Fenugreek Seeds – வெந்தயம்

Fenugreek supplements are used for many health benefits, such as improving lung function in people with asthma, boosting breast milk production, and easing menstrual cramps. Some studies have produced promising results, but more research is needed to prove fenugreek’s effectiveness.

Diabetes

Two systematic reviews examined fenugreek’s benefits for controlling blood glucose (sugar).According to another systematic review, fenugreek has the following effects:

• Reduced fasting (before-meal) blood sugar levels
• Lowered two hours post-prandial (after-meal) blood sugar levels
• Decreased hemoglobin A1c test (average blood sugar for the last three months)

Fenugreek has many dosage forms used in studies, including cooked leaves, raw seeds, powders, and extracts. Clinical trials have shown promise, but more studies are needed.2

High Cholesterol

The results of a systematic review suggest that fenugreek may reduce:9

• Total cholesterol levels
• Triglycerides
• Low-density lipoprotein (“bad cholesterol”)

What’s more, fenugreek may also increase high-density lipoprotein (“good cholesterol”). Fenugreek didn’t appear to have any effect on weight. Well-designed clinical trials—especially in people with high cholesterol—are still necessary.

Breast Milk Production

Traditionally, fenugreek was used as a galactagogue, which increases breast milk production. However, the study results are mixed.4

Some evidence supports that natural galactagogues—like fenugreek—might help breastfeeding parents make more milk for their infants to achieve healthy weight.10 Well-designed studies may help evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fenugreek and other galactagogues.10

Menstrual Cramps

In a systematic review, there was limited evidence to support using supplements like fenugreek for dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps). There was also little data to assess the safety of these supplements.11 More research is needed.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition that affects people with a uterus. In PCOS, there is too much of a specific group of sex hormones called androgens. This may result in various symptoms, including:12

• Infertility
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Ovarian cysts (sacs of fluid)
• Pelvic pain

People with PCOS are also at risk for other medical conditions, such as diabetes (high blood sugar).

In a small clinical trial, 50 study participants took two capsules of 500 milligrams (mg) of Furocyst daily for 90 days. Furocyst is a specific fenugreek seed extract. At the end of the clinical trial, 46% of participants had smaller ovarian cysts—with an additional 36% experiencing no more cysts.

Moreover, 71% of study participants reported regular periods—while 12% became pregnant. But there were no changes in blood sugar, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (“good cholesterol”).

While some of the data for PCOS is promising, this clinical trial was small and more study is needed.