FENUGREEK: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an herb similar to clover. The seeds taste similar to maple syrup and are used in foods and medicine.

Fenugreek is native to the Mediterranean, Europe, and Asia. Fenugreek seems to slow sugar absorption in the stomach and stimulate insulin. Both of these effects lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Fenugreek might also improve levels of testosterone and estrogen, helping to improve interest in sex.

People commonly use fenugreek for diabetes, menstrual cramps, sexual problems, enlarged prostate, high cholesterol, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Diabetes. Taking fenugreek seed by mouth seems to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Taking fenugreek seed powder by mouth might reduce painful menstrual periods.
Increasing response to sexual stimuli in healthy people. Taking a specific fenugreek seed extract (Testofen, Gencor Pacific Ltd) by mouth seems to improve ability and interest in sex in males.
Sexual problems that prevent satisfaction during sexual activity. Taking a specific fenugreek seed extract (Libifem, Gencor Pacific Ltd.) by mouth seems to increase interest in sex in healthy younger females with a low sex drive.

Possibly Ineffective for

Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Taking fenugreek extract by mouth doesn't seem to improve BPH symptoms.

There is interest in using fenugreek for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Fenugreek is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when the powdered seed is taken for up to 3 years. Side effects may include diarrhea, stomach upset, bloating, and gas. It may also cause allergic reactions in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Fenugreek is commonly consumed in foods. It is likely unsafe when used in greater amounts. It might cause malformations in the baby, as well as early contractions. Taking fenugreek just before delivery may cause the newborn to have an unusual body odor. This unusual body odor doesn't seem to be harmful, but it could be confused with a condition called "maple syrup urine disease."

Breast-feeding: Fenugreek is possibly safe when taken by mouth to increase breastmilk flow. Taking fenugreek 1725 mg three times daily for 21 days doesn't seem to cause any side effects in infants.

Children: Fenugreek is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if fenugreek is safe when taken in larger amounts. An unusual body and urine odor has been reported after drinking fenugreek tea. This doesn't seem to be harmful, but it could be confused with a condition called "maple syrup urine disease."

Allergies: People who are allergic to other plants in the Fabaceae family, including soybeans, peanuts, green peas, and other legumes, might also be allergic to fenugreek.

Surgery: Fenugreek might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking fenugreek at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with FENUGREEK
Fenugreek might lower blood sugar levels. Taking fenugreek along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with FENUGREEK
Fenugreek might slow blood clotting. Taking fenugreek along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with FENUGREEK
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Fenugreek might also slow blood clotting. Taking fenugreek along with warfarin might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.
Theophylline interacts with FENUGREEK
Fenugreek might reduce how much theophylline is absorbed by the body. Using fenugreek while taking theophylline might reduce the effects of theophylline.
Clopidogrel (Plavix) interacts with FENUGREEK
Fenugreek might change the way that the body breaks down clopidogrel. This might change the effects of clopidogrel and might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Metoprolol (Toprol) interacts with FENUGREEK
Fenugreek might lower blood pressure. Taking fenugreek with metoprolol might cause blood pressure to drop too low.
Phenytoin (Dilantin) interacts with FENUGREEK
Fenugreek might decrease levels of phenytoin in the body. Taking fenugreek with phenytoin might reduce the effects of phenytoin.
Sildenafil (Viagra) interacts with FENUGREEK
Fenugreek might reduce levels of sildenafil in the body. Taking fenugreek with sildenafil might reduce the effects of sildenafil.

Dosing

Fenugreek seed powder has most often been used by adults in doses of 5-10 grams by mouth daily for up to 3 years. Fenugreek seed extract has most often been used in doses of 0.6-1.2 grams by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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FENUGREEK - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Possibly Ineffective for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with FENUGREEK

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

Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with FENUGREEK

Theophylline interacts with FENUGREEK

Clopidogrel (Plavix) interacts with FENUGREEK

Metoprolol (Toprol) interacts with FENUGREEK

Phenytoin (Dilantin) interacts with FENUGREEK

Sildenafil (Viagra) interacts with FENUGREEK

Dosing

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