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.

Reported side effects:DiarrhoeaNausea and other digestive tract symptomsSafety: hepatic/renal toxicity and adverse events

Be careful if: pregnant, breastfeeding, some medical situations

Suspect a side effect? Report it to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme ↗

2linked conditions

13linked studies

On this pageWhat studies found Safety Evidence Availability Outcomes & conditions →

Evidence

What the research actually shows

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

What studies found

The headline results, condition by condition

The large figures are what the studies reported for each thing they measured. Open a card for every result.

Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.

High blood sugar

17 of 20 results reported a benefit

6 studies, including a review of trials

Long-term blood sugar (HbA1c)0.99 %lowerAverage of 2 results (from 0.85 % lower to 1.13 % lower) · 2 reviews of trials4 of 4 results reported a benefit2014 study 1 ↗2011 study 2 ↗
Fasting blood sugar0.96 mmol/llower1 review of trials3 of 3 results reported a benefit2014 study ↗
Blood sugar after glucose drink2.19 mmol/llower1 review of trials2 of 2 results reported a benefit2014 study ↗

No figure given: Blood sugar control (general) (reported a benefit).

Also measured alongside: Triglycerides (blood fats) (reported a benefit); 'Bad' (LDL) cholesterol (mixed results); 'Good' (HDL) cholesterol (reported a benefit); and 3 more.

Every result

Testosterone Support

4 of 4 results reported a benefit

1 randomised trial, 80 people

Free testosteroneReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedFree testosterone significantly increased with fenugreek (Libifem) compared with placebo over 8 weeks.1 randomised trial2015 study ↗

Also measured alongside: Sexual arousal (reported a benefit); Sexual desire (reported a benefit); Oestradiol (oestrogen) level (reported a benefit).

Every result

Safety

Safety and considerations

What sources report about side effects, who should be careful, and medicines to ask about first.

Reported side effects

Reported effect	How often	Basis	Sources
Diarrhoea	unknown	Listed by NIH ODS fact sheets	Fenugreek: Usefulness and Safety (NIH NCCIH fact sheet)
Nausea and other digestive tract symptoms	unknown	Listed by NIH ODS fact sheets	Fenugreek: Usefulness and Safety (NIH NCCIH fact sheet)
Safety: hepatic/renal toxicity and adverse events	unknown	Listed by PubMed corpus rows (PubMed 37762302)	Zaky MYS, et al. The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2023;24(18):14053 (PMID 37762302)

Serious effects reported

Reported effect	How often	Basis	Sources
Harmful drop in blood sugar with large doses	unknown	Listed by NIH ODS fact sheets	Fenugreek: Usefulness and Safety (NIH NCCIH fact sheet)
Allergic reactions, including serious reactions, in some people	unknown	Listed by NIH ODS fact sheets	Fenugreek: Usefulness and Safety (NIH NCCIH fact sheet)

Be careful if you…

Applies to	What sources say	Sources
pregnant	Fenugreek should not be used during pregnancy in amounts greater than those found in food; its use has been linked to increased risks of birth defects in both animals and people (NCCIH).	Fenugreek: Usefulness and Safety (NIH NCCIH fact sheet)
breastfeeding	Little is known about the effects of fenugreek in amounts greater than those found in food while breastfeeding (NCCIH); evidence on milk-supply effects is mixed.	Fenugreek: Usefulness and Safety (NIH NCCIH fact sheet)
some medical situations	If you take any type of medicine, talk with your health care provider before using fenugreek or other herbal products; some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways (NCCIH).	Fenugreek: Usefulness and Safety (NIH NCCIH fact sheet)

How much is too much

Stacking flags: lowers blood sugar

Sources

Fenugreek: Usefulness and Safety (NIH NCCIH fact sheet)Zaky MYS, et al. The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Mol Sci 2023;24(18):14053 (PMID 37762302)

Evidence analytics

Where the evidence is concentrated

Audited published research for Fenugreek by condition. Drill into a pair page for the full breakdown.

Published research

Fenugreek: findings by condition

What this means: Bars count reported findings, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.

One study may report several findings or appear in more than one pairing. Counts do not show the size of an effect. Comparable numerical estimates are not established for this summary.

View the full data table

Published research: reported directions by pairing
Compound and condition	Findings (count)	Studies (count)	Reported results (finding counts)	How sure?
High blood sugar	20	6	Benefit: 17; no benefit: 3; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded
Testosterone Support	4	1	Benefit: 4; no benefit: 0; harm: 0; unclear: 0; not recorded / unrecognised: 0	Not formally graded

Suggested uses (unproven)

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.

