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13.01.2024

Anti-diabetic herb fenugreek makes diabetics healthier

Fenugreek extract supplements, as well as dried fenugreek, improve the way the body handles glucose. This effect is so strong that diabetics are healthier if they supplement with fenugreek. Even if they are already taking medication or exercising.

Study
South Korean scientists, affiliated with Woosuk University, collected 10 previously published trials in which researchers had treated diabetics or prediabetics with fenugreek. The trials lasted 8-16 weeks.

Sometimes the test subjects received supplements with extracts, sometimes powder of dried fenugreek seeds. In the latter case, doses varied from 2-30 grams per day. When the test subjects received extracts, the doses varied from 2-6 capsules per day.

In a number of trials, the researchers studied the effect of fenugreek alone, in others the added value of fenugreek in combination with other interventions, such as medication or exercise.

Results
Fenugreek supplementation reduced the concentration of glucose in the blood early in the morning, even before the subjects had breakfast. Fenugreek had this effect on its own, but also enhanced the glucose-lowering effect of medication and exercise. Extracts were effective, as were dried seeds.

The figures below tell us this. Click on it for a larger version.

The same applies to the concentration of glucose in the blood after the test subjects had consumed a batch of glucose.

If we, the compilers of this free web magazine, were not such terribly down-to-earth types, we would immediately start speculating about the use of fenugreek supplementation in bodybuilding. Or in post-workout nutrition for athletes.

Combined with medication or exercise, fenugreek supplementation enhanced the downward effect of treatment on the HbA1c concentration. This indicates an improvement in glucose management.

Extracts worked just as well as dried fenugreek seed powder.

Finally, there were indications that supplementation with fenugreek increased the concentration of the 'good cholesterol' HDL, and reduced that of triglycerides.

Conclusion
"Adverse events were generally mild gastrointestinal side effects, with no reports of severe adverse events or hepatic or renal toxicity", write the Koreans.

"These results suggest that fenugreek may be an effective and safe therapeutic option for individuals with type-2 diabetes."

Source:
Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Sep 12;24(18):13999.

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Insulin, glucose & diabetes
Fenugreek

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