Fenugreek: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an herb similar to clover. The seeds taste similar to maple syrup and are used in foods and medicine.

Fenugreek is native to the Mediterranean, Europe, and Asia. Fenugreek seems to slow sugar absorption in the stomach and stimulate insulin. Both of these effects lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Fenugreek might also improve levels of testosterone and estrogen, helping to improve interest in sex.

People commonly use fenugreek for diabetes, menstrual cramps, and sexual problems. It is also used for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Diabetes. Taking fenugreek seed by mouth seems to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Taking fenugreek seed powder by mouth might reduce painful menstrual periods.
Increasing response to sexual stimuli in healthy people. Taking a specific fenugreek seed extract (Testofen, Gencor Pacific Ltd) by mouth seems to improve ability and interest in sex in males.
Sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity. Taking a specific fenugreek seed extract (Libifem, Gencor Pacific Ltd.) by mouth seems to increase interest in sex in healthy younger females with a low sex drive.

Possibly Ineffective for

Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Taking fenugreek extract by mouth doesn't seem to improve BPH symptoms.

There is interest in using fenugreek for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Fenugreek is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when the powdered seed is taken for up to 3 years. Side effects may include diarrhea, stomach upset, bloating, and gas. It may also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Fenugreek is commonly consumed in foods. It is likely unsafe when used in greater amounts. It might cause malformations in the baby, as well as early contractions. Taking fenugreek just before delivery may cause the newborn to have an unusual body odor. This unusual body odor doesn't seem to be harmful, but it could be confused with a condition called "maple syrup urine disease."

Breast-feeding: Fenugreek is possibly safe when taken by mouth to increase breastmilk flow. Taking fenugreek 1725 mg three times daily for 21 days doesn't seem to cause any side effects in infants.

Children: Fenugreek is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if fenugreek is safe when taken in larger amounts. An unusual body and urine odor has been reported after drinking fenugreek tea. This doesn't seem to be harmful, but it could be confused with a condition called "maple syrup urine disease."

Allergies: People who are allergic to other plants in the Fabaceae family, including soybeans, peanuts, green peas, and other legumes, might also be allergic to fenugreek.

Surgery: Fenugreek might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking fenugreek at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Fenugreek
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Fenugreek might also slow blood clotting. Taking fenugreek along with warfarin might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.
Theophylline interacts with Fenugreek
Fenugreek might reduce how much theophylline is absorbed by the body. Using fenugreek while taking theophylline might reduce the effects of theophylline.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Fenugreek
Fenugreek might lower blood sugar levels. Taking fenugreek along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Fenugreek
Fenugreek might slow blood clotting. Taking fenugreek along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Phenytoin (Dilantin) interacts with Fenugreek
Fenugreek might decrease levels of phenytoin in the body. Taking fenugreek with phenytoin might reduce the effects of phenytoin.
Sildenafil (Viagra) interacts with Fenugreek
Fenugreek might reduce levels of sildenafil in the body. Taking fenugreek with sildenafil might reduce the effects of sildenafil.
Clopidogrel (Plavix) interacts with Fenugreek
Fenugreek might change the way that the body breaks down clopidogrel. This might change the effects of clopidogrel and might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Metoprolol (Toprol) interacts with Fenugreek
Fenugreek might lower blood pressure. Taking fenugreek with metoprolol might cause blood pressure to drop too low.

Dosing

Fenugreek seed powder has most often been used by adults in doses of 5-10 grams by mouth daily for up to 3 years. Fenugreek seed extract has most often been used in doses of 0.6-1.2 grams by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

Madar Z, Thorne R. Dietary fiber. Prog Food Nutr Sci 1987;11:153-74.

Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Rao NS. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr 1990;44:301-6.

Patil SP, Niphadkar PV, Bapat MM. Allergy to fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum). Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1997;78:297-300.

Ahsan SK, Tariq M, Ageel AM, et al. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum and Ammi majus on calcium oxalate urolithiasis in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 1989;26:249-54.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Lambert J, Cormier J. Potential interaction between warfarin and boldo-fenugreek. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21:509-12.

Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Available at: https://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/.

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. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1997;56:379-84.

Bartley GB, Hilty MD, Andreson BD, et al. "Maple-syrup" urine odor due to fenugreek ingestion. N Engl J Med 1981;305:467.

Broca C, Manteghetti M, Gross R, et al. 4-Hydroxyisoleucine: effects of synthetic and natural analogues on insulin secretion. Eur J Pharmacol 2000;390:339-45.

