Fenugreek's therapeutic uses
Fenugreek, a natural plant product historically utilized in culinary and medicinal practices, has garnered attention for its therapeutic applications across various health conditions. Traditionally used in regions like Egypt, India, and the Middle East, fenugreek has been recommended for a multitude of issues, including enhancing milk production in nursing mothers, treating digestive disorders, and addressing respiratory conditions. In contemporary research, fenugreek is primarily noted for its potential benefits in managing diabetes and high cholesterol, with studies indicating that it may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Furthermore, fenugreek is recognized for alleviating menstrual cramps due to its anti-inflammatory properties and may support testosterone levels in men, potentially enhancing libido. The seed's bitter flavor often leads to its usage in capsule form, with recommended dosages ranging from 5 to 30 grams daily. While generally regarded as safe, fenugreek can induce mild gastrointestinal discomfort in higher doses, and caution is advised for pregnant women and those with certain health conditions, particularly regarding its interaction with diabetes medications. Overall, while fenugreek shows promise for various therapeutic uses, further research is necessary to fully establish its efficacy and safety across diverse populations.
Fenugreek's therapeutic uses
- DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Constipation, diabetes, high cholesterol, lactation, relieve menstrual cramps, boost testosterone
Overview
For millennia, fenugreek has been used as a medicine and a food spice in Egypt, India, and the Middle East. It was traditionally recommended for increasing milk production in nursing women and for treating wounds, bronchitis, digestive problems, arthritis, kidney problems, and male reproductive conditions.
Therapeutic Dosages
Because fenugreek seeds are somewhat bitter, they are best taken in capsule form. The typical dosage is 5 to 30 grams (g) of defatted fenugreek, taken three times a day with meals. One double-blind fenugreek study used 1 g daily of a water/alcohol fenugreek extract.
Therapeutic Uses
In the twenty-first century, interest in fenugreek has focused on its potential benefits for people with diabetes or high cholesterol. Numerous animal studies and preliminary trials in humans have found that fenugreek can reduce blood sugar and serum cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. Like other high-fiber foods, it may also be helpful for constipation. Some research supports fenugreek’s traditional use as a supplement to promote lactation. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it has also been suggested as a natural means of relieving menstrual cramps. Preliminary evidence suggests fenugreek may boost testosterone levels in men, which can help increase libido. Traditional uses of fenugreek have also suggested its use for improving appetite, aiding digestion, and promoting skin health, although more research is needed.
Scientific Evidence
In a two-month, double-blind study of twenty-five individuals with type 2 diabetes, fenugreek, 1 g per day of a standardized extract, significantly improved some measures of blood sugar control and insulin response compared with a placebo. Triglyceride levels decreased, and HDL (good) cholesterol levels increased, presumably because of the enhanced insulin sensitivity. Similar benefits have been seen in animal studies and open human trials. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that fenugreek reduced fasting blood sugar levels and improved study participants' insulin sensitivity compared to the placebo group. Studies completed in 2020 also confirmed fenugreek’s efficacy in treating menstrual cramps and boosting testosterone.
Safety Issues
As a commonly eaten food, fenugreek is generally regarded as safe. The only common side effect is mild gastrointestinal distress when it is taken in high doses.
Animal studies have found fenugreek essentially nontoxic, and no serious adverse effects have been seen in two-year follow-up of human trials. However, extracts made from fenugreek have been shown to stimulate uterine contractions in guinea pigs. For this reason, pregnant women should not take fenugreek in dosages higher than are commonly used as a spice, perhaps 5 g daily. Besides concerns about pregnant women, safety in young children, nursing women, and those with severe liver or kidney disease also has not been established. Because fenugreek can lower blood sugar levels, it is advisable to seek medical supervision before combining it with diabetes medications.
Important Interactions
If one is taking diabetes medications, such as insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs, fenugreek may enhance their effects. This may cause excessively low blood sugar, and one may need to reduce one’s dose of medication.
Bibliography
Gupta, A., R. Gupta, and B. Lal. "Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) Seeds on Glycaemic Control and Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus." Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, vol. 49, 2001, pp. 1057-1061.
Gupta, Rajinder Singh, et al. "A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of a Patented Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-graecum) Seed Extract in Type 2 Diabetics." Food & Nutrition Research, vol. 68, June 2024, doi:10.29219/fnr.v68.10667. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
Leung, A. Y., and S. Foster. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 2d ed., New York: Wiley, 1996.
Multum, Cerver. "Fenugreek." Drugs.com, 16 Sept. 2024, www.drugs.com/mtm/fenugreek.html. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
Richter, Amy, and Ansley Hill. "Fenugreek: An Herb with Impressive Health Benefits." Healthline, 13 June 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/fenugreek. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.