Fenugreek: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Trigonella foecum graecum
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Flavonoids
Galactomannan
Diosgenin
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Type 2 diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Meta-analyses of 10 to 14 clinical trials in patients with type 2 diabetes or other metabolic conditions have shown that fenugreek consumption reduces fasting glucose by approximately 14-23 mg/dL, postprandial blood glucose by 21-23 mg/dL, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 0.6 to 1.2% compared with placebo. rnrnThe most effective forms appear to be seed powder taken at doses of 5 to 100 g per day, either in capsules or added to meals, for up to 3 years, or hydroalcoholic seed extract at about 1 g per day for up to 2 months. rnrnMost research also shows that fenugreek lowers total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic patients, but has inconsistent effects on LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol. rnrnLimited research has also evaluated fenugreek's efficacy in type 1 diabetes. In a small clinical study, taking 50 g of defatted fenugreek seed powder twice daily with meals for 10 days reduced 24-hour urinary glucose levels by 54% from baseline. rnrnA meta-analysis concluded that fenugreek supplements are effective for controlling glycemic levels in people with type 2 diabetes. These effects appear to be dose-dependent, more pronounced with medium or high doses of fenugreek. Trigonelline, a major alkaloid component of fenugreek, plays a key role in these effects, affecting beta cell regeneration, insulin secretion, and various glucose-related metabolic processes. rnrnFenugreek is widely used as a natural treatment to regulate blood glucose in diabetes in many cultures, especially in Asia and North Africa. The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends fenugreek as an adjunct treatment in the management of type 2 diabetes, and as a support to a low-fat diet for the treatment of mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.
Posologie
Oral: seed
5 - 100 g
3 - years
powder
Hypoglycemic effect of fenugreek seeds in non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects.
Galactomannans are the most effective soluble dietary fibers in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients.
Use of fenugreek seed powder in the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Glucose-lowering effect of fenugreek in non-insulin-dependent diabetics.
Effect of Fenugreek on Hyperglycemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
The Effects of Fenugreek on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Effect of fenugreek seeds on intravenous glucose disposition in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients.
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
Dysmenorrhea, one of the most common periodic pains affecting more than 50% of women of childbearing age, may find relief through fenugreek. rnrnAfter a systematic review of four articles selected from 1526 records, the results of a recent study indicate a significant reduction in pain intensity with fenugreek compared to placebo. rnrnClinical research in women suffering from moderate to severe dysmenorrhea shows that consuming fenugreek seed powder at 1800 to 2700 mg three times a day during the first three days of menstruation, followed by 900 mg three times a day for the remainder of two menstrual cycles, reduces pain severity compared with placebo. rnrn
Posologie
Oral: seed
1800 - 2700 mg
2 - months
powder
Sexual disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Fenugreek may be a promising option to improve sexual disorders in both men and women.rnrnClinical research has shown that a specific fenugreek seed extract (Testofen, Gencor Pacific) at 600 mg per day for 12 weeks can increase sexual function by 15% compared with baseline, with significant improvements particularly in sexual arousal and desire. In addition, the frequency of morning erections and sexual activity was also increased two- to threefold. Another study in healthy men found that combining this fenugreek extract with magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6 improved various aspects of sexual function, including orgasm, with an overall improvement of 23%.rnrnIn women, particularly premenopausal adults with low libido, taking 300 mg of fenugreek seed extract (Libifem, Gencor Pacific) twice daily for two menstrual cycles improved sexual function, with the frequency of sexual activity increasing from 1-2 times per month to once per week.rnrn
Posologie
Oral: seed
600 mg
2 - months
powder
Testofen, a specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract, reduces age-related symptoms of androgen decline, increases testosterone levels, and improves sexual function in healthy aging males in a double-blind randomized clinical study
Safety and Efficacy of Furosap®, a Patented Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract, in Boosting Testosterone Level, Reproductive Health and Mood Alleviation in Male Volunteers
Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women, a Randomised Placebo Controlled Study.
Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and mineral formulation
Male fertility disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Fenugreek has been studied for its potential to improve male fertility, particularly in men with oligospermia, a condition characterized by a low sperm count. rnrnA small clinical study of healthy men aged 20 to 30 years showed that consuming fenugreek seed oil for 4 months significantly improved several parameters of semen quality. The results show a notable increase in sperm count, from 6.2 million to 20.1 million, an improvement in sperm motility from 43% to 61%, and a reduction in sperm abnormalities from 68% to 53% compared with baseline values. rnrnIn contrast, taking other fenugreek seed extracts at 10 g three times daily for the same period did not show a similar effect.rnrnFenugreek, known for its androgenic and anabolic properties, has also been studied for its potential to increase testosterone levels. Across an analysis of four clinical trials including a total of 206 participants, it was found that supplementation with fenugreek extract resulted in a significant increase in serum total testosterone levels compared with control groups. rnrnThese results suggest that fenugreek may be a useful supplement to improve testosterone levels and potentially male reproductive health.rnrn
Posologie
Oral: seed
600 mg
12 weeks
powder
Effect of fenugreek extract supplementation on testosterone levels in males: A meta-analysis of clinical trials
Treatment of male infertility using low doses of fenugreek oil extract.
