FenugreekRachel Peterson

Background• (fen·u·greek)• Annual plant • Seeds for medications• Leaves for cuisine

• Scientific Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum • Other names: Alholva, Bird’s Foot, Bockshornklee,

Bockshornsame, Chandrika, Egypt Fenugreek, Fengreco, Greek Clover, Hu Li Ba, Medhika, Methi, and Methika

• Tastes like maple syrup

Supplementation

• 3 Forms• Capsule – most common, dosage varies• Herbal Tea• Powder – for pastes, teas, and cakes

Potential Uses and Claims• Maintenance of blood

glucose levels• Improving cholesterol

levels• Improving triglyceride

levels• Treatment of heartburn• Decreased appetite and

upset stomach• Constipation

• Atherosclerosis• Gout and muscle pain• Erectile dysfunction• Fever• Milk production in

lactating women• Dysmenorrhea in

women• Cancer treatment• Cosmetics and soaps

Blood Glucose

• Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber , which helps lower blood sugar levels by slowing carbohydrate digestion and absorption• May contain substance that stimulates insulin

production, but more scientific research is needed

Cholesterol

• Fenugreek seeds contain compounds that inhibit cholesterol absorption in the intestines and production in the liver• Improves atherosclerosis• Improve HDL levels• More favorable when combined with aerobic exercise

Triglycerides

• Fenugreek has the ability to lower triglyceride levels in individuals with high lipid profiles• More favorable when combined with aerobic exercise• More research is needed

Constipation

• Fenugreek is a mild bulk-forming laxative • Bulk-forming laxative: not digested but absorb liquid in

the intestines and swell to form a soft, bulky stool. The bowel is then stimulated normally by the presence of the bulky mass• Used for individuals with long-term constipation

Mechanism of Action

• Fenugreek exhibits a hypocholesterolemic, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic effect in humans• Overall mechanism is uncertain• Decreased glucose levels and cholesterol absorption

may be associated with galactomannan fiber and saponin components

Contradictions and Lack of Validity• Fenugreek and milk flow related to breastfeeding• Side effects• Dosage• Cancer• Has not been presented to FDA, but through most

research Fenugreek is thought to be safe

Interactions

• No well known food-drug interactions presently• Medications to avoid• Glipizide (Glucotrol)• Heparin • Warfarin (Coumadin)

References• 75-Day Premarket Notification for New Dietary Ingredients. (n.d.). Department of Health and Human Services.• Bashitan, E. M. (2013). Evaluation of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum L.), Effects Seeds Extract on Insulin

Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 475-481.• Bashitan, M. H., Emami, S. A., Mousavifar, N., Esmaily, H. A., Mahmoudi, M., & Poor, A. H. (n.d.).• Fenugreek. (1995-2014). Retrieved March 2014, from University of Michigan Health System:

http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2090006#hn-2090006-uses• Fenugreek. (2005-2014). Retrieved April 2014, from Web MD:

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-733-FENUGREEK.aspx?activeIngredientId=733&activeIngredientName=FENUGREEK

• Fenugreek. (2014). Retrieved March 2014, from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/fenugreek

• Laxative. (1998-2014). Retrieved March 2014, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/laxative-oral-route/description/drg-20070683

• Meena, R., Singh, R., Vishal, M. K., Panwar, A., Choudary, S., & Choudary, V. (2013). Assessment of Genetic Diversity Among Indian Fenugreek Varieties Using Morphological and RAPD Markers. Legume Research: An International Journal, 289-298.

• Mirhosseini, F., Khoshnam, E., & Nikseresht, A. (2013). Aerobic Exercise Effect Along With Fenugreek Supplemental Consumption On Cholesterol And Triglyceride Changes In Blood. Advances in Environmental Biology, 1138-1142.

• Nithya , N., Madanagopal , N., De Souza, R., & Van Dam, R. (2014). Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) intake on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trials. . Nutrition Journal, 1-23.

• Younesy, S., Amiraliakbari, S., Esmaeili, S., Alavimajd, H., & Nouraei, S. (2013). Effects of Fenugreek Seed on the Severity and Systemic Symptoms of Dysmenorrhea. . Legume Research: An International Journal., 289-298.