Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), a member of the leguminous family, is most commonly found and cultivated in India, the Mediterranean region, North Africa and Yemen. Due to its strong aroma and flavor, typical food uses of fenugreek are as a spice (in curries) and as a flavoring agent, such as in imitation maple syrup. Besides its use as a food, fenugreek has a well-known reputation for its medicinal properties. Although the health benefits of fenugreek are well documented, it has not been widely accepted in Western cultures due to its strong aroma, residual body odor and large dosage requirements. Raw material manufacturers have recognized these drawbacks and are now offering fenugreek ingredients that are more concentrated and totally deodorized.

Fenugreek And Diabetes

One of strongest areas of interest with regard to fenugreek lies in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. According to recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, the incidence of diabetes increased dramatically in the U.S. during the 1990’s, rising 70% among people in their 30’s. An estimated 16 million Americans have the disease; 90% are type 2 diabetics. This number is expected to increase to 22 million by the year 2025.

The seeds of fenugreek have been known to possess antidiabetic properties for some time. This has been reported in clinical literature since 19391, although folk medicine references date back for hundreds of years. Several recent human studies have confirmed that fenugreek does indeed have potential value in the treatment of diabetes.

In type 2 diabetics, consumption of fenugreek seed powder, whole or defatted, has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels following a meal2,3. In type 1 diabetics, 100 g of defatted fenugreek seed powder significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels, improved glucose tolerance and reduced 24 hour urinary glucose excretion by 54%4. Researchers have also reported an improvement in the symptoms of diabetes, such as polydipsia (frequent thirst) and polyuria (frequent urination) after fenugreek administration in both type 1 and type 2 subjects3,4.

Fenugreek seeds are very rich in galactomannan, a highly viscous soluble fiber, with a unique ratio of 1:1 galactose to mannose. This fiber has been shown to be the factor responsible for reducing plasma glucose levels. The galactomannan forms a gel in the stomach, which slows down gastric emptying and thickens intestinal contents. This action delays the absorption of glucose, decreasing the spikes in blood sugar following a meal. What’s more, fenugreek seeds also contain an unusual amino acid, 4-Hydroxyisoleucine, which may stimulate insulin secretion, further contributing to the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek.

Diabetes is associated with a two-fourfold increase in the risk of coronary heart disease. Fenugreek has been clinically shown to reduce total cholesterol levels, LDL levels and triglycerides in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics3,4,5. This suggests that fenugreek may have a dual role to play in diabetes, reducing both blood sugar and blood lipid levels. The cholesterol-lowering properties of fenugreek are attributed to its galactomannan and saponin components, which may inhibit bile acid absorption in the intestines.

Safety

A short-term study on rats feeding up to 100 grams of fenugreek seeds a day produced no toxic effects6. Furthermore, a long-term feeding study of diabetic subjects at 25 grams a day for 24 weeks produced no toxic effects7. Since fenugreek consumption lowers blood glucose levels it may interact with diabetic medications in a positive or negative way. Therefore, labels should advise individuals to consult their physicians.

References

1Molham Al-Habori, and Amala Raman. Antidiabetic and Hypocholesterolaemic Effects of Fenugreek. Phytother Res. 1998; 12: 233-242.

2Madar Z, Abel R, Samish S, Arad J. Glucose-Lowering Effect of Fenugreek in Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetics. Eur J of Clin Nutr. 1988; 42: 51-54.

3Sharma RD, Raghuram RC. Effect of Fenugreek Seeds in Non Insulin Dependent Diabetic Subjects. Nutr Res. 1990; 10: 731-739.

4Sharma RD, Raghuram RC, Rao NC. Effect of Fenugreek Seeds on Blood Glucose and Serum Lipids in Type I Diabetes. Eur J of Clin Nutr. 1990; 44: 301-306.

5Sharma RD, Sarkar A, Hazra DK, et al. Hypolipidaemic Effect of Fenugreek Seeds; a Chronic Study in Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetic Patients. Phytother Res. 1996; 10: 332-334.

6Udayasekhara Rao P, Sesikeran B, Srinivasa Rao S, et al. Short Term Nutritional and Safety Evaluation of Fenugreek. Nutr Res. 1996; 16:1495-1505.

7Sharma RD, Sarkar, A, Hazra DK, et al. Toxicological Evaluation of Fenugreek Seeds: a Long Term Feeding Experiment in Diabetic Patients. Phytother Res. 1996; 10: 519-520.

About the author:
Ms. Mathern is sales and marketing assistant at Schouten USA, a distributor of unique nutraceutical ingredients backed with clinical research, such as “SoyLife” soygerm isoflavones and “FenuLife” deodorized fenugreek extracts.She can be reached at 3300 Edinborough Way, Minneapolis, MN 55435; 952-920-7700; Fax: 952-920-7704; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: www.soylife.com.