Derived from the Trigonella foenum-graecum plant, fenugreek is a both an edible food and medicinal supplement. Traditionally, fenugreek has been used to ease digestive discomfort and menopausal symptoms. Treatment with fenugreek may also help stimulate lactation in breast-feeding women. However, additional research is needed to fully support these purported health benefits of fenugreek. Discuss the potential risks of fenugreek with your doctor before you begin using this supplement.
Adverse Effects
You may experience mild stomach upset, including bloating, excessive gas or diarrhea, as adverse effects following treatment with fenugreek. Frequent, watery bowel movements can be bothersome and may also contribute to abdominal cramping and loss of appetite. Topical preparations of fenugreek may cause irritation following skin application. Your body or urine may also emit a strong, maple syrup-like smell while you are taking fenugreek. Such adverse effects are typically temporary and subside once treatment with fenugreek ends. Seek care from your doctor if stomach or skin irritation becomes severe or if you experience diarrhea for more than two to three days.
Additional Complications
Fenugreek may be passed to infants through breast milk. For this reason, infants of breast-feeding mothers who take fenugreek are also at risk of developing adverse side effects related to this herbal treatment. Your baby may develop colic or stomach upset. You may also notice that your infant's urine gives off a maple syrup-like smell. If these complications arise, be sure to seek care from your pediatrician as soon as possible. Though fenugreek-induced changes in the smell of your baby's urine are harmless, this adverse effect may also be a sign of a more serious metabolic condition called "maple syrup urine disease."
Drug Interactions
If you are taking certain prescription drugs, treatment with fenugreek may be inappropriate. Fenugreek should not be used in conjunction with anticoagulants, which are medications used to help slow blood clotting. Combining these treatments may increase your risk of developing bleeding or bruising complications. Additionally, avoid taking fenugreek if you also take drugs for diabetes. Fenugreek may lower your blood sugar and may cause hypoglycemia if used with diabetes drugs.
Contraindications
Do not use fenugreek if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without first consulting your doctor. People who are allergic to peanuts, green peas, chickpeas or soybeans should avoid treatment with fenugreek. If used improperly by hypersensitive people, fenugreek may cause a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. An allergic reaction requires emergency medical attention and may cause hives, nasal congestion, facial swelling, weakness, wheezing, pale skin, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness.
References
- Baylor College of Medicine; Fenugreek Supplements; February 2004
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Fenugreek; July 2010
- Drugs.com: Fenugreek
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Fenugreek; November 2008
- Flora Health and Supplement Encyclopedia: Fenugreek Seed
- RxList: Fenugreek
Member Comments