Fenugreek Benefits For Females And Its Side Effect

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an herb that has culinary and industrial uses but also has been used in traditional and alternative medicine. The fenugreek seed extract is used in pill form as a supplement and the seeds are used to make a medicinal tea.

Fenugreek comes from Latin words meaning “Greek hay.” It is native to southern Europe and Asia, where it has been grown since the Bronze Age as an herb, spice, and medicinal plant. Today, India is a major producer of fenugreek.

The Benefits of Fenugreek to Females

Increases Breast Milk Production

Fenugreek seed tea or fenugreek seed pills are popular folk remedies for stimulating increased breast milk production. Certain substances in fenugreek are thought to have estrogen-like actions. While there has been researched into this, so far the studies have had mixed results.

One supporting research trial found that breast milk volume was significantly higher for the group that received fenugreek tea, and their infants regained their birth weight earlier, as compared to a placebo group and a control group.

It may be that the biggest benefit is psychological. In studies, people who are breastfeeding report perceived benefits for taking fenugreek, which is likely to give them the confidence to continue breastfeeding.

Fenugreek is rated as “generally regarded as safe” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, it does pass into breast milk, and little is known as to whether large doses are safe when breastfeeding.

Reduces Menstrual Pain

Fenugreek seeds and tea have been traditionally used for menstrual cramps. There is limited evidence supporting this use, according to a 2016 systematic review of studies.

One study tested fenugreek seed pills as compared with placebo. The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study found greater pain reduction and shortened duration of pain in the group receiving the fenugreek capsules.

Hair Benefits

The research on uses such as hair growth or relief of dandruff is very limited. One small, older study found an oral supplement of fenugreek improved hair growth as compared to a placebo. In lab studies, fenugreek leaf extract has shown some anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. These might help against dandruff and other scalp conditions of the hair.

Read also: The Benefits of Nutmeg to Females and its Side Effect

Does fenugreek cause weight gain?

Research is limited as to the effects of fenugreek on weight in humans. The ability of fenugreek to slow carbohydrate digestion, stimulate insulin release, and lower blood glucose could theoretically increase appetite. Fenugreek was traditionally used to treat anorexia. However, some people use fenugreek seeds as an appetite suppressant as well. The seeds are high in soluble fiber and, when consumed with water, could help you feel full. But a meta-analysis of 12 trials published in 2020 found no effect of fenugreek supplements on weight.

Fenugreek Possible Side Effects

Fenugreek may trigger several side effects, such as diarrhea, dizziness, and gas. In addition, the use of large doses of fenugreek may lead to a reduction of blood sugar levels. Therefore, taking fenugreek in combination with diabetes medication may have harmful effects.

Fenugreek may also reduce potassium. People taking medications that reduce potassium levels, such as certain diuretics, and those with underlying heart disease should avoid fenugreek supplements.

Allergies are another concern due to possible cross-reactivity with related plant allergens. Fenugreek supplements should be avoided by people with allergies to peanuts, chickpeas, or coriander.

Urine and sweat may take on a maple syrup-like smell when supplementing with fenugreek due to a compound called sotolon, which can pass through the body relatively unchanged. While this is not a health problem, it might confuse the diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease in infants.

There can also be more severe reactions when taking amounts greater than that commonly consumed as food. There have been reported cases of liver toxicity, and use in pregnancy has been linked to birth defects