fenugreek and diabetes

8/13/2019 Fenugreek and Diabetes

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Fenugreek and Diabetes

Article 1

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/natural-therapies/fenugreek.html

Fenugreek is an aromatic plant that has many uses, both culinary - fenugreek is a key

ingredient of curries and other Indian recipes - and medicinal.

The plant, which is widely grown in South Asia, North Africa and parts of the Mediterranean,

has small round leaves and also produces long pods that contain distinctive bitter-tasting

seeds.

The leaves are either sold as a vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts, and microgreens) commonly

known as methi, or as an herb (dried leaves), while the seeds are used both whole and in

powdered form as a spice.

As well as being a popular cooking ingredient, fenugreek has a number of health benefits and

is used in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.

How does it affect diabetes?

Fenugreek seeds (trigonella foenum graecum) are high in soluble fibre, which helps lower

blood sugarby slowing down digestion and absorption ofcarbohydrates.This suggests they

may be effective in treating people with diabetes.

Multiple studies have been carried out to investigate the potential anti-diabetic benefits of

fenugreek.
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Of these, several clinical trials showed that fenugreek seeds can improve most metabolic

symptoms associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in humans by lowering blood

glucose levels and improvingglucose tolerance.

In one study, researchers in India found that adding 100 grams of defatted fenugreek seed

powder to the daily diet of patients with insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes significantly

reduced theirfasting blood glucose levels,improved glucose tolerance and also lowered total

cholesterol,LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

In another controlled trial, incorporating 15 grams of powdered fenugreek seed into a meal

eaten by people with type 2 diabetes reduced the rise in post-meal blood glucose, while a

separate study found that taking 2.5 grams of fenugreek twice a day for three months lowered

blood sugar levels in people with mild, but not severe, type 2 diabetes.

What other health benefits does it have?

Fenugreek seeds are a rich source ofvitamins, mineralsand antioxidants, which help protect

the bodys cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.

For centuries they have been (and are still) used by nursing mothers to help stimulate the

production of breast milk duringpregnancyand following childbirth. Due to their powerful

antiviral properties, they are also commonly used as an herbal remedy for colds and sore

throats.

In addition, researchers believe fenugreek seeds may be effective in the treatment of arthritis,

high cholesterol, skin problems (wounds, rashes and boils), bronchitis, abscesses, hair loss,

constipation,upset stomach, kidney ailments, heartburn,male impotenceand other types of

sexual dysfunction.

Article 2

Fenugreek is used for many conditions, but so far, there isnt enough scientific evidence to

determine whether or not it is effective for any of them.
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Fenugreek is used for digestive problems such as loss of appetite, upset stomach,

constipation,and inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). It is also used for conditions that

affect heart health such as hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and for high blood

levels of certain fats includingcholesterolandtriglycerides.

Fenugreek is used for kidney ailments, a vitamin deficiency disease called beriberi,mouth

ulcers, boils,bronchitis, infection of the tissues beneath the surface of the skin (cellulitis),

tuberculosis, chronic coughs, chapped lips, baldness, cancer, and lowering blood sugar in

people withdiabetes.

Some men use fenugreek for hernia, erectile dysfunction (ED), and other male problems.

Women who are breast-feeding sometimes use fenugreek to promote milk flow.

Fenugreek is sometimes used as a poultice. That means it is wrapped in cloth, warmed and

applied directly to the skin to treat local pain and swelling (inflammation),muscle pain,pain

and swelling of lymph nodes (lymphadenitis), pain in the toes (gout), wounds, leg ulcers, and

eczema.

The taste and odor of fenugreek resembles maple syrup, and it has been used to mask the

taste of medicines.

In foods, fenugreek is included as an ingredient in spice blends. It is also used as a flavoring

agent in imitation maple syrup, foods, beverages, and tobacco.

In manufacturing, fenugreek extracts are used in soaps and cosmetics.

Fenugreek leaves are eaten in India as a vegetable.

How does it work?

Fenugreek appears to slow absorption of sugars in the stomach and stimulateinsulin.Both of

these effects lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.
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estive-disorders/picture-of-the-stomach


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Diabetes. Consuming fenugreek, mixed with food during a meal, seems to lowerblood sugar levelsafter the meal in people with type 1 ortype 2 diabetes.

High cholesterol.There is conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of usingfenugreek for lowering cholesterol.

High triglycerides (blood fats). Preliminary research suggests fenugreek mightlower triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.

Heartburn. Preliminary research suggests that taking a specific fenugreek product(FenuLife, Frutarom Belgium) before the two biggest meals of the day reduces

symptoms of heartburn.

