German Commission E approves fenugreek seeds for treatment of anorexia, and for local inflammation. In the rest of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Upper Africa Fenugreek seeds used in treating colic flatulence, dysentery, diarrhea, dyspepsia with loss of appetite, chronic cough, dropsy, enlargement of liver and spleen, rickets, gout and diabetes. The seed is stated to be a tonic. It is also used in post-natal cure and to increase lactation in nursing mothers. Modern medicine is beginning to provide confirmation of many of the traditional medicinal applications of Fenugreek seeds.

Allergies

Individuals with peanut allergies should use with caution or avoid all together. Otherwise, fenugreek is extremely safe.

Side Effects

In theory, fenugreek may increase the risk of bleeding. You may need to stop taking fenugreek before some surgeries; discuss this with your health care provider. It is also possible that fenugreek may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are also taking drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using fenugreek. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

There is some evidence that fenugreek may reduce potassium levels in the blood. Ask your health care provider to monitor your potassium level to make sure it does not become too low while you are using fenugreek.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, fenugreek should be used with extreme caution because it may cause blood sugar levels to become too low. Because of possible oxytocic (uterine stimulating) effects Fenugreek may exert, this herb should be avoided during pregnancy, unless otherwise directed by physician.

Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements.

Interactions With Drugs

Fenugreek may interfere with the absorption of other drugs that are taken orally, and fenugreek should be used at least two hours before or after any prescription drug. In theory, fenugreek may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Some pain relievers may also increase the risk of bleeding if used with fenugreek. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox).

Fenugreek may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are also taking drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using fenugreek. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Several other drugs interactions have been suggested, but there are no data in humans proving that these interactions exist. Fenugreek may increase the side effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors or estrogens, may alter the effects of thyroid hormones, may increase the toxic effects of digoxin (Lanoxin) or may inhibit the activity of corticosteroids, such as prednisone.

Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements

Very few interactions between fenugreek and herbs or supplements have been reported. Fenugreek may lower blood sugar levels. People using other herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon (Momordica charantia), should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using fenugreek. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. In theory, fenugreek may increase the risk of bleeding when also taken with other products that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Examples include Ginkgo biloba and garlic (Allium sativum).