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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board

Fenugreek

MODERATE EVIDENCEBotanicalLast updated April 2026

SCAN DOSE SUMMARY

Fenugreek is a legume with evidence across an unusually wide range of conditions: blood sugar control, testosterone support, lactation enhancement, and libido improvement. Our research shows the glucose-lowering effect is the strongest — driven by galactomannan fiber and 4-hydroxyisoleucine. The testosterone claims are more nuanced: fenugreek may increase free testosterone by inhibiting aromatase and 5-alpha reductase, but total testosterone effects are modest.

EVIDENCE GRADES

Blood sugar reduction (T2D)Moderate — multiple RCTs (PMID: 24393738)
B
Testosterone / libido (men)Moderate — several positive trials (PMID: 21312304)
B-
Lactation (galactagogue)Moderate — traditional + limited clinical support
B-
Lipid profile improvementModerate — small consistent effects
C+
Exercise performanceLimited evidence
C

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

  • Blood sugar: 5-50g/day seed powder with meals, or 500-1,000mg extract
  • Testosterone/libido: 500-600mg/day Testofen (standardized to 50% fenuside)
  • Lactation: 500-1,000mg 3x/day seed powder or 580-610mg capsules 3x/day
  • Lipid support: 10-100g/day seed powder (high dose due to fiber mechanism)
  • Take with meals for blood sugar effects (fiber mechanism)
Scan a supplement containing Fenugreek

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Insulin / diabetes medicationsSevere

Additive blood sugar lowering → hypoglycemia risk

WarfarinModerate

Fenugreek contains coumarin compounds; may increase bleeding risk

TheophyllineModerate

May decrease theophylline absorption

SAFETY PROFILE

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

  • GI effects: bloating, gas, diarrhea (due to fiber content)
  • Maple syrup body odor and urine odor (sotolone compound — harmless but notable)
  • Possible allergic reaction in legume-allergic individuals (peanut, chickpea cross-reactivity)
  • May cause uterine contractions at high doses

Pregnancy & Lactation

  • Pregnancy: AVOID — Traditional abortifacient at high doses. Oxytocic properties documented. (PMID: 21120041)
  • Lactation: Traditional galactagogue. Limited clinical evidence supports use postpartum for milk production. Generally considered safe during breastfeeding.

WADA Status

Not Prohibited

HOW SCAN DOSE SCORES THIS

Testofen (standardized extract) scores highest for testosterone applications
Raw seed powder: scores well for blood sugar but requires high doses
Diabetes medication users: automatic hypoglycemia warning
Pregnancy: automatic contraindication flag
Maple syrup odor disclosure: harmless but include in user guidance
Legume allergy cross-reactivity warning

CLINICAL REFERENCES

1.

Neelakantan N et al. Effect of fenugreek on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trials.

PMID: 24393738

2.

Steels E et al. Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract.

PMID: 21312304

3.

Yadav UC, Baquer NZ. Pharmacological effects of Trigonella foenum-graecum.

PMID: 21120041

4.

Gupta A et al. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum on blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.

PMID: 15507277

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Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated: April 2026

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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