Fenugreek
Heart and Circulatory Health
High Cholesterol
Fenugreek seed powder has been found to substantially lower blood levels of total and LDL-cholesterol.High CholesterolFenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds contain soluble fiber as well as compounds known as steroidal saponins that inhibit cholesterol production by the liver and accelerate cholesterol breakdown.10 A meta-analysis that included findings from 12 placebo-controlled trials found fenugreek lowered total and LDL-cholesterol levels,11 while another meta-analysis that included 12 randomized controlled trials found fenugreek not only reduced total and LDL-cholesterol but also raised HDL-cholesterol levels.12 In one controlled trial, 114 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were randomly assigned to treatment with 25 grams (almost two tablespoons) of fenugreek seed powder twice daily or no treatment for one month. Total cholesterol levels fell 13.6% and LDL-cholesterol levels dropped 23.4% in those receiving fenugreek but were unchanged in the no-treatment group.13Blood Sugar and Diabetes Support
Type 2 Diabetes
Fenugreek seeds appears to lower blood glucose levels by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorption.Type 2 DiabetesFenugreek seeds have a long history of use in the treatment of diabetes, and some fenugreek constituents have demonstrated anti-diabetes actions such as reducing starch digestion and glucose absorption in the gut, improving insulin sensitivity, and increasing insulin secretion.14,15 In clinical research, 60 subjects with type 2 diabetes who took 10 grams per day of hot water-soaked fenugreek seeds for six months had better blood glucose control than matched patients who received no fenugreek.16 Taking 10 grams per day of fenugreek seeds was reported to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in people with pre-diabetes in another controlled study.17 A placebo-controlled trial found 500 mg of fenugreek extract containing high amounts of constituents called furostanolic saponins improved blood glucose control and reduced medication need in people with type 2 diabetes after 90 days.18 A meta-analysis that included eight randomized controlled trials noted that, despite the overall low quality of the studies, fenugreek, in doses of at least 5 grams per day, appears to improve blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes, and the effects are greater with higher doses. Doses of up to 100 grams per day of fenugreek were used in the studies.19
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Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
A wide range of uses were found for fenugreek in ancient times. Medicinally it was used for the treatment of wounds, abscesses, arthritis, bronchitis, and digestive problems. Traditional Chinese herbalists used it for kidney problems and conditions affecting the male reproductive tract.20 Fenugreek was, and remains, a food and a spice commonly eaten in many parts of the world.