Fenugreek (Will Moffett , University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy

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

study evaluated the effect of adjuvant standardized hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek seeds in patients with Parkinson disease. Outcome measures included the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and Hoehm and Yahr (H & Y) staging measured at baseline and at 6 months. Fenugreek showed greater efficacy than placebo

Interactions

Interactions with anticoagulant and hypoglycemic agents are possible.

Adverse Reactions

Mild and transient GI effects are most commonly reported; hypoglycemia, micturition, dizziness have also been documented within a range of doses and variety of preparations. When ingested in culinary quantities, fenugreek is usually devoid of adverse reactions. Allergy to fenugreek is recognized, including severe responses such as asthma, anaphylaxis, and toxic epidermal necrosis. Cross-reactivity to legumes is possible; consider allergy potential with chickpea, peanuts, soybeans, lentils, lupin, green peas, or coriander.

Safety

Fenugreek is believed to be safe in the amounts commonly found in food. Its safety in larger quantities is uncertain. It should not be used by children. Fenugreek is not safe for use during pregnancy in amounts greater than those in food; its use has been linked to increased risks of birth defects in both animals and people. Little is known about whether it’s safe to use fenugreek in amounts greater than those in food while breastfeeding.

Toxicology

Doses for humans should not exceed 350 mg/kg.

Professional Opinion

I believe fenugreek can be a viable option for patients with dyslipidemia, diabetes, and Parkinson disease when prescription options fail. ~ W. Moffett

References

1. Trigonella L. USDA, NRCS. 3013. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 21 November 2013). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA. Accessed February 24, 2014. 2. Ulbricht C, Basch E, Burke D, et al. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Leguminosae): an evidence-based systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. 2007;7(3-4):143-177.[PubMed 18928139] 3. Elujoba AA, Hardman R. Saponin-hydrolyzing enzymes from fenugreek seed. Fitoterapia. 1987;58:197-199 4. Chandel HS, Pathak AK, Tailang M. Standardization of some herbal antidiabetic drugs in polyherbal formulation. Pharmacognosy Res. 2011;3(1):49-56.[PubMed 21731396] 5. Fenugreek. Lexi.com. Published 2019. https://online.lexi.com