Does Fenugreek Work? -- An Overview
Fenugreek (
Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an herbal supplement. Like most supplements, fenugreek is claimed to be useful for a wide variety of different conditions, usually without much scientific evidence. People use the herb topically (applied to the skin) for the following conditions:
- Muscle pain
- Inflammation
- Gout
- Wounds or skin ulcers
- Eczema.
When taken by mouth, fenugreek is said to be helpful for the following conditions:
In addition, fenugreek has been used traditionally to stimulate labor in pregnant women or to stimulate the production of breast milk.
Some herbal supplements have been extensively studied.
Fenugreek is not one of these supplements, however. In fact, there is not enough evidence to suggest that fenugreek is effective for any use. Of the few studies that have been done, most have been small and preliminary.
Fenugreek has been studied a little for diabetes, high
cholesterol, and high
triglycerides. Early research suggests that the herb, when taken with a meal, may help limit the rise in blood sugar that occurs after meals in people with both type 1 and
type 2 diabetes. Some studies have suggested that fenugreek may help
lower cholesterol, but other studies showed no benefit. Early studies suggest that fenugreek may help lower triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes.
There is no reliable scientific evidence to suggest that fenugreek is beneficial for any other use, including stimulating breast milk, one of the most popular uses of the herb.
