PisaczekSearch
文AEN-US
PolskiEnglish (UK)English (US)EspañolPortuguês (Brasil)DeutschFrançaisItalianoУкраїнська中文（简体）한국어Bahasa IndonesiaРусскийالعربيةहिन्दी
Herbs and plants

Fenugreek — the forgotten herb that lowers blood sugar?

Sources: 11 · Article: 14 256 characters

Henryk Różański attributes antidiabetic effects to fenugreek, including stimulating insulin release and limiting glucose absorption.

  • According to him, the seeds’ compounds may also inhibit enzymes that break down carbohydrates.
  • He says ground seeds can be taken in doses of 3–5 g, 2–3 times a day, or as a porridge or decoction.
  • A glucose reduction of about 30–40% was reported with a preparation containing fenugreek, chromium, and other ingredients; three people developed hypoglycemia and stopped taking the preparation.

What the authors write

Henryk Różański

Fenugreek seeds are said to slow stomach emptying and limit glucose absorption, while their compounds inhibit enzymes that break down carbohydrates.

„Mentioned already in Part II, Trigonella foenum-graecum L. — common fenugreek — has seeds that contain galactomannans, which delay stomach emptying and limit glucose absorption. Fenugreek also contains α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors, which slow the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose.”Wspomniana już w II części Trigonella foenum-graecum L. – kozieradka pospolita – nasiona zawierają galaktomannany, które opóźniają opróżnianie żołądka i ograniczają wchłanianie glukozy. Kozieradka zawiera także inhibitory α-amylazy i α-glukozydazy, przez co spowalnia przemiany węglowodanów do glukozy.
Zioła przeciwcukrzycowe jako alternatywy dla leków hipoglikemicznych syntetycznych, cz. III
Henryk Różański

The compounds in fenugreek include 4-hydroxyisoleucine and saponins, which are said to stimulate insulin synthesis and increase GLUT4 transport.

„Main active compounds Momordica charantia — common bitter melon Charantin, polypeptide-P, flavonoids and phenolic acids (epigallocatechin gallate, myricetin, gallic acid) Direct stimulation of β-cells to secrete insulin; increased GLUT4 expression in muscles; insulin-like effects; improved glucose oxidation; inhibition of α-glucosidase and slower glucose absorption Trigonella foenum-graecum — common fenugreek 4-hydroxyisoleucine, trigonelline, steroidal saponins Activation of protein kinase A and calcium channels in β-cells; increased insulin synthesis and GLUT4 translocation; improved insulin sensitivity”Główne składniki aktywne Momordica charantia – przepękla pospolita charantyna, polipeptyd-P, flawonoidy i fenolokwasy (galusan epigallokatechiny, mirycetyna, kwas galusowy) Bezpośrednia stymulacja komórek β do sekrecji insuliny; zwiększenie ekspresji GLUT4 w mięśniach; działanie insulinomimetyczne; poprawa utleniania glukozy; hamowanie α-glukozydazy i spowolnienie wchłaniania glukozy Trigonella foenum-graecum -kozieradka pospolita 4-hydroksyizoleucyna, trigonellina, saponiny steroidowe Aktywacja kinazy białkowej A i kanałów wapniowych w komórkach β; wzrost syntezy insuliny i translokacji GLUT4; poprawa wrażliwości insulinowej
Zioła przeciwcukrzycowe jako alternatywy dla leków hipoglikemicznych syntetycznych, cz. II
Henryk Różański

Fenugreek is said to stimulate insulin release and the movement of sugar into cells, and to have antidiabetic effects.

„It actively stimulates insulin release, indirectly activating protein synthesis and the movement of sugar into the body’s cells, including muscle cells. It increases glycogen synthesis in muscle cells. It has antidiabetic effects. It prevents glucosuria (sugar in the urine). It lowers blood cholesterol and LDL, with lipotropic and anti-atherosclerotic effects.”Aktywnie pobudza uwalnianie insuliny, aktywując pośrednio syntezę białka i przenikanie cukru do komórek ciała, w tym mięśni. Zwiększa syntezę glikogenu w komórkach mięśniowych. Działa przeciwcukrzycowo. Zapobiega glukozurii (cukromocz). Obniża stężenie cholesterolu i LDL we krwi, działając lipotropowo i przeciwmiażdżycowo.
Zioła przeciwcukrzycowe jako alternatywy dla leków hipoglikemicznych syntetycznych, cz. II
Henryk Różański

Fenugreek combined with black cumin, yarrow, and licorice is said to lower blood sugar.

