Fenugreek

Generic name: fenugreek [ FEH-new-greek ]
Dosage form: oral capsule (610 mg)
Drug class:Herbal products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 16, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is fenugreek?

Fenugreek is a plant also known as Alholva, Bird's Foot, Bockshornklee, Bockshornsame, Chandrika, Fenogreco, Foenugraeci Semen, Greek Clover, Greek Hay, Greek Hay Seed, Hu Lu Ba, Medhika, Methi, Sénégrain, Trigonella, Woo Lu Bar, and other names.

Fenugreek has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in lowering blood sugar levels after a meal in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Fenugreek has been used in alternative medicine to treat heartburn, high cholesterol, weight loss, upset stomach, constipation, "hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), gout, sexual problems, fever, baldness, to increase the production of breast milk, and other conditions. However, these uses have not been proven with research.

It is not certain whether fenugreek is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Fenugreek should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Fenugreek is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be 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 be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Before using fenugreek, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use fenugreek if you have certain medical conditions.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia); or

• bleeding or blood clotting disorders.

Fenugreek is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. Do not use this product without m...