Yalcin SS, Tekinalp G, Ozalp I. Peculiar odor of traditional food and maple syrup urine disease. Pediatr Int 1999;41:108-9.

Sewell AC, Mosandl A, Bohles H. False diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease owing to ingestion of herbal tea. N Engl J Med 1999;341:769..

Sowmya P, Rajyalakshmi P. Hypocholesterolemic effect of germinated fenugreek seeds in human subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 1999;53:359-65..

Pathak P, Srivastava S, Grover S. Development of food products based on millets, legumes and fenugreek seeds and their suitability in the diabetic diet. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2000;51:409-14..

Madar Z, Abel R, Samish S, Arad J. Glucose-lowering effect of fenugreek in non-insulin dependent diabetics. Eur J Clin Nutr 1988;42:51-4.

Bhardwaj PK, Dasgupta DJ, Prashar BS, Kaushal SS. Control of hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia by plant product. J Assoc Physicians India 1994;42:33-5.

Abdo MS, al-Kafawi AA. Experimental studies on the effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (abstract). Planta Med 1969;17:14-8.

Hannan JM, Rokeya B, Faruque O, et al. Effect of soluble dietary fibre fraction of Trigonella foenum graecum on glycemic, insulinemic, lipidemic and platelet aggregation status of Type 2 diabetic model rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;88:73-7.

Flammang AM, Cifone MA, Erexson GL, Stankowski LF Jr. Genotoxicity testing of a fenugreek extract. Food Chem Toxicol 2004;42:1769-75.

Gupta A, Gupta R, Lal B. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds on glycaemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo controlled study. J Assoc Physicians India 2001;49:1057-61.

Gabay MP. Galactogogues: medications that induce lactation. J Hum Lact 2002;18:274-9.

DiSilvestro RA, Verbruggen MA, Offutt EJ. Anti-heartburn effects of a fenugreek fiber product. Phytother Res 2011;25:88-91.

Chevassus H, Molinier N, Costa F, et al. A fenugreek seed extract selectively reduces spontaneous fat consumption in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2009;65(12):1175-8.

Chevassus H, Gaillard JB, Farret A, et al. A fenugreek seed extract selectively reduces spontaneous fat intake in overweight subjects. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2010;66(5):449-55.

Mathern JR, Raatz SK, Thomas W, Slavin JL. Effect of fenugreek fiber on satiety, blood glucose and insulin response and energy intake in obese subjects. Phytother Res 2009;23(11):1543-8.

Wilborn C, Taylor L, Poole C, et al. Effects of a purported aromatase and 5alpha-reductase inhibitor on hormone profiles in college-age men. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2010;20(6):457-65.

Wilborn C, Bushey B, Poole C, et al. Effects of Torabolic supplementation on strength and body composition during an 8-week resistance training program. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2008;5(1):11.

Kassaian N, Azadbakht L, Forghani B, Amini M. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 2009;79(1):34-9.

Singh RB, Niaz MA, Rastogi V, et al. Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of fenugreek seeds and triphala as adjuncts to dietary therapy in patients with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. Perfusion (Munich) 1998;11:124-30.

Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Dayasagar Rao V. Hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek seeds. A clinical study. Phytother Res 1991;3(5):145-7.

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;10:332-4.

Faeste CK, Namork E, Lindvik H. Allergenicity and antigenicity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) proteins in foods. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009;123(1):187-94.

Turkyilmaz 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. J Altern Complement Med 2011;17(2):139-42.

Swafford S, Berens P. Effect of fenugreek on breast milk volume. Abstract presented at: 5th International Meeting of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine; September 11-13,2000, Tucson, Arizona.

O'Mahony, R., Al Khtheeri, H., Weerasekera, D., Fernando, N., Vaira, D., Holton, J., and Basset, C. Bactericidal and anti-adhesive properties of culinary and medicinal plants against Helicobacter pylori. World J Gastroenterol. 12-21-2005;11(47):7499-7507.

Nahas, R. and Moher, M. Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Can Fam.Physician 2009;55(6):591-596.

Srinivasan, K. Plant foods in the management of diabetes mellitus: spices as beneficial antidiabetic food adjuncts. Int.J Food Sci.Nutr. 2005;56(6):399-414.

Ravikumar, P. and Anuradha, C. V. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in diabetic rats. Phytother Res 1999;13(3):197-201.

