Fenugreek Trigonella Foenum-Graecum.

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Possible side effects and cautions of fenugreek.

Fenugreek Seed Extracts INCI Name Trigonella Foenum Graecum Extract CAS 84625-40-1 EINECS ELINCS No 283-415-1 photo picture image Adverse Reactions:

 Sweat and urine smells like maple syrup; milk and/or breastfed baby may smell like maple syrup.
 Occasionally causes loose stools, which go away when fenugreek is discontinued.
 Use of more than 100 grams of fenugreek seeds daily can cause intestinal distress and nausea (recommended dose is less than 8 grams per day).
 Repeated external applications can result in undesirable skin reactions [Wichtl 1994].

 Ingestion of fenugreek seeds or tea in infants or late-term pregnant women can lead to false diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease in the infant due to presence of sotolone in the urine. See [Korman 2001] and other studies on fenugreek and maple syrup urine smell.

 When ingested in culinary quantities, fenugreek usually is devoid of adverse reactions. However, a case of hypersensitivity to curry powder has been linked to ingestion of the spice.Rechallenge with individual ingredients of the powder elicited bronchospasm and bowel symptoms with fenugreek and cardamom.

 Patients receiving a hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek seeds in clinical trials have reported dyspepsia and mild abdominal distention for the first few days of treatment. These conditions subsided on continuation of therapy.

 False diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease (see Pregnancy/Lactation) has been reported in several infants who were given fenugreek-containing herbal teas.

 Use with caution or avoid if you have a history of:

 Peanut or chickpea allergy:Fenugreek is in the same family with peanuts and chickpeas, and may cause an allergic reaction in moms who are allergic to these things. Two cases of fenugreek allergy have been reported in the literature. [Patil 1997, Ohnuma 1998, Lawrence 1999]

 Diabetes or hypoglycemia:Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels, and in the few studies using it as a hypoglycemic, also reduces blood cholesterol. Dosages higher than the recommended one (given above) may result in hypoglycemia in some mothers [Heller]. If you're diabetic (IDDM), use fenugreek only if you have good control of your blood glucose levels. While taking this, closely monitor your fasting levels and post-prandial (after meals) levels. Mothers with hypoglycemia should also use fenugreek with caution. For more on fenugreek and glucose levels, see the references below.

 Asthma:Fenugreek is often cited as a natural remedy for asthma. However, inhalation of the powder can cause asthma and allergic symptoms. Some mothers have reported that it worsened their asthma symptoms. [Dugue 1993, Huggins, Lawrence 1999].

 Abnormal menstrual cycles:Fenugreek is considered to be an emmenagogue (promotes menstrual flow). Per [White], it may cause breakthrough menstrual bleeding; this source recommends using fenugreek with caution if you have a history of abnormal menstrual cycles.

 Migraines:Fenugreek is often cited as a natural remedy for migraines. However, [White] indicates that it may trigger a migraine and/or contribute to the duration and severity of a migraine.

 Blood pressure problems or heart disease:Fenugreek is commonly reported to lower blood pressure and LDL blood cholesterol levels. [White] indicates, however, that it may cause or contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure) - this source recommends avoiding this herb if you have a history of hypertension, or if there is a strong family history of hypertension or heart disease.

 Pregnancy/Lactation:Fenugreek has documented uterine stimulant effects and has been used in traditional medicine to induce childbirth and hasten delivery by promoting uterine contractions. Avoid use in pregnancy.

 Maple syrup urine disease, a disorder of branched-chain amino acid catabolism that results in abnormal accumulations of the amino acids and their metabolites, was suspected in a healthy infant born to a mother who ingested a paste prepared from fenugreek seeds early in labor.Fenugreek, maple syrup, and the urine of patients with the disease share a characteristic odor originating from a common ingredient, sotolone. The seeds have been used in traditional medicine to augment milk supply in nursing women. The extent of transmission of fenugreek-derived constituents into breast milk is unknown.

 Drug interactions of Fenugreek

 Oral drugs or herbs taken at the same time as fenugreek may have delayed absorption due to the mucilage content of fenugreek. [Wichtl 1994]
 Glipizide and other antidiabetic drugs
 Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels and may enhance the effects of these drugs.

 Insulin:
 Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels, so insulin dosage may need to be adjusted.
 Heparin, Warfarin and other anticoagulants
 Ticlopidine and other platelet inhibitors

 The fenugreek plant contains several coumarin compounds. Although studies have not shown any problems, it potentially could cause bleeding if combined with these types of drugs.

 MAOIs:
 Fenugreek contains amine and has the potential to augment the effect of these drugs.

 Drug Interaction References: [Wichtl 1994] Fenugreek drug interactions from Healthnotes;Fenugreek drug interactions from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

 Fenugreek use during pregnancy

 Medicinal doses of fenugreek, not the amounts used in curries, are considered a uterine stimulant. Fenugreek has been used to aid and induce labor [Dehlvi, Bingel 1991, IntelliHealth] and is considered to be an emmenagogue [Turner]. For this reason, fenugreek use is not recommended during pregnancy (particularly late pregnancy).

 Fenugreek is used as a morning sickness remedy in Chinese medicine. [Richmond]
 "Use only in moderation during pregnancy. A uterine stimulant in high doses, but quite safe as a culinary herb or during labour." [Ody 1999]
 Motherlove Herbal lists fenugreek as a cleansing herb which is "too strong or irritating" to be used during pregnancy. [Motherlove]
 One study effectively used fenugreek as a source of fiber to control blood glucose and lipid levels of pregnant diabetic women. [Madar 1987]
 "A stimulant effect on the isolated uterus (guinea pig) has been reported and its use in late pregnancy may not be advisable." [Hale 2002]

 "Water and alcohol extracts of fenugreek are oxytocic. They stimulate contraction of uterine smooth muscles during the last period of pregnancy according to studies on isolated guinea pig uterus tissue." [Willard 1991]

 "Fenugreek exerts an oxytocic effect in guinea pigs. Its use in humans has not been sufficiently studied, but could potentially lead to SAB or preterm labor and prematurity secondary to its oxytocic effects. Its use in pregnancy is not recommended." [Rice]
 Not recommended during pregnancy. [CommE, Brinker 1998, McGuffin 1997, MHO]

 Possible side effects for baby:

 Most of the time, baby is unaffected by mom's use of fenugreek (except that more milk is usually available). Sometimes baby will smell like maple syrup, too (just like mom). However, some moms have noticed that baby is fussy and/or has green, watery stools when mom is taking fenugreek and the symptoms go away when mom discontinues the fenugreek.

 Fenugreek can cause GI symptoms in mom (upset stomach, diarrhea), so it's possible for it to cause GI symptoms in baby too. Also anyone can have an allergic reaction to any herb, and fenugreek allergy, though rare, has been documented.

 Another reason for these types of symptoms,and perhaps more likely than a reaction to the herb,may be that mom's supply has increased due to the fenugreek and the symptoms are those of oversupply, where baby is getting too much foremilk. Fussiness, gas and green watery stools are classic symptoms of an overabundant milk supply.

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Reference:

citations1.Fenugreek Trigonella Foenum-Graecum.

last edit date:19th,May.2009.