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

13studies referenced

12journals

2010–2023publication range

Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.

01Effect of Fenugreek on Hyperglycemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisShabil M, et al. · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2023PMID 36837450 ↗02Effect of saffron and fenugreek on lowering blood glucose: A systematic review with meta-analysisCorreia AGDS, et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2023PMID 36992660 ↗03Comparative 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 ↗04The 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 ↗05The Effects of Fenugreek on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisKhodamoradi K, et al. · Complementary therapies in medicine · 2020PMID 32951700 ↗06What G6PD-deficient individuals should really avoidLee SW, et al. · British journal of clinical pharmacology · 2017PMID 27650490 ↗

Show all 13 studies

07Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) intake on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trialsNeelakantan N, et al. · Nutrition journal · 2014PMID 24438170 ↗08Meta-analysis of the effect of herbal supplement on glycemic control in type 2 diabetesSuksomboon N, et al. · Journal of ethnopharmacology · 2011PMID 21843614 ↗09Antidiabetic plants of IranShojaii A, et al. · Acta medica Iranica · 2011PMID 22071637 ↗10Efficacy 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 ↗11Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic PatientsGeberemeskel GA, et al. · Journal of diabetes research · 2019PMID 31583253 ↗12Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women, a Randomised Placebo Controlled StudyRao A, et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2015PMID 25914334 ↗13Effects of a purported aromatase and 5α-reductase inhibitor on hormone profiles in college-age menWilborn C, et al. · International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism · 2010PMID 21116018 ↗

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Published research results

Reported results grouped by condition. Values and units are preserved as recorded; missing information is not estimated.

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”, “Possible harm” or “Unclear”). It is a study result — not advice, and not a promise it will work for you.
Evidence: Study design describes how research was conducted. It is not a formal certainty assessment.
Effect size: The result recorded in this summary. “Not reported” means the value is missing from the summary; it does not establish that the publication omitted it.

Reported direction, numerical results and study design are separate. Certainty has not been formally graded in this table.

Blood Sugar (20 outcomes)

