HERBAL
MEDICINAL
PLANT
FENUGREEK
Trigonella
foenum-graecum L. (Leguminosae)
by
RETTODWIKART THENU
FENUGREEK
(fen’yuh-greek)
Trigonella
foenum-graecum L. (Leguminosae)
SUMMARY AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMMENT
Fenugreek
seeds contain a high proportion of mucilaginous fibre, together with various
other pharmacologically active compounds including steroidal and amine
components. The majority of the traditional uses of fenugreek are probably attributable
to the mucilage content. In addition, hypocholesterolaemic and hypoglycaemic
actions have been documented for fenugreek in both laboratory animals and humans.
The mechanism by which fenugreek exerts these actions is unclear. Proposed theories
include a reduction in carbohydrate absorption by the mucilaginous fibre, and
an effect on cholesterol metabolism, cholesterol absorption and bile acid
excretion by the saponin components. Toxicity studies indicate fenugreek seeds
to be relatively non-toxic, although the presence of pharmacologically active constituents
would suggest that excessive ingestion is inadvisable.
SPECIES (FAMILY)
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Leguminosae)
SYNONYM(S)
Bockshornsame
PART(S) USED
Seed
Dried mature seed, although leaves are used less commonly.
PHARMACOPOEIAL AND OTHER MONOGRAPHS
BHP 1996(G9)
BP 2007(G84)
Complete German Commission E(G3)
Martindale 35th edition(G85)
Ph Eur 2007(G81)
LEGAL CATEGORY (LICENSED PRODUCTS)
GSL(G37)
CONSTITUENTS
The
following is compiled from several sources, including General Reference G2.
Alkaloids
Pyridine-type. Gentianine, trigonelline (up to 0.13%), choline (0.05%).
Proteins
and amino acids Protein (23–25%) containing high quantities of lysine and
tryptophan. Free amino acids include 4- hydroxyisoleucine (0.09%), histidine,
lysine and arginine.
Flavonoids
Flavone (apigenin, luteolin) glycosides including orientin and vitexin,
quercetin (flavonol).
Saponins
0.6–1.7%. Glycosides yielding steroidal sapogenins diosgenin and yamogenin
(major), with tigogenin, neotigogenin, gitogenin, neogitogenin, smilagenin,
sarsasapogenin, yuccagenin;(1) fenugreekine, a sapogenin-peptide ester
involving diosgenin and yamogenin;(2) trigofoenosides A–G (furostanol glycosides).(3–6)
Other
constituents Coumarin,(7) lipids (5–8%),(8) mucilaginous fibre (50%),(8) vitamins
(including nicotinic acid) and minerals.
Chemistry
(Fenugreek) —
Here
are a few of the more notable chemicals found in fenugreek. For a complete
listing of the phytochemicals and their activities, see the CRC phytochemical
compendium, Duke and duCellier, 1993 (DAD) and the USDA database http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/.
Diosgenin
— See alsoCostus speciosus.
Fenugreekine
— Antiinflammatory; Antivaccinia; Antiviral; Cardiotonic;
Diuretic; Hypoglycemic; Hypotensive; Viristat.
Selenium—
Analgesic 200μg/day; Anorectic; Antiacne 200μg/day; Antiaggregant;
Antiangiogenic 2μM, 230 μg/kg orl rat; Anticancer;
Anticirrhotic; Anticoronary 200μg/day; Antidandruff; Antidote(Mercury);
Antikeshan; Antileukemic 1.6 mg/kg ipr mus; Antileukotrienic; Antimelanomic 480μ
g/kg; Antimetastatic 480 μg/kg; Antimyalgic 200μg/day; Antiosteoarthritic;
Antioxidant 100–200(–400)μg/man/day; Antiproliferant 2 μM;
Antiradicular 100–200 (–400)μ g/man/day; Anti-Syndrome-X 100–200 (–400)μg/man/day;
Antitumor 100–200 (–400)μg/man/day; Antitumor (Brain) 38–150 μg/kg; Antitumor
(Breast) 0.8 mg/kg scu mus, 150 μg/kg diet rat, 230 μg/kg orl rat; Antitumor
(Lung) 240 μg/kg diet; Antiulcerogenic; AP-1-Inhibitor 2–50 μM;
Apoptotic; Depressant; Fungicide; Immunostimulant 100–200 (–400) μg/man/day; NF-kB-Inhibitor;
ODC-Inhibitor; Polyamine-Synthesis-Inhibitor; Protein-Kinase-C-Inhibitor IC50 =
2–50 μM; Prostaglandin-Sparer;
VEGF-Inhibitor;
RDA = 10–75 μg/day; PTD = 1 mg/day.
