Fenugreek has been called a "star among spices." As a medicinal herb, it has many uses. Emerging research has indicated that fenugreek may be an important supplement in preventing and ameliorating a number of diseases and illnesses. The connection between fenugreek and prostate health has not been researched directly. But there are some intriguing indications that fenugreek may have a role to play in improving prostate health.
What Is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is a commonly used spice in the Middle East and in Asia, a key component in curry. Seeds are rich in dietary fiber, antioxidents, phytoestrogen and selenium.
Fenugreek for Medicinal Uses
Fenugreek is an all-purpose spice used in food and drink. It's also an old remedy for a number of conditions, according to Medicinal Herbs and Spices. It has been used for sore throats, heartburn, and acid reflux. Fenugreek is a rich source of phytoestrogen, which makes it useful for women with low entrogen levels. It also helps increase milk production. It has a reputation for alleviating and/or preventing a number of conditions, ranging from diabetes to heart problems to cancer, although there is no scientific evidence to support this. There are indications that fenugreek can be useful in preventing and perhaps slowing prostate cancer, although research in this area is preliminary.
Research Into the Medicinal Uses of Fenugreek
Research has indicated that fenugreek has a moderating effect on blood lipid levels. In limited research studies, mostly in India, fenugreek has been shown to lower bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol in diabetics, which may make it a useful tool if you have Type 2 diabetes.
Fenugreek appears to lower blood glucose levels. It also seems to help protect against cataracts, which are common problems for diabetes patients.
The high levels of phytoestrogen in fenugreek may protect against certain types of cancers.
Fenugreek may help slow the progression of HIV and other chronic viral illnesses.
It must be emphasized that research into the medicinal benefits of fenugreek is in its early stages.
Reseach Into Fenugreek and Prostate Health
An intriguing abstract published in the John Hopkins University Research Profiles in August 2010, found that fenugreek appeared to inhibit breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer cell lines. The abstract concluded that "these studies add another biologically active agent to our armamentarium of naturally occurring agents with therapeutic potential." According to Medicinal Herbs and Spices, fenugreek is rich in selenium, which may explain its potentially protective effect against a range of cancers--including colon, lung and prostate.
Cautions and Considerations
As noted by Herbal Remedies Info, most studies of fenugreek have occurred in India. Although results of the research have been positive, the trials have been too small and random to draw firm conclusions. If you have an enlarged prostate or suffer from prostate cancer, you may want to discuss fenugreek with your doctor. Do not take fenugreek for any condition without first talking to your doctor; it can inhibit the absorption of other medications. If you're pregnant, don't take supplemental fenugreek--although it's OK to eat foods containing it.