„Fenugreek combined with black cumin seeds — Semen Nigellae — yarrow herb and flowers — Herba Millefolii — and licorice root — Radix Liquiritiae — effectively relieves symptoms of allergies, rheumatic diseases, and inflammation of the liver and pancreas. It also lowers blood sugar.”Kozieradka w połączeniu z nasionami czarnuszki – Semen Nigellae), zielem i kwiatem krwawnika – Herba Millefolii oraz korzeniem lukrecji – Radix Liquiritiae skutecznie znosi objawy alergii, chorób reumatycznych i zapalenia wątroby oraz trzustki. Obniża również poziom cukru we krwi.
Zioła przeciwcukrzycowe jako alternatywy dla leków hipoglikemicznych syntetycznych, cz. II
Henryk Różański

A combination of fenugreek and garlic mustard is said to lower blood sugar and increase insulin secretion.

„Garlic mustard combined with flowering or fruiting fenugreek herb, or ground fenugreek seeds, in a 1:1 ratio (oil extracts or a tincture, preferably made from fresh material) supports the secretory functions of the pancreas and liver, lowers blood cholesterol and sugar, and has lipotropic effects. It increases insulin secretion, and when applied externally, promotes the healing of wounds, ulcers, and burns.”Czosnaczek w połączeniu z zielem kwitnącym lub owocującym kozieradki lub mielonym nasieniem kozieradki 1:1 (wyciągi olejowe, nalewka najlepiej na świeżych surowcach) wspomaga czynności wydzielnicze trzustki i wątroby, obniża poziom cholesterolu i cukru we krwi, działa lipotropowo. Wzmaga wydzielanie insuliny, a przy zastosowaniu zewnętrznym pobudza gojenie ran, owrzodzeń i oparzeń.
Czosnek niedźwiedzi – Allium ursinum L. (Bärlauch) i czosnaczek pospolity – Alliaria officinalis Andrz. jako pokarm i lek.
Henryk Różański

Fenugreek’s effects are described as including stimulation of insulin release and antidiabetic activity.

„Diosgenin is an isomer of yamogenin. It actively stimulates insulin release, indirectly activating protein synthesis and the movement of sugar into the body’s cells, including muscle cells. It increases glycogen synthesis in muscle cells. It has antidiabetic effects. It prevents glucosuria (sugar in the urine).”Diosgenina to izomer jamogeniny (yamogenin) Aktywnie pobudza uwalnianie insuliny, aktywując pośrednio syntezę białka i przenikanie cukru do komórek ciała, w tym mięśni. Zwiększa syntezę glikogenu w komórkach mięśniowych. Działa przeciwcukrzycowo. Zapobiega glukozurii (cukromocz).
Kozieradka – Trigonella w sporcie
Henryk Różański

Ground seeds can be taken by mouth in doses of 3–5 g, 2–3 times a day, or as a porridge or decoction.

„Fenugreek seeds can be taken by mouth after being powdered (ground), in doses of 3–5 g 2–3 times a day. They can also be taken as a porridge or decoction. Moisten 2 tablespoons of crushed seeds with alcohol. After 5 minutes, pour over 1 glass of water, bring to a boil, then leave covered for 30 minutes.”Nasiona kozieradki można spożywać doustnie po sproszkowaniu (zmieleniu) w ilości 3-5 g 2-3 razy dziennie, ponadto w formie kleiku i odwaru. 2 łyżki rozdrobnionych nasion zwilżyć spirytusem, po 5 minutach zalać 1 szklanką wody, zagotować, odstawić na 30 minut pod przykryciem.
Zioła przeciwcukrzycowe jako alternatywy dla leków hipoglikemicznych syntetycznych, cz. II
Henryk Różański

A glucose reduction of about 30–40% was reported with a combination of fenugreek, chromium, and other ingredients; three people developed hypoglycemia and had to stop taking the preparation.

