Fenugreek 

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb fenugreek—common 

names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The 

first recorded use of fenugreek is described on an ancient Egyptian papyrus 

dated to 1500 B.C. Fenugreek seed is commonly used in cooking. 

Common Names—fenugreek, fenugreek seed 

Latin Name—Trigonella foenum-graecum 

What It Is Used For 

•	 Historically, fenugreek was used for a variety of health conditions, including 

menopausal symptoms and digestive problems. It was also used for 

inducing childbirth. 

•	 Today, it is used for diabetes and loss of appetite, and to stimulate milk 

production in breastfeeding women. It is also applied to the skin to 

treat inflammation. 

How It Is Used 

The dried seeds are ground and taken by mouth or used to form a paste that is 

applied to the skin. 

What the Science Says 

•	 A few small studies have found that fenugreek may help lower blood sugar 

levels in people with diabetes. 

•	 There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of fenugreek for 

any other health condition. 

Side Effects and Cautions 

•	 Possible side effects of fenugreek when taken by mouth include gas, 

bloating, and diarrhea. Fenugreek can cause irritation when applied to 

the skin. 

•	 Given its historical use for inducing childbirth, women should use caution 

when taking fenugreek during pregnancy. 

•	 Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative 

practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your 

health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. 
 

Sources 

Fenugreek. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on 

December 28, 2006. 

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Leguminosae). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at 

http://www.naturalstandard.com on December 28, 2006. 

Fenugreek seed. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 

Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:130-133. 

For More Information 

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view: 

• What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements at nccam.nih.gov/health/bottle/ 

• Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too at nccam.nih.gov/health/supplement-safety/ 

NCCAM Clearinghouse 

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226 

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov 

CAM on PubMed 

Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov 

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. 

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for 

the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to 

discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of 

any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. 

National Institutes of Health 

♦♦♦

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

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Created March 2007 

Updated April 2008 

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