Trigonelline
— Antimigraine; Antiseptic; Antitumor (Cervix); Antitumor (Liver);
Epidermal-Stimulant; Hypocholesterolemic; Hypoglycemic 500–3000 mg/man/day, 50
mg/kg orl rat; Mutagenic; Osmoregulator; Propecic; LDlo = 5000 scu rat; LD50 =
5000 orl rat.
FOOD USE
Fenugreek
is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavouring
(category N2). This category indicates that fenugreek can be added to foodstuffs
in small quantities, with a possible limitation of an active principle (as yet
unspecified) in the final product.(G16) Previously fenugreek extracts have been
permitted in foods at concentrations usually below 0.05%. In addition,
fenugreek has been listed as GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe).
HERBAL USE
Fenugreek
is stated to possess mucilaginous demulcent, laxative, nutritive, expectorant
and orexigenic properties, and has been used topically as an emollient and vulnerary.
Traditionally, it has been used in the treatment of anorexia, dyspepsia,
gastritis and convalescence, and topically for furunculosis, myalgia,
lymphadenitis, gout, wounds and leg ulcers.(G2, G7, G22, G64).
OTHER USES (FENUGREEK) —
Widely cultivated as a condiment crop, fenugreek
seeds, containing coumarin, are used in curries, salads, and soups (LIL). Seeds
are also used in teas, blending nicely with mint flavored combinations (RIN).
Roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute. In Lebanon, a milkshake-like
hypotensive beverage is made by grinding the green seed after soaking. In
Greece, raw or boiled seeds are eaten with honey. In North Africa, fenugreek is
mixed with breadstuffs. I made my own artificial maple syrup with fenugreek
seed boiled in water, sweetened with stevia. It had that great maple scent,
better on ice cream than on pancakes. The predominant scent in many
prepared curry powders, it can override all other
aromas in an Indian spice shop.
In south India, it is found in chutneys, lentil
dishes, pickles, and vegetables, and with potato, eggplant, and cauliflower
(AAR). Pastirma (or basderma), a spiced dried beef in Armenia and Turkey, is
cured with fenugreek powder, garlic, allspice, cumin, black pepper, cinnamon,
nutmeg, and cloves, and colored red with paprika and ground red chiles. This
spice mixture is called “chaiman” (or chemen), as is the fenugreek itself
(AAR). Turks report that a boned piece of beef, roughly 40x20x10 cm, is rubbed with salt and allowed to dry. The spice
mix, 34% powdered garlic, 20% fenugreek, 6.5% cayenne, 1.5% cumin and mustard,
and 38% water, is applied to the meat, drying to a red crust. The meat is then
heated to 60-65°
C for around 4 hours, then left to cure up to 12 days at ambient temperature
(SPI). Jewish hilbeh is made by pouring boiling water over about 2 tbsp of ground
fenugreek and letting it sit undisturbed for several hours overnight. The
resulting jelly is beaten at high speeds, adding a pinch of salt, a little
lemon juice, some cayenne pepper (or garlic, ginger, caraway or cardamom seeds,
chopped tomatoes, finely chopped chiles, and coriander). Refrigerated hilbeh
will keep for a week (AAR). Harem women are said to eat roasted fenugreek seed
to attain buxomness. Mixed with cottonseed, the seed increases the flow of milk
in cows but imparts the fenugreek aroma to milk.
Plant serves as a potherb, much favored in India.
Sprouts and seedlings are said to make good salad dressed with oil and vinegar.