Stomach upset. Decreased appetite. Constipation. Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Gout. Sexual problems (erectile dysfunction, ED). Fever. Baldness. Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate fenugreek for these uses.

Fenugreek is LIKELY SAFEfor people when taken by mouth in amounts normally found in

foods. It is POSSIBLY SAFEwhen taken in amounts used for medicinal purposes (amounts

larger than normally found in food). Side effects include diarrhea,stomach upset, bloating,

gas, and a maple syrup odor in urine. Fenugreek can cause nasal congestion, coughing,

wheezing, facial swelling, and severe allergic reactions in hypersensitive people. Fenugreek

might lower blood sugar.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancyand breast-feeding: Fenugreek is LIKELY UNSAFEin pregnancy when used

in amounts greater than those in food. It might cause early contractions.Taking fenugreek

just before delivery may cause the newborn to have an unusual body odor, which could be

confused with maple syrup disease. It does not appear to cause long-term effects.

Although fenugreek is used to stimulate the production of breast milk, not enough is known
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about the safety of fenugreek during breast-feeding. Its best not to use fenugreek is you are

breast-feeding.

Children: Fenugreek might be UNSAFE for children. Some reports have linked fenugreek

tea to loss of consciousness in children. An unusual body odor resembling maple syrup may

occur in children drinking fenugreek tea.

Diabetes: Fenugreek can affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of

low blood sugar(hypoglycemia)and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes

and use fenugreek.

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with FENUGREEKFenugreek might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to

lower blood sugar. Taking fenugreek along with diabetes medications might

cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose

of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide

(DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos),

rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol),

tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interactswith FENUGREEK

Fenugreek might slow blood clotting. Taking fenugreek along with medications

that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix),

diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others),

naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin

(Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
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Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with FENUGREEKWarfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. Fenugreek might also slow

blood clotting. Taking fenugreek along with warfarin (Coumadin) might increase

the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked

regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.

Article 3

Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients.

Kassaian N,Azadbakht L,Forghani B,Amini M.

Source: Infectious Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences,

Isfahan, [email protected]

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Recently use of herbal medicines, have been considered as an alternative for therapeutic

usage. So, this study was undertaken to evaluate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects

of fenugreek seeds in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS:

In a clinical trial study, 24 type 2 diabetic patients were placed on 10 grams/day powdered

fenugreek seeds mixed with yoghurt or soaked in hot water for 8 weeks. Weight, FBS,

HbA(1)C, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and food record were measured before and after the

study. The differences observed in food records, BMI and serum variables were analyzed

using paired-t-test and t-student and P


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CONCLUSION:

This study shows that fenugreek seeds can be used as an adjuvant in the control of type 2

diabetes mellitus in the form of soaked in hot water.

Article 4

Fenugreek

The leaves are sold as a vegetable (fresh leaves, sprouts) commonly known as methi. The

seeds (menthe)are used as such or as powdered. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has

long been used in ayurveda

How does it affect diabetes?

Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble dietary fibre like Galactomannan, which helps lower

blood sugar by slowing down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.

There is a common belief that consumption of overnight soaked fenugreek water in the

morning reduces the sugar level in the blood. The protein 4-hydroxy isoleucine found in

fenugreek stimulates the insulin secretion in the pancreas and lowers the absorption of

glucose, according to a study on mice.

The fiber is classed as gaur gum (gel fiber) and neutral detergent fiber. Dietary fiber consists

of all palatable foods that are consumed by single-stomach animals (including humans) and

that remain largely undigested upon reaching the large intestine. Humans do not possess the

enzyme necessary for splitting the bonds linking the individual fiber units.

Many crude fibers, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin, are carbohydrates. Lignin,

another form of crude fiber, is not a carbohydrate per se, but it is of plant origin and is also

indigestible. For every gram of crude fiber, there are roughly two to three grams of dietary

fiber...

In Fenugreek seeds, the gum (gel fiber) fraction consists of galactomannan which is made up

of galactose and mannose units. According to Ribes et al (1984), the defatted fraction of

fenugreek seeds contains 50.2% fiber and consists of gum, hemicellulose, cellulose and


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lignin. These fibers are similar to the commonly used fiber-containing products in terms of

digestibility. Low digestibility indicates better fiber functionality, with lower incidence of

gastrointestinal disturbances such as bloating due to fermentation by gastrointestinal

microflora.

What is defatted?

Defatted means a product has had its fat removed. There isn't much in the way of fat in

fenugreek seeds anyway, they are relatively low in fat at approximately 6-8g/100g.

