Fenugreek

Fenugreek: What is it?

Other names: Trigonella foenum-graecum.

Mechanism of action:

The seeds of fenugreek are a source of multiple chemical compounds and have been used historically in foods and drinks. They have been used around the world as a possible galactogogue and are thought to increase insulin and oxytocin secretion; however, there is no definitive evidence for its effects in humans and because of history of birth defects, may not be safe for use during lactation.

Fenugreek is also thought to have anti-hyperglycemic properties.

Common indications/uses:

Fenugreek is an herb-like plant which is used in foods and drinks in its leaf form and seed form. The seeds have also been used historically as a medicine thought to aid with lactation.

Dosing:

In one randomized controlled clinical trial by Najdi et al., patients were given 2 g of fenugreek daily spread out over three doses as suggested by the GNC company. However, fenugreek is widely used as a seasoning and herb in unmeasured smaller amounts.

Evidence:

In a small randomized controlled study by Najdi et al., the effect of fenugreek supplementation versus glibenclamide supplementation was studied in 12 type 2 diabetic patients over a 12-week period. This study resulted in a significantly increased fasting insulin level and HDL/LDL ratio in the fenugreek group. Fasting blood glucose was not significantly different between the groups. These results are similar to other studies of fenugreek effects on fasting blood glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles and suggest some benefits of fenugreek use in patients with diabetes and otherwise affected by metabolic syndrome. These anti-hyperglycemic benefits do still require confirmation by larger randomized controlled studies.

In a systematic review, fenugreek was compared with other substances to determine its effectiveness as a galactogogue. In their pairwise comparisons of fenugreek to placebo, control, and other galactogogues, fenugreek did significantly increase breast milk production but was not better than other galactogogues including Coleus amboinicus and palm date. They concluded that this lack of significant benefit did not outweigh the safety profile, especially as it relates to pregnant and lactating women.

Safety concerns:

Adverse reactions: Acute hypoglycemia can occur with higher doses of fenugreek. It is otherwise considered generally safe to take but may cause gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, or allergic reactions. Fenugreek is not considered safe for use in pregnancy as it may be teratogenic.

Drug interactions:

Fenugreek can interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication.