Fenugreek is a common medicinal herb that's used for its high mucilage-fiber content to treat high cholesterol, diabetes, atherosclerosis, constipation and other medical conditions. You can take fenugreek in the form of extract capsules or tinctures. Talk with your health-care provider before taking fenugreek, however, because the herb might interact with other medications you're taking or cause potentially dangerous side effects in some people.
History
Fenugreek is native to western Asia and southeastern Europe, and its seeds have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, says the University of Michigan Health System. Traditional Chinese medicine used fenugreek seeds in herbal preparations for treating digestive ailments, kidney problems, wounds, arthritis, bronchitis and reproductive problems in men. Throughout the Middle East, as well as in Egypt and India, people used fenugreek seeds to promote milk production in lactating women as well, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Medicinal Uses
You can take fenugreek to treat alopecia, arthritis, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, infections, muscle pain and skin ulcers or wounds, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Fenugreek also might help induce labor and stimulate lactation. To treat diabetes or high cholesterol, you can take 5 to 30g of fenugreek seeds or capsules with every meal for a daily total dosage of 15 to 90g. Alternatively, you can take 3 to 4mL of fenugreek tincture one to three times daily.
Function
Fenugreek contains saponins and galactomannan fiber that boost bile release in the gallbladder, and suppress cholesterol absorption and glucose processing in the gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, the fiber content in fenugreek essentially reduces blood sugar levels, and the steroidal saponins affect cholesterol metabolism. Fenugreek also contains an amino acid called 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which appears to increase insulin release, as well as trigonelline, which also helps lower blood glucose levels in the body.
Scientific Evidence
Numerous animal, test tube and human studies have shown fenugreek's medicinal benefits. A 1997 study of people with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes found that fenugreek helped to reduce blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels and blood platelet binding. Another 2001 eight-week-long, double-blind clinical trial of people with type 2 diabetes in India revealed that taking 1g of fenugreek extract daily substantially improved blood glucose levels and insulin production. Furthermore, a 2005 laboratory study found that fenugreek extract helped to inhibit breast cancer cells in test tubes, and a 2004 study revealed that the steroidal saponins in fenugreek suppressed human colon cancer cells. Two animal studies published in 2007 and 2008 found that the polyphenols contained in fenugreek seeds helped to protect rats' livers from alcohol-related damage, specifically "fatty liver" because of lipid accumulation.
Dangers
Fenugreek is generally very safe, but taking too much of the herbal remedy---typically, more than 100g per day---can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, diarrhea and gas. Fenugreek might affect the uterine muscles, causing the uterus to contract and possibly leading to miscarriage, so you shouldn't take herbal remedies containing fenugreek if you're pregnant.
Interactions
Avoid taking fenugreek if you're also taking anticoagulant medications, commonly called "blood-thinners," because the herb can increase the drugs' effects, causing bleeding risks. If you're taking medications to treat diabetes or insulin drugs, consult your doctor before taking fenugreek. Because fenugreek can affect your blood glucose and insulin levels, your physician might need to reduce the dosage of these medications. Also, avoid taking fenugreek while you're taking the antidepressant drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or "MAOIs," because fenugreek can increase these medications' effects.
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