fenugreek medical facts from Drugs.com

/Home/Diabetes Treatment/Alternative Medicine for Diabetes/Natural and Herbal Medicines for Diabetes/Diabetes and Fenugreek

fenugreek medical facts from Drugs.com

Generic Name: fenugreek (FEH new greek)

What is fenugreek?
The use of fenugreek in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

Fenugreek is also known as Trigonella foenum-graecum, Greek hay seed, and bird's foot.

Fenugreek is a commonly used flavoring agent and food product. Fenugreek is also available as an herbal supplement. The information contained in this leaflet refers to the use of fenugreek as an herbal supplement. When used as a food product, the benefits and potential side effects of fenugreek may be less pronounced than when it is used as an herbal supplement.

Fenugreek has been used orally for loss of appetite and stomach complaints. Fenugreek has also been used topically (on the skin) to treat inflammation, boils, wounds, and eczema.

Fenugreek has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of fenugreek may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Fenugreek may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.


What is the most important information I should know about fenugreek?
Fenugreek is a commonly used flavoring agent and food product. Fenugreek is also available as an herbal supplement. The information contained in this leaflet refers to the use of fenugreek as an herbal supplement. When used as a food product, the benefits and potential side effects of fenugreek may be less pronounced than when it is used as an herbal supplement.

Do not take fenugreek without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or diabetes, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat a blood clotting disorder or diabetes. Fenugreek has been reported to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels.
Fenugreek has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of fenugreek may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.


What should I discuss with my health care provider before using fenugreek?
Do not take fenugreek without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder or diabetes, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat a blood clotting disorder or diabetes. Fenugreek has been reported to affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels.
Also, talk to your doctor before taking fenugreek if you have any other medical conditions, if you take medicines or herbal/health supplements other than those previously listed, or if you suffer from allergies (especially to plants). Fenugreek may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not take fenugreek supplements without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether fenugreek will harm an unborn baby. The amount of fenugreek customarily used in foods is not reported to be problematic. Do not take fenugreek without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether fenugreek will harm a nursing infant. The amount of fenugreek customarily used in foods is not reported to be problematic. There is no information available regarding the use of fenugreek supplements by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

© Copyright 2000-2008 Drugs.com. All Rights Reserved