Fenugreek isn’t just a culinary herb – you can get fenugreek supplements at your friendly neighborhood supplement store.
The reason? Fenugreek is thought to be beneficial to testosterone production. However, there is a need for more research to conclusively prove its purported effects.
Generally, fenugreek is a well-tolerated and safe supplement for adults. However, fenugreek use can cause side effects like nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, and gas.
A quick rundown on fenugreek
Fenugreek (scientific name Trigonella foenum-graecum) goes by fenugrec, alholva, Greek hay, or methi. It’s a sweet, fragrant herb endemic to the Mediterranean region and Asia.
Fenugreek has been cultivated for millennia and used in food and medicinal preparations.
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What are the uses of fenugreek?
Fenugreek is a formidable source of calcium and protein. Meanwhile, fenugreek seeds are abundant in fiber, B vitamins, and minerals.
However, does fenugreek have actual medicinal uses?
We know that the herb has been used in traditional and alternative medicine for millennia. Fenugreek has been used to treat conditions such as low testosterone, diabetes, infections, and high cholesterol, among others. Fenugreek is purported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing cholesterol levels, promoting weight loss, and treating certain cancers.
To that end, there’s no shortage of fenugreek preparations. You can find fenugreek seeds, leaves, extracts, pills, powders, and teas.
But what does the science say behind the claims that some fenugreek products make? Do they stack up to the hype?
The relationship between fenugreek and testosterone
Testosterone is known to possess a varied range of effects on the body. This male sex hormone is responsible for promoting your libido, muscle and bone mass, and your sperm and red blood cell production.
Testosterone levels diminish as we age. But other conditions can lead to lower testosterone levels. This includes chronic diseases, obesity, heart disease, and taking certain drugs.
Fenugreek is thought to help boost testosterone production thanks to its saponin content. Furostanolic saponins are thought to block enzymes responsible for breaking down testosterone. In theory, you can help give your T levels a boost by preventing the aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase enzymes from breaking testosterone down.
Several small studies seem to indicate that taking fenugreek may be beneficial to maintaining testosterone levels. But other studies contradict the few studies on fenugreek, suggesting that fenugreek supplements have no effect on testosterone.
On the other hand, a meta-analysis on fenugreek and similar herbal supplements showed mixed results.
In short, there aren’t nearly enough studies on testosterone and fenugreek to conclusively establish a solid link. The ones that exist have been small, inconclusive studies supported by supplement manufacturers.
Concerned about potentially low testosterone? Talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for low T. Based on your results, they will find a suitable approach to treating your case.
Does fenugreek have other benefits?
Fenugreek is thought to have other benefits besides its potential effects on testosterone.
Fenugreek and diabetes
Fenugreek is heavily used in the world’s traditional medicinal systems as a treatment for diabetes. For instance, in Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq, fenugreek is one of the main herbal remedies for diabetes.
Fenugreek is purported to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetes patients by promoting the secretion of insulin and improving the absorption of sugar into your cells.
However, little data exists on fenugreek as an anti-diabetes remedy. Talk to your healthcare provider before trying fenugreek to reduce your glucose levels.
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Fenugreek and breastfeeding
Increasing research points to the numerous benefits of breastfeeding infants over artificial milk. This has encouraged new mothers to feed breast milk to their babies. Breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of an infant’s life. However, not all breastfeeding mothers can produce enough milk for their infants. Up to 15% of breastfeeding mothers fall under this category.
This has led women to try fenugreek as a solution to the lack of breastmilk. The idea of using fenugreek to increase breastmilk production has caught fire with health blogs and social media. But is there any science to back up the claim?
Just like the other purported benefits of fenugreek, there isn’t sufficient evidence to recommend using it to stimulate the production of breast milk. Several studies show an improvement in production, others show contradicting results, and still, others have shown no discernible benefits.
What are the potential side effects of fenugreek?
Fenugreek is safe and well-tolerated for most adults, but may seldom cause the following side effects:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion/digestion problems
- Gas
- A maple syrup-like scent in sweat, urine, breastmilk, or excretions
Severe but rare side effects may include liver damage or exacerbated asthma. In an isolated case, fenugreek consumption caused toxic epidermal necrolysis, a lethal drug reaction affecting the skin.
Moreover, taking fenugreek may cause reactions with anti-diabetic drugs or blood thinners. And if you’re allergic to legumes, taking fenugreek may trigger a reaction.
Dietary supplements are approved by the FDA as food products rather than drugs. That means supplement manufacturers don’t need to prove their products’ efficacy or safety before they are sold. And as with general supplement guidelines, fenugreek should never substitute medicines your doctor has prescribed.
Let your healthcare provider know about every supplement you take. This will help them give you suitable medical advice about the risks and benefits of taking them and ensure your safety while doing so.