Gastroesophageal reflux ✪✪✪✪✪
Fenugreek is rich in mucilages, substances that form a gel when they come into contact with water. This gel can coat the lining of the stomach and esophagus, forming a protective barrier against gastric acidity and reflux. In a small clinical study of patients who frequently suffered from heartburn, taking a fenugreek fiber product (FenuLife) at a dose of 2 g twice a day, 30 minutes before the two main meals, showed an improvement in symptoms of gastric reflux from the first week of treatment, with this improvement continuing throughout the two weeks of the study.
Posologie
Oral: seed
4 g
powder
Dyslipidemia ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have highlighted the lipid-lowering activity of fenugreek in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, through the use of various preparations such as defatted fenugreek, sprouted fenugreek seeds, and hydroalcoholic extracts. Results vary depending on the administered dose and the type of preparation tested. An open study showed, in healthy volunteers, that daily ingestion of 18 g of sprouted fenugreek seeds significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels. However, a placebo-controlled study showed no effect with a lower dose of 5 g of seeds per day, suggesting that higher doses are necessary to observe a notable lipid-lowering effect.rnrnOverall, powdered fenugreek seed appears to modestly reduce lipid levels in people with or without hyperlipidemia. Nevertheless, most studies conducted to date are of low quality or small size, and exploratory in nature. Meta-analyses of these studies indicate that fenugreek decreases total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increases HDL cholesterol.rnrnThe doses of powdered fenugreek seeds studied range from 0.5 to 100 g per day, over periods ranging from 10 days to 3 years.rnrn
Posologie
Oral: seed
1 - 25 g
24 - weeks
powder
Hypocholesterolemic effect of germinated fenugreek seeds in human subjects.
Effect of fenugreek supplementation on blood lipids and body weight: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes.
Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease.
Lactation ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that fenugreek may improve lactation. A meta-analysis pooling four small clinical trials indicates that consumption of fenugreek shortly after delivery may slightly increase breast milk production compared with placebo. Participants in these studies consumed between 1 and 2 g of fenugreek, in capsule or tea form, up to three times a day for a period ranging from 21 to 244 days. Treatment with fenugreek generally began one or two days after delivery. rnrnIn addition, one clinical study reports that a tea containing fenugreek, consumed as 200 mL three times a day, slightly increased milk production compared with placebo. rnrnAlthough fenugreek has been traditionally used for centuries as a galactagogue to increase milk production and improve lactation, clinical evidence of its effectiveness remains limited.rnrn
Posologie
Oral administration: seed
1 - 2 g
Pregnant women
powder, herbal tea
Synergies
Galactagogues: medications that induce lactation.
Effect of fenugreek on breast milk volume. Abstract presented at: 5th International Meeting of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
The Safety of Mother's Milk® Tea: Results of a Randomized Double-Blind, Controlled Study in Fully Breastfeeding Mothers and Their Infants
Effectiveness of lactation cookies on human milk production rates: a randomized controlled trial
Sports performance ✪✪✪✪✪
Fenugreek is increasingly used for muscle development for its potential ergogenic benefits. Preliminary studies in healthy, active men reveal that daily intake of seed extract, at doses of 400 mg or 500 mg for 60 days, can increase grip strength compared with placebo. Targeted research on young men engaging in bodybuilding has shown that supplementation of 500 mg per day for 8 weeks, while following a 4-days-per-week training program, reduces fat mass by about 2%. In some cases, this intake also improved leg press and bench press performance, without affecting power.
Posologie
By mouth: seed
500 mg
powder
Synergies
Anorexia ✪✪✪✪✪
Fenugreek has traditionally been recognized for its appetite-stimulating properties, a use that finds theoretical support in the increased activities of pancreatic and intestinal lipases observed in animal studies. Although no controlled studies are available to confirm these effects in humans, regulatory bodies such as Commission E have approved the internal use of fenugreek seeds to combat loss of appetite. Likewise, the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends fenugreek as an adjuvant therapy in cases of anorexia, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognizes it as a traditional herbal medicinal product used for temporary loss of appetite.
