With the desire to find natural active ingredients that are safe for users, modern medicine has delved into research on medicinal herbs used since ancient times. And fenugreek is one of the herbs that is of interest in research. In this article, Atlantic Medical will help readers learn more about fenugreek.

What is fenugreek?

Fenugreek (also known as fenugreek, bitter bean) is a herb belonging to the legume family.Fabaceae), whose scientific name is Trigonella foenum-graecum. The English name of fenugreek is Fenugreek or Methi. The fenugreek plant is about 60-90cm tall, has green leaves, small white flowers, and yellow-brown or amber seeds. Fenugreek seeds are commonly used in making pickles, dry curry powders and pastes, and are generally found in Indian dishes.

Fenugreek is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. But nowadays, fenugreek is also grown and grown in many other parts of the world such as Central and Southeast Europe, India, West Asia and North Africa.

Fenugreek ingredients

Fenugreek contains 23–26% proteins, 6–7% fats and 58% carbohydrates of which about 25% is fiber. The chemical composition of fenugreek is also very diverse, including:

Uses of fenugreek

Since ancient times, people can use fenugreek for many different purposes. Modern medicine also has many studies showing the potential effects of fenugreek:

Reduce blood sugar

Two systematic reviews show the ability of fenugreek to control blood sugar. And according to another systematic review, fenugreek has the following effects:

• Reduce fasting blood sugar (before meals)
• Reduced blood sugar levels two hours after meals (post-meal)
• Reduced HbA1C index - an index that evaluates the average blood sugar level in the most recent 3 months

Fenugreek can be used in many different forms and the blood sugar-lowering effect of fenugreek can be related to different uses such as raw seeds, cooked seeds, powdered extracts, etc. Therefore , rigorous, scientifically designed studies need to be carried out to have specific, solid information about the blood sugar-lowering effects of fenugreek.

Reduce blood fat, improve cardiovascular health

Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, fenugreek reduces total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”), while increasing HDL-cholesterol (“good cholesterol”). in blood. As a result, fenugreek can help improve blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of developing heart disease and improve cardiovascular health.

Benefits milk

According to ancient medical literature, fenugreek is used to stimulate lactation in postpartum women. A systematic review of the association between fenugreek use and increased lactation is uncertain. In a 2014 study, 25 women who had just given birth drank 3 cups of fenugreek tea daily for 2 weeks and noticed an increase in milk production in the first weeks. Some milk-enhancing products on the market today are also derived from fenugreek.

Prevent cancer

Fenugreek contains a type of steroid saponin, diosgenin, which has been shown to block pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, prevent cancer cell growth, and trigger cancer cell death. programmed – apoptosis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition that affects the fertility of adult women. Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause problems such as dryness, irregular menstruation, ovarian cysts, etc. In a small clinical trial, 50 study participants took two 500mg Furocyst capsules (extracted from fenugreek seeds) daily for 90 days. At the end of the clinical trial, 46% participants had smaller ovarian cysts and 36% had no more cysts. Furthermore, 71% of study participants reported regular menstruation, and 12% of trial participants became pregnant. Although these results are promising, this trial had a small sample size and was not designed to be placebo-controlled as a means of control. RCT study So it still needs to be studied more closely to firmly confirm the effects of fenugreek on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Asthma

People with mild asthma may benefit from fenugreek as an add-on treatment to beta-agonists such as albuterol, according to the results of a small clinical trial. In this clinical trial, some study participants took 10 ml of fenugreek syrup twice a day for 4 weeks (Fenugreek seed extract was processed into syrup with honey). Results after 4 weeks, compared to the placebo group, those taking fenugreek syrup noted:

• Quality of life is improved
• Lower levels of interleukin-4 (a natural protein that plays a role in causing inflammation and edema of the respiratory tract)
• Better lung function

Supports weight loss

Fenugreek may suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness, which may limit hunger weight gain. In a 2015 study, nine overweight Korean women drank fennel, fenugreek, or placebo tea before lunch. People who drink fenugreek tea report feeling less hungry and more full. However, tea did not cause participants to consume less. Due to its high fiber content, fenugreek powder can also provide a feeling of fullness.

Increase testosterone, increase sexual desire

Fenugreek may help increase levels testosterone in both men and women. In a 2017 study, 50 male volunteers took fenugreek seed extract for 12 weeks. Additionally, approximately 85% of participants had increased sperm counts.

Not only does it increase testosterone in men, fenugreek seed extract - Libifem® - has also proven to enhance sexual desire and experience in women through controlled clinical research over 80 years. women from 20-49 years old. Libifem® also helps relieve symptoms of discomfort Hormonal decline (characterized by premenopause, menopause)

Pain relief

Fenugreek has long been used for pain relief in traditional systems of medicine. Researchers think that compounds called alkaloids in this herb help block sensory receptors that allow the brain to sense pain. In a 2014 study, 51 women with menstrual cramps took fenugreek seed powder capsules three times a day for the first 3 days of their period for 2 consecutive months. They experienced shorter periods of pain and fewer symptoms between months.

Notes when using fenugreek

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes that nightshade can be considered safe. There were no significant side effects with fenugreek in a 90-day study in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). People using Libifem® – a standardized fenugreek extract – in studies did not report any side effects on the body. Some unwanted effects recorded when using fenugreek since ancient times often occur on the digestive tract, including: abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea.

Pregnant women should avoid using fenugreek because it contains compounds that can stimulate uterine contractions. People with chronic illnesses, and women who are breastfeeding, should talk to their doctor before starting fenugreek supplements or significantly increasing their dietary intake.

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