fenugreek; birds foot; bockshornsam; chilbe; Greek hay; griechische Heusamen; trigonella foenum graecum

Indications

• diabetes mellitus postprandial glucose control
• hyperlipidemia
• treatment of digestive problems & for a host of other ailments
• used to hide the taste of other medicine

Contraindications

• avoid use in pregnancy
• avpid use during lactation

Dosage

• fenugreek seed
  • diabetes mellitus: 1-2 g PO TID, 5 gram/day recommend, 6 grams/day maximum
  • hypertriglyceridemia: 0.6-2.5 mg PO BID

Pharmacokinetics

• metabolism: not applicable
• excretion: not applicable

Adverse effects

• allergic reaction, asthma, diarrhea, flatulence, hypoglycemia, wheezing,
• pediatrics: unusual body odor, loss of consciousness

Drug interactions

• minor interaction with shark cartilage

Mechanism of action

• foenugracein & other components decrease postprandial glucose, plasma glucagon, plasma somatostatin, plasma insulin, total cholesterol, & serum triglycerides, & increase HDL cholesterol
• fiber & mucilage slow GI absorption of glucose & cholesterol
• steroidal saponins inhibit GI cholesterol absorption

More general terms

• food spice
• pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement; botanical