What is the most important information I should know about fenugreek?
Fenugreek is a commonly used flavoring agent and food product. Fenugreek is also available as
an herbal supplement. The information contained in this leaflet refers to the use of fenugreek as an
herbal supplement. When used as a food product, the benefits and potential side effects of fenugreek
may be less pronounced than when it is used as an herbal supplement.
Do not take fenugreek without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or
blood
clotting disorder or
diabetes, or if you are taking any medicines to prevent or treat a blood clotting
disorder or diabetes. Fenugreek has been reported to affect blood clotting and
blood sugar levels.
Fenugreek has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of fenugreek may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What is fenugreek?
The use of fenugreek in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Fenugreek is also known as Trigonella foenum-graecum, Greek hay seed, and bird's foot.
Fenugreek is a commonly used flavoring agent and food product. Fenugreek is also available as
an herbal supplement. The information contained in this leaflet refers to the use of fenugreek as an
herbal supplement. When used as a food product, the benefits and potential side effects of fenugreek
may be less pronounced than when it is used as an herbal supplement.
Fenugreek has been used orally for loss of appetite and stomach complaints. Fenugreek has
also been used topically (on the skin) to treat inflammation, boils, wounds, and eczema.
Fenugreek has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of fenugreek may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Fenugreek may also have uses other than those listed in this product guide.
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