Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) information

Source:
Fenugreek is native to southern Europe, Mediterranean region, and Western Asia. The herb is cultivated from western Europe to China and can grow to 2 to 3 feet producing light green leaves with small white flowers. The seed pods contain 10 to 20 small, flat, yellow-brown, pungent, aromatic seeds to a pod.

Traditional uses:
Fenugreek is one of the oldest known medicinal herbs. The use of Fenugreek dates back to Hippocrates and the ancient Egyptians. The plant was recommended for the treatment of female conditions, wounds, arthritis, bronchitis and digestive problems. Traditional Chinese herbalists also used Fenugreek for kidney complications and conditions affecting the reproductive tract.

Physiology:
Fenugreek contains steroidal saponins including yamogenin and diosgenin (steroidal saponins are the essential building blocks for female and male steroids). Recent studies have also shown that Fenugreek contains phytonutrients or more specifically phytoestrogens.

Phytoestrogens are a group of substances found in plants that have a weak estrogenic properties. The phytoestrogens compete for the same receptor cells as true estrogen. Asian women that have diets rich in plants that contain phytoestrogens have been found to have a lower incidence of breast cancer. Recent research concerning phytoestrogens suggests that they have an important role in reducing breast cancer, heart disease, and the symptoms of menopause.

Phytoestrogens through there natural balance of female hormones promote the development of glandular breast tissue. Most women taking herb containing these phytoestrogens notice a significant increase fullness and balance of their breast (for more information concerning phytoestrogens click here) Stephan, please link to the following page: /phytoestrogen-information.htm

Clinical studies:
Research as shown that the that the steroidal saponins (neotigogenin, diosgenin, yamogenin andtigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber in fenugreek are responsible for the positive effects of the herb. The steroidal saponins are believed to be responsible for the cholesterol lowering properties of fenugreek. Sauvaire Y, Ribes G, Baccou JC, Loubatieres-Mariani MM. Implication of steroid saponins and sapogenins in the hypocholesterolemic effect of fenugreek. Lipids 1991;26:191–7.

Additional studies have shown that fenugreek is very beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. Madar Z, Abel R, Samish S, Arad J. Glucose-lowering effect of fenugreek in non-insulin dependent diabetics. Eur J Clin Nutr 1988;42:51–4. Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Rao NS. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr 1990;44:301–6.

Modern day uses:
Today Fenugreek is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialists for the following conditions:

Promotes breast enhancement
Reduces inflammation secondary to injury
Relieves the symptoms of bronchitis
Calms symptoms of PMS and menopause
Soothes effect in individuals with sore throat
Improves the glucose tolerance in both Type I and Type II diabetes
Inhibits cholesterol absorption and synthesis
Acts as a galactogogue (a galactogogue is an agent that promotes the flow of milk or lacteal secretion in nursing mothers)

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with their physician prior to taking any new supplements. More specifically, no significant side effects or contraindications have been reported with the use of Fenugreek. However, consuming large quantities of the herb have caused some patients to experienced intestinal gas and diarrhea. Secondary to the uterine-stimulant activity, possible estrogenic effect used during pregnancy should be avoided.(return to homepage).