Fenugreek
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Fenugreek, also known as fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum), is a butterfly plant that grows up to 50 cm tall and is anchored in the ground with strong roots. The plant, which flowers in June and July, has clover-like leaves and yellowish white flowers. The fruit pods containing the seeds are characteristic. The plant owes its name to them; they look like the horns of a billy goat. The fenugreek has its origins in Mesopotamia. As a cultivated plant, however, it is grown from the Mediterranean to Central Asia. In Germany, it is often found growing wild in the harbor areas of cities.
Fenugreek is also an ancient medicinal plant that was already used in Hippocratic medicine. In ancient Greece, fenugreek seeds roasted in barley oil were nibbled by philosophers and their students as a "thinking aid"; hence the occasional name "philosopher's clover". In traditional Chinese medicine and other alternative medicine systems, fenugreek has been used for centuries to treat skin diseases and many other ailments (1). Fenugreek is still valued as a foodstuff, especially in India and the Arab states. The seeds are an ingredient in curry powder and are often indispensable for seasoning bread dough.
Nutritional value
One tablespoon (approx. 11 grams) of fenugreek provides 35 kcal and the following nutrients (2):
- Dietary fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Iron: 20% of the daily requirement
- Manganese: 7% of the daily requirement
- Magnesium: 5% of the daily requirement
The biochemistry of fenugreek
According to recent analyses, fenugreek is mainly composed of carbohydrates, especially fiber and mucilage, as well as proteins and fats. The plant is characterized by a high copper content. Other important active substances are various enzymes, essential amino acids, vitamins C and E, ß-carotene, protease inhibitors, minerals, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and essential oils.
The therapeutic significance of fenugreek
Oxygen optimization
Recent studies have shown that the high-quality protein composition contained in fenugreek and the plant's high copper content promote the utilization of iron and thus the formation of red blood cells. As a result, an improvement in the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the cells can be observed. This effect, which top athletes strive for during altitude training, is the basic prerequisite for maximum performance, optimum resistance and ongoing cell renewal.
Venous and rheumatic diseases
Another property of fenugreek is its proven edema-protective effect. Edema is considered a pacemaker for venous diseases, especially varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Experts believe that the saponins and coumarins contained in the medicinal plant will make fenugreek a vein therapeutic agent of the future. The saponins not only stabilize the veins, they also cause the body's own cortisone to be broken down more slowly. This results in an increased cortisone level in the blood, which provides adequate joint protection without side effects. With its anti-inflammatory effect, fenugreek can also be used to treat rheumatic diseases.
Metabolic regulation
In connection with cardiovascular diseases, saponins are potent cholesterol "regulators". As a further effect, they increase the release of bile acid, which in turn binds the cholesterol and thus promotes its excretion. Saponins are also said to have an immunostimulating effect and an anti-diabetic, blood sugar-lowering effect (together with protease inhibitors). A dietary approach is supported by a feeling of satiety, which is caused by the high content of mucilage and fiber in fenugreek.
Effects on testosterone levels in men
One of the most common reasons men use fenugreek as a supplement is to increase testosterone production. Some studies have found that fenugreek has positive effects including an increase in libido. In an eight-week study, 30 college-aged men performed 4 weight training sessions per week, with half of them receiving 500 mg of fenugreek per day (7). Although the non-supplementing group experienced a slight reduction in testosterone levels, a slight increase was observed in the fenugreek group. A 2% reduction in body fat was also observed in this group (7).
In another study, 30 men were given 600 mg of a fenugreek extract to determine changes in sexual function and libido. Most subjects reported an increase in strength and improved sexual function (8).
Summary: Initial research suggests that fenugreek may increase testosterone levels and improve sexual function in men.
Fenugreek may help control diabetes and blood sugar levels
Fenugreek could be helpful for metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Fenugreek appears to have an effect on both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and to improve general carbohydrate tolerance even in people who do not suffer from diabetes (9, 10, 11). In one study, subjects with type 1 diabetes took 50 grams of a fenugreek seed powder with lunch and dinner. After 10 days, the study participants experienced improved blood sugar levels and a reduction in total cholesterol and bad LDL cholesterol levels (12).
In another study, people with diabetes took fenugreek. They experienced a 13.4% reduction in blood glucose levels 4 hours after ingestion (13). All of these benefits could be related to the role that fenugreek plays in improving insulin function. The effects observed in studies using whole fenugreek powder or whole seeds may also be due in part to the high fiber content (14).
Effects of fenugreek on breast milk production
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for developing babies (3). However, many women struggle to produce adequate amounts of breast milk (3). While prescription medications are typically used to increase breast milk production, scientific research suggests that fenugreek may be a safe and natural alternative. A 14-day study of 77 new mothers found that an herbal tea containing fenugreek seeds increased milk production while helping babies gain more weight (4).
In another study, 66 mothers were divided into three groups. One received fenugreek tea, the second a placebo and the third nothing. Milk volume increased by 34 ml in the control group and the placebo group and by 73 ml in the fenugreek group (5). These studies used an herbal fenugreek tea instead of supplements, but supplements are likely to have similar effects (5, 6).
