Fenugreek, formally known as Trigonella foenum-graecum, is a plant traditionally used in the Indian medical system called ayurveda. Its potential modern uses as a dietary supplement include lowering of cholesterol and harmful blood-borne fats called triglycerides, as well as lowering of blood sugar in diabetics. While researchers have some evidence for these uses, further study is needed to gauge fenugreek's real-world effects.
Fenugreek Basics
Fenugreek preparations come from the plant's dried seeds, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Potential active ingredients in fenugreek seeds include classes of compounds called flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and steroidal saponigens. Fenugreek seeds also contain fiber, proteins and amino acids such as 4-hydroxyisoleucine. In addition to the conditions listed above, you may also encounter fenugreek as a supposed treatment for ailments such as skin ulcers, muscle pain, arthritis, infections, cancer and hair loss.
Available Forms
Ground, dried fenugreek seeds can be taken orally or made into a paste for application on your skin, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Drugs.com lists additional fenugreek forms that include tinctures, teas, tablets and standardized extracts. You may also encounter fenugreek as a food additive or flavoring agent, although its effects in these settings may not be the same as those triggered by purposeful supplement use. Before you use any form of fenugreek supplement, consult your doctor for guidance and advice.
Potential Uses
Use of fenugreek seeds may help lower your blood levels of potentially harmful LDL cholesterol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It may also help lower your levels of triglycerides and boost your levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol. Fenugreek appears to achieve these effects by lowering your small intestine's ability to absorb cholesterol in your food. The fiber and saponin content of fenugreek may be responsible for these effects, Sloan-Kettering reports. Fiber and saponin content may also partly account for fenugreek's potential to control or lower your blood glucose levels. Additional factors in fenugreek's blood glucose effects may include the effects of the substances 4-hydroxyisoleucine, nicotinic acid, trigonelline and coumarin.
Side Effects
Sloan-Kettering lists potential side effects of fenugreek use that include bruising, bleeding and low blood glucose or hypoglycemia. If you take more than 100 grams of fenugreek a day, you may experience additional symptoms that include diarrhea, gas and other gastrointestinal difficulties. If you inhale fenugreek powder, you may develop allergies or symptoms of asthma. Use of fenugreek may also conflict with several classes medications, including diabetes drugs, anticoagulants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. If you take insulin, your doctor may need to adjust your dose to account for fenugreek's effects.
Considerations
While there is some scientific support for fenugreek's blood glucose effects, as of 2009 evidence does not support any additional real-world uses, the NCCAM reports. When you discuss fenugreek use with your doctor, tell him about any other supplements or medications you currently use. Do not use fenugreek if you are pregnant or have a known fenugreek allergy.
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