Fenugreek: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Trigonella foecum graecum
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Flavonoids
Galactomannan
Diosgenin
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Type 2 Diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Meta-analyses of 10 to 14 clinical trials on patients with type 2 diabetes or other metabolic conditions have demonstrated that fenugreek consumption reduces fasting glucose by approximately 14-23 mg/dL, postprandial blood sugar by 21-23 mg/dL, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 0.6 to 1.2% compared to a placebo. The most effective forms appear to be seed powder taken at doses of 5 to 100 g per day, in capsules or added to meals, up to 3 years, or a hydroalcoholic seed extract at about 1 g per day for up to 2 months. Most research also shows that fenugreek reduces total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic patients, but has inconsistent effects on LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol. Limited research has also evaluated the effectiveness of fenugreek in type 1 diabetes. In a small clinical study, taking 50 g of defatted fenugreek seed powder twice a day with meals for 10 days reduced 24-hour urinary glucose levels by 54% compared to baseline. A meta-analysis concluded that fenugreek supplements are effective for controlling glycemic levels in people with type 2 diabetes. These effects appear to be dose-dependent, more marked with medium or high doses of fenugreek. Trigonelline, a major alkaloid component of fenugreek, plays a key role in these effects, affecting beta cell regeneration, insulin secretion, and various glucose-related metabolic processes. Fenugreek is widely used as a natural treatment for blood sugar regulation in diabetes in many cultures, especially in Asia and North Africa. The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends fenugreek as an adjunct treatment in the management of type 2 diabetes, as well as a support to a low-fat diet for the treatment of mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.
Posologie
Oral: seed
5 - 100 g
3 - years
powder
Hypoglycaemic effect of fenugreek seeds in non-insulin dependent diabetic subjects.
Galactomannans are the most effective soluble dietary fibers in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients.
Use of fenugreek seed powder in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
Glucose-lowering effect of fenugreek in non-insulin dependent diabetics.
Effect of Fenugreek on Hyperglycemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
The Effects of Fenugreek on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Effect of fenugreek seeds on intravenous glucose disposition in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients.
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
Dysmenorrhea, one of the most common periodic pains affecting more than 50% of women of childbearing age, may find relief through fenugreek. After a systematic review of four articles selected from 1526 records, the results of a recent study indicate a significant reduction in pain intensity with fenugreek compared to a placebo. Clinical research in women with moderate to severe dysmenorrhea shows that consuming 1800 to 2700 mg fenugreek seed powder three times per day during the first three days of menstruation, followed by 900 mg three times per day for the remaining two menstrual cycles, reduces pain severity compared to a placebo.
Posologie
Oral: seed
1800 - 2700 mg
2 - months
powder
Sexual disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Fenugreek may be a promising option for improving sexual disorders in both men and women. Clinical research has shown that a specific fenugreek seed extract (Testofen, Gencor Pacific) at 600 mg per day for 12 weeks can increase sexual function by 15% compared to the start of the study, with significant improvements particularly in sexual arousal and desire. Additionally, the frequency of morning erections and sexual activities also doubled or tripled. Another study on healthy men revealed that a combination of this fenugreek extract with magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6 improved various aspects of sexual function, including orgasm, with an overall improvement of 23%. In women, particularly pre-menopausal adults with low libido, taking 300 mg of fenugreek seed extract (Libifem, Gencor Pacific) twice a day over two menstrual cycles improved sexual function, with an increase in the frequency of sexual activities from 1-2 times a month to once a week.
Posologie
Oral: seed
600 mg
2 - months
powder
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
Safety and Efficacy of Furosap®, a Patented Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract, in Boosting Testosterone Level, Reproductive Health and Mood Alleviation in Male Volunteers
Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women, a Randomized Placebo Controlled Study.
Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and mineral formulation
Male fertility issues ✪✪✪✪✪
Fenugreek has been studied for its potential in improving male fertility, especially in men suffering from oligospermia, a condition characterized by a low sperm count. A small clinical study on healthy men aged 20 to 30 years showed that consuming fenugreek seed oil for 4 months significantly improved several parameters of sperm quality. The results show a notable increase in sperm count, from 6.2 million to 20.1 million, an improvement in sperm motility from 43% to 61%, as well as a reduction in sperm abnormalities from 68% to 53% compared to baseline values. Conversely, taking other fenugreek seed extracts at a dose of 10 g three times a day for the same period did not show a similar effect. Fenugreek, known for its androgenic and anabolic properties, has also been studied for its potential to increase testosterone levels. Through the analysis of four clinical trials involving a total of 206 participants, it was found that supplementation with fenugreek extract results in a significant increase in total serum testosterone levels compared to control groups. These results suggest that fenugreek could be a useful supplement for improving testosterone levels and potentially male reproductive health.
Posologie
Orally: seed
600 mg
12 weeks
powder
Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels in male: A meta-analysis of clinical trials
Treatment of Men Infertility using Low doses of Fenugreek Oil Extract.
Gastroesophageal reflux ✪✪✪✪✪
Fenugreek is rich in mucilages, substances that form a gel when in contact with water. This gel can coat the stomach and esophagus lining, forming a protective barrier against gastric acidity and reflux. In a small clinical study on patients frequently suffering from heartburn, taking a fenugreek fiber-based product (FenuLife) at the rate of 2 g twice a day, 30 minutes before the two main meals, showed an improvement in gastric reflux symptoms from the first week of treatment, with the improvement continuing throughout the two weeks of the study.
Posologie
Orally: seed
4 g
powder
Dyslipidemia ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have highlighted the hypolipidemic activity of fenugreek in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, using different preparations such as degreased fenugreek, sprouted seeds, and hydroalcoholic extracts. The results vary depending on the dose administered and the type of preparation tested. An open study demonstrated, in healthy volunteers, that daily ingestion of 18 g of sprouted fenugreek seeds significantly reduces total cholesterol and LDL levels. However, a placebo-controlled study showed no effect with a lower dose of 5 g of seeds per day, suggesting that higher doses are necessary to observe significant hypolipidemic activity. Overall, fenugreek seed powder seems to modestly reduce lipid levels in people with or without hyperlipidemia. However, most studies conducted so far are of low quality, small size, and exploratory in nature. Meta-analyses of these studies indicate that fenugreek decreases total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and increases HDL-cholesterol. The studied doses of fenugreek seed powder range from 0.5 to 100 g per day, over periods from 10 days to 3 years.
Posologie
Orally: seed
1 - 25 g
24 weeks
powder
Hypocholesterolemic effect of germinated fenugreek seeds in human subjects.
Effect of fenugreek supplementation on blood lipids and body weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes.
Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
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.
Lactation ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that fenugreek may improve lactation. A meta-analysis combining four small clinical trials indicates that fenugreek consumption shortly after childbirth could slightly increase breast milk production compared to a placebo. Participants in these studies consumed between 1 and 2 g of fenugreek, in capsule or tea form, up to three times a day for a period ranging from 21 to 244 days. Fenugreek treatment generally started one or two days after childbirth. Additionally, a clinical study mentions that a tea containing fenugreek, consumed at a rate of 200 mL three times a day, slightly increased milk production compared to a placebo. Although fenugreek has been traditionally used for centuries as a galactagogue to increase milk production and improve lactation, clinical evidence of its efficacy remains limited.
Posologie
Orally: seed
1 - 2 g
Pregnant women
powder, tea
Synergies
Galactogogues: medications that induce lactation.
Effect of fenugreek on breast milk volume. Abstract presented at: 5th International Meeting of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
The Safety of Mother's Milk® Tea: Results of a Randomized Double-Blind, Controlled Study in Fully Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Infants
Effectiveness of lactation cookies on human milk production rates: a randomized controlled trial
Sports performance ✪✪✪✪✪
Fenugreek is increasingly used for muscle development due to its potential ergogenic benefits. Preliminary studies on healthy and active men reveal that daily intake of fenugreek seed extract at doses of 400 mg or 500 mg for 60 days can increase grip strength compared to a placebo. Research focused on young men engaged in weight training showed that supplementation with 500 mg per day for 8 weeks while following a 4-day-a-week training regimen reduced body fat by about 2%. In some cases, this intake also improved leg press and bench press performance without affecting power.
Posologie
Orally: seed
500 mg
powder
Synergies
Anorexia ✪✪✪✪✪
Fenugreek is traditionally recognized for its appetite-stimulating properties, a use that finds theoretical backing in the increased activities of pancreatic and intestinal lipases observed in animal studies. Although there are no controlled studies available to confirm these effects in humans, regulatory organizations such as Commission E have approved the internal use of fenugreek seeds to combat appetite loss. Similarly, the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends fenugreek as an adjunct therapy in the case of anorexia, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) acknowledges it as a traditional herbal medicinal product used for temporary appetite loss.
Posologie
Orally: seed
1 - 6 g
powder
Dermatoses ✪✪✪✪✪
Fenugreek is also used to treat various skin conditions, including acne, hemorrhoids, and wounds, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties. Although controlled studies are lacking, these properties provide a strong theoretical basis for its external use in treating local inflammation. Commission E recognizes the external use of fenugreek in the form of a poultice for local inflammations, while the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends its external use for furunculosis, ulcers, and eczema. Meanwhile, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) classifies fenugreek as a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the symptomatic treatment of minor skin inflammations.
