Fenugreek
Will Moffett, Student Pharmacist Spring 2022
Scientific Name Trigonella foenum-graecum L.
Common Name(s) Faenum graecum; Fenugreek; Huluba; Methi; Semen Trigonellae
History Fenugreek herb has been used for centuries as a cooking spice in Europe and remains a popular ingredient in pickles, curry powders, and spice mixtures in India and other parts of Asia. In folk medicine, fenugreek has been used to treat boils, cellulitis, and tuberculosis. It was a key ingredient in a 19th century patent medicine Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, which was used for dysmenorrhea and postmenopausal symptoms. It has also has been recommended for the promotion of lactation. Fenugreek seeds have been used as an oral insulin substitute, and seed extracts have been reported to lower blood glucose levels. The maple aroma and flavor of fenugreek has led to its use in imitation maple syrup. The seeds are rich in protein, and the plant is grown as animal forage.
Uses Limited clinical trial data suggest fenugreek extracts may have a role in the therapy of dyslipidemia, diabetes, and Parkinson disease; however, studies were limited and provided inconsistent dosing information, making it difficult to provide recommendations.
Dosing Wide-ranging dosages and differing preparations have been used in clinical studies. A standardized hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek seeds is available, and a trial evaluated its use in patients with Parkinson disease at 300 mg twice daily for a period of 6 months. Studies in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia have used from 1 g/day of a hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek up to 100 g/day of germinated fenugreek seeds, whereas seed powder 1.8 to 2.7 g taken three times daily for the first three days of menstruation was used in primary dysmenorrhea (total daily dose, 5.4 to 8.1 g); 500 mg twice daily of a standardized extract was studied for management of postmenopausal symptoms.
Pharmacology
Polysaccharides such as galactose and mannose are found in fenugreek seeds, which are associated with anticholesterolemic and antidiabetic properties. A small clinical
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