Murakami, T., Kishi, A., Matsuda, H., and Yoshikawa, M. Medicinal foodstuffs. XVII. Fenugreek seed. (3): structures of new furostanol-type steroid saponins, trigoneosides Xa, Xb, XIb, XIIa, XIIb, and XIIIa, from the seeds of Egyptian Trigonellafoenum-graecum L. Chem Pharm.Bull (Tokyo) 2000;48(7):994-1000.

Ahmadiani, A., Javan, M., Semnanian, S., Barat, E., and Kamalinejad, M. Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves extract in the rat. J Ethnopharmacol 2001;75(2-3):283-286.

Abdel-Barry, J. A., Abdel-Hassan, I. A., Jawad, A. M., and al Hakiem, M. H. Hypoglycaemic effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Trigonella foenum-graecum in healthy volunteers. East Mediterr.Health J 2000;6(1):83-88.

Anuradha, C. V. and Ravikumar, P. Restoration on tissue antioxidants by fenugreek seeds (Trigonella Foenum Graecum) in alloxan-diabetic rats. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 2001;45(4):408-420.

Taylor, W. G., Zulyniak, H. J., Richards, K. W., Acharya, S. N., Bittman, S., and Elder, J. L. Variation in diosgenin levels among 10 accessions of fenugreek seeds produced in western Canada. J Agric.Food Chem 10-9-2002;50(21):5994-5997.

Hibasami, H., Moteki, H., Ishikawa, K., Katsuzaki, H., Imai, K., Yoshioka, K., Ishii, Y., and Komiya, T. Protodioscin isolated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) induces cell death and morphological change indicative of apoptosis in leukemic cell line H-60, but not in gastric cancer cell line KATO III. Int J Mol.Med 2003;11(1):23-26.

Zhao, H. Q., Qu, Y., Wang, X. Y., Zhang, H. J., Li, F. M., and Masao, H. [Determination of trigonelline in Trigonella foenum-graecum by HPLC]. Zhongguo Zhong.Yao Za Zhi. 2002;27(3):194-196.

Zhao, H. Q., Qu, Y., Wang, X. Y., Lu, X. Y., Zhang, X. H., and Hattori, M. [Determination of trigonelline by HPLC and study on its pharmacokinetics]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 2003;38(4):279-282.

Thirunavukkarasu, V., Anuradha, C. V., and Viswanathan, P. Protective effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds in experimental ethanol toxicity. Phytother Res 2003;17(7):737-743.

Devasena, T. and Menon, V. P. Fenugreek affects the activity of beta-glucuronidase and mucinase in the colon. Phytother Res 2003;17(9):1088-1091.

Ruby, B. C., Gaskill, S. E., Slivka, D., and Harger, S. G. The addition of fenugreek extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum) to glucose feeding increases muscle glycogen resynthesis after exercise. Amino.Acids 2005;28(1):71-76.

Amin, A., Alkaabi, A., Al Falasi, S., and Daoud, S. A. Chemopreventive activities of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) against breast cancer. Cell Biol.Int 2005;29(8):687-694.

Handa, T., Yamaguchi, K., Sono, Y., and Yazawa, K. Effects of fenugreek seed extract in obese mice fed a high-fat diet. Biosci.Biotechnol.Biochem. 2005;69(6):1186-1188.

Vijayakumar, M. V., Singh, S., Chhipa, R. R., and Bhat, M. K. The hypoglycaemic activity of fenugreek seed extract is mediated through the stimulation of an insulin signalling pathway. Br J Pharmacol 2005;146(1):41-48.

Dilsiz, N., Sahaboglu, A., Yildiz, M. Z., and Reichenbach, A. Protective effects of various antioxidants during ischemia-reperfusion in the rat retina. Graefes Arch Clin Exp.Ophthalmol. 2006;244(5):627-633.

Narender, T., Puri, A., Shweta, Khaliq, T., Saxena, R., Bhatia, G., and Chandra, R. 4-hydroxyisoleucine an unusual amino acid as antidyslipidemic and antihyperglycemic agent. Bioorg.Med Chem Lett. 1-15-2006;16(2):293-296.

Parvizpur, A., Ahmadiani, A., and Kamalinejad, M. Probable role of spinal purinoceptors in the analgesic effect of Trigonella foenum (TFG) leaves extract. J Ethnopharmacol 3-8-2006;104(1-2):108-112.

