BT-062 · Fabaceae

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum
Evidence: LimitedCaution

Fenugreek makes the sweat and urine of those who eat it smell sweet, like maple syrup.

Other names
Alholva, çemen otu (Turkish)
Part used
Seeds
Region
Anatolia and the Mediterranean
Asia and Siberia
Use
Food, Healing
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): young plants
Photo: Yak · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
In short

What is Fenugreek?

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a plant of the Fabaceae family. Traditions that use it: Anatolia and the Mediterranean, Asia and Siberia. Part used: seeds.

What is Fenugreek used for?

Traditional use: The ground seed is the base of çemen, the coating on pastırma. Scientific evidence: limited. The seeds are rich in fibre and saponins.

Is Fenugreek safe?

Safety label: caution. Avoid high doses in pregnancy. Can strengthen diabetes medicines and blood thinners. Can cause allergy in people allergic to peanuts or chickpeas.

Traditional use

Anatolia

The ground seed is the base of çemen, the coating on pastırma. In folk use it is taken to boost breast milk and for blood sugar.

South Asia

Used in Ayurveda for digestion and blood sugar; an ingredient of curry blends.

In nature

Where it grows
A crop plant, sown in Central and Southeastern Anatolia.
Harvest season
Seeds are harvested July–August when the pods dry.
Local names
çemen otu, boy otu, poy, hulbe

Mix-up risk

The seed powder is not the same as pastırma çemen, which also contains garlic and red pepper.

Preparation

Seeds are roasted and ground or soaked in water.

What science says

The seeds are rich in fibre and saponins. Some studies show lower blood sugar; the NCCIH says the evidence is inconclusive. The EMA recognises the seed for loss of appetite and mild skin inflammation as traditional uses.

Safety

Caution

Avoid high doses in pregnancy. Can strengthen diabetes medicines and blood thinners. Can cause allergy in people allergic to peanuts or chickpeas.

Drug interactions

Medicine or substanceWhy it matters
Blood thinners (warfarin)May increase bleeding risk.
Diabetes medicines and insulinLowers blood sugar; risk of hypoglycaemia.
All oral medicinesIts fibre may delay absorption; leave 2 hours between them.

This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Fenugreek.

Similar plants

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): seed pods
BT-018

Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra
Fabaceae
Evidence: LimitedCaution
Hemp (Cannabis sativa): divided leaves
BT-075

Hemp

Cannabis sativa
Cannabaceae
Licensed in Türkiye
Evidence: ClinicalCaution
Tea (Camellia sinensis): glossy green leaves
BT-076

Tea

Camellia sinensis
Theaceae
Evidence: LimitedGenerally safe

Sources

  1. EMA monographTrigonellae foenugraeci semen: European Medicines Agency herbal assessment
  2. NCCIHUS National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: use and safety summary
  3. BookBaytop T. Türkiye’de Bitkiler ile Tedavi: Geçmişte ve Bugün. 2. baskı. İstanbul: Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri; 1999.
  4. Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Trigonella foenum-graecum
  5. Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.

Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe

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