Herb

Fenugreek

Also known as Trigonella foenum-graecum

Legume seed containing furostanolic saponins studied for modest increases in free testosterone and libido in men; used traditionally to support lactation and post-meal blood glucose control.

2linked conditions

13linked studies

On this pageEvidence Availability Outcomes & conditions →

Evidence

What the research actually shows

We link to relevant studies and leave interpretation to you and your healthcare professional.

Evidence analytics

Where the evidence is concentrated

Number of audited published findings for Fenugreek by condition. Drill into a pair page for the full breakdown.

Putative uses

Where people report using it and what trials suggest

Weak evidenceGlycaemic markers
Weak evidenceTestosterone/libido (Testofen-type extracts)

Where the evidence is negative

Common claims the trials do not support

Testosterone trials are small, industry-run, and often in specific panels (resistance-trained or diagnosed-low men).
Libido benefits not consistently replicated.

Seed with culinary and traditional-medicine use; metabolic signals exist but testosterone/libido claims are weak.

Safety notes: Maple-syrup body odour harmless; may affect uterine tone — avoid pregnancy; interacts with warfarin and diabetes meds.

Evidence grades reflect study quality and consistency, not marketing claims.

13studies referenced

12journals

2010–2023publication range

01Effect of Fenugreek on Hyperglycemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisShabil M, et al. · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2023PMID 36837450 ↗02The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsKim J, et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2023PMID 37762302 ↗03Effect of saffron and fenugreek on lowering blood glucose: A systematic review with meta-analysisCorreia AGDS, et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2023PMID 36992660 ↗04Comparative effectiveness of six herbs in the management of glycemic status of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsKumar S, et al. · Diabetes & metabolic syndrome · 2023PMID 37451111 ↗05Efficacy of a novel extract of fenugreek seeds in alleviating vasomotor symptoms and depression in perimenopausal women: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studyKhanna A, et al. · Journal of food biochemistry · 2020PMID 33025616 ↗06

Search PubMed ↗Find clinical trials ↗

What trials found, in numbers

Summaries of published trial results for this compound, grouped by condition. Numbers are reported exactly as the researchers published them — we never calculate or convert.

How to read this table

Benefit: What the trial saw happen: whether the measured outcome moved in the helpful direction in that one study (the tag on each row: “Benefit seen”, “No clear benefit” or “Unclear”). It is a study result — not advice, and not a promise it will work for you.
Evidence: How strong the research behind that result is. A meta-analysis pools many studies (strongest); a systematic review collates them; an RCT tests against a control (placebo); observational studies only watch — they can suggest, not prove.
Effect size: How large the measured change was, exactly as the researchers published it. “No number reported” means the abstract gave no effect size — we never invent one.

In short: benefit is what was observed; evidence is how much you should trust the observation. A “Benefit seen” tag on a weak study counts for far less than the same tag on a meta-analysis.

Blood Sugar (29 outcomes)

Outcome measured	What trials found	Effect size	People studied	Duration	Type of evidence	Study
Fasting glucose	Fenugreek lowered fasting glucose compared to control interventions, with a mean change difference of -0.96 mmol/l. (95% CI: -1.52, -0.40)Benefit seen	-0.96 mmol/l	—	—	Meta-analysis · 2014	PMID 24438170
HbA1c	Fenugreek lowered HbA1c compared to control interventions, with a mean change difference of -0.85%. (95% CI: -1.49%, -0.22%)Benefit seen	-0.85% mean change difference	—	—	Meta-analysis · 2014	PMID 24438170

Outcomes & conditions

Why people look into Fenugreek — and what they report

Associated conditions and community-reported outcomes, wrapped together on one page. Aggregates appear only once enough reports arrive.

Outcomes & conditions →

Important: This page reflects observational, aggregate-only community reporting and independent published research. It is not medical advice, and it does not claim any compound treats, cures, or is effective for any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or treatment.

Availability

Where to get Fenugreek (UK)

How this compound is sold in the UK, and where our readers typically find it.

Retailer search links — we may earn commission on purchases at no cost to you. Commission never affects our evidence ratings.

Search Fenugreek on Amazon UK →Search Fenugreek on Holland & Barrett →Search Fenugreek on iHerb →

Outcome measured	What trials found	Effect size	People studied	Duration	Type of evidence	Study
Estradiol (E2)	Estradiol levels significantly increased with fenugreek (Libifem) compared with placebo over 8 weeks.Benefit seen	no number reported	80	8 weeks	RCT · 2015	PMID 25914334
Free testosterone	Free testosterone significantly increased with fenugreek (Libifem) compared with placebo over 8 weeks.Benefit seen	no number reported	80	8 weeks	RCT · 2015	PMID 25914334
Sexual arousal	Sexual arousal significantly increased with fenugreek (Libifem) compared with placebo over 8 weeks.Benefit seen	no number reported	80	8 weeks	RCT · 2015	PMID 25914334
Sexual desire	Sexual desire significantly increased with fenugreek (Libifem) compared with placebo over 8 weeks.Benefit seen	no number reported	80	8 weeks	RCT · 2015	PMID 25914334