herb × Metabolic Health
Fenugreek for High blood sugar
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.
6published research: study records
20published research: findings
Not formally gradedcertainty of the research
Published research
What studies found
Fenugreek for High blood sugar
17 of 20 results reported a benefit, from 6 published studies.
6 studies, including a review of trials · the chart counts everything measured
- 17 reported a benefit
- 3 no clear benefit
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
- 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 ↗
- Blood sugar control (general)Reported a benefitmeasurement not reportedAmong Iranian antidiabetic plants tested in RCTs, Trigonella foenum-graecum showed the best evidence for glycemic control vs control.1 review of trials2011 study ↗
Also measured in these studies (5)
These were measured alongside, but they are not what this condition is about.
- Triglycerides (blood fats)23.5%reduction compared with the start of the study1 randomised trial, compared with the start of the study2 of 2 results reported a benefit2019 study ↗
- 'Bad' (LDL) cholesterol23.4%reduction compared with the start of the study1 randomised trial, compared with the start of the study1 of 2 results reported a benefit2019 study ↗
- 'Good' (HDL) cholesterol21.7%increase compared with the start of the study1 randomised trial, compared with the start of the study2 of 2 results reported a benefit2019 study ↗
- Total cholesterol13.6%reduction compared with the start of the study1 randomised trial, compared with the start of the study2 of 2 results reported a benefit2019 study ↗
- Body mass index (BMI)No clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedFenugreek showed no significant difference in BMI compared to control in 706 participants.1 review of trials2023 study ↗
1 laboratory marker also measured
- Insulin resistance · lab markerNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedFenugreek did not significantly decrease HOMA-IR compared to control in 706 participants.1 review of trials2023 study ↗
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultWhy Fenugreek for High blood sugar?
The connection
Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome — where the aim is lower blood sugar.
Also known as: Trigonella foenum-graecum
Published research
Fenugreek × High blood sugar: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
Fenugreek / High blood sugar: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Benefit | 17 |
| No benefit | 3 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Meta-analysis | 4 |
| Systematic review | 12 |
| Randomised trial | 4 |
- Studies
- 6
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) intake on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trials. (PMID 24438170) | Fasting glucose | -0.96 mmol/l | 95% CI: -1.52, -0.40 | Not reported |
| Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) intake on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trials. (PMID 24438170) | HbA1c | -0.85% mean change difference | 95% CI: -1.49%, -0.22% | Not reported |
| Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) intake on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trials. (PMID 24438170) | Postload glucose | -2.19 mmol/l | 95% CI: -3.19, -1.19 | Not reported |
| Meta-analysis of the effect of herbal supplement on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. (PMID 21843614) | HbA(1c) with fenugreek | -1.13% mean difference | 95% CI -0.11% to -2.14%; P = 0.03 | Not reported |
| 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. (PMID 37451111) | fasting blood glucose (FBG) | -19.64 SMD | p < 0.05 | Not reported |
| 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. (PMID 37451111) | HbA1C | 0.84 SMD | Not reported | Not reported |
| The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37762302) | 2 h plasma glucose during OGTT (2-hPG) | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37762302) | Body mass index (BMI) | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37762302) | Fasting blood glucose (FBG) | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37762302) | Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37762302) | High density lipoprotein (HDL-C) | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37762302) | Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37762302) | Low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37762302) | Total cholesterol (TC) | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (PMID 37762302) | Triglyceride (TG) | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Antidiabetic plants of Iran. (PMID 22071637) | Glycemic control (best evidence among Iranian antidiabetic plants) | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients. (PMID 31583253) | High-density lipoprotein cholesterol | 21.7% | P < 0.001 | one month |
| Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients. (PMID 31583253) | Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol | 23.4% | P < 0.001 | one month |
| Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients. (PMID 31583253) | Total cholesterol | 13.6% | P < 0.001 | one month |
| Antidiabetic Effect of Fenugreek Seed Powder Solution (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on Hyperlipidemia in Diabetic Patients. (PMID 31583253) | Triglyceride | 23.53% | P < 0.05 | one month |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 37451111 2023 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 3130Duration: Not reported | fasting blood glucose (FBG) | -19.64 SMD (p < 0.05) | Benefit |
| PMID 37451111 2023 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 3130Duration: Not reported | HbA1C | 0.84 SMD | Benefit |
| PMID 37762302 2023 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 706Duration: Not reported | 2 h plasma glucose during OGTT (2-hPG) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 37762302 2023 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 706Duration: Not reported | Body mass index (BMI) | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 37762302 2023 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 706Duration: Not reported | Fasting blood glucose (FBG) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 37762302 2023 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 706Duration: Not reported | Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 37762302 2023 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 706Duration: Not reported | High density lipoprotein (HDL-C) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 37762302 2023 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 706Duration: Not reported | Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 37762302 2023 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 706Duration: Not reported | Low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 37762302 2023 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 706Duration: Not reported | Total cholesterol (TC) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 37762302 2023 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 706Duration: Not reported | Triglyceride (TG) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 22071637 2011 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: Not reported | Glycemic control (best evidence among Iranian antidiabetic plants) | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 24438170 2014 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: Not reported | Fasting glucose | -0.96 mmol/l (95% CI: -1.52, -0.40) | Benefit |
| PMID 24438170 2014 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: Not reported | HbA1c | -0.85% mean change difference (95% CI: -1.49%, -0.22%) | Benefit |
| PMID 24438170 2014 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: Not reported | Postload glucose | -2.19 mmol/l (95% CI: -3.19, -1.19) | Benefit |
| PMID 21843614 2011 Meta-analysis | Sample (as reported): Not reportedDuration: Not reported | HbA(1c) with fenugreek | -1.13% mean difference (95% CI -0.11% to -2.14%; P = 0.03) | Benefit |
| PMID 31583253 2019 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 57Duration: one month | High-density lipoprotein cholesterol | 21.7% (P < 0.001) | Benefit |
| PMID 31583253 2019 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 57Duration: one month | Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol | 23.4% (P < 0.001) | Benefit |
| PMID 31583253 2019 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 57Duration: one month | Total cholesterol | 13.6% (P < 0.001) | Benefit |
| PMID 31583253 2019 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 57Duration: one month | Triglyceride | 23.53% (P < 0.05) | Benefit |
Published research
Fenugreek × High blood sugar: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
6studies referenced
5journals
2023–2026publication range
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Adjunctive berberine for schizophrenia with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysisXie K, et al. · Frontiers in psychiatry · 2026PMID 42433212 ↗02The Effect of Berberine Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Metabolic Disorders: An Umbrella Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsNazari A, et al. · Clinical therapeutics · 2024PMID 38016844 ↗03Effect of Fenugreek on Hyperglycemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisShabil M, et al. · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2023PMID 36837450 ↗04Effect of saffron and fenugreek on lowering blood glucose: A systematic review with meta-analysisCorreia AGDS, et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2023PMID 36992660 ↗05Berberine and health outcomes: An umbrella reviewLi Z, et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2023PMID 36999891 ↗06Comparative 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 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.
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.