Trigonella foenum-graecum

Fenugreek/Nutrient Depletion:

  • Blood glucoseBlood glucose: Data from preclinical and human research suggest that fenugreek possesses both acute and chronic hypoglycemic properties (88; 89; 90; 91; 92; 93; 86; 94; 95; 96; 97; 98; 99; 100; 101; 87; 102; 103; 104; 105; 106; 160; 157; 156).
  • CalciumCalcium: Fenugreek contains insoluble oxalates, which may bind calcium, reducing its intestinal availability (193).
  • IronIron: In human research, frequent consumption of fenugreek was associated with high prevalence of anemia (192). Fenugreek may act as an iron absorption inhibitor. Also, in vitro, although addition of fenugreek to a cereal meal increased iron content, available iron decreased (299).
  • LipidsLipids: In human (104; 166; 165), animal, and in vitro research (209; 210; 211; 212; 213; 214; 215; 216; 217; 218; 219; 126; 220; 221; 222; 223; 224; 225; 47; 226; 125; 227; 208; 228) and a review (137; 229; 60; 167), fenugreek may lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and increase HDL cholesterol. In human research, consumption of fenugreek seeds resulted in decreased fat intake (169).
  • PotassiumPotassium: A fenugreek aqueous extract was found to reduce potassium levels by 14% in human research and may precipitate hypokalemia when used with some diuretics, laxatives, mineralocorticoids, or other hypokalemic agents (94).
  • Vitamin EVitamin E: Addition of fenugreek seeds to the diet of diabetic rats decreased alpha-tocopherol levels (259).