Fenugreek
Background
Fenugreek
is in the spice blend garam masala. It’s used to flavor imitation maple
syrup and as a condiment. Its extracts are also in soaps
and cosmetics.
Historically, fenugreek was used for a variety of health conditions,
including digestive problems and to induce childbirth.
Today,
fenugreek is used as a dietary supplement for diabetes, to stimulate
milk production during breastfeeding, and for other health conditions.
It’s also used topically as a dressing for wounds or eczema.
The seeds are made into capsules, powders, teas, liquid extracts, and a
dressing for the skin.
How Much Do We Know?
We
have little conclusive evidence about the effects of fenugreek on
health conditions, though we do have a fair amount of information on
its possible side effects.
What Have We Learned?
A few
small studies found that fenugreek may help lower blood sugar levels in
people with diabetes (generally type 2), but the evidence
is weak.
Some studies suggest—but haven’t proven—that fenugreek may increase
milk production in women who are breastfeeding.
There isn’t enough scientific evidence to support the use of fenugreek
for any health condition.
What Do We Know About Safety?
Do not take fenugreek while pregnant because it may affect
uterine contractions.
Fenugreek may act like estrogen in the body and be unsafe for women
with hormone-sensitive cancers.
Side
effects of fenugreek may include diarrhea; a maple-like smell to urine,
breast milk, and perspiration; and a worsening of asthma.
There’s little information on the risks of taking fenugreek
while breastfeeding.
Fenugreek
should not be used in place of conventional medical care or to delay
seeking care if you have health problems. This is particularly true if
you have diabetes.
Keep in Mind
Tell all your health
care providers about any complementary or integrative health approaches
you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health.
This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
Key References
- Deng
R. A
review of the hypoglycemic effects of five commonly used herbal food
supplements. Recent Patents on Food,
Nutrition & Agriculture. 2012;4(1):50-60.
- Fenugreek.
Natural Medicines Web site. Accessed at
naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/ on April 7, 2015.
[Database subscription].
- Forinash
AB, Yancey AM, Barnes KN, et al. The
use of galactogogues in the breastfeeding mother. Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2012;46(10):1392-1404.
- Nahas
R, Moher M. Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of
type 2 diabetes. Canadian Family Physician. 2009;55(6):591-596.
- Sreeja
S, Anju VS, Sreeja S. In vitro estrogenic
activities of fenugreek Trigonella foenum graecum seeds. Indian Journal of Medical
Research. 2010;131:814-819.
- Suksomboon
N, Poolsup N, Boonkaew S, et al. Meta-analysis
of the effect of herbal supplement on glycemic control in type 2
diabetes. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2011;137(3):1328-1333.
- Turkyılmaz
C, Onal E, Hirfanoglu IM, et al. The
effect of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and
short-term catch-up of birth weight in the first week of life. Journal of Alternative and
Complementary Medicine. 2011;17(2):139-142.
- Zuppa
AA, Sindico P, Orchi C, et al. Safety
and efficacy of galactogogues: substances that induce, maintain and
increase breast milk production. Journal of Pharmacy &
Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2010;13(2):162-174.
-NIH