„Chromium combined with iodine compounds, phytosterols, extracts of Bitter Melon and Trigonella (fenugreek), and pinitol caused a reduction in blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in all participants, as well as a reduction in blood glucose of about 30–40%. Three of the 11 volunteers even developed hypoglycemia, which forced them to stop taking the preparation.”Chrom natomiast w połączeniu ze związkami jodu, fitosterolami, ekstraktami z Bitter Melon i Trigonella (kozieradką) oraz pinitolem wywoływał u wszystkich osób spadek poziomu cholesterolu i triglicerydów we krwi, a także obniżenie glukozy we krwi o ok. 30-40%. U 3 pacjentów spośród 11 ochotników wystąpiło nawet zjawisko hipoglikemii, co zmusiło ich do odstawienia preparatu.
Chrom – Chromium jako biopierwiastek
Henryk Różański

Fenugreek was listed as one of the herbs in a combination recommended for diabetes.

„Lowers blood sugar. Indications: inflammation of the throat and bronchi; inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining; irritable bowel syndrome (best combined with valerian, hemp agrimony, and fenugreek); inflammation of the pancreas (combine with fenugreek and bitter melon — Momordica charantia — or with wild cucumber — Echinocystis lobata — and also with black cumin — nigella); diabetes (combine with bitter melon, goat’s rue, fenugreek, nettle, or wild cucumber); atherosclerosis (combine with myrrh, nicotinic acid, bitter melon, elecampane, turmeric, and/or black cumin); liver damage and reflux (combine with milk thistle, artichoke, vitamin B complex, lecithin, choline, methionine, betaine, cystine/cysteine, vegetable thistle, turmeric, black cumin, everlasting, horehound, and agrimony). Dosage: an infusion made with 1 tablespoon of flowering or fruiting herb per glass of boiling water; drink 1 glass of the infusion twice a day.”Obniża poziom cukru we krwi.Wskazania: stany zapalne gardła i oskrzeli; zapalenie błony śluzowej żołądka i jelit; zespół jelita drażliwego (najlepiej łączyć z kozłkiem, sadźcem konopiastym, kozieradką); stany zapalne trzustki (łączyć z kozieradką i balsamką – Momordica charantia lub z kolczurką – Echinocystis lobata, ponadto z czarnuszką – nigella), cukrzyca (łączyć z balsamką – Bitter melon, rutwicą, kozieradką, pokrzywą lub kolczurką), miażdżyca (łączyć z mirrą, z kwasem nikotynowym, balsamką, omanem, kurkumą i /lub/ czarnuszką), uszkodzenie wątroby i reflux (łączyć z ostropestem, karczochem, witaminą B complex, lecytyną, choliną, metioniną, betainą, cystyną/cysteiną, ostrożeniem warzywnym, kurkumą, czarnuszką, kocanką, szantą i rzepikiem).Dawkowanie: napar z łyżki ziela kwitnącego lub owocującego na szklankę wrzątku; 2 razy dziennie po 1 szklance naparu.
Szałwia lepka – Salvia glutinosa L. w ziołolecznictwie.

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 5 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 268.

A meta-analysis found that fenugreek lowered fasting and post-meal blood glucose, as well as HbA1c and insulin levels.

Aim of the study: The presented meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to analyze the effectiveness of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hr postprandial glucose (2hPPG), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Insulin and Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Results: A total of 26 Randomized controlled trial (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria. The results indicated significant improving effects of fenugreek on FBG (WMD: - 16.75 mg/dl; 95 % CI: - 23.36, - 10.15; p<0.001), 2hPP (WMD: - 22.28 mg/dl; 95 % CI: - 34.42 to - 10.15; p<0.001; I² (%): 95.1%, p<0.001), HbA1c levels (WMD: - 0.63 mg/dl; 95 % CI: - 0.76 to - 0.51; p<0.001), and insulin (SMD: - 0.42; 95 % CI: - 0.79 to - 0.05; p = 0.026). However, the HOMA-IR effect was insignificant (WMD: -22.28 mg/dl; 95 % CI: - 0.84 to 0.02; p = 0.061). The overall results support the possible protective and therapeutic effects of fenugreek on glycemic parameters. Future studies with higher quality are necessary to confirm the results of the present meta-analyses.

The effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed on glycemic parameters: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. · Avicenna J Phytomed 2025
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A meta-analysis found that fenugreek lowered fasting and post-meal blood glucose, as well as HbA1c.

Aim of the study: Saffron and fenugreek have been shown to have an effect on lowering blood glucose; therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of using saffron and fenugreek on blood glucose control. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant articles.