Posologie
Oral use: seed
1 - 6 g
powder
Dermatoses ✪✪✪✪✪
Fenugreek is also used to treat various skin conditions, notably acne, hemorrhoids and wounds, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties. Although controlled studies are lacking, these properties provide a solid theoretical basis for its external use in treating local inflammation. Commission E recognizes the external use of fenugreek as a poultice for local inflammations, while the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) recommends its external use for furunculosis, ulcers and eczema. The European Medicines Agency (EMA), for its part, classifies fenugreek as a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the symptomatic treatment of minor inflammations of the skin.
Posologie
Topical use: seed
poultice
Properties
Galactogenic
Fenugreek, used for centuries to stimulate breast milk production, has been evaluated for its galactagogue potential in clinical studies. Although direct evidence of its effectiveness is limited, a significant study showed that consuming fenugreek tea could increase milk production and help infants gain weight, suggesting a positive impact on lactation. An animal study highlighted some mechanisms behind these traditionally observed effects: fenugreek acts by modulating the insulin axis and growth-related hormones, thereby promoting improved synthesis of milk components. In addition, it stimulates oxytocin secretion, which is essential for effective milk ejection. This combination of hormonal actions explains how fenugreek can support lactation, justifying its use by healthcare professionals and breastfeeding mothers despite the need for further research to confirm these effects.
Usages associés
Hypoglycemic
The hypoglycemic effect of fenugreek seeds has been demonstrated in numerous studies on experimentally induced diabetes in animals as well as in diabetic humans, revealing a slow but sustained effect. rnrnThis ability to lower blood glucose is due to a set of compounds acting synergistically. Among them, the viscous fiber galactomannan plays a key role by reducing intestinal glucose absorption, thereby helping to lower postprandial glucose levels. rnrnFurthermore, fenugreek exerts an insulin-mimetic effect, improving tissue sensitivity to available insulin and promoting glucose utilization. Fenugreek extracts have also stimulated insulin secretion in vitro. It should be noted that significant levels of biguanide-related compounds were found in analyses of fenugreek seeds. Biguanides (metformin) are the pharmacological treatment widely used for type 2 diabetes. rnrnIt is, however, interesting to note that no reduction in fasting or postprandial blood glucose was observed in a placebo-controlled study in non-diabetic individuals who used a dose of 5 g/day for 3 months, underscoring that its beneficial action mainly manifests in diabetic individuals. rnrnIn clinical practice, consumption of fenugreek seeds improves blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance, and significantly reduces urinary glucose in diabetic patients, notably due to its richness in fiber and in 4-hydroxyisoleucine, an amino acid that directly stimulates insulin in a glucose-dependent manner.rnrn
Usages associés
Mechanism of action of a hypoglycemic principle isolated from fenugreek seeds
Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease
4-Hydroxyisoleucine: effects of synthetic and natural analogues on insulin secretion
Biguanide related compounds in traditional antidiabetic functional foods
In vitro intestinal glucose uptake is inhibited by galactomannan from Canadian fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum graecum L) in genetically lean and obese rats
Hormonal metabolism
Fenugreek seed extract influences hormone levels in both animals and humans, notably modulating thyroid and sex hormones. In rodents, treatment with fenugreek extract significantly decreases triiodothyronine (T3), suggesting an inhibition of the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to T3 and resulting in increased T4 levels. This action may reflect an impact on metabolism and body energy. In the context of male fertility, fenugreek seed oil improves sperm quantity and quality in men with oligospermia or suffering from primary hypogonadism, two medical conditions that affect male reproductive health, with a marked increase primarily in free testosterone levels without significantly affecting total testosterone. Clinical research indicates that fenugreek may increase testosterone by partially inhibiting the enzymes 5-alpha reductase and aromatase, or by upregulating enzymes involved in steroid synthesis in the testes. In women, fenugreek also appears to increase levels of testosterone and estradiol, as well as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), without altering other key hormonal indicators. These actions may have a positive effect on fertility and libido. However, it should be noted that fenugreek may have anti-fertility, abortifacient, and teratogenic effects at high doses in animals, which necessitates cautious use, particularly during pregnancy.
Usages associés
Inhibition of triiodothyronine production by fenugreek seed extract in mice and rats
Efficacy of a Novel Fenugreek Seed Extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum, Furocyst) in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Safety and Efficacy of Furosap®, a Patented Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract, in Boosting Testosterone Level, Reproductive Health and Mood Alleviation in Male Volunteers
Toxicological properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and mineral formulation
Anticancer
Fenugreek is traditionally used for cancer prevention. Epidemiological evidence indicates that a diet rich in fresh vegetables, including fenugreek leaves, protects against gallbladder cancer. Animal studies have shown that fenugreek seeds inhibit colon carcinogenesis and breast cancer. This effect could be attributed to fenugreek's apoptotic and growth-inhibitory properties on cancer cells, demonstrated in vitro. Although the mechanisms of action are not fully elucidated, various laboratory studies have revealed that fenugreek constituents interfere with cancer cell signaling pathways and increase antioxidant status.
Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, inhibits STAT3 signaling pathway leading to suppression of proliferation and chemosensitization of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Fenugreek seeds modulate 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced hepatic oxidative stress during colon carcinogenesis
Chemopreventive activities of Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) against breast cancer
Fenugreek: a naturally occurring edible spice as an anticancer agent
Gastroprotective
Aqueous extracts and gel fractions isolated from fenugreek seeds have demonstrated significant protective effects against ulcers in vivo. When administered orally to test animals, these seed fractions provided dose-dependent gastric protection against the effects of ethanol, comparable to omeprazole, a widely used drug for treating gastric disorders. It is suggested that the composition of polysaccharides and/or the flavonoid components of the mucilaginous gel are responsible for the gastroprotective and antisecretory activities of fenugreek seeds. Traditionally, fenugreek is used to treat dyspepsia, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and mouth ulcers. Animal studies indicate that fenugreek protects against aspirin- and ethanol-induced gastric lesions, potentially by increasing the antioxidant activity of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, while decreasing thiol groups. It has also been suggested that fenugreek gel acts on mucous glycoproteins and prevents aspirin-induced increases in lipid peroxidation. However, in laboratory studies, fenugreek extract did not show bactericidal effects against Helicobacter pylori.
Usages associés
Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on experimental gastric ulcer in rats
Bactericidal and anti-adhesive properties of culinary and medicinal plants against Helicobacter pylori
Hypolipidemic
The hypolipidemic effect of fenugreek seeds has been observed both in animal studies and in diabetic human volunteers. Although the exact mechanism of action remains to be elucidated, it appears that the fiber and steroidal saponins present in fenugreek interact with bile salts in the digestive tract, helping to reduce cholesterol. rnrnResearch has highlighted a particular amino acid, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which has demonstrated a significant ability to decrease levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and free fatty acids in dyslipidemic hamsters, while increasing the HDL (good cholesterol) to total cholesterol ratio.rnrnFurthermore, a fenugreek seed extract has been shown to upregulate LDL receptors (bad cholesterol), thereby promoting better LDL uptake and contributing to a decrease in body weight and fat accumulation in mice. rnrn
Usages associés
Comparative study on hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant activities of various extracts of fenugreek seeds
4-hydroxyisoleucine an unusual amino acid as antidyslipidemic and antihyperglycemic agent
Implication of steroid saponins and sapogenins in the hypocholesterolemic effect of fenugreek
Metabolic
Fenugreek extracts could help improve fat metabolism without negatively impacting overall appetite or satiety. Although the effects on weight loss in humans are not clear, in animal models, fenugreek fiber and seed extract have been shown to reduce body weight and food intake.rnrn
Usages associés
Musculoskeletal effects
Fenugreek has demonstrated its ability to improve physical performance, particularly in young men. It may specifically enhance endurance and muscular strength during exercise by improving the use of fatty acids as an energy source.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults aged 18 years and over: 1 g - 25 g (powder, seeds)
- By internal use: as an adjunctive treatment for diabetes or hypercholesterolemia, 25 g of powdered seeds or equivalent preparations per day.rnrn- Infusion: 13 g of seed per 1 liter of water. Drink before meals.rnrn- Dry extract: 300 mg to 600 mg before meals.rnrn- By external use: as an emollient, 50 g of powdered seeds boiled in 250 ml of water for 5 minutes, then applied as a warm, moist poultice.rnrn
Breastfeeding women: 1 g - 2 g (powder, seeds)
For breastfeeding women, the oral use of fenugreek to stimulate short-term lactation is considered safe.rnrn
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: low interaction
Fenugreek may have additive effects with anticoagulants due to its similar properties.
Antidiabetic drugs: low interaction
The hypoglycemic properties of fenugreek could be additive to those of antidiabetic drugs.
Metoprolol: moderate interaction
Animal studies show that fenugreek seeds, at a dose of 300 mg/kg per day for 2 weeks, reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 9% and 11%, respectively, when administered alone, and by 15% and 22%, respectively, when combined with metoprolol at 10 mg/kg.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: prohibited
Consumption of fenugreek during pregnancy is considered dangerous. Fenugreek has potentially oxytocic and uterine-stimulating activities, which could pose risks to the course of pregnancy. Cases of congenital malformations, including hydrocephalus, anencephaly, cleft lip, and spina bifida, have been reported following the consumption of fenugreek seeds during pregnancy.rnrnThe human equivalent of the lowest dose producing adverse effects during pregnancy is 972 mg per 60 kg body weight.rnrn
Children up to 18 years: prohibited
In prepubertal children, the use of fenugreek is not recommended.rnrn
