Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by muscle and tendon pain, stiffness, headaches, sleep disruption, fatigue and mood changes. According to a July 2007 “American Family Physician” review, fibromyalgia affects about two percent of Americans, and the condition has been diagnosed in children and adolescents as well as adults. (See Reference 1) Although there is no convincing data that they are helpful, dietary supplements, such as fenugreek, are often included in the treatment plans of fibromyalgia sufferers. Consult a medical professional before taking any herbal remedy for a medical condition.
Cause
The underlying cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. The condition tends to run in families, so genetics may play a role. Neurotransmitter imbalances, heightened sensitivity to pain and deficits in carnitine function have all been implicated as potential contributors to fibromyalgia. Medications designed to restore neurotransmitter levels offer relief for many patients, and some supplements, such as acetyl-L-carnitine, reduce symptoms in a few fibromyalgia sufferers. (See References 2 and 3) Fenugreek has not been scientifically evaluated for treating fibromyalgia.
Properties and Uses
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Trigonella foenum-graecum, or fenugreek, has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of health conditions. Its principal modern-day uses include moderating blood sugar levels in diabetics, stimulating milk production in nursing mothers and stimulating appetite. Several trials, including a study published in the November 2004 issue of “Journal of Ethnopharmacology,” show that fenugreek leaf extract relieves pain in laboratory animals by modulating serotonin activity in the spinal cord.
Implications
Although there is no scientific data to support the use of fenugreek for treating fibromyalgia, the herb’s ability to reduce pain in laboratory animals is intriguing. In particular, fenugreek’s apparent effects on serotonin activity may partially mimic the actions of two medications – Cymbalta and Savella – that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating fibromyalgia. These drugs increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels in your central nervous system, which alters your perception of painful stimuli.
Considerations
Fibromyalgia may not have a single cause, and a treatment that works for one person might not offer any benefit for another. Fenugreek is untested as a treatment modality for fibromyalgia, so there is no clear definition of optimal or safe doses for managing fibromyalgia or any other condition. When taken orally, fenugreek can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. Fenugreek might stimulate uterine contractions, so pregnant women should avoid it. If you have fibromyalgia, ask your doctor if fenugreek is appropriate for you.
References
- “American Family Physician”; Fibromyalgia; S. Chakrabarty, R. Zoorob; July 2007
- “Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology”; Fibromyalgia: Mechanisms, Current Treatment, and Animal Models; J.D. Brederson, et al.; April 2011
- “Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology”; Double-Blind, Multicenter Trial Comparing Acetyl-L-Carnitine with Placebo in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Patients; M. Rossini, et al.; March-April 2007
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fenugreek
- “Journal of Ethnopharmacology”; Spinal Serotonergic System Is Partially Involved in Antinociception Induced by Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) Leaf Extract; A. Parvizpur, et al.; November 2004