A question arises whether the fenugreek has to be consumed ONLY as in defatted version

and not as we normally consume at home. To attempt to answer this question let us compare

both

The chemical composition of Fenugreek seeds and defatted Fenugreek seeds is given below.

Whole Fenugreek seeds also contain 4.8% saponins (steroidal nature).

Composition (%) of Fenugreek Seeds(Aprox)

ComponentWhole SeedsDefatted Seeds

Moisture 9.09.0

Ash 3.03.5

Lipids 8.0Negligible

Protein 26.028.3

Starch 6.06.5

Total Fiber 48.051.7

Gum 20.019.2

Neutral

Detergent Fib 28.032.5

We do not see much difference in any factor other than fat(lipids), obviously.

Health benefits of fenugreek seeds

NSPs (non-starch polysaccharides) increase the bulk of the food and augment bowel

movements. Altogether, NSPs assist in smooth digestion and help relieve constipation

ailments.

It has been established that amino-acid 4-hydroxy isoleucine present in the fenugreek seeds


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has facilitator action on insulin secretion. In addition, fiber in the seeds helps lower rate of

glucose absorption in the intestines thus controls blood sugar levels. The seeds are therefore

recommended in the diabetic diet.

The seeds contain many phytochemical compounds such as choline, trigonelline diosgenin,

yamogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin and neotigogens. Together, these compounds account for the

medicinal properties of fenugreeks.

This prized spice is an excellent source of minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, iron,

selenium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and

body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure by countering action on sodium.

Iron is essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome-oxidases

enzymes.

It is also rich in many vital vitamins that are essential nutrients for optimum health, including

thiamin, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A, and vitamin-C.

Medicinal uses of fenugreek seed

Its seeds have been used in many traditional medicines as a laxative, digestive, and as a

remedy for cough and bronchitis.

If used regularly, fenugreeks may help control cholesterol, triglyceride as well as high blood

sugar (glycemic) levels in diabetics.

Fenugreek seeds added to cereals and wheat flour (bread) or made into gruel, given to the

nursing mothers to increase milk synthesis.

Multiple studies have been carried out to investigate the potential anti-diabetic benefits of

fenugreek. Of these, several clinical trials showed that fenugreek seeds can improve most

metabolic symptoms associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in humans by lowering

blood glucose levels and improving glucose tolerance. In one study, researchers (in India)

found that adding 100 grams of defatted fenugreek seed powder to the daily diet of patients


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The results of similar double blind studies (R.D.Sharma,1996) on sixty Type II diabetics,

treated with 25 g fenugreek seed powder per day, were equally promising in reducing serum

cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This effect was sustained and lasting, and the inclusion of

Fenugreek seed powder produced no undesirable side effects. It was therefore concluded that

Fenugreek can be considered to be a potentially useful dietary supplement to prevent

hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in Type II diabetic patients.

How does Fenugreek decrease BS?

A high-fiber diet is associated with the improved ability to handle blood sugar. In the

presence of a high fiber diet, the cells are more sensitive to insulin and an increase in the

number of insulin receptor sites occurs or alternatively, there is a stimulation of the cells

ability to burn glucose. Certain dietary fibers reduce the rate of food passage through the

intestine and into the bloodstream, thereby helping to control the increase in postprandial

blood sugar levels. High-fiber diets are associated with less glycosuria (sugar in urine), lower

fasting blood sugar levels, and lower insulin requirements. Water-retaining fibers, especially

the mucilaginous compounds, such as the gel fiber present in Fenugreek seeds, reduce the

rate of glucose absorption and may also delay gastric emptying thereby preventing the rise in

blood sugar levels following a meal. In addition to its hypoglycemic effects, the

hypolipidemic effect of Fenugreek fibers have also been documented. Therefore, Fenugreek

fibers have a dual role to play in the management of diabetes.

1. Hypoglycemic Effect

The gel fiber fraction of Fenugreek seeds are thought to be responsible for the hyoglycemic

effect. Fenugreek affects blood glucose by reducing glucose uptake from the intestine. The

delay in gastric emptying and carbohydrate absorption may be attributed to the gel fraction

which increases the viscosity of the digesta.

It was speculated that the reduction in insulin requirement seen in some of the Type II

diabetic patients may be due to the Fenugreek fibers improving peripheral insulin sensitivity.

Frequently, in Type II patients, insulin secretion is normal or even higher than normal but the

reduced number of insulin receptor sites on body cell membranes in these patients leads to

insensitivity to insulin, i.e., the cells do not respond to insulin. It has been shown in the past

that in the presence of a high fiber diet, an increase in the number of insulin receptor sites

occurs and the cells become more sensitive to the action of insulin.


