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Dietary supplement

Fenugreek Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herb Pharm

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Fenugreek is a dietary supplement by Herb Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for blood sugar control, boosting breast milk supply, high cholesterol.Based on those ingredients, 389 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Fenugreek by Herb Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: fenugreek seed extract from Trigonella foenum-graecum. The extract is prepared in certified organic cane alcohol and distilled water.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Reproductive system restoration.
  • We looked for evidence on: Lactation, Sexual dysfunction, Dysmenorrhea, Menopausal symptoms, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal balance — and 1 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Fenugreek is rated "Possibly Effective" for Sexual dysfunction (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Fenugreek is rated "Possibly Effective" for Dysmenorrhea.
  • Also on file: Fenugreek is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Lactation, Menopausal symptoms, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Fenugreek seed is rated possibly effective for sexual dysfunction and possibly effective for dysmenorrhea (severe menstrual cramping). It's also rated possibly effective for type 2 diabetes.

The evidence supporting these uses comes from clinical research, though the body of data for each indication is still being built out. If you're considering it for one of these purposes, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current evidence shows and whether it's the right choice for you.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Fenugreek

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Fenugreek seed is generally well tolerated in food amounts, but supplement doses can cause side effects. The most common are abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, and nausea.

Rare but serious allergic reactions — including throat swelling, bronchospasm, and shock — have occurred. If you notice facial swelling, wheezing, or trouble breathing, stop and seek emergency care.

Do not use medicinal amounts during pregnancy; animal and human evidence suggest fenugreek may affect the uterus. Fenugreek is often promoted to boost milk supply and is rated possibly safe during breastfeeding, but evidence is limited — talk with your provider first.

One more thing: fenugreek can cause an unusual body odor in newborns whose mothers took it near delivery; this odor typically resolves on its own.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Fenugreek

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Fenugreek.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 389 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check before using if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin; diabetes medications; theophylline, phenytoin (Dilantin), or sildenafil (Viagra); or blood pressure drugs like metoprolol. These are the main medication types fenugreek may interact with at a Moderate severity level.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Fenugreek extract may be worth considering if you're interested in support for blood sugar, menstrual discomfort, or sexual function — though the evidence is still limited. It's not a good fit if you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or certain heart and seizure drugs without checking first.

Pregnant people should avoid it. Before adding this to your routine, talk it over with your own doctor or pharmacist to make sure it won't clash with your medications or health situation.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 25, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Fenugreek, straight from the product label.

Brand Herb Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 090700000547
Net contents 1 fl. Oz.; 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2019
DSLD ID 200933
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Fenugreek by Herb Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Servings per container
42
UPC/BARCODE
090700000547
IngredientAmount% DV
Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) extract614 mg--

Other ingredients: certified organic Cane Alcohol, distilled Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use Shake well before using Add 1 full squeeze of the dropper bulb to 2 oz. of water or juice, 2 to 5 times per day. Best taken between meals.

Precautions

Caution: Seek expert medical advice before taking during pregnancy.

Keep out of the reach of children

Storage

Store away from heat & light

General

011

Formula

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Fenugreek Liquid Extract

Prepared from the seed of certified organically grown Trigonella foenum-graecum plants.

General Statements

System restoration Reproductive

Dry herb/menstruum ratio: 1:2.5

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Formulation

Gluten-Free

Certified organic by Organic Certifiers

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Fenugreek by Herb Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Fenugreek by Herb Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container42 Amounts shown are per serving.

614 mg per serving

Fenugreek is a common kitchen spice that is also taken as a supplement, mainly for blood sugar, cholesterol, and to support breast milk production. So...

Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Certified organic Cane Alcohol, Distilled Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Fenugreek by Herb Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Fenugreek?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

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389Drugs
224 Moderate 165 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Fenugreek with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) extract9 drug types · 389 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Fenugreek, from the product label.