Published research: Blood Sugar
What was measured	Reported findings	Result and units	Reported sample and duration	Study / source
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 Recorded unit: mmol/l	Sample (as reported): Not reported Follow-up: Not reported	Meta-analysis · 2014 Study details Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) intake on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trials. Meta-Analysis 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 Recorded unit: %	Sample (as reported): Not reported Follow-up: Not reported	Meta-analysis · 2014 Study details Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) intake on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trials. Meta-Analysis PMID 24438170
Postload glucose	Fenugreek lowered postload glucose compared to control interventions, with a mean change difference of -2.19 mmol/l. (95% CI: -3.19, -1.19)Benefit seen	-2.19 mmol/l Recorded unit: mmol/l	Sample (as reported): Not reported Follow-up: Not reported	Meta-analysis · 2014 Study details Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) intake on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trials. Meta-Analysis PMID 24438170
HbA(1c) with fenugreek	Fenugreek lowered HbA(1c) compared to placebo, with a mean difference of -1.13%. (95% CI -0.11% to -2.14%; P = 0.03)Benefit seen	-1.13% mean difference Recorded unit: %	Sample (as reported): Not reported Follow-up: Not reported	Meta-analysis · 2011 Study details Meta-analysis of the effect of herbal supplement on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Meta-Analysis PMID 21843614
fasting blood glucose (FBG)	Fenugreek reduced fasting blood glucose by SMD -19.64 vs placebo in 3130 people. (p < 0.05)Benefit seen	-19.64 SMD Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 3130 Follow-up: Not reported	Systematic review · 2023 Study details Comparative 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 trials. Systematic Review PMID 37451111
HbA1C	Fenugreek seeds reduced HbA1C by SMD 0.84 vs placebo in 3130 people.Benefit seen	0.84 SMD Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 3130 Follow-up: Not reported	Systematic review · 2023 Study details Comparative 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 trials. Systematic Review PMID 37451111
2 h plasma glucose during OGTT (2-hPG)	Fenugreek significantly reduced 2-hour plasma glucose compared to control in 706 participants.Benefit seen	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 706 Follow-up: Not reported	Systematic review · 2023 Study details The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Systematic Review PMID 37762302
Body mass index (BMI)	Fenugreek showed no significant difference in BMI compared to control in 706 participants.No clear benefit	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 706 Follow-up: Not reported	Systematic review · 2023 Study details The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Systematic Review PMID 37762302
Fasting blood glucose (FBG)	Fenugreek significantly reduced fasting blood glucose compared to control in 706 participants.Benefit seen	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 706 Follow-up: Not reported	Systematic review · 2023 Study details The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Systematic Review PMID 37762302
Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)	Fenugreek significantly reduced HbA1c compared to control in 706 participants.Benefit seen	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 706 Follow-up: Not reported	Systematic review · 2023 Study details The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Systematic Review PMID 37762302
High density lipoprotein (HDL-C)	Fenugreek significantly improved HDL-C compared to control in 706 participants.Benefit seen	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 706 Follow-up: Not reported	Systematic review · 2023 Study details The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Systematic Review PMID 37762302
Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)	Fenugreek did not significantly decrease HOMA-IR compared to control in 706 participants.No clear benefit	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 706 Follow-up: Not reported	Systematic review · 2023 Study details The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Systematic Review PMID 37762302
Low density lipoprotein (LDL-C)	Fenugreek showed no significant difference in LDL-C compared to control in 706 participants.No clear benefit	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 706 Follow-up: Not reported	Systematic review · 2023 Study details The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Systematic Review PMID 37762302
Total cholesterol (TC)	Fenugreek significantly improved total cholesterol compared to control in 706 participants.Benefit seen	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 706 Follow-up: Not reported	Systematic review · 2023 Study details The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Systematic Review PMID 37762302
Triglyceride (TG)	Fenugreek significantly improved triglycerides compared to control in 706 participants.Benefit seen	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 706 Follow-up: Not reported	Systematic review · 2023 Study details The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Systematic Review PMID 37762302
Glycemic control (best evidence among Iranian antidiabetic plants)	Among Iranian antidiabetic plants tested in RCTs, Trigonella foenum-graecum showed the best evidence for glycemic control vs control.Benefit seen	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): Not reported Follow-up: Not reported	Systematic review · 2011 Study details Antidiabetic plants of Iran. Systematic Review PMID 22071637
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol	HDL cholesterol increased by 21.7% vs metformin in 57 patients over one month. (P < 0.001)Benefit seen	21.7% Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 57 Follow-up: one month	Randomised trial · 2019 Study details Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients. Randomized Controlled Trial PMID 31583253
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol	LDL cholesterol decreased by 23.4% vs metformin in 57 patients over one month. (P < 0.001)Benefit seen	23.4% Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 57 Follow-up: one month	Randomised trial · 2019 Study details Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients. Randomized Controlled Trial PMID 31583253
Total cholesterol	Total cholesterol decreased by 13.6% vs metformin in 57 patients over one month. (P < 0.001)Benefit seen	13.6% Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 57 Follow-up: one month	Randomised trial · 2019 Study details Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients. Randomized Controlled Trial PMID 31583253
Triglyceride	Triglycerides decreased by 23.53% vs metformin in 57 patients over one month. (P < 0.05)Benefit seen	23.53% Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 57 Follow-up: one month	Randomised trial · 2019 Study details Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients. Randomized Controlled Trial PMID 31583253

Testosterone (4 outcomes)

Published research: Testosterone
What was measured	Reported findings	Result and units	Reported sample and duration	Study / source
Estradiol (E2)	Estradiol levels significantly increased with fenugreek (Libifem) compared with placebo over 8 weeks.Benefit seen	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 80 Follow-up: 8 weeks	Randomised trial · 2015 Study details Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women, a Randomised Placebo Controlled Study. Randomized Controlled Trial PMID 25914334
Free testosterone	Free testosterone significantly increased with fenugreek (Libifem) compared with placebo over 8 weeks.Benefit seen	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 80 Follow-up: 8 weeks	Randomised trial · 2015 Study details Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women, a Randomised Placebo Controlled Study. Randomized Controlled Trial PMID 25914334
Sexual arousal	Sexual arousal significantly increased with fenugreek (Libifem) compared with placebo over 8 weeks.Benefit seen	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 80 Follow-up: 8 weeks	Randomised trial · 2015 Study details Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women, a Randomised Placebo Controlled Study. Randomized Controlled Trial PMID 25914334
Sexual desire	Sexual desire significantly increased with fenugreek (Libifem) compared with placebo over 8 weeks.Benefit seen	Not reported Recorded unit: Not reported	Sample (as reported): 80 Follow-up: 8 weeks	Randomised trial · 2015 Study details Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women, a Randomised Placebo Controlled Study. Randomized Controlled Trial PMID 25914334

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.

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 →

Availability

Where to get Fenugreek (UK)

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

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