The Consumer Guide to Fenugreek
Do scientists know how it works?Types of products
Safety
References
Fenugreek Abstracts
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Seeds of this slightly maple-tasting legume (Trigonella foenum-graecum) have a long heritage of use as a medicinal plant and culinary spice, especially in India. Gel fiber from fenugreek resembles guar gum in chemical structure.
Traditional uses
Egyptian, ayurvedic Indian, Greek, and Roman healers used it as an aphrodisiac and to remedy colds and sore throats, indigestion, and other complaints. Lydia Pinkham included fenugreek in her famous 19th century "Vegetable Compound" nostrum for menstrual aches.
Modern perspective
Recent studies support traditional uses for digestion, menopausal complaints, heart disease, weight control and diabetes.
- Diabetes
- Pre-clinical and clinical studies have documented the efficacy of the fiber-rich fraction of fenugreek seeds in the management of diabetes. In Type I and II diabetics, administration of de-fatted, fiber-rich seed significantly reduces fasting blood glucose levels and improves performance in the glucose tolerance test. Researchers have used 5-100 g daily (one-fifth to three ounces)—of de-fatted fenugreek seed powder to control blood sugar swings in diabetes in the short term.
- Weight control
- Like guar gum, fenugreek can bind dietary fats to reduce their absorption. Fenugreek fiber also contributes to a feeling of fullness that may curb excessive appetite (see "Safety," below).
- Heart Health
- Fenugreek is rich in steroidal (furostanol) saponins—notably trigoneosides and diosgenin—which appear responsible for its healthful effects on blood fat and cholesterol levels. Serum total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as triglyceride levels, can be significantly reduced, while HDL (ggod) cholesterol levels remained unchanged.
Do scientists know how it works?
Chemical analysis of the seeds has identified steroidal, estrogen-like saponins trigoneosides, that have therapeutic potential in the treatment of diabetes, menopausal symptoms and hypercholesteremia. The seeds are also rich in soluble fiber. Fenugreek seeds contain mucilage, which is soothing to mucous membranes of the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Types of products
Fenugreek is available in capsules and liquids.
Safety
Fenugreek may stimulate uterine
contractions so it shouldn't be used during pregnancy. Persons at risk of vitamin
or mineral deficiency should not take high doses of dietary fiber for extended
periods except under medical supervision, as fiber can bind with these nutrients
and reduce absorption.
- Bordia A, et al. 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. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1997 May;56(5):379-84.
- Stark A, et al. The effect of an ethanol extract derived from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on bile acid absorption and cholesterol levels in rats. Br J Nutr. 1993 Jan;69(1):277-87.
- Sharma RD, et al. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1990 Apr;44(4):301-6.
- Madar Z, et al. Dietary fiber. Prog Food Nutr Sci. 1987;11(2):153-74. Review.
Abstract
Bordia A, et al. 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. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1997 May;56(5):379-84.
In a placebo-controlled study the effect of ginger and fenugreek was examined on blood lipids, blood sugar, platelet aggregation, fibrinogen and fibrinolytic activity.
The subjects were healthy individuals, patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) who either had CAD or were without CAD.
Fenugreek given in a dose of 2.5 g twice daily for 3 months to healthy individuals did not affect the blood lipids and blood sugar (fasting and post prandial). However, administered in the same daily dose for the same duration to CAD patients also with NIDDM, fenugreek decreased significantly the blood lipids (total cholesterol and triglycerides) without affecting the HDL-c.
When administered in the same daily dose to NIDDM (non-CAD) patients (mild cases), fenugreek reduced significantly the blood sugar (fasting and post prandial). In severe NIDDM cases, blood sugar (both fasting and post prandial) was only slightly reduced. The changes were not significant. Fenugreek administration did not affect platelet aggregation, fibrinolytic activity and fibrinogen.
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