The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #diabetes-mellitus-type-2 #trigonella #prediabetic-state #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic

The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Kim et al., 2023 | Int J Mol Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Kim Jiwon, Noh Woojeong, ... Kim Young-Sik. The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Mol Sci. 2023-Sep-12;24(18). doi:10.3390/ijms241813999

Abstract

Fenugreek is a widely used herbal medicine as a complementary therapy for diabetes mellitus. Lots of clinical trials have proved its beneficial effect on glycemic control parameters and lipid profiles. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fenugreek as a treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), Korean studies Information Service System (KISS), Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), and ScienceON to select RCTs which used fenugreek targeting hyperglycemia with a control group. We used either a random effect model or a fixed model in a meta-analysis of Fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2 h plasma glucose during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (2-hPG), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)/total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), body mass index (BMI). After screening, a total of 10 studies (706 participants) remained. Fenugreek significantly reduced FBG, 2-hPG, and HbA1c, but it did not significantly decrease HOMA-IR. Moreover, it significantly improved TC, TG, and HDL-C, while there were no significant differences in LDL-C and BMI. Hepatic or renal toxicity was not observed, and there were no severe adverse events associated with fenugreek despite mild gastrointestinal side effects in some studies. In conclusion, fenugreek improves overall glycemic control parameters and lipid profile safely.

Key Findings

In conclusion, fenugreek improves overall glycemic control parameters and lipid profile safely.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 706
Age Range See abstract
Condition diabetes

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
  • Trigonella
  • Prediabetic State
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Blood Glucose
  • Plant Extracts
  • Glycated Hemoglobin
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin Resistance

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, Review
  • Vertical: fenugreek-testosterone

Provenance

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