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In the clinical studies, a reduction in urinary excretion of glucose was also observed,

indicating greater retention of dietary carbohydrate in the body. As carbohydrate-rich diets

are known to improve glucose tolerance, increased carbohydrate retention may be beneficial

to diabetics Clinical studies also indicate that diabetics become sensitive to insulin after

adaptation to high fiber diets ).

It has been consistently proved that the rise in plasma glucose after a dose of glucose or meal

was prevented by fenugreek seeds. The reduction in area under glucose curve was greatest

with whole seeds (42.4%), followed by gum isolate (37.5%), extracted seeds (36.9%) and

cooked seeds (35.1%) in that order. The degummed seeds (seeds w/o fiber) and fenugreek

leaves showed little effect on glycemia.

Hypocholesterolemic effect of fenugreek fiber:

It has been shown that the gel fraction of fenugreek fiber reduces serum cholesterol levels.

This is achieved through the inhibition of cholesterol absorption from the small intestine.

Saponins in fenugreek seeds are known to have hypocholesterolemic effects. When saponins

are ingested in isolated or food borne forms, they form large mixed micelles with bile salts

and significantly reduce serum cholesterol, by increasing fecal excretion of bile salts, therby

inhibiting cholesterol absorption.

ICMR), National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) ,Annual Report 2000, refers to the benefits of

25gms of fenugreek in control of BS

Intl J Diab Dev Countries 1992 Vol12 mentionsatestwith42patientsfor six weeks and

mentions that consuming10 gms/day had no effectwhile25gms/day had significant reduction

in BS.

Int J Vitan Nutr Res 2009 Jan,79(1) talks of a significant reduction >30%) in BS after a trial

on 24patients. This report talks of the seeds soaked in hot water and then consumed before

each meals.

What other health benefits does it have?


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Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help protect

the bodys cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.

Fenugreek seeds are a good source of protein and nicotinic acid which helps in reducing

baldness and hair thinning

Grounded fenugreek seeds along with water can be directly applied on to the pimple and acne

marks to heal and remove them.

Coconut oil along with fenugreek seeds helps in preventing hair loss and makes them

lustrous. Paste of fenugreek leaves when applied helps in reducing dandruff and acts as a

conditioner.

Fenugreek is helpful for lactating mothers and arthritis. It should also be avoided by pregnant

women

It is rich in many essential minerals. Iron helps in the production of RBC cells and increases

haemoglobin in the body. Potassium helps in lowering the blood pressure ( helps to throw out

Sodium from the body) in the body.

How to consume?

Fenugreek seeds are readily available in the spice stores all year around. One may find

different forms of seeds such as whole seeds, powdered or paste in these stores.

Choose whole seeds from authentic brands. The seeds should feature bright golden-yellow

color, hard and exude delicate maple flavor. Store whole seeds in airtight glass container and

place in a cool, dark place where it will stay fresh for several months. Powdered or paste

fenugreek, however, should be kept in the air-sealed packets and placed inside the

refrigerator.

It is recommended that glucose levels, cholesterol and lipid profiles are checked before

starting on this supplement and after fifteen days to observe the difference and regulate the

drug dosage.

Fenugreek is a functional food item. Functional food or medicinal food is any healthy food

which has a health-promoting or disease-preventing property beyond the basic function of

supplying nutrients. You need to consume it ten to twenty minutes prior to intake of food,


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every time you have a meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks). The amount should be same

even if you are taking a small meal or snack i.e. 5 gms. Take with little quantity of water.

Lesser quantity will not be effective.

Contra: Fenugreek use during pregnancy is not recommended, since it has the potential to

induce labor. If you are pregnant and wish to take it, you should do so only after consultation

with your doctor.

If you are currently taking any oral medications, you should always use this herb at least 2

hours before or after these drugs. This is important since Fenugreek fiber has the potential to

interfere with the absorption of oral medications due to its mucilaginous fiber (which gives it

a moist and sticky texture).

MY TAKE:

Take soaked (hot or cold water) fenugreek seeds before each food intake

If you are using powdered seeds, keep it in fridge in air tight container

Soaked and sprouted seeds Are they better? Use them in dosa/Idli batter. Many people are

already using like this.

Add the methi powder along with your chapati powder.

Monitor BS every 15 days and adjust the dose of your other medicines

Fenugreek seeds do NOT cure diabetes but helps in BS control.

If you are looking for fiber in your food, you can add Basil seeds, Chia seeds, Sabja

(Falooda) seeds and Psyllium husk in your food intake.

fenugreek and diabetes

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