Other health benefits of fenugreek
Fenugreek is used to treat a variety of conditions. However, many of these uses have not yet been sufficiently studied to draw meaningful conclusions. However, preliminary studies suggest that fenugreek may have the following benefits:
- Appetite control: so far 3 studies show a reduction in fat intake and appetite. One study of 14 days duration found that study participants spontaneously reduced their fat intake by 17% (15, 16, 17).
- Cholesterol levels: Some evidence suggests that fenugreek may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels (18, 19).
- Heartburn: A two-week pilot study of people who regularly suffered from heartburn found that fenugreek reduced symptoms. The effects were comparable to pharmaceutical gastric acid blockers (20).
- Inflammation: Fenugreek has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in rats and mice. However, further studies are needed to confirm this effect in humans (21, 22).
In addition, some reports and anecdotal observations from the field of traditional medicine suggest that fenugreek may help with ulcerative colitis, skin problems and numerous other conditions (23, 24).
How is fenugreek used?
Fenugreek is an ingredient in many supplements. Since the compositions of different supplements vary, the recommended dosage depends on the product used. In addition, the dosage may depend on the desired effect. Most studies that have looked at the effects of fenugreek on testosterone production have used 500 mg of a fenugreek extract, while studies in other areas have used between 1,000 and 2,000 mg.
When whole seeds are used, dosages in the range of 2 to 5 grams appear to be effective, but this varies from study to study. Fenugreek supplements should generally be taken before or with a meal. Since fenugreek supports blood sugar control, it may make sense to take fenugreek supplements with the most carbohydrate-rich meal of the day.
Safety and side effects
Fenugreek is probably safe and harmless for most people when taken orally in the amounts normally found in food. Fenugreek may be safe and harmless when used in medicinal amounts (amounts higher than normally found in food) for up to 6 months. Possible side effects include diarrhea, stomach upset, bloating, coughing, wheezing, facial swelling, and serious allergic reactions in hypersensitive people. Fenugreek may also lower blood sugar levels, which should be taken into account if taken in combination with diabetes medication.
Taking fenugreek may also reduce appetite, which could be problematic for people suffering from an eating disorder or trying to gain weight (16). In addition, some people report a strange, slightly sweet body odor when using this supplement. Studies conducted with animals suggest that very high doses can cause numerous adverse side effects including DNA damage, reduced fertility, neurological problems and an increased risk of miscarriage. Although these side effects have not yet been confirmed in humans and the doses used were unusually high, some scientists are critical of fenugreek supplementation (25).
Precautions and warnings
Pregnancy and lactation: Fenugreek is unlikely to be safe and harmless during pregnancy if used in amounts higher than those normally found in food. Fenugreek could induce premature labor. Ingestion of fenugreek immediately before birth may cause an unusual body odor in the baby, which may be mistaken for "maple syrup sickness". Fenugreek does not appear to cause any long-term effects. Although fenugreek is used to stimulate milk production in breastfeeding women, not enough is known about whether fenugreek is safe and harmless while breastfeeding, so it is best not to use fenugreek while breastfeeding. Children: Fenugreek may not be safe for children. Some reports have linked fenugreek tea to unconsciousness in children. Children who drink fenugreek tea may experience an unusual body odor reminiscent of maple syrup.
Diabetes: Fenugreek can affect blood sugar levels in diabetics. If you suffer from diabetes and use fenugreek, you should watch out for symptoms of low blood sugar and monitor your blood sugar levels carefully.
Interactions
Care should be taken when combining fenugreek with the following medications:
Diabetes medications
Fenugreek could lower blood sugar. Diabetes medication is also used to lower blood sugar levels. Taking fenugreek in combination with diabetes medication could result in an excessive drop in blood sugar levels. For this reason, blood sugar levels should be carefully monitored. It is possible that the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.
Medication that slows down blood clotting
Fenugreek could slow down blood clotting. Taking fenugreek in conjunction with medications that also slow down blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and the tendency to bruise. Some medications that can slow blood clotting include aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen, naproxen, heparin, warfarin and others.
Warfarin
Warfarin is used to slow down blood clotting. Fenugreek could also slow down blood clotting. Taking fenugreek in combination with warfarin could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. For this reason, the blood should be checked regularly. The warfarin dosage may need to be adjusted.
Conclusion
Fenugreek is an exceptional supplement that has long been used in the field of naturopathy. Based on the available data, fenugreek may have benefits when it comes to lowering blood sugar levels, increasing testosterone levels, and increasing milk production in breastfeeding women. In addition, fenugreek may also lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation and help control appetite, although further studies are needed in these areas.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12611558
- https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171324/nutrients
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16510618
- http://www.pediatricsciences.com/article/view/1050000487
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21261516
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23012383
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21116018
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21312304
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16379570
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3286242
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3901758/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2194788
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11370345
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19857068
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19353539
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19809809
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20020282
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9175175
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8457534
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20623611
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19051589
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834722/
- http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s14213e/s14213e.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3271691/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27498339/