Sprouted seeds can be braised in olive oil with parboiled cardoon stalks. For sprouts,
soak 1 or 2 tbsp seeds in warm water for a few hours, then lay them on wet
paper towel in a sealed, opaque glass container. Onefourth inch is ample growth
for the sprouts (AAR). In the Near East, sprouting seeds are added to a lamb
stew traditionally flavored with honey. In India, green leaves are eaten as
methi. Fresh methi, cooked as a green, is a favorite served with fish. Highly
seasoned with turmeric, cumin, ajowan, fresh ginger, and chiles, the leaves are
mixed with cornmeal and fried as fritters. In Iran, fresh or dried, leaves are
used to add strong flavor to stews, soups and ashes, thick, nourishing, amin-course
soups.
Leaves are usually first sautéed in oil with other
green vegetables and herbs, e.g., celery, leeks, parsley, scallions, or
spinach. Fenugreek is in ghormeh sabzi, a rich, dark green mix of herbs, beans,
dried limes, and some meat (AAR). With its bitter taste, somewhat like lovage and
celery, it might be useful in vegetarian bouillon (LIL). Seeds and leaves may
be brewed into a pleasant tea. For northerners, attempting to make liqueurs
that call for tonka or vanilla, fenugreek seed may be used as a substitute
(LIL). I often add the seed to homemade herbal liqueurs and teas.
The liqueur I call “Lydia’s Downer” has hypoglycemic
fenugreek and several reportedly hypotensive herbs, fennel, elecampane,
parsley, tarragon, and a dash of rue (caution: photosensitizer), steeped in the
cheapest gin (LIL). I now suggest adding methi leaves to Lydia’s Downer as an
anesthetic. I also suggest a “Lydia’s Lady’s Liqueur” with angelica, anise,
cohosh (not containing formononetin, as per studies in 2001), fenugreek,
fennel, and red clover flowers as a poor feminists alternative to Remifemin.
The celery-scented oil is used in butterscotch, cheese, licorice, pickle, rum,
syrup, and vanilla flavors. Used also in cosmetics, hair preparations, and perfumery.
Indians grow the plant as a forage. Considered a good soil renovator.
Fenugreek is a source of diosgenin, used in the synthesis
of hormones. As with other chemurgic crops, a large percentage must be thrown
into the pot to extract a small percentage (1–2% on a dry weight basis) of
pharmaceutical (diosgenin); proteins, fixed oils, oleoresins, e.g., coumarin,
mucilages, and/or gums might also be extracted.
Organic residues might be used for biomass fuels or manures, inorganic
residues for “inorganic” chemical fertilizers. The husk of the seed might be
removed for its mucilage, with the remainder partitioned into oil, sapogenin,
and protein-rich fractions. Seed mucilage (ca. 45%) could be prepared from the
marc left after extraction of the fixed oil (used as a lactagogue). Its
relatively high viscosity makes it a good emulsifying agent to be used in
pharmaceutical and food industries. Due to its neutral ionic properties, it is
compatible with other drugs or compounds sensitive to acids. Plant is used to
make horse hair shiny. Powdered seeds are used locally for a yellow dye (AAR,
CRC, FAC, LEG).
DOSAGE
Product
Availability
Capsules, crude herb, defatted fenugreek powder, fl uid
extract, powder (made from dried seeds)
Plant Part Used:
Seeds
Dosages
Diabetes
Mellitus
• Adult PO defatted fenugreek powder: 50 g/day (Murray,
Pizzorno, 1998)
Other
• Adult PO: 1-6 g seeds tid
• Adult PO: 6 g herb (Blumenthal, 1998)
• Adult PO powdered seeds: 50 mg bid
• Adult topical: 50 g powdered herb dissolved in 250 ml
water, daily (Blumenthal, 1998)
Dosages
for oral administration (adults) for traditional uses recommended in older
standard herbal reference texts are given below.
Seed 1–6 g or equivalent three times daily.(G49)
Dosages (Fenugreek)
1 tbsp mashed seed/8 oz water, up to 3 ×/day as gargle (APA); 1–6 g
seed 3 ×/day (CAN); 5–90 g seed/day
(SKY); 0.25–0.5 cup seed (PED); 6–12 g dry seed (PED); 50 g powdered seed with
0.25 liter water (HH2); 6.3 g/day (MAD); 1 (620 mg) capsule 2–3 ×/day (NH).
Fenugreek Poultices:
Mix
50 g fenugreek seed with 1 liter of warm water and apply to the affected area
of the skin.
Internal use
According to
clinical studies
•
General
dose range: liquid extract (1:2): 2–6 mL/day.
