Fenugreek for Health

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).

 Breast Enlargement

The seeds and sprouts have a centuries-old folk reputation as breast enlargers. In fact, 100 years ago the herb was a key ingredient in the original formula for Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, a popular remedy for "female troubles"--everything from menstrual pain to postmenopausal vaginal dryness.

Fenugreek seeds contain a fair amount of diosgenin, a chemical compound that's often used to create semisynthetic forms of the female sex hormone estrogen. While estrogen has many effects on the body, two relate principally to breast enlargement. The hormone causes growth of breast cells and contributes to water retention.

In fact, many women who take the Pill, which contains estrogen, for birth control often experience as a side effect the feeling of breast fullness caused by water retention. Plant estrogen (phytoestrogen) from sources like fenugreek does not lead to uncomfortable breast fullness. Great for breast feeding. Inceases milk.

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 (good) 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.

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.

References

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.