Is Fenugreek safe?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Safety of Fenugreek: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Fenugreek Safety
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a widely used herb in traditional medicine, known for its potential health benefits, including antidiabetic, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its safety profile is a critical consideration for its use in both clinical and everyday settings.
Clinical Trials and Safety Evaluations
Glycemic Control and Lipid Profile
Several studies have evaluated the safety and efficacy of fenugreek in managing diabetes and lipid profiles. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 706 participants found that fenugreek significantly improved fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hour plasma glucose (2-hPG), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. It also positively affected total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) without causing hepatic or renal toxicity. Mild gastrointestinal side effects were noted, but no severe adverse events were reported .
Short-Term Nutritional and Toxicological Studies
In a 90-day study on weanling rats, fenugreek seeds were evaluated for their nutritional and toxicological properties. The study found no significant differences in food intake, body weight gain, or feed efficiency ratios between control and experimental groups. Haematological parameters and liver function enzyme activities remained unchanged, and no histopathological changes were observed, indicating that fenugreek is essentially non-toxic at the doses tested.
Hormonal Balance and Women's Health
Fenugreek has also been studied for its effects on hormonal balance in women. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study involving 48 healthy menstruating women found that fenugreek extract did not produce any side effects or adverse events. It significantly improved sexual dysfunction and irritability, and enhanced levels of estradiol and testosterone without affecting progesterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Another study on postmenopausal women reported significant improvements in plasma estradiol levels and quality of life, with no adverse effects on haematological and biochemical parameters.
Genotoxicity and Toxicological Assessments
Genotoxicity Testing
A fenugreek seed extract containing 40% 4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-OH-Ile) was tested for genotoxicity using standard assays recommended by the US FDA. The extract was found to be non-genotoxic, supporting its safety for inclusion in foodstuffs formulated for blood glucose control.
Systematic Toxicological Review
A systematic review using the ToxRTool assessed the reliability of published toxicological studies on fenugreek. Out of 45 studies, 17 in-vivo and 3 in-vitro studies were deemed "Reliable Without Restriction," indicating a broad margin of safety for fenugreek seed extracts. These studies provide a basis for toxicological risk assessment with reasonable certainty.
Potential Toxicological Concerns
Despite the generally positive safety profile, some studies have reported potential toxicological effects. Fenugreek has been associated with teratogenic effects, testicular toxicity, and anti-fertility effects in animal models. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to these potential risks. Additionally, individuals with peanut and chickpea allergies or chronic asthma should avoid fenugreek due to possible cross-reactivity and exacerbation of symptoms.
Conclusion
Overall, fenugreek appears to be safe for most individuals when used appropriately. It has demonstrated significant benefits in glycemic control, lipid profile improvement, and hormonal balance without severe adverse effects. However, caution is advised for pregnant women and individuals with specific allergies. Further studies are needed to fully understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying its toxicological properties.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Short term nutritional and safety evaluation of fenugreek
Fenugreek in Health and Disease
Genotoxicity testing of a fenugreek extract.
Safety and influence of a novel extract of fenugreek on healthy young women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study
A Novel Extract of Fenugreek Husk (FenuSMART™) Alleviates Postmenopausal Symptoms and Helps to Establish the Hormonal Balance: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Effect of fenugreek on hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetes and prediabetes: A meta-analysis.
Toxicological properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum).
A systematic literature review of fenugreek seed toxicity by using ToxRTool: evidence from preclinical and clinical studies
Effects of dietary administration of fenugreek seeds on metabolic parameters and immune status of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)
Try another search
does your ability to learn decrease with age
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
How can individuals optimize their recovery from exercise and prevent overtraining?
noise pollution
what are the main factors of flood inundation in rivers
What are the latest findings on the role of physical activity in enhancing quality of life and longevity?