Fenugreek is an herb native to western Asia and the Mediterranean, but also now grown in parts of the United States. Herbalists recommend fenugreek primarily for digestive disorders and skin problems, although lately it is becoming more common to hear of the effects of fenugreek on cholesterol and blood sugar.
Fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fiber and an amino acid that is thought to be the basis for the blood cholesterol and blood sugar-lowering effect of the herb. The fiber lowers cholesterol and sugar by absorption, and the amino acid does it by stimulating the production of insulin. There have been a few small studies which have demonstrated these results and proposed these mechanisms of action. These studies are cited at the end of this article.
Caution: Fenugreek contains compounds that are chemically similar to estrogen and steroid hormones, and because of this it should be avoided during pregnancy. The herb also contains ingredients that interact with some blood-thinning, depression, blood pressure, and diabetes medications. So as with most any supplement therapy, you would want to ask your doctor about the safety of taking this herbal supplement, especially in relation to any drugs that you may be taking.
Sources:
Jetté L, Harvey L, Eugeni K, Levens N. "4-Hydroxyisoleucine: a plant-derived treatment for metabolic syndrome." Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs 2009 10(4):353-8.
Kaviarasan S, Sundarapandiyan R, Anuradha CV. " Protective action of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed polyphenols against alcohol-induced protein and lipid damage in rat liver." Cell Biology and Toxicology 2008 24(5):391-400.
Nahas R, Moher M. "Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetes." Canadian Family Physician 2009 55(6):591-6.
Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Rao NS. Effects of fenugree seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type 1 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1990 44(4)301-306.
Srichamroen A, Field CJ, Thomson AB, Basu TK. "The Modifying Effects of Galactomannan from Canadian-Grown Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on the Glycemic and Lipidemic Status in Rats." Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition 2008 43(3):167-74.
Uemura T, Goto T, Kang M, Mizoguchi N, Hirai S, Lee J, Nakano, Y, Shono J, Hoshino S, Taketani K, Tsuge N, Narukami T, Makishima M, Takahashi N, Kawada T. Diosgenin, the Main Aglycon of Fenugreek, Inhibits LXRa Activity in Hep G2 Cells and Decreases Plasma and Hepatic Triglycerides in Obese Diabetic Mice. J Nutr. 2010(110)125591.