Kochhar, A. and Nagi, M. Effect of supplementation of traditional medicinal plants on blood glucose in non-insulin-dependent diabetics: a pilot study. J Med Food 2005;8(4):545-549.

Rai, A., Mohapatra, S. C., and Shukla, H. S. Correlates between vegetable consumption and gallbladder cancer. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2006;15(2):134-137.

Daoud, K. M. The reserve polysaccharide of the seeds of fenugreek: its digestibility and its fate during germination. Biochem.J 1932;26(1):255-263.

Mohammad, S., Taha, A., Akhtar, K., Bamezai, R. N., and Baquer, N. Z. In vivo effect of Trigonella foenum graecum on the expression of pyruvate kinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and distribution of glucose transporter (GLUT4) in alloxan-diabetic rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2006;84(6):647-654.

Ikeuchi, M., Yamaguchi, K., Koyama, T., Sono, Y., and Yazawa, K. Effects of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum greaecum) extract on endurance capacity in mice. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol.(Tokyo) 2006;52(4):287-292.

Dakam, W., Shang, J., Agbor, G., and Oben, J. Effects of sodium bicarbonate and albumin on the in vitro water-holding capacity and some physiological properties of Trigonella foenum graecum L. galactomannan in rats. J Med Food 2007;10(1):169-174.

Trivedi, P. D., Pundarikakshudu, K., Rathnam, S., and Shah, K. S. A validated quantitative thin-layer chromatographic method for estimation of diosgenin in various plant samples, extract, and market formulation. J AOAC Int 2007;90(2):358-363.

Devasena, T. and Venugopal, Menon P. Fenugreek seeds modulate 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced hepatic oxidative stress during colon carcinogenesis. Ital.J Biochem. 2007;56(1):28-34.

Laroubi, A., Touhami, M., Farouk, L., Zrara, I., Aboufatima, R., Benharref, A., and Chait, A. Prophylaxis effect of Trigonella foenum graecum L. seeds on renal stone formation in rats. Phytother Res 2007;21(10):921-925.

Slivka, D., Cuddy, J., Hailes, W., Harger, S., and Ruby, B. Glycogen resynthesis and exercise performance with the addition of fenugreek extract (4-hydroxyisoleucine) to post-exercise carbohydrate feeding. Amino.Acids 2008;35(2):439-444.

Sebastian, K. S. and Thampan, R. V. Differential effects of soybean and fenugreek extracts on the growth of MCF-7 cells. Chem Biol.Interact. 11-20-2007;170(2):135-143.

Lu, F. R., Shen, L., Qin, Y., Gao, L., Li, H., and Dai, Y. Clinical observation on trigonella foenum-graecum L. total saponins in combination with sulfonylureas in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Chin J Integr.Med 2008;14(1):56-60.

Lakshminarayana, R., Aruna, G., Sangeetha, R. K., Bhaskar, N., Divakar, S., and Baskaran, V. Possible degradation/biotransformation of lutein in vitro and in vivo: isolation and structural elucidation of lutein metabolites by HPLC and LC-MS (atmospheric pressure chemical ionization). Free Radic.Biol.Med 10-1-2008;45(7):982-993.

Vyas, S., Agrawal, R. P., Solanki, P., and Trivedi, P. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Trigonella foenum-graecum (seed) extract. Acta Pol.Pharm. 2008;65(4):473-476.

Srichamroen, A., Thomson, A. B., Field, C. J., and Basu, T. K. In vitro intestinal glucose uptake is inhibited by galactomannan from Canadian fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum graecum L) in genetically lean and obese rats. Nutr Res 2009;29(1):49-54.

Shabbeer, S., Sobolewski, M., Anchoori, R. K., Kachhap, S., Hidalgo, M., Jimeno, A., Davidson, N., Carducci, M. A., and Khan, S. R. Fenugreek: a naturally occurring edible spice as an anticancer agent. Cancer Biol.Ther 2009;8(3):272-278.

Srinivasan, S., Koduru, S., Kumar, R., Venguswamy, G., Kyprianou, N., and Damodaran, C. Diosgenin targets Akt-mediated prosurvival signaling in human breast cancer cells. Int J Cancer 8-15-2009;125(4):961-967.

Lakshminarayana, R., Raju, M., Keshava Prakash, M. N., and Baskaran, V. Phospholipid, oleic acid micelles and dietary olive oil influence the lutein absorption and activity of antioxidant enzymes in rats. Lipids 2009;44(9):799-806.