•
Diabetes:
50–100 g seed daily taken in divided doses with meals, or 1 g/day ethanolic
seed extract.
•
Lipid-lowering
activity: according to the above studies, 18.0 g germinated fenugreek or 100 g defatted
seeds daily taken in divided doses with meals.
External use
•
As
a poultice: 50 g powdered seed in 0.5–1 L hot water applied topically to
affected area.
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS
In
vitro and animal studies
Hypocholesterolaemic
activity has been reported for fenugreek in rats(9, G41) and alloxan-diabetic
dogs.(10) Activity has been attributed to the fibre and saponin fractions, and
not to lipid or amino acid fractions.(9, 10) Studies have reported a reduction
in cholesterol but not triglyceride concentrations,(9) or in both cholesterol
and triglyceride concentrations, but without significant alterations in
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and lowdensity
lipoprotein
(LDL) concentrations.(10) Hypoglycaemic activity has been observed in rabbits,
rats and dogs, and attributed to the defatted seed fraction (DSF),(8) trigonelline,
nicotinic acid and coumarin.(7, 11) Oral administration of DSF reduced
hyperglycaemia in four alloxan-diabetic dogs, and reduced the response to an
oral glucose tolerance test in eight normal dogs, whereas the lipid fraction
had no effect on serum glucose and insulin concentrations.(8) The high fibre
content (50%) of DSF was thought to contribute to its antidiabetic effect although
the initial rate of glucose absorption was not affected.(8) Nicotinic acid and
coumarin were reported to be the major hypoglycaemic components of fenugreek seeds,
following administration to normal and alloxan-diabetic rats.(7) The
hypoglycaemic action exhibited by coumarin was still significant 24 hours post
administration.(7) In addition, a slight antidiuretic action was noted for
coumarin.(7) Trigonelline inhibited cortisone-induced hyperglycaemia in rabbits
if administered (250 mg/kg) concomitantly or two hours before, but not two
hours after, cortisone.(11)
In
addition, trigonelline exhibited significant hypoglycaemic activity in alloxan-diabetic
rats (50 mg/kg), lasting 24 hours.(11) A stimulant action on the isolated
uterus (guinea-pig), especially during late pregnancy, has been noted for both
aqueous and alcoholic extracts.(G41) An aqueous extract is stated to increase
the number of heart beats in the isolated mammalian heart.(G41)
In
vitro antiviral activity against vaccinia virus has been reported for
fenugreekine, which also possesses cardiotonic, hypoglycaemic, diuretic, antiphlogistic
and antihypertensive properties.(2)
ACTIVITIES (FENUGREEK)
Analgesic
(f; MAD); Anesthetic (1; TAD); Antiatherosclerotic (1; BGB); Antidiabetic (1;
BGB; PNC); Antidiuretic (1; CAN); Antiinflammatory (2; KOM); Antiseptic (2; KOM);
Antispasmodic (1; PED; PNC); Antitumor (1; PNC); Aperitif (2; APA; CAN; PH2);
Aphrodisia (f; CRC; HHB; KAB; SPI); Astringent (f; CRC; PED); Cardiotonic (1;
APA; CAN); Carminative (f; APA; CRC; WOI); Cholagogue (f; BGB); Demulcent (2;
CAN; PNC); Digestive (f; APA); Diuretic (1; APA; CAN; CRC); Ecbolic (f; CRC); Emmenagogue
(1; CRC; FNF; KAB); Emollient (2; APA; CAN; PH2; PNC); Estrogenic (1; JAD);
Expectorant (f; CAN; CRC; SPI); Hydragogue (1; PH2); Hyperemic (2; KOM);
Hypocholesterolemic (2; BGB; BRU; CRC; PNC); Hypoglycemic (2; BRU; CAN; PHR;
PH2; SKY); Hypolipidemic (1; BGB); Hypotensive (1; CAN); Hypotriglyceridemic
(1; BGB); Insectifuge (1; WOI); Lactagogue (1; CRC; JAD; PHR; PH2; WOI);
Laxative (2; PNC); Lipolytic (1; BRU; PH2; PNC); Mastogenic (1; FNF; HAD); Mucilaginous
(1; PED); Myorelaxant (1; PNC); Oxytocic (1; PNC); Parturient (f; BGB);
Propecic (f; MAD); Protease Inhibitor (1; HH2); Secretolytic (2; KOM);
Spermicide (1; CRC); Steroid Precursor (1; JAD); Tonic (f; CRC; PED; WOI); Uterotonic
(1; APA; CAN; PED); Vermifuge (f; CRC; HHB); Vulnerary (1; CAN; PHR; TAD).
