Fenugreek
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Evidence Summary
Fenugreek is extensively researched for its metabolic benefits, particularly in managing blood glucose and lipid levels in individuals with diabetes and prediabetes. Emerging evidence also suggests potential roles in modulating testosterone levels and supporting lactation.
Evidence by Condition
Multiple meta-analyses and RCTs demonstrate that fenugreek effectively lowers blood glucose, manages hyperglycemia, and assists with hyperlipidemia.
Meta-analyses and clinical trials indicate that fenugreek extract may increase testosterone levels in males.
Limited research exists regarding its effectiveness in increasing breast milk quantity and prolactin levels.
There is minimal evidence regarding its efficacy in alleviating vasomotor symptoms and depression in perimenopausal women.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges are not explicitly detailed in the provided research summaries.
Key Findings
- Meta-analysis confirms the effectiveness of fenugreek in treating Type 2 Diabetes and prediabetes (PMID: 37762302).
- Fenugreek extract supplementation is associated with increased testosterone levels in males (PMID: 32048383).
- Fenugreek supplementation can assist in managing both hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia (PMID: 27496582).
Limitations
Research is heavily concentrated on glycemic control, with a significant lack of high-quality, large-scale studies for perimenopausal symptoms and lactation.
Safety & Interactions
Fenugreek has been identified as a potential allergen (PMID: NCT06257797).
AI-generated summary from 14 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 99% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 79% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 9% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 0% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (14)
**Kim et al., 2023** | Int J Mol Sci | Meta Analysis 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-Se...
**Najdi et al., 2019** | Afr Health Sci | Rct 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. Af...
**Hadi et al., 2020** | Complement Ther Med | Rct Hadi Amir, Arab Arman, ... Tavakoly Rahele. The effect of fenugreek seed supplementation on serum irisin levels, blood pressure, and liver and kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus...
**Correia et al., 2023** | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis Correia Alisson Guilherme da Silva, Alencar Matheus Batista, ... de Andrade Joseilze Santos. Effect of saffron and fenugreek on lowering blood glucose: A systematic review with meta-analysis. P...
**Gong et al., 2016** | J Ethnopharmacol | Meta Analysis Gong Jing, Fang Ke, ... Lu Fuer. Effect of fenugreek on hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetes and prediabetes: A meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016-Dec-24;194:260-268. doi:10.1016/j....
**Mansoori et al., 2020** | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis Mansoori Anahita, Hosseini Seyedahmad, ... Fathi Mojdeh. Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels in male: A meta-analysis of clinical trials. Phytother Res. 2020-Jul;34(7...
**Rouhi et al., 2025** | Curr Drug Res Rev | Rct Rouhi Mahsa, Hossieni Mohammad Bagher, ... Mirghafourvand Mojgan. Investigating the Effectiveness of Fenugreek on the Quantity of Breast Milk and the Level of Prolactin in Mothers of Preterm Newborns: ...
**Lu et al., 2008** | Chin J Integr Med | Rct Lu Fu-rong, Shen Lin, ... Dai Yi. Clinical observation on trigonella foenum-graecum L. total saponins in combination with sulfonylureas in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Chin J Integr Med. 200...
**NCT ID**: NCT07038577 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 80 **Completion**: 2025-06-01
**Losso et al., 2009** | J Med Food | Rct Losso Jack N, Holliday Darryl L, ... Greenway Frank L. Fenugreek bread: a treatment for diabetes mellitus. J Med Food. 2009-Oct;12(5):1046-9. doi:10.1089/jmf.2008.0199 Use of fenugreek, a food with demonstrat...
**Lee-Ødegård et al., 2024** | PLoS One | Rct Lee-Ødegård Sindre, Gundersen Thomas E, Drevon Christian A. Effect of a plant extract of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on testosterone in blood plasma and saliva in a double blind randomized contr...
**Sharma et al., 1990** | Eur J Clin Nutr | Rct Sharma R D, Raghuram T C, Rao N S. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1990-Apr;44(4):301-6 The effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum ...
**NCT ID**: NCT06257797 **Phase**: **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 15 **Completion**: 2023-12-31
The present randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study investigated the effect of a standardized fenugreek extract (FHE) on perimenopausal discomforts and its influence on hormonal balance and safety. Healthy women characterized with perime...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fenugreek and what are its main benefits?
Fenugreek is a supplement primarily used for its metabolic benefits, such as managing blood glucose and lipid levels. There is strong evidence for its use in diabetes and prediabetes, and moderate evidence suggesting it may help increase testosterone levels in men.
Does fenugreek help lower blood sugar?
Yes, there is strong evidence from multiple studies that fenugreek can effectively lower blood glucose and manage hyperglycemia. It is also shown to assist with managing hyperlipidemia in individuals with diabetes or prediabetes.
Can fenugreek increase testosterone in men?
There is moderate evidence from clinical trials and meta-analyses indicating that fenugreek extract may increase testosterone levels in males. However, more research is needed to confirm its full impact.
Is fenugreek safe to take and are there any side effects?
Fenugreek has been identified as a potential allergen, so individuals with known allergies should avoid using it. While no drug interactions are currently documented, you should always consult a doctor before starting this supplement.
Does fenugreek work for lactation or perimenopause?
There is currently insufficient evidence to confirm that fenugreek is effective for increasing breast milk quantity or alleviating perimenopausal symptoms like depression. More research is required to determine its efficacy in these areas.
What is the recommended dose of fenugreek?
Specific effective dose ranges are not explicitly detailed in the current research summaries. Because of this, it is best to consult a healthcare professional to determine an appropriate amount for your specific needs.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.