Herb & supplement monograph

Fenugreek Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Fenugreek interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Fenugreek is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Fenugreek is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Fenugreek Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Fenugreek drug interaction appears low for most people, though anyone on diabetes or blood pressure medicines should pay closer attention. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and most are supported only by theoretical, animal, or lab findings rather than proven effects in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The best-documented concern involves diabetes medications, since human studies show fenugreek seed can lower blood sugar, which could add to these drugs and drop blood sugar too far. There is also reasonable evidence that fenugreek may add to the blood pressure lowering of metoprolol and possibly other blood pressure medicines. With warfarin, one report described a raised INR when fenugreek was combined with another supplement, so people on this narrow-margin blood thinner should be watchful, even though a true blood-thinning effect from typical fenugreek products has not been well established.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications does not mean every combination is harmful. Most entries are theoretical, based on animal or lab research suggesting fenugreek could affect how the body absorbs or clears certain drugs, such as phenytoin, sildenafil, and theophylline. Several of these predicted effects have never been reported in people.

Check your medications against Fenugreek

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Fenugreek interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Fenugreek

389 medications have a known interaction with Fenugreek, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Fenugreek using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Fenugreek interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Fenugreek combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Fenugreek affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Fenugreek is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 9 drug categories Fenugreek interacts with

Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsAntidiabetes DrugsClopidogrel (plavix)Metoprolol (toprol)Phenytoin (dilantin)Sildenafil (viagra)TheophyllineWarfarin (coumadin)Antihypertensive Drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Some of the constituents in fenugreek have antiplatelet effects in animal and in vitro research. However, common fenugreek products might not contain sufficient concentrations of these constituents for clinical effects. A clinical study in patients with coronary artery disease or diabetes shows that taking fenugreek seed powder 2.5 grams twice daily for 3 months does not affect platelet aggregation, fibrinolytic activity, or fibrinogen levels .

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might have additive hypoglycemic effects when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that fenugreek seed can reduce fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B

Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might alter the clinical effects of clopidogrel by inhibiting its conversion to the active form.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 200 mg/kg daily for 14 days increases the maximum serum concentration of clopidogrel by 21%. It is unclear how this affects the pharmacokinetics of the active metabolite of clopidogrel; however, this study found that concomitant use of fenugreek seed and clopidogrel prolonged bleeding time by an additional 11%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Metoprolol (Toprol)

Theoretically, fenugreek seed might have additive hypotensive effects when used with metoprolol.
Animal research shows that fenugreek seed 300 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks decreases systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 9% and 11%, respectively, when administered alone, and by 15% and 22%, respectively, when given with metoprolol 10 mg/kg.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, fenugreek might decrease plasma levels of phenytoin.
Animal research shows that taking fenugreek seeds for 1 week decreases maximum concentrations and the area under the curve of a single dose of phenytoin by 44% and 72%, respectively. This seems to be related to increased clearance. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Sildenafil (Viagra)

Theoretically, concurrent use of sildenafil and fenugreek might reduce levels and therapeutic effects of sildenafil.
Animal research shows that taking fenugreek seeds for 1 week reduces maximum concentrations and the area under the curve of a single dose of sildenafil by 27% and 48%, respectively. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Theophylline

Theoretically, fenugreek may reduce the levels and clinical effects of theophylline.
Animal research shows that fenugreek 50 grams daily for 7 days reduces the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of theophylline by 28% and the area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC) by 22%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, fenugreek might have additive effects with warfarin and increase the international normalized ratio (INR).
Some fenugreek constituents have antiplatelet effects, although these might not be present in concentrations that are clinically significant. In one case report, a patient taking warfarin experienced an increased INR when starting to take fenugreek in combination with boldo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Antihypertensive Drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C

Monograph

Fenugreek: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Fenugreek is a common kitchen spice that is also taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and to support breast milk production. Some early research is encouraging for blood sugar, but overall the evidence is mixed and far from settled. It is generally well tolerated as food, but talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it as a supplement, especially if you are pregnant.

Scientific name: Trigonella foenum-graecum
Family: Fabaceae
Part used: Seeds and leaves
Common forms: Capsules, powder, seeds, tea, extracts, and as a culinary spice

People commonly use it for

Blood sugar control
Boosting breast milk supply
High cholesterol
Digestive upset
Low testosterone or libido

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated in food amounts, but supplement doses may cause side effects and aren't right for everyone.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally in amounts greater than those found in food. Fenugreek has potential oxytoxic and uterine stimulant activity. There are case reports...

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingPossibly Safe

When used orally to stimulate lactation, short-term. Although most available clinical studies lack safety testing in the lactating parent or infant, s...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a small plant in the legume family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of western Asia, and it is now grown in many countries around the world.

The plant produces small golden-brown seeds with a nutty, slightly bitter, maple-like flavor. These seeds are a popular spice in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cooking. The fresh leaves, called methi, are also eaten as a vegetable and herb.

Beyond the kitchen, fenugreek has a long history in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda. Today it is sold as a supplement in capsules, powders, teas, and extracts for a variety of health reasons.

How it works

Fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which may slow the absorption of sugar and carbohydrates in the gut. This is one proposed reason it might help with blood sugar and cholesterol.

The seeds also contain compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and an amino acid called 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which laboratory studies suggest may influence insulin activity. Other compounds are being studied for possible effects on hormones.

It is important to know that much of this information comes from laboratory and animal research. How these mechanisms translate into real benefits in people is not fully clear.

Effectiveness

Does Fenugreek work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 31 uses evaluated

4 Possibly effective 1 Leans ineffective 26 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

Possibly Effective Diabetes