INDICATIONS (FENUGREEK)
Abscess (f; WOI);
Adenopathy (f; CRC; HHB); Alactea (1; PH2; WOI); Allergy (f; PED); Alopecia (1;
APA; KAP; MAD); Anemia (1; GMH; SPI); Anorexia (2; APA; CAN; KOM; PH2);
Aposteme (f; JLH); Arthrosis (1; KOM); Atherosclerosis (1; BGB; SKY); Bacteria
(1; WOI); Boil (f; BGB; GMH; KAP); Bronchosis (f; APA; PH2); Burn (f; CRC); Calculus
(1; APA); Cancer (1; APA; PNC); Cancer, abdomen (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, bladder (1;
FNF; JLH); Cancer, breast (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, colon (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer,
eye (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, gland (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, groin (1; FNF; JLH);
Cancer, intestine (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, kidney (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, liver
(1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, parotid (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, rectum (1; FNF; JLH;
MAD); Cancer, spleen (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, stomach (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer,
testes (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, throat (1; FNF; JLH); Cancer, uterus (1; FNF;
JLH); Cancer, uvula (1; FNF; JLH); Carbuncle (f; GMH; KAP); Catarrh (f; PH2);
Childbirth (1; APA; BGB); Chilblain (f; CRC); Cholecystosis (f; CRC); Colic (f;
APA; CRC; KAP); Constipation (2; PNC; SKY; SPI); Colitis (f; PH2); Cough (f;
APA; PED; PH2); Cramp (1; PED; PNC); Cystosis (f; JLH; SKJ); Debility (f; MAD);
Dermatosis (2; APA; CRC; PHR; PH2); Diarrhea (1; APA; CRC; KAP); Diabetes (1;
BGB; PNC); Dysentery (f; HHB; KAB); Dusgeuzia (f; KAB); Dysmenorrhea (f; BGB);
Dyspepsia (2; APA; CAN; PHR); Eczema (1; BGB; PHR; PH2); Edema (f; BGB; SKJ);
Enterosis (f; BGB; PH2; WOI); Fatigue (f; MAD); Fever (f; APA; CRC; PH2);
Fistula (f; CRC); Furunculosis (f; BGB; HHB; PHR); Gas (1; APA; CRC; WOI); Gastrosis
(f; APA; BGB; CAN; GMH); Gout (f; BGB; CAN; CRC; GMH); Hay Fever (f; PED); Hemorrhoid
(f; MAD); Hepatosis (f; CRC; JLH; KAP); Hernia (f; APA; BGB; CRC; PH2); High Blood
Pressure (1; CAN); High Cholesterol (2; APA; BGB; BRU; CAN; CRC; PNC; SKY); High
Triglyceride (1; BGB; SKY); Hyperglycemia (2; BRU; CAN; PHR; PH2; SKY);
Hyperlipidemia (1; BGB); Impotence (f; APA; CRC; PH2); Infection (1; APA; WOI);
Inflammation (2; APA; BRU; KOM; PH2); Leukorrhea (f; KAP); Lymphadenosis (f;
BGB; CAN); Mastosis (f; JLH); Myalgia (f; BGB; CAN); Nephrosis (f; APA; CRC;
JLH); Neuralgia (f; APA; CRC); Neurasthenia (f; GMH); NIDDM (2; APA; BRU; CAN;
CRC); Obesity (1; BGB); Ophthalmia (f; JLH); Orchosis (f; JLH); Osteomyelosis
(f; HHB; MAD); Oxaluria (1; APA); Pain (1; MAD; PH2; TAD); Parotosis (f; JLH); PMS (f; BGB);
Proctosis (f; JLH; MAD); Rachosis (f; MAD); Respirosis (f; APA; PH2);
Rheumatism (f; APA; CRC); Sciatica (f; CRC); Scrofula (f; GMH; HHB); Smallpox
(f; KAB; KAP); Sore (f; APA; BGB; MAD; PH2); Sore Throat (1; APA; CRC; MAD);
Splenosis (f; HHB; KAP); Splenomegaly (f; CRC; KAB); Stomatosis (f; APA);
Swelling (f; HHB; KAB; PHR); Syndrome-X (1; SYN); Syphilis (f; SKJ);
Tuberculosis (f; APA; CRC; HHB; MAD; SPI); Tumor (1; CRC; PNC); Ulcer (1; APA;
PNC); Ulcus cruris (f; HHB); Uterosis (f; JLH); Vaginosis (f; BGB); VD (f;
SKJ); Vomiting (f; PH2); Water Retention (1; APA; CAN; CRC); Worm (f; CRC;
HHB); Wound (f; BGB; HHB).
