Fenugreek

© Steven Foster

This fact sheet provides basic information about fenugreek—common 

names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and 

resources for more information.

Common Names—fenugreek, fenugreek seed

Latin Name—Trigonella foenum-graecum

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. Historically, fenugreek was used for a variety of health 

conditions, including menopausal symptoms and digestive problems. 

It was also used for inducing childbirth. Today, fenugreek is used as a 

folk or traditional remedy for diabetes and loss of appetite, and to 

stimulate milk production in breastfeeding women. It is also applied 

to the skin for inflammation.

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 all your health care providers about any complementary health 

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

manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe 

care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about 

complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM’s Time to 

Talk campaign at nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk/. 
Sources

Fenugreek. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on August 18, 2009.

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

www.naturalstandard.com on August 13, 2009.

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 Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

(nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm).

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

PubMed®

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

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

D364

Created March 2007

Updated April 2012