Vijayakumar, M. V., Pandey, V., Mishra, G. C., and Bhat, M. K. Hypolipidemic effect of fenugreek seeds is mediated through inhibition of fat accumulation and upregulation of LDL receptor. Obesity.(Silver.Spring) 2010;18(4):667-674.

Losso, J. N., Holliday, D. L., Finley, J. W., Martin, R. J., Rood, J. C., Yu, Y., and Greenway, F. L. Fenugreek bread: a treatment for diabetes mellitus. J Med Food 2009;12(5):1046-1049.

Li, F., Fernandez, P. P., Rajendran, P., Hui, K. M., and Sethi, G. Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, inhibits STAT3 signaling pathway leading to suppression of proliferation and chemosensitization of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cancer Lett. 6-28-2010;292(2):197-207.

Belguith-Hadriche, O., Bouaziz, M., Jamoussi, K., El Feki, A., Sayadi, S., and Makni-Ayedi, F. Lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects of an ethyl acetate extract of fenugreek seeds in high-cholesterol-fed rats. J Agric.Food Chem 2-24-2010;58(4):2116-2122.

Yoshinari, O. and Igarashi, K. Anti-diabetic effect of trigonelline and nicotinic acid, on KK-A(y) mice. Curr Med Chem 2010;17(20):2196-2202.

Sauvaire, Y., Ribes, G., Baccou, J. C., and Loubatieres-Mariani, M. M. Implication of steroid saponins and sapogenins in the hypocholesterolemic effect of fenugreek. Lipids 1991;26(3):191-197.

Suksomboon N, Poolsup N, Boonkaew S, Suthisisang CC. Meta-analysis of the effect of herbal supplement on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. J Ethnopharmacol 2011;137(3):1328-1333.

Roberts, K. T. The potential of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) as a functional food and nutraceutical and its effects on glycemia and lipidemia. J Med.Food 2011;14(12):1485-1489.

Shojaii, A., Dabaghian, F. H., Goushegir, A., and Fard, M. A. Antidiabetic plants of Iran. Acta Med.Iran 2011;49(10):637-642.

Mora, A., Herrrera, A., Lopez, C., Dahbi, G., Mamani, R., Pita, J. M., Alonso, M. P., Llovo, J., Bernardez, M. I., Blanco, J. E., Blanco, M., and Blanco, J. Characteristics of the Shiga-toxin-producing enteroaggregative Escherichia coli O104:H4 German outbreak strain and of STEC strains isolated in Spain. Int Microbiol. 2011;14(3):121-141.

Blanco, J. [Stx2a-producing enteroaggregative Escherichia coli O104:H4-ST678. Microbiological diagnostic already, for this and other STEC/VTEC serotypes!]. Enferm.Infecc.Microbiol.Clin. 2012;30(2):84-89.

Parildar, H., Serter, R., and Yesilada, E. Diabetes mellitus and phytotherapy in Turkey. J Pak.Med.Assoc. 2011;61(11):1116-1120.

Beutin, L. and Martin, A. Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O104:H4 infection in Germany causes a paradigm shift with regard to human pathogenicity of STEC strains. J Food Prot. 2012;75(2):408-418.

Madar, Z. New sources of dietary fibre. Int J Obes. 1987;11 Suppl 1:57-65.

Awadalla, M. Z., El Gedaily, A. M., El Shamy, A. E., and El Aziz, K. A. Studies on some Egyptian foods. Part 1: Biochemical and biological evaluation. Z.Ernahrungswiss. 1980;19(4):244-247.

Stark, A. and Madar, Z. The effect of an ethanol extract derived from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on bile acid absorption and cholesterol levels in rats. Br J Nutr 1993;69(1):277-287.

Gupta SK, Kalaiselvan V, Srivastava S, and et al. Inhibitory effect of Trigonella Foenum-Graecum on galactose induced cataracts in a rat model; in vitro and in vivo studies. Journal of Ophthalmic & Vision Research (J OPHTHALMIC VISION RES) 2009;4(4):213-219.

Thirunavukkarasu V and Anuradha CV. Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on experimental gastric ulcer in rats. Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants (J HERBS SPICES MEDICINAL PLANT) 2006;12(3):13-25.

Sharma RD, Sarkar A, Hazra DK, and et al. Toxicological evaluation of fenugreek seeds: a long term feeding experiment in diabetic patients. Phytother Res 1996;10(6):519-520.

