Fenugreek Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Fenugreek

Fenugreek

Also known as
  • Trigonella foenum-graecum
  • Alholva
  • Bird's Foot
  • Chandrika
  • Fenogreco
  • Fenugrec
  • Foenugreek
  • Greek Clover
  • Greek Hay
  • Hu Lu Ba
  • Methi
  • Methika
  • Medhika
  • Senegrain
  • Senegre
  • Trigonella
  • Trigonelle
Fenugreek Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a plant native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia. The seeds have a nutty, slightly bitter taste and are commonly used in different types of cuisine. The leaves, which are known as "methi," are used in cooking as well. In addition to its use as a spice and herb, fenugreek has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Some studies have suggested that fenugreek may have potential health benefits, including the ability to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation. It may also have potential benefits for women who are breastfeeding, as it is thought to increase milk production and improve the quality of breast milk.
There are 374 drugs known to interact with Fenugreek

Does Fenugreek Interact With Any Medications?

Although there are very few studies evaluating whether or not Fenugreek has clinically significant drug interactions, there are certainly a few that are important to know about.

Anticoagulant - Antiplatelet Drugs

If you are taking medications that prevent blood clotting, such as aspirin or warfarin, or have bleeding disorders, fenugreek may increase the risk of bleeding.

Fenugreek contains some components that can prevent blood from clotting. However, there is not enough research to confirm whether the amount of these components present in common fenugreek products can have a clinically significant effect.

There have been some studies that have evaluated fenugreek with specific drugs.

For example, studies on animals have shown that fenugreek seed can increase the maximum serum concentration of clopidogrel (generic for Plavix) by 21%. This increase can lead to an additional 11% prolongation of bleeding time. This has not been seen in humans, however.

There have also been case reports of those taking warfarin and fenugreek experiencing an increase in INR.

Antidiabetes Drugs

Fenugreek may also have an additive effect on blood sugar-lowering medications.

Clinical studies have shown that fenugreek seed can lower fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, if you are taking medications for diabetes, consult your healthcare provider before adding fenugreek to your regimen.

Blood-Pressure Lowering Medications

Fenugreek may also have an additive effect on blood pressure-lowering medications.

Studies on animals have shown that fenugreek seed can decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by up to 22% when combined with metoprolol. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly if you are taking fenugreek and metoprolol together or any other antihypertensive drugs.

Drugs that interact with Fenugreek

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC