Fenugreek Trigonella Foenum-Graecum.

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Pharmacology of Fenugreek Seed.

Fenugreek Seed Extracts INCI Name Trigonella Foenum Graecum Extract CAS 84625-40-1 EINECS ELINCS No 283-415-1 photo picture image Effect on milk production:

 Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) appears to be the herb that is most often used to increase milk supply. It is an excellent galactagogue, and has been used as such for centuries. In one study of ten women, "the use of fenugreek significantly increased volume of breastmilk" [Swafford 2000].

 Mothers generally notice an increase in production 24-72 hours after starting the herb, but it can take two weeks for others to see a change.

 Dosages of less than 6 capsules/day (approx 3500 mg/day) produce no effect in many women. One way to determine if you're taking the correct dosage is to slowly increase the amount of fenugreek until your sweat and urine begin to smell like maple syrup. If you're having problems with any side effects, discontinue use and consider alternative methods of increasing milk supply.

 Fenugreek can be used either short-term to boost milk supply or long-term to augment supply and/or pumping yields. There are no studies indicating problems with long-term usage. Per Kathleen Huggins "Most mothers have found that the herb can be discontinued once milk production is stimulated to an appropriate level. Adequate production is usually maintained as long as sufficient breast stimulation and emptying continues" [Huggins].

 Fenugreek has been used traditionally to treat diabetes, coughs, congestion, bronchitis, fever, high blood pressure, headaches/migraines, diarrhea, flatulence, anaemia, irregular menstrual cycles and arthritis, to ease labor pains and menstruation pain, and as an appetite stimulant. Fenugreek has also been used as an external poultice to control inflammation and dandruff.

 There is current research being done on using fenugreek for diabetes, high cholesterol, inflammatory bowel disease and gastric ulcers.

 A Friend tell me that:"IN MY LAWN BY THE WAY I HAVE GROWN THE FENUGREEK AND I CUT THE GREEN LEAVES OF THE FENUGREEK AND COOK WITH ONION AND SALT AND PEPPERS AND PUT LITTLE PIECE OF POTATOES.",So you know Fenugreek also could be good food and cooked with onion and peppers.

 You may try if you would like to tatste, this is a good thing, and my friend said "ACTUALLY, HERBS ARE THE GOD GIVEN GIFT TO THE MANKIND AND I LOVE A PERSON WHO LOVE THE HERBS.",So we must thanks God and thanks ALLAN present such a good "GIFT" to livings.

 Cholesterol-lowering effects:Fecal bile acid and cholesterol excretion are increased by fenugreek administration. This may be secondary to a reaction between the bile acids and fenugreek-derived saponins causing the formation of micelles too large for the digestive tract to absorb. Another hypothesis attributes the cholesterol-lowering activities to the fiber-rich gum portion of the seed that reduces the rate of hepatic synthesis of cholesterol. It is likely that both mechanisms contribute to the overall effect.

 Animal data:Studies have clearly demonstrated the cholesterol-lowering activity of fenugreek in animals. In a typical study, fractions of fenugreek seeds were added to the diets of diabetic hypercholesterolemic and normal dogs. The defatted fraction, which contains about 54% fiber and about 5% steroidal saponins, lowered plasma cholesterol, blood glucose, and plasma glucagon levels from pretreatment values in both groups of dogs.The hypocholesterolemic effect has been reproduced in rats. Administration of the fiber-rich fraction of fenugreek to diabetic rats lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein (LDL). The level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) was increased.

 Clinical data:Serum triglycerides were reduced from baseline in patients with newly-diagnosed, mild, type-2 diabetes mellitus who received a hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek seeds 1 g/day. Total cholesterol and proportions of LDL and HDL fractions were not altered by treatment. A systematic review identified 5 other randomized clinical trials (N = 140) investigating the cholesterol-lowering effects of fenugreek seeds. Reductions (15% to 33%) of serum cholesterol from baseline were reported in all the trials identified. One small study using an aqueous extract of fenugreek leaves in healthy volunteers showed cholesterol reductions compared with control subjects after a single dose. Dose-dependent hypocholesterolemic effects of germinated fenugreek seeds also have been demonstrated.Total serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were reduced, while HDL cholesterol remained unchanged.

 Glucose-lowering effects:The galactomannan-rich soluble fiber fraction of fenugreek may be responsible for the antidiabetic activity of the seeds. Insulinotrophic and antidiabetic properties also have been associated with the amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine that occurs in fenugreek at a concentration of about 0.55%. In vitro studies have indicated that this amino acid causes direct pancreatic beta-cell stimulation. Delayed gastric emptying and inhibition of glucose transport also have been postulated as possible mechanisms.

 Animal data:Multiple studies have been undertaken to demonstrate the glucose-lowering effects of fenugreek. A typical study evaluated the hypoglycemic effects of the seeds in dogs. The defatted fraction of the seeds lowered blood glucose levels, plasma glucagons, and somatostatin levels; carbohydrate-induced hyperglycemia also was reduced.

 Clinical data:Glycemic control was improved in a small study of patients with mild type-2 diabetes mellitus. A reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and increased insulin sensitivity were observed in fenugreek recipients. The preparation was well tolerated, with no patients withdrawing from the study because of adverse effects. Patients receiving the fenugreek preparation also were allowed to receive adjuvant antidiabetic preparations if required; caution is advised in the interpretation of these results.

 Anti-inflammatory effects:

 Animal data:Rats treated with a single dose of fenugreek extract 100 or 200 mg/kg showed a dose-related response when treated with carrageenin. Inhibition of inflammatory swelling was 45% and 62% in the lower and higher dose groups, respectively, compared with 100% in untreated animals.

 Clinical data:Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of fenugreek as an anti-inflammatory agent.

 Antitumor activity:A French patent has been granted to a product purported to have antitumor activity, especially against fibromas. The product contains extracts of several herbal products, including fenugreek.

 Animal data:Pretreatment with a fenugreek extract was found to enhance macrophage cell counts in rats. When these rats were subsequently inoculated with tumor cells, tumor cell growth was inhibited.

 Clinical data:Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of fenugreek as an antitumor agent.

 Antioxidant effects:High levels of polyphenolic flavonoids (more than 100 mg per 100 g) have been isolated from fenugreek seeds. These have been associated with dose-dependent protection of erythrocytes from antioxidant damage in an in vitro study.

 Animal data:Simultaneous administration of an aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds with ethanol prevented the harmful effects of alcohol on lipid peroxidation and enzyme markers of hepatotoxicity. Histopathological examination of liver and brain confirmed these findings, indicating that fenugreek could offer some protection against ethanol toxicity.

 Clinical data:Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of fenugreek as an antioxidant.

 Other uses:

 The seeds are rich in protein, and the plant is grown as animal forage. Diosgenin, a precursor used in commercial steroid synthesis, is extracted from the seeds. The remaining residue is rich in nitrogen and potassium and is used as an agricultural fertilizer.

 Because the seeds contain up to 50% of mucilaginous fiber, they have been used in the preparation of topical poultices and emollients; internally this ability to swell in volume has been utilized to relieve constipation and diarrhea.

 Reduction in cataract incidence has been demonstrated in diabetic rats receiving an extract of fenugreek seeds and leaves. After 115 days of treatment, cataracts were diagnosed in 25% of fenugreek recipients compared with 100% of diabetic controls. Oral administration of fenugreek seed fractions resulted in dose-dependent gastric protection against the effects of ethanol (a necrotizing agent). The seeds were as effective as omeprazole, a clinically-recognized antiulcer agent. Ulcer scores indicated that the soluble gel fraction was more effective than the aqueous extract or omeprazole.

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Reference:

citations1.Fenugreek Trigonella Foenum-Graecum.

last edit date:19th,May.2009.