Fenugreek for
dermatosis:
· Analgesic:
coumarin; gentianine; pyridoxine; quercetin
· Antibacterial:
apigenin; carpaine; gentianine; isoquercitrin; kaempferol; lignin; luteolin; p-coumaric-acid;
quercetin; quercitrin; rutin
· Antidermatitic:
apigenin; biotin; pyridoxine; quercetin; rutin; vitexin
· Antiinflammatory:
apigenin; coumarin; diosgenin; fenugreekine; genistein; gentianine;
· gitogenin;
kaempferol; luteolin; orientin; quercetin; quercitrin; rutin; salicylates;
superoxide-
· dismutase;
vicenin-2; vitexin
· Antiseptic:
kaempferol; oxalic-acid; trigonelline
· Antistress:
diosgenin; gamma-aminobutyric-acid
· COX-2-Inhibitor:
apigenin; kaempferol; quercetin
· Cyclooxygenase-Inhibitor:
apigenin; kaempferol; quercetin
· Demulcent:
mucilage
· Fungicide:
coumarin; formononetin; genistein; p-coumaric-acid; phytic-acid; quercetin
· Immunomodulator:
saponins
· MDR-Inhibitor:
genistein
Fenugreek for
diabetes:
· Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor:
coumarin; genistein; isoquercitrin; kaempferol; luteolin; pcoumaric-
· acid; quercetin;
quercitrin; rutin; vitexin
· Antiaggregant:
apigenin; coumarin; genistein; kaempferol; phytic-acid; pyridoxine; quercetin;
· salicylates
· Anticapillary-Fragility:
quercetin; rutin
· Antidiabetic:
pyridoxine; quercetin; rutin
· Antioxidant:
apigenin; genistein; isoorientin; isoquercitrin; isovitexin; kaempferol;
lignin;
· luteolin;
orientin; p-coumaric-acid; phytic-acid; quercetin; quercitrin; rutin;
superoxide-
· dismutase; vitexin
· Antiperoxidant:
isoorientin; p-coumaric-acid; quercetin
· Antiradicular:
isoquercitrin; kaempferol; quercetin; rutin
· Antithrombic:
quercetin
· Hypocholesterolemic:
diosgenin; formononetin; genistein; lignin; nicotinic-acid; phyticacid;
· rutin;
trigonelline
· Hypoglycemic:
coumarin; fenugreekine; gentianine; nicotinic-acid; quercetin; quercitrin;
· salicylates;
trigonelline
· Insulinase-Inhibitor:
nicotinic-acid
· Insulinogenic:
quercetin
· Insulinotonic:
nicotinic-acid
Fenugreek for
high cholesterol:
· Antiaggregant:
apigenin; coumarin; genistein; kaempferol; phytic-acid; pyridoxine; quercetin;
· salicylates
· Antiatherogenic:
rutin
· Antiatherosclerotic:
genistein; pyridoxine; quercetin
· Antidiabetic:
pyridoxine; quercetin; rutin
· Antihomocystinuric:
pyridoxine
· Antiischemic:
genistein
· Antilipoperoxidant:
quercetin
· Antioxidant:
apigenin; genistein; isoorientin; isoquercitrin; isovitexin; kaempferol;
lignin;
· luteolin;
orientin; p-coumaric-acid; phytic-acid; quercetin; quercitrin; rutin; superoxide-
· dismutase;
vitexin
· Choleretic:
apigenin; kaempferol; luteolin; nicotinic-acid; p-coumaric-acid; quercitrin
· Diuretic:
apigenin; carpaine; fenugreekine; gamma-aminobutyric-acid; isoquercitrin;
· kaempferol;
luteolin; quercitrin
· Hepatoprotective:
diosgenin; luteolin; quercetin
· Hypocholesterolemic:
diosgenin; formononetin; genistein; lignin; nicotinic-acid; phyticacid;
· rutin;
trigonelline
· Hypolipidemic:
formononetin; phytic-acid
· Hypotensive:
apigenin; carpaine; fenugreekine; gamma-aminobutyric-acid; gentianine;
· isoquercitrin;
kaempferol; quercetin; quercitrin; rutin; vitexin
CLINICAL STUDIES
There
is a lack of clinical research assessing the effects of fenugreek and rigorous
randomised controlled clinical trials are required. A transient hypoglycaemic
effect was observed in 5 of 10 diabetic patients who received 500 mg oral
trigonelline whilst fasting.(11) Increasing the dose did not increase this
effect, and 500 mg ingested three times a day for five days did not alter the diurnal
blood glucose concentration.(11) Hypoglycaemic activity in healthy individuals
has been reported for whole seed extracts, with slightly lesser activity exhibited
by gum isolate, extracted seeds and cooked seeds.(12) The addition of fenugreek
to an oral glucose tolerance test reduced serum glucose and insulin concentrations.
Chronic ingestion (21 days) of extracted seeds (25 g seeds daily incorporated
into two meals) by non-insulindependent diabetics improved plasma glucose and
insulin responses (no control group), and reduced 24-hour urinary glucose
concentrations.(12) Furthermore, in two diabetic insulindependent subjects,
daily administration of 25 g fenugreek seed powder reduced fasting plasma-glucose
profile, glycosuria and daily insulin requirements (56–20 units) after eight
weeks. A significant reduction in serum cholesterol concentrations in diabetic
patients was also noted.(12)
SIDE-EFFECTS, TOXICITY
None
documented. However, there is a lack of clinical safety and toxicity data for
fenugreek and further investigation of these aspects is required. Acute
toxicity values (LD50) documented for fenugreek alcoholic seed extract are 5
g/kg (rat, oral) and 2 g/kg (rabbit, dermal).(13) The alcoholic seed extract is
reported to be non-irritating and non-sensitising to human skin and
nonphototoxic (mice, pigs).(13) Coumarin is a toxic seed component.(7) Acute LD50
(rat, oral) values per kilogram documented for various seed constituents are 5
g (trigonelline), 8.8 g (nicotinic acid), 7.4 g (nicotinamide) and 0.72 g
(coumarin).(7)
CONTRA-INDICATIONS, WARNINGS
Drug
interactions None documented. However, the potential for preparations of
fenugreek to interact with other medicines administered concurrently,
particularly those with similar or opposing effects, should be considered.
There is limited evidence from preclinical and preliminary clinical studies
that fenugreek has hypoglycaemic activity. Caution may be advisable in patients
receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), hormonal or anticoagulant
therapies in view of amine, steroidal saponin and coumarin constituents,
respectively, although their clinical significance is unclear. Cardioactivity
has been documented in vitro. The absorption of drugs taken concomitantly with
fenugreek may be affected (high mucilaginous fibre content). Pregnancy and
lactation Fenugreek is reputed to be oxytocic(G22) and in vitro uterine
stimulant activity has been documented. In view of this, and the documented
pharmacologically active components, the use of fenugreek during pregnancy and
lactation in doses greatly exceeding those normally encountered in foods is not
advisable.
CONTRAINDICATIONS, INTERACTIONS, AND SIDE EFFECTS (FENUGREEK)
Class 2b (AHP). “Hazards and/or side effects not
known for proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Contraindicated in pregnancy (PH2).
Due to its oxytoxic and uterine stimulant actions, in vitro,
its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided. Commission E reports no
contraindications or interactions for oral use of the seed. Adverse skin
reactions to repeated external use (AEH). An idiosyncratic gastroenterosis was fingered
on fenugreek in LRNP (July 1987). One woman with micromazia complained of
mastogenic activity following ingestion of fenugreek sprouts. May interfere
with anticoagulant, blood sugar, hormonal, and/or MAOI therapies. High
mucilaginous/fiber content may interfere with absorption of other drugs. Since
all herbs, spices, and food plants, like drugs, contain pharmacologically active
ingredients, it seems it could go without saying, “the presence of pharmacologically
active constituents would suggest that excessive ingestion is inadvisable” (CAN).
