Fenugreek

Fenugreek is used as an appetite stimulant, and to treat atherosclerosis, constipation, diabetes, dyspepsia/gastritis, fevers, kidney ailments, hyperlipidemia/hypertriglyceridemia, lactation promotion, and for local inflammation (topical).

• Effectiveness:
  • Diabetes: Reduces postprandial blood glucose in type 1 or 2
  • Hypercholesterolemia: Conflicting evidence on lowering cholesterol; more studies needed
  • Hypertriglyceridemia: Preliminary clinical research suggests it may lower triglycerides in type 2 diabetics
• Fenugreek is available under the following different brand and other names: birds foot, bockshornsam, chilbe, foenugraeci semen, Greek hay, griechische Heusamen, hu lu ba, methi, and trigonella foenum graecum.

Suggested Dosing

Seed

• 1-2 g orally three times daily
• No more than 6 g/day

Tea

• 1 cup multiple times/day; 500 mg seed/150 mL water

Poultice

• Apply topically as needed
• Paste: 50 g of powdered seed in 0.25-1 L hot water

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Diabetes Mellitus, Postprandial Glucose Control

• 10-15 g orally once/day or in divided doses with meals OR
• Hydroalcoholic extract: 1 g orally once/day OR
• Seed: 5 g/day orally

Hyperlipidemia

• 0.6-2.5 g orally twice daily with meals

Side effects of Fenugreek include:

• Allergic reaction
• Asthma
• Diarrhea
• Gas (flatulence)
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Wheezing
• Unusual body odor (pediatric)
• Loss of consciousness (pediatric)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Fenugreek has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Mild Interactions of fenugreek include:
  • shark cartilage

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

• This medication contains fenugreek. Do not take birds foot, bockshornsam, chilbe, foenugraeci semen, Greek hay, griechische Heusamen, hu lu ba, methi, or trigonella foenum graecum if you are allergic to fenugreek or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Pediatric patients

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Fenugreek?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Fenugreek?"

Cautions

• Diabetes mellitus

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation. Consult your doctor.