Using Fenugreek Seeds to Lower Blood Sugar
Fenugreek is a Natural Therapy for Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Nov 9, 2009
The seeds of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) have long been prized for their medicinal properties. The ripe, dry seeds of this plant have been used for thousands of years in Middle Eastern, Greek, Indian, and Chinese medicine. In recent years, Fenugreek seed has received attention in medical research for its anti-diabetic activity. Researchers in India found that ground Fenugreek seed reduced fasting blood sugar levels in patients with both Type 1 (insulin dependent) and Type 2 (insulin resistant) diabetes. Patients in both groups also showed improved blood cholesterol levels. Research conducted in Israel confirmed these results with both normal and sugar-control patients, and animal studies have documented the same.
Research on Fenugreek and Type 1 Diabetes
In a clinical study to investigate Fenugreek’s effect on type I diabetes, patients were given Fenugreek seed powder with both lunch and dinner for a period of ten days. These patients showed significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels and improved glucose tolerance, with a 54% reduction in 24 hour urinary glucose excretion. Serum total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides were also significantly reduced.
Research on Fenugreek and Type 2 Diabetes
To evaluate the effects of Fenugreek seeds on glycemic control and insulin resistance in mild to moderate type 2 diabetes mellitus, a clinical trial was conducted with 25 newly-diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes. The study group of patients received one gram per day of an alcoholic extract of Fenugreek seeds for a period of two months. At the end of the study period, patients who had received Fenugreek showed significant improvements in insulin resistance. The study researchers concluded that Fenugreek seeds are effective as an adjunct to conventional treatment for type 2 diabetes, improving glycemic control and decreasing insulin resistance in mild type 2 diabetic patients.
Additional Research on Fenugreek
Fenugreek’s anti-diabetic activity has been attributed to the presence of an unusual amino acid, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which has been demonstrated to mimic the effects of insulin. Animal studies have demonstrated that 4-hydroxyisoleucine is a well-tolerated treatment for insulin resistance, both directly as a hypoglycemic and also as a protective agent for the liver.
References:
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 Apr;44(4):301-6.
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 Nov;49:1057-61.
Srichamroen A, Field CJ, Thomson AB, Basu TK. The Modifying Effects of Galactomannan from Canadian-Grown Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) on the Glycemic and Lipidemic Status in Rats. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2008 Nov;43(3):167-74. Epub 2008 Oct 31.
Haeri MR, Izaddoost M, Ardekani MR, Nobar MR, White KN. The effect of fenugreeek 4-hydroxyisoleucine on liver function biomarkers and glucose in diabetic and fructose-fed rats. Phytother Res. 2008 Aug 4.
Vijayakumar MV, Bhat MK. Hypoglycemic effect of a novel dialysed feungreek seeds extract is sustainable and is mediated, in part, by the activation of hepatic enzymes. Phytother Res. 2008 Apr;22(4):500-5.
Carper, Jean: Food--Your Miracle Medicine: How Food Can Prevent and Cure Over 100 Symptoms and Problems By Jean Carper Published by HarperCollins, 1994, p. 423.
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