Results: Overall, using fenugreek decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG) (SMD: -0.90; 95%CI: -1.43 to -0.38; I2 = 87%; p < 0.001), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) (SMD: -1.13; 95%CI: -1.99 to -0.28; I2 = 94%; p < 0.001), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (SMD: -0.43; 95%CI: -0.75 to -0.12; I2 = 20%; p = 0.29). Saffron supplementation reduced FBG (MD: -9.06 mg/dl; 95%CI: -16.25 to -1.86; I2 = 40%; p = 0.12) and HbA1c (MD: -0.19%; 95%CI: -0.23 to -0.14; I2 = 0%; p > 0.99). Our results show that using saffron and fenugreek can reduce FBG, PPBG, and HbA1c; however, there are some shortcomings that require attention for these results. Further high-quality studies should be conducted to establish the clinical efficacy of herbal medicines.

Effect of saffron and fenugreek on lowering blood glucose: A systematic review with meta-analysis. · Phytother Res 2023
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A meta-analysis found that fenugreek significantly lowered fasting and post-meal blood glucose, as well as HbA1c.

Results: A total of 10 articles (12 studies) were included in the analysis. Pooled results showed fenugreek significantly decreased the levels of FBG (MD -0.84mmol/L; 95% CI -1.38 to -0.31; p=0.002), 2hBG (MD -1.30mmol/L; 95% CI -1.78 to -0.83; p<0.0001), HbA1c (MD -1.16; 95% CI -1.23 to -1.09; p<0.00001) and TC (MD -0.30mmol/L; 95% CI-0.56 to -0.03; p=0.03). In spite of the reductive trends in the TG or LDL-c levels and incremental trends of HDL-c, these results were not statistically significant or need further verification for fenugreek in the treatment of DM and prediabetes. Some studies were of low quality. No liver and kidney toxicity were found in all included studies, and the main side effects were gastrointestinal discomfort. The results suggest fenugreek has the hypoglycaemic and TC-lowering efficacy; however, the effects on TG, LDL-c and HDL-c need further confirmations.

Effect of fenugreek on hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetes and prediabetes: A meta-analysis. · J Ethnopharmacol 2016
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · National Natural Science Foundation of China
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In a small study of people with type 2 diabetes, fenugreek soaked in hot water reduced fasting blood glucose by 25%.

Aim of the study: Recently use of herbal medicines, have been considered as an alternative for therapeutic usage. So, this study was undertaken to evaluate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of fenugreek seeds in type 2 diabetic patients.

Results: After exclusion of 6 cases for changing in medication or personal problems, the results of 18 patients (11 consumed fenugreek in hot water and 7 in yoghurt) were studied. Findings showed that FBS, TG and VLDL-C decreased significantly (25 %, 30 % and 30.6 % respectively) after taking fenugreek seed soaked in hot water whereas there were no significantly changes in lab parameters in cases consumed it mixed with yoghurt. BMI, Energy, Carbohydrate, Protein and fat intake remained unchanged during study. This study shows that fenugreek seeds can be used as an adjuvant in the control of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the form of soaked in hot water.

Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients. · Int J Vitam Nutr Res 2009
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyclinical study in people
Participants24

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In healthy people, adding fenugreek to bread reduced the post-meal rise in glucose and the glycemic index.

Aim of the study: This study aimed to determine whether fenugreek seed powder could reduce the glycemic response and glycemic index (GI) when added to buns and flatbreads.

Results: The incremental areas under the glucose curve value of buns and flatbreads with 10 % fenugreek (138 ± 17 mmol × min/L; 121 ± 16 mmol × min/L) were significantly lower than those of 0 % fenugreek bun and flatbreads (227 ± 15 mmol × min/L; 174 ± 14 mmol × min/L, P = <0.01). Adding 10 % fenugreek seed powder reduced the GI of buns from 82 ± 5 to 51 ± 7 (P < 0.01) and to the GI of flatbread from 63 ± 4 to 43 ± 5 (P < 0.01). These results suggest that replacing 10 % of refined wheat flour with fenugreek seed powder significantly reduces the glycemic response and the GI of buns and flatbreads. Thus, fenugreek powder may be a useful functional ingredient to reduce postprandial glycemia.

Reduction of postprandial blood glucose in healthy subjects by buns and flatbreads incorporated with fenugreek seed powder. · Eur J Nutr 2016
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Universiti Sains Malaysia
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
Participants10

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Pisaczek does not judge who is right. It shows what was written and where to read it. Every sentence above has its source.