Sharma RD, Sarkar DK, Hazra B, and et al. Hypolipidaemic effect of fenugreek seeds: a chronic study in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Phytother Res 1996;10:332-334.

Raghuram TC, Sharma RD, Sivakumar B, and et al. Effect of fenugreek seeds on intravenous glucose disposition in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Phytotherapy Research 1994;8(2):83-86.

Sharma RD. Effect of fenugreek seeds and leaves on blood glucose and serum insulin responses in human subjects. Nutr Res 1986;6:1353-1364.

Kuppu RK, Srivastava A, Krishnaswami CV, and et al. Hypoglycaemic and hypotriglyceridemic effects of 'methica churna' (Fenugreek). Antiseptic 1998;95:78-79.

Madar Z and Arad J. Effect of extracted fenugreek on post-prandial glucose levels in human diabetic subjects. Nutr Res 1989;9:691-692.

Sharma RD and Raghuram TC. Hypoglycaemic effect of fenugreek seeds in non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects. Nutr Res 1990;10:731-739.

Haddad PS, Depot M, Settaf A, and et al. Comparative study on the medicinal plants most recommended by traditional practitioners in Morocco and Canada. Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants (J HERBS SPICES MEDICINAL PLANT) 2003;10(3):25-45.

Neelakantan N, Narayanan M, de Souza RJ, van Dam RM. Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) intake on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trials. Nutr J 2014;13:7.

Nathan J, Panjwani S, Mohan V, Joshi V, Thakurdesai PA. Efficacy and safety of standardized extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum L seeds as an adjuvant tocL-Dopa in the management of patients with Parkinson's disease. Phytother Res 2014;28(2):172-8.

King LA, Nogareda F, Weill FX, Mariani-Kurkdjian P, Loukiadis E, Gault G, Jourdan-DaSilva N, Bingen E, Macé M, Thevenot D, Ong N, Castor C, Noël H, Van Cauteren D, Charron M, Vaillant V, Aldabe B, Goulet V, Delmas G, Couturier E, Le Strat Y, Combe C, Delmas Y, Terrier F, Vendrely B, Rolland P, de Valk H. Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 associated with organic fenugreek sprouts, France, June 2011. Clin Infect Dis 2012;54(11):1588-94.

Reeder C, Legrand A, O'Connor-Von SK. The Effect of Fenugreek on Milk Production and Prolactin Levels in Mothers of Preterm Infants. Clinical Lactation 2013;4(4):159-165.

Hassanzadeh Bashtian M, Emami SA, Mousavifar N, Esmaily HA, Mahmoudi M, Mohammad Poor AH. Evaluation of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L.), Effects Seeds Extract on Insulin Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Iran J Pharm Res 2013;12(2):475-81.

Al-Jenoobi FI, Ahad A, Mahrous GM, Al-Mohizea AM, AlKharfy KM, Al-Suwayeh SA. Effects of fenugreek, garden cress, and black seed on theophylline pharmacokinetics in beagle dogs. Pharm Biol 2015;53(2):296-300.

Al-khalisy MHH. Treatment of Men Infertility using Low doses of Fenugreek Oil Extract. Advances Life Sci Technol 2015;29:13-16.

Rao A, Steels E, Inder WJ, Abraham S, Vitetta L. Testofen, a specialised Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract reduces age-related symptoms of androgen decrease, increases testosterone levels and improves sexual function in healthy aging males in a double-blind randomised clinical study. Aging Male. 2016 Jun;19(2):134-42.

Rao A, Steels E, Beccaria G, Inder WJ, Vitetta L. Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women, a Randomised Placebo Controlled Study. Phytother Res. 2015 Aug;29(8):1123-30.

Steels E, Rao A, Vitetta L. Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and mineral formulation. Phytother Res. 2011 Sep;25(9):1294-300.

Swaroop A, Jaipuriar AS, Gupta SK, Bagchi M, Kumar P, Preuss HG, Bagchi D. Efficacy of a Novel Fenugreek Seed Extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum, Furocyst) in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Int J Med Sci. 2015 Oct 3;12(10):825-31.

Wankhede S, Mohan V, Thakurdesai P. Beneficial effects of fenugreek glycoside supplementation in male subjects during resistance training: a randomized controlled pilot study, J. Sport and Health Sci. 2016. 6: 176-182.

