
Answer:
Fenugreek is an herb that belongs to the legume family. It is used as a spice and for cooking in some parts of the world. The seeds, which are used medicinally, contain about 23% protein, 6% fat, and 25% fiber (FoodData Central, 7-24-23). The fiber content is thought to contribute to certain purported health benefits of fenugreek (Srinivasan, Food Rev Int 2006). Fenugreek also contains furostanolic saponins, compounds that may affect the production of sex hormones such as estradiol and testosterone, and trigonelline, a niacin-related compound.
Although supplements containing fenugreek seed extract are often standardized to higher concentrations of constituents, such as saponins, it is unclear if such products have greater clinical benefit, if any, compared to products containing only fenugreek seed.
Sign in as a member to learn whether clinical research supports the use of fenugreek for boosting testosterone, improving strength and body composition, increasing breastmilk production, lowering blood sugar, improving symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other conditions such as acne. Also find out about possible safety concerns, including concerns related to hormone-sensitive cancers, low levels of potassium (hypokalemia), liver damage, and possible interactions with certain blood thinners, and the cost of fenugreek supplements.
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Karen21904
February 07, 2025There is a risk of low potassium (hypokalemia) with fenugreek. My potassium levels went down slowly but surely when taking a fairly large amount (5-10grams/day). Fenugreek helped my blood sugar, but I had to stop due to my potassium level.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We've added information about fenugreek and risk of low potassium levels to the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/what-is-fenugreek/fenugreek-health-benefits-and-safety/#potassium
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Stan21788
January 29, 2025I tried fenugreek to help with lactation and found no benefit, but it did aggravate my colitis, which I hadn't suffered from for 15 years. Cleared up after I stopped taking fenugreek. I'm not a fan, although my lactation consultant was extremely convinced that it works, but it definitely is not something I'd ever take again.
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Sean21455
December 17, 2024Are whole seeds digestible or do they need to be crushed or partially processed to absorb nutrients?
The processing of fenugreek seed appears to increase the content of certain macronutrients, vitamins and minerals while decreasing the content of others, as discussed in the following article: https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1750-3841.16970
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David18245
January 06, 2024I meant the trigonilline as NAD precursor btw
We've added details about the possible benefits and potential safety concerns of trigonelline to the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/what-is-fenugreek/fenugreek-health-benefits-and-safety/#trigonelline
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David18244
January 06, 2024I think it might be worth mentioning trigonilline. It would be nice to see some labs about the trigonilline content here someday.
JAMES22291
March 19, 2025Agreed. Trigonelline has received significant interest as an NAD+ precursor. It has a strong presence in fenugreek and coffee.
We've added some information about trigonelline to the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/what-is-fenugreek/fenugreek-health-benefits-and-safety/#trigonelline
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Pamela18242
October 13, 2023Caution for folks with peanut and legume allergies.
Thank you for sharing. We've added information about this concern to the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/what-is-fenugreek/fenugreek-health-benefits-and-safety/#allergy
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gale compton
October 05, 2023Is Fenugreek safe for postmenopausal women who have previously had estrogen positive breast cancer, 10+ years ago?
Please see the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/what-is-fenugreek/fenugreek-health-benefits-and-safety/#breast-cancer
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Joseph18237
August 14, 2023Nothing is mentioned about fenugreek taken along with Turmeric to increase absorption. Perhaps I missed your commentary.
Please see the following section of our Turmeric Supplements Review for information about the effect of fenugreek on turmeric absorption: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/turmeric-curcumin-supplements-spice-review/turmeric/#curqfen
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LYNN18235
July 25, 2023Are there any studies in boosting testosterone in women? We loose it, along with the estrogens, especially with menopause. If no studies, anecdotal reports? Do you have any recommendations?
As noted in our article about supplements that boost testosterone, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) has been shown to increase testosterone levels in women: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/supplements-for-boosting-testosterone/testosterone-boosters/#dhea.
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