Herb Pharm

See all Herb Pharm products
Name
Herb Pharm
City
Williams
State
OR
ZipCode
97544
Phone Number
800-348-4372
Web Address
www.herb-pharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Fenugreek by Herb Pharm: Common Questions

Does Fenugreek by Herb Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Fenugreek has a known interaction with 389 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Fenugreek contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I use fenugreek if I'm pregnant?
No — medicinal amounts of fenugreek are rated likely unsafe in pregnancy and may affect the uterus. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, avoid this supplement and talk with your doctor or pharmacist about safer options.
Is fenugreek safe to use while breastfeeding?
Fenugreek is rated possibly safe during breastfeeding and is often used to help boost milk supply, but the evidence is limited. Discuss it with your doctor or lactation consultant first to decide whether it's right for your situation.
What are the common side effects?
Most people tolerate it well, but some experience abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, and nausea. Rare but serious allergic reactions — including facial swelling, wheezing, and bronchospasm — can happen, so stop and seek help if those occur.
Does fenugreek actually help with blood sugar?
Fenugreek seed is rated possibly effective for type 2 diabetes — clinical research shows it can lower fasting blood sugar and after-meal glucose levels. If you're interested in trying it for diabetes, talk with your doctor first, especially if you're already on diabetes medication.
Will fenugreek change how my blood thinner works?
Yes — fenugreek may add to the effects of blood thinners like warfarin and increase bleeding risk. Do not take this product with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Why does fenugreek sometimes cause a body odor?
Some people notice an unusual maple-syrup-like body odor after taking fenugreek — it can appear in the urine and sweat. This is a known side effect and is not harmful, though it may persist while you're using the product.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Fenugreek label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Fenugreek's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 30 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Fenugreek 30 references
  1. Madar Z, Thorne R. Dietary fiber. Prog Food Nutr Sci 1987;11:153-74.
  2. Sharma RD, Raghuram TC, Rao NS. Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr 1990;44:301-6.
  3. Patil SP, Niphadkar PV, Bapat MM. Allergy to fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum). Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1997;78:297-300. PubMed
  4. Lambert J, Cormier J. Potential interaction between warfarin and boldo-fenugreek. Pharmacotherapy 2001;21:509-12. PubMed
  5. Bordia A, Verma SK, Srivastava KC. Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty PubMed
  6. Yalcin SS, Tekinalp G, Ozalp I. Peculiar odor of traditional food and maple syrup urine disease. Pediatr Int 1999;41:108-9. PubMed
  7. Sewell AC, Mosandl A, Bohles H. False diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease owing to ingestion of herbal tea. N Engl J Med 1999;341:769.. PubMed
  8. Abdo MS, al-Kafawi AA. Experimental studies on the effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (abstract). Planta Med 1969;17:14-8.
  9. Gupta A, Gupta R, Lal B. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds on glycaemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo controlled study. J Assoc Physicians India 2001;49:1057-61.
  10. Gabay MP. Galactogogues: medications that induce lactation. J Hum Lact 2002;18:274-9. PubMed
  11. Chevassus H, Gaillard JB, Farret A, et al. A fenugreek seed extract selectively reduces spontaneous fat intake in overweight subjects. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2010;66(5):449-55. PubMed
  12. Turkyilmaz C, Onal E, Hirfanoglu IM, et al. The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and short-term catch-up of birth weight in the first week of life. J Altern Complement Med 2011;17(2):139-42. PubMed
