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Traditionally used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an herb with thousands of years of documented health benefits. Also used to flavor many dishes in Indian cuisine, fenugreek is used as a cooking spice, giving food a nutty flavor profile while adding nutritional value with healthy vitamins and minerals.
Just one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds provides three grams of fiber, three grams of protein, and 20 percent of iron’s daily recommended value. Often found in powder or seed form, fenugreek can be easily added to your daily dietary routine.
Fenugreek has many indications for supporting better health in both human and animal studies. Lowering blood sugar and cholesterol, improving metabolism, and aiding in digestion and labor induction are just a few of the health benefits fenugreek may have.
One study found that the addition of 15 grams of powdered fenugreek seed soaked in water significantly lowered glucose levels of non-insulin-dependent diabetics (NIDDM) after eating. Insulin levels decreased after the study participants consumed fenugreek powder.
Fenugreek has also helped to support more balanced fasting blood sugar levels in diabetics. An additional study found that type 1 diabetics who took 50 grams of fenugreek seed powder for ten days twice a day at lunch and dinner had lower total and LDL cholesterol levels with improved blood sugar levels.
There is evidence that fenugreek may lower cholesterol levels. Doses of 2.5 grams given twice a day for three months significantly decreased total cholesterol and triglycerides for patients with both NIDDM and coronary artery disease (CAD). The same dose significantly lowered both postprandial and fasting blood glucose levels.
Another study found Type-1 Diabetics that took 50 grams of fenugreek powder twice a day for ten days had lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower total cholesterol.
Fenugreek studies have revealed that this ancient herb may have antiulcer properties. Those with ethanol-induced gastric ulcers got treated with a fenugreek supplement. The gel extract made from fenugreek seeds showed significant ulcer protective effects.
These protective properties got attributed to fenugreek’s anti-secretory action plus the rise in the antioxidant potential of the stomach lining which lowered injury to the mucus membrane. This study also determined that the fenugreek seed gel was more effective than omeprazole, a pharmaceutical medication, at preventing the formation of stomach lesions.
Fenugreek has also helped to ease the discomfort of heartburn. A pilot study found that participants with frequent heartburn who took fenugreek for two weeks had minimized heartburn symptoms. The study also found fenugreek to be just as effective as over-the-counter antacid medications.
Appetite suppression has been another surprising benefit that may be associated with fenugreek. Reduction in appetite and fat intake have both gotten observed with fenugreek clinical studies.
Due to its high fiber content of three grams of soluble fiber per tablespoon, fenugreek can help alleviate bloating and constipation. Its demulcent properties also help ease digestive system discomfort by forming a protective film over the gastrointestinal membranes, helping to relieve irritation.
Ancient Egyptians used fenugreek to help with painful periods or dysmenorrhea. Present-day studies show that women given 900 milligrams (mg) of fenugreek seed powder three times a day on the first three days of their menstrual cycle for two consecutive months experienced less extreme pain severity and duration of pain. Other symptoms that responded to the fenugreek treatment include nausea, headache, fatigue, and vomiting with no reported adverse side effects.
Both men and women have reported an uptick in sexual desire and arousal with fenugreek supplementation.
A six-week study that provided 600 mg of fenugreek to 30 men found that most participants reported a more healthy sexual function, stamina, sexual arousal, and strength. Women who took the same dose of fenugreek extract showed a significant boost in free testosterone and estradiol levels after eight weeks of supplementation—the cause of their renewed sexual desire and arousal.
Further research shows that fenugreek may help support testosterone levels in men as well. One eight-week study gave 500 mg of fenugreek to 30 college-aged men each day. The men performed weightlifting sessions four times per week. While the group who did not take fenugreek saw a slight drop in testosterone levels, the group who took fenugreek had a boost in testosterone levels and a reduction in body fat percentage. Testosterone also has positive effects on the male libido.
For mothers who struggle to make sufficient breast milk to feed their baby, fenugreek could be a potential natural alternative to prescription drugs used to maintain breast milk production.
A group of 66 mothers got split into three groups. One group received fenugreek tea, another placebo, and the last received nothing (control group). The study found both the placebo and the control group increased the volume of pumped breast milk by 34 milliliters (ml) (1.5 ounces (oz)). The fenugreek tea group increased their pumped milk volume by 73 ml (2.47 oz).
In a separate study, 77 mothers were to drink fenugreek seed tea for 14 days. The mothers found the tea increased their breast milk production and allowed their babies to gain more weight.
Many cultures have used fenugreek as a topical poultice to help soothe irritated and inflamed skin. Traditionally, fenugreek has treated inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, ulcers, and furunculosis, or infection of the hair follicle leading to abscess formation.
Recent studies show fenugreek seed extract significantly decreased pain and inflammation for rats with paw edema or swelling. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects may be attributed to fenugreek’s mucilage polysaccharides and steroidal saponins.
While fenugreek supplements typically get found in powder or seed form, you can consume this nutritional herb in many other ways.
You can use fenugreek in the following ways:
While considered generally safe, you should be aware of some mild side effects and potential drug/herb interactions.
Indigestion and diarrhea have been reported with the use of fenugreek. More serious side effects have gotten reported with animal studies. When fenugreek gets taken at very high doses, animal studies show adverse effects, including decreased fertility, increased risk of miscarriage, DNA damage, and neurological problems. The dosages used in these animal studies were much higher than any recommended dose for human consumption.
If you are a diabetic taking blood sugar lowering medication, you should use caution when taking fenugreek as it also displays blood sugar-lowering properties.
You may want to avoid fenugreek if you have an eating disorder or a decreased desire to eat, as it has suppressed appetite with resulting decreased fat intake.
Always ask your doctor before taking fenugreek or any new herb or supplement.
With a long history of use as a medicinal and flavoring herb, fenugreek is known for its health benefits across many cultures. From its use for flavor in Indian curries to its breastmilk production benefits via herbal tea, fenugreek is packed full of nutrition and has an enjoyable, sweet yet savory nutty.
No matter your plight, fenugreek is packed full of nutrients, including fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6, offering a nutrient-dense tasty treat for all to enjoy.
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By Dr. Carlie Biggins, N.D.
