugreek helps lower elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood⁶, including in those with diabetes⁷.

Immunological Activity

Immunomodulatory effects of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) extract in mice has been investigated. Overall, Fenugreek showed a stimulatory effect on immune functions in mice. As it is used for a variety of medicinal purposes, its immunostimulatory effect, as reported in this study, strengthens the rationale of its use in several Unani and Ayurvedic drugs⁸.

Broad Spectrum Antibacterial Activity

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum), Allium cepa, Allium roseum and Curcuma domestica were screened against 26 pathogens and all exhibited broad-spectrum anti-bacterial activity⁹.

Removal of Kidney Stones

A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed and Ammi majus fruit on experimentally-induced kidney stones. Oxalate urolithiasis in male rats was produced by the addition of 3% glycolic acid to their diet. After 4 weeks, highly significant deposition in the kidneys was noticed and changes in water intake and body weight recorded. Daily oral treatment with T. foenum-graecum significantly decreased the quantity of calcium oxalate deposited in the kidneys thus supporting its use in Saudi folk medicine. The effects obtained by A. majus were, however, not significant¹⁰.

Potential Dangers

Allergies

Individuals with peanut allergies should use with caution or avoid all together. Otherwise, fenugreek is extremely safe.

Side Effects

In theory, fenugreek may increase the risk of bleeding. You may need to stop taking fenugreek before some surgeries; discuss this with your health care provider. 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 their health care provider while using fenugreek. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

There is some evidence that fenugreek may reduce potassium levels in the blood. Ask your health care provider to monitor your potassium level to make sure it does not become too low while you are using fenugreek.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, fenugreek should be used with extreme caution because it may cause blood sugar levels to become too low. Because of possible oxytocic (uterine stimulating) effects Fenugreek may exert, this herb should be avoided during pregnancy, unless otherwise directed by physician.

Possible Interactions

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 your health care provider 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 their health care provider while using fenugreek. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

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 their health care provider 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).

Reference

Sharma, R. D., et.al., Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr; 44, 301–6 (1990).
Sowmya, P., et.al., Hypocholesterolemic effect of germinated fenugreek seeds in human subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr., 53(4), 359-365 (1999).
Thompson, C. J. S., et.al., Herbs for serum cholesterol reduction: a systematic review, Journal of Family Practice, 52(6), 468-78 (2003).
Sauvaire Y., et.al., Implication of steroid saponins and sapogenins in the hypocholesterolemic effect of fenugreek. Lipids, 26, 191–7 (1991).
Bordia, A., 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 Leukotrienes Essential Fatty Acids, 56, 379–84, (1997).
Sharma, R. D., et.al., Hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek seeds. A clinical study. Phytother Res,, 5, 145–7 (1991).
Sharma, R.., et.al., Hypolipidemic effect of Fungreek seeds: a Chronic study in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients, Phytotherapy Research, 10, 332-334 (1996).
Bin-H., B., et.al., Immunomodulatory effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) extract in mice. International Immunopharmacology 3(2), 257-265(2003).
Omoloso, A. D., et.al., Broad spectrum antibacterial activity of Allium cepa, Allium roseum, Trigonella foenum graecum and Curcuma domestica. Natural Product Sciences, 7(1), 13-16 (2001).
Ahsan S. K., et.al., Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum and Ammi majus on calcium oxalate urolithiasis in rats. J. Ethnopharmacology 26(3), 249-54 (1989).