Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Circulatory
- 4 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Fenugreek is much used in herbal medicine in North Africa, the Middle East, and India, being esteemed as a remedy for a wide variety of conditions. The nourishing seeds are given during convalescence and to encourage weight gain, especially in anorexia. They are also helpful in lowering fever, with some authorities comparing their ability to that of quinine. The seeds’ soothing effect makes them of value in treating gastritis and gastric ulcers. They are used to induce childbirth and to increase breast-milk production. Fenugreek is also thought to be antidiabetic and to lower blood cholesterol levels. Externally, the seeds may be applied as a paste to treat abscesses, boils, ulcers, and burns, or used as a douche for excessive vaginal discharge.
Traditional uses & properties
Antidiabetic, decongestant, and galactagogue
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
4-8 ounces 3 times daily. To make a more pleasanttasting drink, add 1 teaspoon anise seed.
Pulverize seeds for use as a poultice.
Dried seeds (1:3, 70% alcohol, 10% glycerin); 1-3 ml (0.2-0.6 tsp.) 3 times daily
Safety & precautions
Not recommended for use during pregnancy
Drug & food interactions
Fenugreek saponins may modestly enhance the antidiabetic effects of the sulfonylureas.
- Antidiabetics
- In one study, fenugreek saponins had modest additional antidiabetic effects when they were added to established treatment with sulfonylureas. Fenugreek seed appears to have been widely studied for its blood-glucose-lowering properties; however, studies on its effects in combination with conventional treatments for diabetes appear limited. In one randomised study, 46 patients taking sulfonylureas (not named), with fasting blood-glucose levels of 7 to 13 mmol/L, were given fenugreek saponins 2.1 g three times daily after meals for 12 weeks. When compared with 23 similar patients given placebo it was found that fenugreek saponins decreased fasting blood-glucose levels by 23% (8.38 mmol/L versus 6.79 mmol/L). Diabetic control was also improved: glycosylated haemoglobin levels were about 20% lower in the treatment group (8.2% versus 6.56%). The fenugreek saponin preparation was an extract of total saponins of fenugreek given as capsules containing 0.35 mg per capsule, equivalent to 5.6 g of crude fenugreek.
- Herbal medicines
- No interactions found.
- Food
- No interactions found. Fenugreek is often used as a flavouring in foodstuffs.
These entries keep the wording of the reference they come from, and three phrases mean three different things. "No interactions found" means the source looked for reports of that pairing and found none. "No data found" means nothing has been published either way. "Based on experimental evidence only" means the effect has been seen in a laboratory or animal study but not in people - a reason for caution, not a report of harm.
Habitat
Native to North Africa and countries bordering the eastern Mediterranean, fenugreek grows in open areas and is widely cultivated, notably in India. The seeds are collected during the autumn months.
Traditionally used for
- Cholesterol regulation6 herbs · 2 free
- Ulcers15 herbs · 2 free
- Diabetes11 herbs · 2 free
- Fever11 herbs · 2 free
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Frequently asked questions
What is Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) as follows: Antidiabetic, decongestant, and galactagogue
How is Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. WEAK DECOCTION: 4-8 ounces 3 times daily. To make a more pleasanttasting drink, add 1 teaspoon anise seed. TOPICAL USE: Pulverize seeds for use as a poultice. TINCTURE: Dried seeds (1:3, 70% alcohol, 10% glycerin); 1-3 ml (0.2-0.6 tsp.) 3 times daily
What safety cautions apply to Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)?
Not recommended for use during pregnancy
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