Arafa MH, Mohammad NS, Atteia HH. Fenugreek seed powder mitigates cadmium-induced testicular damage and hepatotoxicity in male rats. Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2014 Sep;66(7):293-300.

Aswar U, Bodhankar SL, Mohan V, Thakurdesai PA. Effect of furostanol glycosides from Trigonella foenum-graecum on the reproductive system of male albino rats. Phytother Res. 2010 Oct;24(10):1482-8.

Hamden K, Jaouadi B, Carreau S, Aouidet A, El-Fazaa S, Gharbi N, Elfeki A. Potential protective effect on key steroidogenesis and metabolic enzymes and sperm abnormalities by fenugreek steroids in testis and epididymis of surviving diabetic rats. Arch Physiol Biochem. 2010 Jul;116(3):146-55.

Che CT, Douglas L, Liem J. Case reports of peanut-fenugreek and cashew-sumac cross-reactivity. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2017 Mar - Apr;5(2):510-511.

Gong J, Fang K, Dong H, Wang D, Hu M, Lu F. Effect of fenugreek on hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetes and prediabetes: A meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Dec 24;194:260-268.

Khan TM, Wu DB, Dolzhenko AV. Effectiveness of fenugreek as a galactagogue: A network meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2018 Mar;32(3):402-412.

Ouzir M, El Bairi K, Amzazi S. Toxicological properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum). Food Chem Toxicol. 2016 Oct;96:145-54.

Florentin M, Liberopoulos E, Elisaf MS, Tsimihodimos V. No effect of fenugreek, bergamot and olive leaf extract on glucose homeostasis in patients with prediabetes: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Arch Med Sci Atheroscler Dis. 2019;4:e162-e166.

Geberemeskel GA, Debebe YG, Nguse NA. Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients. J Diabetes Res. 2019;2019:8507453.

Rao A, Grant R. The effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract on prostate-specific antigen, and prostate function in otherwise healthy men with benign prostate hyperplasia. Phytother Res. 2019.

Mansoori A, Hosseini S, Zilaee M, Hormoznejad R, Fathi M. Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels in male: a meta-analysis of clinical trials. Phytother Res 2020;34(7):1550-5.

Heshmat-Ghahdarijani K, Mashayekhiasl N, Amerizadeh A, Teimouri Jervekani Z, Sadeghi M. Effect of fenugreek consumption on serum lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res 2020. Online ahead of print.

Askarpour M, Alami F, Campbell MS, Venkatakrishnan K, Hadi A, Ghaedi E. Effect of fenugreek supplementation on blood lipids and body weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Ethnopharmacol 2020;253:112538.

Hausenblas HA, Conway KL, Coyle KRM, et al. Efficacy of fenugreek seed extract on men's psychological and physical health: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. J Complement Integr Med 2020. Online ahead of print.

Hakimi S, Delazar A, Mobaraki-Asl N, Amiri P, Tavassoli H, Safari M. Comparison of the effects of fenugreek vaginal cream and ultra low-dose estrogen on atrophic vaginitis. Curr Drug Deliv 2020. Online ahead of print.

Khanna A, John F, Das S, et al. Efficacy of a novel extract of fenugreek seeds in alleviating vasomotor symptoms and depression in perimenopausal women: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. J Food Biochem. 2020;44(12):e13507.

Khodamoradi K, Khosropanah MH, Ayati Z, et al. The Effects of Fenugreek on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2020;52:102416.

Mazalzadeh F, Hekmat K, Namjouyan F, Saki A. Effect of Trigonella foenum (fenugreek) vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. J Family Med Prim Care. 2020;9(6):2714-2719.

Sankhwar SN, Kumar P, Bagchi M, Rungta M, Bagchi D. Safety and Efficacy of Furosap®, a Patented Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract, in Boosting Testosterone Level, Reproductive Health and Mood Alleviation in Male Volunteers. J Am Coll Nutr 2021.

Alkharfy K, Jan B, Alotaibi K, et al. Clopidogrel-herb Interactions: A Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Assessment in a Rat Model. Curr Drug Metab 2021;22(12):969-977.

Goh J, Menke W, Herrick LP, et al. Examination of Curcumin and Fenugreek Soluble Fiber Supplementation on Submaximal and Maximal Aerobic Performance Indices. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2020;5(2):34.