  13. Swafford S, Berens P. Effect of fenugreek on breast milk volume. Abstract presented at: 5th International Meeting of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine; September 11-13,2000, Tucson, Arizona.
  14. Abdel-Barry, J. A., Abdel-Hassan, I. A., Jawad, A. M., and al Hakiem, M. H. Hypoglycaemic effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Trigonella foenum-graecum in healthy volunteers. East Mediterr.Health J 2000;6(1):83-88. DOI
  15. Parvizpur, A., Ahmadiani, A., and Kamalinejad, M. Probable role of spinal purinoceptors in the analgesic effect of Trigonella foenum (TFG) leaves extract. J Ethnopharmacol 3-8-2006;104(1-2):108-112. PubMed
  16. Mora, A., Herrrera, A., Lopez, C., Dahbi, G., Mamani, R., Pita, J. M., Alonso, M. P., Llovo, J., Bernardez, M. I., Blanco, J. E., Blanco, M., and Blanco, J. Characteristics of the Shiga-toxin-producing enteroaggregative Escherichia coli O104:H4 German ou
  17. Blanco, J. [Stx2a-producing enteroaggregative Escherichia coli O104:H4-ST678. Microbiological diagnostic already, for this and other STEC/VTEC serotypes!]. Enferm.Infecc.Microbiol.Clin. 2012;30(2):84-89.
  18. Beutin, L. and Martin, A. Outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O104:H4 infection in Germany causes a paradigm shift with regard to human pathogenicity of STEC strains. J Food Prot. 2012;75(2):408-418. PubMed
  19. King LA, Nogareda F, Weill FX, Mariani-Kurkdjian P, Loukiadis E, Gault G, Jourdan-DaSilva N, Bingen E, Macé M, Thevenot D, Ong N, Castor C, Noël H, Van Cauteren D, Charron M, Vaillant V, Aldabe B, Goulet V, Delmas G, Couturier E, Le Strat Y, Combe C, Delm
  20. Reeder C, Legrand A, O'Connor-Von SK. The Effect of Fenugreek on Milk Production and Prolactin Levels in Mothers of Preterm Infants. Clinical Lactation 2013;4(4):159-165. DOI
  21. Al-Jenoobi FI, Ahad A, Mahrous GM, Al-Mohizea AM, AlKharfy KM, Al-Suwayeh SA. Effects of fenugreek, garden cress, and black seed on theophylline pharmacokinetics in beagle dogs. Pharm Biol 2015;53(2):296-300. PubMed
  22. Rao A, Steels E, Inder WJ, Abraham S, Vitetta L. Testofen, a specialised Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract reduces age-related symptoms of androgen decrease, increases testosterone levels and improves sexual function in healthy aging males in a doubl
  23. Steels E, Rao A, Vitetta L. Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and mineral formulation. Phytother Res. 2011 Sep;25(9):1294-300.
  24. Gong J, Fang K, Dong H, Wang D, Hu M, Lu F. Effect of fenugreek on hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetes and prediabetes: A meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Dec 24;194:260-268. PubMed
  25. Ouzir M, El Bairi K, Amzazi S. Toxicological properties of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum). Food Chem Toxicol. 2016 Oct;96:145-54. PubMed
  26. Khodamoradi K, Khosropanah MH, Ayati Z, et al. The Effects of Fenugreek on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2020;52:102416. PubMed
  27. Alkharfy K, Jan B, Alotaibi K, et al. Clopidogrel-herb Interactions: A Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Assessment in a Rat Model. Curr Drug Metab 2021;22(12):969-977. PubMed
  28. Bin Jardan YA, Ahad A, Raish M, Alam MA, Al-Mohizea AM, Al-Jenoobi FI. Effects of garden cress, fenugreek and black seed on the pharmacodynamics of metoprolol: an herb-drug interaction study in rats with hypertension. Pharm Biol 2021;59(1):1088-1097. PubMed
  29. Al-Mohizea AM, Ahad A, El-Maghraby GM, et al. Effects of Nigella sativa, Lepidium sativum and Trigonella foenum-graecum on sildenafil disposition in beagle dogs. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2015;40(2):219-24. PubMed
  30. Alkharfy KM, Al-Jenoobi FI, Al-Mohizea AM, et al. Effects of Lepidium sativum, Nigella sativa and Trigonella foenum-graceum on phenytoin pharmacokinetics in beagle dogs. Phytother Res. 2013;27(12):1800-4.

See these in context on the Fenugreek monograph →

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

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