Alcoholic seed extract LD50 = 5000 mg/kg orl rat; 2000 der rabbit (CAN).
Converted to niacin and other pyridines and pyrroles when cooked (PED).
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Pregnancy category is 4; breastfeeding category is 2A. Until
more research is available, fenugreek should not be used in children. Persons
with hypersensitivity to fenugreek should not use it.
SIDE
EFFECTS/ADVERSE REACTIONS
INTEG: Hypersensitivity reactions
SYST: Bruising, petechiae, bleeding
INTERACTIONS
Drug
All medications:
Because of the rapid rate at
which this herb moves through the bowel and coats the gastrointestinal tract, fenugreek
may reduce absorption of all medications used concurrently.
INTERACTIONS—CONT’D
Anticoagulants (anisindione,
dicumerol, heparin, warfarin), antiplatelets, NSAIDs: There is a possible increased risk of bleeding when fenugreek
is used concurrently with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, NSAIDs.
Antidiabetics: Because fenugreek lowers blood glucose levels,
increased hypoglycemia is possible when this herb is used concurrently with
antidiabetics (theoretical).
Corticosteroids,
estrogens: Fenugreek may inhibit the
action of these agents (theoretical) (Jellin et al, 2008).
MAOIs: Fenugreek can increase the action of MAOIs
(theoretical) (Jellin et al, 2008).
Food
Fabaceace (soybean,
chickpea, peanuts, green peas): Fenugreek
allergy may develop if allergic to Fabaceace species (theoretical) (Jellin et
al, 2008).
Lab Test
Blood glucose,
LDL, total cholesterol: Fenugreek
may decrease total cholesterol, blood glucose (decoctions, infusions), and LDL
cholesterol.
CLIENT CONSIDERATIONS
Assess
· Assess the reason the client is using fenugreek.
· Assess for hypersensitivity reactions. If present,
discontinue use of this herb and administer an antihistamine or other
appropriate therapy.
· Assess for increased hypoglycemia in diabetic clients
who are taking antidiabetics (see Interactions).
· Assess for bleeding in clients who are using
anticoagulants (see Interactions).
Administer
· Instruct the client to store fenugreek products in a sealed
container away from heat and moisture.
Teach
Client/Family
· Inform the client that pregnancy category is 4 and
breastfeeding is category 2A.
· Caution the client not to use this herb in children
until more research is available.
· Instruct the client to report side effects and adverse
reactions (bleeding, hypersensitivity, hypoglycemia) to the health care provider.
· Advise the client that urine may smell like maple
syrup.
PREPARATIONS
Proprietary
single-ingredient preparations
France:
Fenugrene; Sthenorex.
Proprietary
multi-ingredient preparations
Australia:
Garlic and Horseradish þ C Complex; Panax Complex. India: Happy'tizer. Malaysia:
Horseradish Plus.
REFERENCE
Barnes, J., Anderson, L. A., and
Phillipson, J. D. 2007. Herbal Medicines Third Edition. Pharmaceutical
Press. Auckland and London.
Braun, L and Cohen, M. 2010. Hebs
and Natural Supplements An Evidence Based Guide 3R D Edition. Elsevier
Australia. Australia.
Duke, J. A. with Mary Jo
Bogenschutz-Godwin, Judi duCellier, Peggy-Ann K. Duke. 2002. Handbook
of Medicinal Herbs 2nd Ed. CRC Press LLC. USA.
Duke, J. A. with Judi duCellier,
Peggy-Ann K. Duke. 2003. Duke’s Handbook of Medicinal Plants of the
Bible. CRC Press LLC. USA.
Kraft, K and Hobbs, C. 2004 . Pocket Guide to Herbal
Medicine. Thieme. Stuttgart New York.
Linda S-Roth. 2010. Mosby’s
Handbook Of Herbs & Natural Supplements, Fourth Edition. Mosby
Elsevier. USA.
.
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