Fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Trigonella foenum-graecum, commonly known as fenugreek, is a plant used extensively in various traditional medicine systems. Its traditional applications include addressing bladder and kidney complaints, abdominal issues, arthritis, and sores, while also serving as a demulcent, carminative, and galactagogue. Scientific evidence regarding its clinical efficacy remains limited and complex; some studies have associated its use with poorer glycemic control in certain participants, while other research focuses on its metabolic properties and the production of compounds like trigonelline. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- demulcent · carminative
- Traditions
- TCM · Unani · traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- demulcent
- carminative
- emollient
- hernia
- galactagogue
- kidney complaints
- renitis
- sores
- abdominal complaints
- anodyne
- arthritis
- astringent
- baldness
- beriberi
- bladder complaints
What the science says
- The study identified key enzymes and metabolic differences between two species of fenugreek, including upregulated genes for D-pinitol biosynthesis in one species.
- The study found that Trigonella foenum-graecum use was reported by 45.7% of participants and was associated with poorer glycemic control.
- This study successfully engineered Escherichia coli to produce trigonelline, achieving yields up to 128.38 mg/L in bioreactor cultures.
- The study found that silver nanoparticles synthesized using Zingiber officinale extract showed antibacterial activity and enhanced seed germination but were toxic to zebrafish embryos at lower concentrations.
- The study monitored insect pest occurrence on ten cover crop species, including fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), over three years, providing a quantitative basis for identifying less pest-attractive options.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Fenugreek traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Fenugreek for: demulcent, carminative, emollient, hernia, galactagogue, kidney complaints. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Fenugreek?
Fenugreek appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, Unani, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Fenugreek?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Fenugreek; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study identified key enzymes and metabolic differences between two species of fenugreek, including upregulated genes for D-pinitol biosynthesis in one species.
How strong is the evidence for Fenugreek?
The strongest finding for Fenugreek carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Fenugreek safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Fenugreek in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Fenugreek interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Fenugreek in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is also known as: Пажитник сенной, Fenugrec.
Is Fenugreek a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 De Novo Biosynthesis of Trigonelline in Engineered Escherichia coli. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Greener synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Zingiber officinale rhizome extract for multidrug-resistant pathogen control, seed vigor enhancement, and fish embryo toxicity assessment. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Identification of candidate genes governing key metabolic pathways in fenugreek (Trigonella spp.) through integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Impact of herbal medicine use on HbA1c levels among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in northwest Ethiopia. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Monitoring the occurrence of pests on cover crops. literature abstract metadata