Posologie
Topical route: seed
Poultice
Properties
Galactagogue
Fenugreek, used for centuries to stimulate the production of breast milk, has been evaluated for its galactagogue potential through clinical studies. Although direct evidence of its effectiveness is rare, a significant study showed that consuming fenugreek tea could increase milk production and facilitate weight gain in infants, suggesting a positive impact on lactation. An animal study highlighted some mechanisms behind these traditionally observed effects: fenugreek acts by modulating the insulin axis and growth-related hormones, thereby promoting better synthesis of milk components. Moreover, it stimulates the secretion of oxytocin, essential for effective milk ejection. This combination of hormonal actions explains how fenugreek can support lactation, justifying its use by healthcare professionals and breastfeeding mothers despite the need for further research to confirm these effects.
Usages associés
Hypoglycemic
The hypoglycemic effect of fenugreek seeds has been demonstrated in numerous studies involving experimentally-induced diabetes in animals as well as diabetic humans, revealing a slow but sustained effect. This ability to lower blood sugar is due to a set of compounds acting synergistically. Among them, the viscous fiber, galactomannan, plays a key role by reducing intestinal glucose absorption, thus helping to lower postprandial glucose levels. Moreover, fenugreek exerts an insulin-mimetic effect, improving tissue sensitivity to available insulin and promoting glucose utilization. Fenugreek extracts have also stimulated insulin secretion in vitro. Notably, significant levels of biguanide-related compounds have been found in analyses of fenugreek seeds. Biguanides (metformin) are the widely-used pharmaceutical treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, it is interesting to note that no reduction in fasting or postprandial blood glucose was observed in a placebo-controlled study in non-diabetics using a dose of 5 g/day for 3 months, highlighting that its beneficial action primarily manifests in diabetic individuals. Clinically, the consumption of fenugreek seeds improves blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance, and significantly reduces urinary glucose in diabetic patients, thanks notably to its richness in fiber and 4-hydroxyisoleucine, an amino acid that directly stimulates insulin in a glucose-dependent manner.
Usages associés
Mechanism of action of a hypoglycemic principle isolated from fenugreek seeds
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
4-Hydroxyisoleucine: effects of synthetic and natural analogues on insulin secretion
Biguanide related compounds in traditional antidiabetic functional foods
In vitro intestinal glucose uptake is inhibited by galactomannan from Canadian fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum graecum L) in genetically lean and obese rats
Hormonal metabolism
Fenugreek seed extract influences hormonal levels in both animals and humans, notably modulating thyroid and sex hormones. In rodents, treatment with fenugreek extract significantly decreases triiodothyronine (T3), suggesting an inhibition of the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to T3, leading to increased T4 levels. This action could reflect an impact on metabolism and body energy. In the context of male fertility, fenugreek seed oil improves the quantity and quality of sperm in men with oligospermia or suffering from primary hypogonadism, two medical conditions affecting male reproductive health, with a marked increase in free testosterone levels, primarily, without significantly affecting total testosterone. Clinical research indicates that fenugreek could increase testosterone by partially inhibiting the enzymes 5-alpha reductase and aromatase, or by up-regulating enzymes involved in steroid synthesis in the testes. In women, fenugreek also seems to increase testosterone and estradiol levels, as well as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), without altering other key hormonal indicators. These actions could have a positive effect on fertility and libido. However, it's worth noting that fenugreek could have anti-fertility, abortive, and teratogenic effects at high doses in animals, necessitating cautious use, especially during pregnancy.
Usages associés
Inhibition of triiodothyronine production by fenugreek seed extract in mice and rats
Efficacy of a Novel Fenugreek Seed Extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum, Furocyst) in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Safety and Efficacy of Furosap®, a Patented Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract, in Boosting Testosterone Level, Reproductive Health, and Mood Alleviation in Male Volunteers
Toxicological properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and mineral formulation
Anticancer
Fenugreek is traditionally used for cancer prevention. Epidemiological evidence suggests that a diet rich in fresh vegetables, including fenugreek leaves, protects against gallbladder cancer. Animal research has shown that fenugreek seeds inhibit colon carcinogenesis and breast cancer. This effect could be attributed to the apoptotic and growth-inhibitory properties of fenugreek on cancer cells, demonstrated in vitro. Although the mechanisms of action are not fully elucidated, various laboratory studies have revealed that fenugreek constituents interfere with the cellular signaling pathways of cancer cells and enhance antioxidant status.
Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, inhibits STAT3 signaling pathway leading to suppression of proliferation and chemosensitization of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Fenugreek seeds modulate 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced hepatic oxidative stress during colon carcinogenesis
Chemopreventive activities of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) against breast cancer
Fenugreek: a naturally occurring edible spice as an anticancer agent
Gastroprotective
Aqueous extracts and isolated gel fractions of fenugreek seeds have shown significant protective effects against ulcers in vivo. Administered orally to test animals, these seed fractions provided dose-dependent gastric protection against the effects of ethanol, comparable to omeprazole, a widely used medication for gastric disorders. It is suggested that the polysaccharide composition and/or flavonoid components of the mucilaginous gel are responsible for fenugreek seed's gastroprotective and antisecretory activities. Traditionally, fenugreek is used to treat dyspepsia, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and mouth ulcers. Animal research indicates that fenugreek protects against gastric lesions induced by aspirin and ethanol, potentially by enhancing the antioxidant activity of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, while decreasing thiol groups. It has also been suggested that fenugreek gel acts on mucous glycoproteins and prevents aspirin-induced lipid peroxidation increases. However, in laboratory research, fenugreek extract has not shown bactericidal effects against Helicobacter pylori.
Usages associés
Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on experimental gastric ulcer in rats
Bactericidal and anti-adhesive properties of culinary and medicinal plants against Helicobacter pylori
Hypolipidemic
The hypolipidemic effect of fenugreek seeds has been observed in both animal studies and in diabetic human volunteers. Although the precise mechanism of action remains to be elucidated, it appears that the fiber and steroidal saponins present in fenugreek interact with bile salts in the digestive tract, helping to reduce cholesterol. Research has highlighted a particular amino acid, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which has shown a significant capacity to decrease triglyceride levels, total cholesterol, and free fatty acids in dyslipidemic hamsters, while increasing the HDL (good cholesterol) to total cholesterol ratio. Moreover, a fenugreek seed extract has shown it can upregulate LDL (bad cholesterol) receptors, promoting better LDL absorption and contributing to a decrease in body weight and fat accumulation in mice.
Usages associés
Comparative study on hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant activities of various extracts of fenugreek seeds
4-hydroxyisoleucine an unusual amino acid as antidyslipidemic and antihyperglycemic agent
Implication of steroid saponins and sapogenins in the hypocholesterolemic effect of fenugreek
Metabolic
Fenugreek extracts may help improve fat metabolism without negatively impacting overall appetite or satiety. Although the effects on weight loss in humans are unclear, in animal models, fenugreek fiber and seed extract have been shown to reduce body weight and food intake.
Usages associés
Musculoskeletal effects
Fenugreek has demonstrated its ability to improve physical performance, particularly in young men. It may strengthen endurance and muscle strength during exercise, thanks to better utilization of fatty acids as an energy source.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 1 g - 25 g (powder, seeds)
- Internally: as an adjunct treatment for diabetes or hypercholesterolemia, 25 g of powdered seeds or equivalent preparations per day. - Infusion: 13 g of seed for 1 liter of water. Drink before meals. - Dry extract: 300 mg to 600 mg before meals. - Externally: as an emollient, 50 g of powdered seeds boiled in 250 ml of water for 5 minutes, then applied as a warm, wet poultice.
Breastfeeding woman: 1 g - 2 g (powder, seeds)
For breastfeeding women, the oral use of fenugreek to stimulate lactation in the short term is considered safe.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulant: weak interaction
Fenugreek may have additive effects to those of anticoagulants due to its similar properties.
Antidiabetic: weak interaction
The hypoglycemic properties of fenugreek may be additive to those of antidiabetic drugs.
Metoprolol: moderate interaction
Animal research shows that fenugreek seeds, at 300 mg/kg per day for 2 weeks, reduce the systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 9% and 11%, respectively, when administered alone, and by 15% and 22%, respectively, when combined with metoprolol at 10 mg/kg.
Contraindications
Pregnant woman: prohibited
Consumption of fenugreek during pregnancy is considered dangerous. Fenugreek has potentially oxytocic and uterine-stimulating activities, which could pose risks to the course of the pregnancy. Cases of congenital malformations, including hydrocephalus, anencephaly, cleft lip, and spina bifida, have been reported following the consumption of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy. 0 The human equivalent of the lowest dose causing negative effects during pregnancy is 972 mg per 60 kg.
Child up to 18 years: prohibited
In prepubescent children, the use of fenugreek is not recommended.
