A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) versus glibenclamide in patients with diabetes

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#adult #aged #blood-glucose #diabetes-mellitus-type-2 #dose-response-relationship-drug

A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) versus glibenclamide in patients with diabetes

Najdi et al., 2019 | Afr Health Sci | Rct

Citation

Najdi Rania A, Hagras Magda M, ... Magadmi Rania M. A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) versus glibenclamide in patients with diabetes. Afr Health Sci. 2019-Mar;19(1):1594-1601. doi:10.4314/ahs.v19i1.34

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Herbal medicines long have been used in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM). OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to ascertain if fenugreek compared with glibenclamide had any impacts on controlling blood glucose in patients with uncontrolled type II DM on conventional therapy. METHODS: A total of 12 patients with uncontrolled DM and on metformin were recruited and divided into two groups. Patients in group 1 received 2 g fenugreek per day, whereas those in group 2 received glibenclamide 5 mg once daily. The impacts of fenugreek on the glycemic control and lipid profile were measured before initiation of the regimen and then after 12 weeks. RESULTS: Only 9 of the 12 study participants completed the study. Fenugreek at 2 g/day caused an insignificant drop in fasting blood glucose (P = 0.63), but the fasting insulin level increased significantly (P = 0.04). The ratio of high- to low-density lipoprotein was significantly decreased from before to after treatment (P = 0.006). Fenugreek did not cause any notable adverse impacts on hepatic and renal functions throughout the study. CONCLUSION: Fenugreek could be used as adjuvant therapy to anti-diabetic drugs to control blood glucose, and further studies are needed.

Key Findings

Only 9 of the 12 study participants completed the study. Fenugreek at 2 g/day caused an insignificant drop in fasting blood glucose (P = 0.63), but the fasting insulin level increased significantly (P = 0.04). The ratio of high- to low-density lipoprotein was significantly decreased from before to after treatment (P = 0.006). Fenugreek did not cause any notable adverse impacts on hepatic and renal functions throughout the study.

Outcomes Measured

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Population

Field Value
Population uncontrolled type ii dm
Sample Size 12
Age Range See abstract
Condition diabetes

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Glucose
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Glyburide
  • Glycated Hemoglobin
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Lipids
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts
  • Seeds
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trigonella

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: fenugreek-testosterone

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09