Fenugreek

Parts Used & Where Grown

Although originally from southeastern Europe and western Asia, fenugreek grows today in many parts of the world, including India, northern Africa, and the United States. The seeds of fenugreek are used medicinally.

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a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

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This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Amount	Why
High Cholesterol	10 to 30 grams three times per day with meals	Fenugreek seeds contain compounds that inhibit both cholesterol absorption in the intestines and cholesterol production by the liver.
High Cholesterol 10 to 30 grams three times per day with meals Fenugreek seeds contain compounds known as steroidal saponins that inhibit both cholesterol absorption in the intestines and cholesterol production by the liver.² Dietary fiber may also contribute to fenugreek’s activity. Multiple human trials (some double-blind) have found that fenugreek may help lower total cholesterol in people with moderate atherosclerosis or those having insulin-dependent or non-insulin-dependent diabetes.³^{, 4}^{, 5} One human double-blind trial has also shown that defatted fenugreek seeds may raise levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol.⁶ One small preliminary trial found that either 25 or 50 grams per day of defatted fenugreek seed powder significantly lowered serum cholesterol after 20 days.⁷ Germination of the fenugreek seeds may improve the soluble fiber content of the seeds, thus improving their effect on cholesterol.⁸ Fenugreek powder is generally taken in amounts of 10 to 30 grams three times per day with meals. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Type 2 Diabetes	2.5 to 15 grams daily	Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorption.
Type 2 Diabetes 2.5 to 15 grams daily Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorption. Animal research suggests that fenugreek may also contain a substance that stimulates insulin production and improves blood sugar control. In a controlled trial, incorporating 15 grams of powdered fenugreek seed into a meal eaten by people with type 2 diabetes reduced the rise in blood glucose following the meal. Another controlled trial found that taking 2.5 grams of fenugreek twice a day for three months reduced blood sugar levels in people with mild, but not those with severe, type 2 diabetes. In a double-blind study, 1 gram per day of an extract of fenugreek seeds for two months improved some measures of blood sugar control and insulin function in people with type 2 diabetes. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
High Triglycerides	100 grams seed daily or 25 to 50 grams defatted seed powder daily	Fenugreek has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with high lipid levels in preliminary trials..
High Triglycerides 100 grams seed daily or 25 to 50 grams defatted seed powder daily Fenugreek has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people with high lipid levels in preliminary trials.⁹ Bread made with 50 grams defatted fenugreek powder was used twice daily in the trial. Similar results have been seen at half that amount in people with diabetes and elevated blood levels of various lipids.¹⁰ A small randomized trial found similar results using 100 grams fenugreek seeds daily.¹¹ One small clinical trial found that either 25 grams or 50 grams per day of defatted fenugreek seed powder were effective in reducing triglycerides over a 20-day period.¹² Mild diarrhea and gas can accompany the first few days of fenugreek use, though it almost always fades as the person taking it adapts. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Constipation	Refer to label instructions	Fenugreek is a mild bulk-forming laxative that’s best suited for long-term use in people with constipation.
Constipation The laxatives most frequently used world-wide come from plants. Herbal laxatives are either bulk-forming or stimulating. Bulk-forming laxatives come from plants with a high fiber and mucilage content that expand when they come in contact with water; examples include psyllium, flaxseed, and fenugreek. As the volume in the bowel increases, a reflex muscular contraction occurs, stimulating a bowel movement. These mild laxatives are best suited for long-term use in people with constipation. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Type 1 Diabetes	Refer to label instructions	Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorption.
Type 1 Diabetes Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorption.¹³ Animal research suggests that fenugreek may also contain a substance that stimulates insulin production and improves blood sugar control.¹⁴ ^{, 15} In a controlled study in people with type 1 diabetes, incorporating powdered fenugreek seed into lunch and dinner meals (50 grams per meal) for ten days improved several measures of blood sugar control compared to a similar ten-day diet without added fenugreek.¹⁶ Learn More

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

A wide range of uses were found for fenugreek in ancient times. Medicinally it was used for the treatment of wounds, abscesses, arthritis, bronchitis, and digestive problems. Traditional Chinese herbalists used it for kidney problems and conditions affecting the male reproductive tract. Fenugreek was, and remains, a food and a spice commonly eaten in many parts of the world.

Also indexed as:

botanicals,
fenugreek,
Greek hay seed,
herbal dietary supplements,
herbal medicine,
herbal remedies,
herbal therapy,
herbalism,
plant Medicine,
Trigonella foenum-graecum

About this treatment

Common names:

Fenugreek Seeds

Botanical names:

Trigonella foenum-graecum

How It Works

Fenugreek seeds contain alkaloids (mainly trigonelline) and protein high in lysine and L-tryptophan. Its steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber are thought to account for many of the beneficial effects of fenugreek. The steroidal saponins are thought to inhibit cholesterol absorption and synthesis, while the fiber may help lower blood sugar levels. One human study found that fenugreek can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels in people with moderate atherosclerosis and non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes. Preliminary and double-blind trials have found that fenugreek helps improve blood sugar control in patients with insulin-dependent (type 1) and non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes. Double-blind trials have shown that fenugreek lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, This has also been found in a controlled clinical trial with diabetic patients with elevated cholesterol. Generally, fenugreek does not lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels.

How to Use It

Due to the somewhat bitter taste of fenugreek seeds, de-bitterized seeds or encapsulated products are preferred. The German Commission E monograph recommends a daily intake of 6 grams. The typical range of intake for diabetes or cholesterol-lowering is 5–30 grams with each meal or 15–90 grams all at once with one meal. As a tincture, 3–4 ml of fenugreek can be taken up to three times per day.

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Last Review: 05-11-2011

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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