Fenugreek extract is derived from fenugreek seeds and has gained popularity as a supplement due to its potential benefits in blood sugar control, testosterone boosting, promoting milk production in la...
Fenugreek extract is derived from fenugreek seeds and has gained popularity as a supplement due to its potential benefits in blood sugar control, testosterone boosting, promoting milk production in lactating women, and appetite suppression. However, it can also cause digestive issues, allergic reactions, and drug interactions. Dosage typically ranges from 500-600mg daily. More high-quality research is warranted to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
500-600mg daily, often split into multiple doses
Source Type
natural
Production Process
Fenugreek extract is typically produced by grinding fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and then using a solvent (e.g., water, ethanol) to extract the desired compounds. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind the extract, which may be further standardized to a specific concentration of key constituents like saponins or fenusides.
Use Type
Inside BodyPotential Benefits
Blood sugar control maintains blood glucose levels within a healthy range, preventing hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. This involves insulin regulation, glucose uptake, and liver glucose production, crucial for preventing conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Cellulose acts as a dietary fiber that promotes feelings of fullness by increasing bulk and delaying gastric emptying, potentially aiding in weight management. This can lead to reduced caloric intake.
Fenugreek extract may increase testosterone levels in men, potentially improving libido, energy, and muscle strength. This is linked to saponins and fenusides in the extract.
Fenugreek is used to increase breast milk production by stimulating prolactin release in lactating mothers. This may help improve milk supply.
Possible Side Effects
Digestive issues include a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, stemming from causes such as medication, food, or underlying conditions. Persistent symptoms require medical evaluation.
Allergic reactions are hypersensitivity responses to allergens, ranging from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms vary widely and are caused by an immune response.
Drug interactions can alter a drug's effectiveness, leading to either increased risk of blood clots or bleeding, particularly with anticoagulants. Monitoring is essential to manage these interactions.
Fenugreek can cause sweat and urine to smell like maple syrup due to the presence of sotolon. This effect is harmless but noticeable and may occur in infants consuming breast milk from mothers taking fenugreek.
Scientific Evidence
Basch, E., et al. "Therapeutic Applications of Fenugreek." Alternative Medicine Review 8.1 (2003): 20-27; Swami, S., et al. "Effect of Fenugreek Seeds on Blood Glucose Control and Serum Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Patients." Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research 9.10 (2015): BC05-BC08; Rao, A., et al. "Testofen (Fenugreek extract) increases serum testosterone and reduces symptoms of androgen deficiency in healthy aging males: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study." Aging Male 19.2 (2016): 134-142; Khan, T. M., et al. "Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) extract stimulates in vitro insulin secretion and potentiates insulin action in peripheral tissues." Journal of Ethnopharmacology 126.2 (2009): 291-296.
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