Bin Jardan YA, Ahad A, Raish M, Alam MA, Al-Mohizea AM, Al-Jenoobi FI. Effects of garden cress, fenugreek and black seed on the pharmacodynamics of metoprolol: an herb-drug interaction study in rats with hypertension. Pharm Biol 2021;59(1):1088-1097.

Hassani SS, Fallahi Arezodar F, Esmaeili SS, Gholami-Fesharaki M. Effect of Fenugreek Use on Fasting Blood Glucose, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Blood Pressure and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials. Galen Med J 2019;8:e1432.

Al-Mohizea AM, Ahad A, El-Maghraby GM, et al. Effects of Nigella sativa, Lepidium sativum and Trigonella foenum-graecum on sildenafil disposition in beagle dogs. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2015;40(2):219-24.

Alkharfy KM, Al-Jenoobi FI, Al-Mohizea AM, et al. Effects of Lepidium sativum, Nigella sativa and Trigonella foenum-graceum on phenytoin pharmacokinetics in beagle dogs. Phytother Res. 2013;27(12):1800-4.

Chattopadhyay K, Wang H, Kaur J, et al. Effectiveness and Safety of Ayurvedic Medicines in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:821810. Published 2022 Jun 8.

Amini MR, Payandeh N, Sheikhhossein F, et al. The Effects of Fenugreek Seed Consumption on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2023;30(2):123-133.

Singh A, Gainder S, Banerjee P, et al. Efficacy of a Proprietary Fenugreek Seed Extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum, Furocyst®) in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. J Am Nutr Assoc 2022.

Palacios AM, Cardel MI, Parker E, et al. Effectiveness of lactation cookies on human milk production rates: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2023;117(5):1035-1042.

Shabil M, Bushi G, Bodige PK, et al. Effect of Fenugreek on Hyperglycemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023;59(2):248.

Pickering E, Steels E, Rao A, Steadman KJ. An Exploratory Study of the Safety and Efficacy of a Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract in Early Glucose Dysregulation: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Pharmaceutics 2022;14(11):2453.

Foroumandi E, Javan R, Moayed L, et al. The effects of fenugreek seed extract supplementation in patients with Alzheimer's disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res 2023;37(1):285-294.

Correia AGDS, Alencar MB, Dos Santos AN, et al. Effect of saffron and fenugreek on lowering blood glucose: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Phytother Res 2023.

Fakhr L, Chehregosha F, Zarezadeh M, Chaboksafar M, Tarighat-Esfanjani A. Effects of fenugreek supplementation on the components of metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Pharmacol Res 2023;187:106594.

Selmi S, Alimi D, Rtibi K, et al. Gastroprotective and Antioxidant Properties of Trigonella foenum graecum Seeds Aqueous Extract (Fenugreek) and Omeprazole Against Ethanol-Induced Peptic Ulcer. J Med Food 2022;25(5):513-522.

Sankhwar P, Jaiswar SP, Yadav S, et al. Beneficial Effects of a Novel Fenugreek Seed Extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum, Furocyst®) in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Follow-up Compliance Clinical Investigation. J Am Nutr Assoc 2022.

Kumar S, Sharma SK, Mudgal SK, et al. Comparative effectiveness of six herbs in the management of glycemic status of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2023;17(8):102826.

Hassanzadeh R, Shabani F, Montazeri M, Mirghafourvand M. The effect of fenugreek on the severity of dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr Drug Res Rev 2023.

Isenmann E, Alisauskas P, Flenker U, Schalla J, Diel P. The Anabolic Effect of Fenugreek: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis. Int J Sports Med 2023;44(10):692-703.

Kim J, Noh W, Kim A, Choi Y, Kim YS. The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2023;24(18):13999.

Rao A, Clayton P, Briskey D. Libifem® (Trigonella foenum-graecum) in conjunction with exercise on muscle strength, power, endurance, and body composition in females aged between 25 and 45 years. Front Sports Act Living 2023;5:1207013.

Type 2 Diabetes Management Tips

Taking Control of Your Type 2 Diabetes

Understanding Mitochondria and Energy

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Fenugreek - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Possibly Ineffective for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with Fenugreek

Theophylline interacts with Fenugreek

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Fenugreek

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Fenugreek

Phenytoin (Dilantin) interacts with Fenugreek

Sildenafil (Viagra) interacts with Fenugreek

Clopidogrel (Plavix) interacts with Fenugreek

Metoprolol (Toprol) interacts with Fenugreek

Dosing

You Might Also Like