Colon cancer
Diosgenin, a steroid saponin of Trigonella foenum graecum, inhibits azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci formation in F344 rats and induces apoptosis in HT-29 human colon cancer cells.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004.
Fenugreek is traditionally used to treat disorders such as diabetes, high cholesterol, wounds, inflammation, and gastrointestinal ailments. Recent studies suggest that fenugreek and its active constituents may possess anticarcinogenic potential. We evaluated the preventive efficacy of dietary fenugreek seed and its major steroidal saponin constituent, diosgenin, on azoxymethane-induced rat colon carcinogenesis during initiation and promotion stages. On the basis of these findings, the fenugreek constituent diosgenin seems to have potential as a novel colon cancer preventive agent.

Diabetes and blood sugar
For millennia, fenugreek has been used both as a medicine and as a food spice in Egypt, India, and the Middle East. Present interest in fenugreek focuses on its potential benefits for people with diabetes or high cholesterol. Numerous animal studies and preliminary trials in humans have found that fenugreek can help support healthy blood sugar and serum cholesterol levels in people with diabetes.
   In a study conducted at the Jaipur Diabetes and Research Centre in India, 25 newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into two groups. Group received 1 gram a day of fenugreek seed extract and Group 2 received usual care (dietary control, exercise) and placebo capsules for two months. Serum triglycerides decreased and HDL (the good cholesterol) increased significantly in group 1 as compared to group 2. In addition, fenugreek seeds improved blood sugar control and decreased insulin resistance in those with mild type-2 diabetic patients.

Mechanism of action of a hypoglycemic principle isolated from fenugreek seeds.
Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2002.
Mechanism of action of an orally active hypoglycemic principle isolated from water extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) was investigated in alloxan induced subdiabetic and overtly diabetic rabbits of different severities. The active principle was orally administered to the subdiabetic and mild diabetic rabbits (five in each group) at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight for 15 days. The fenugreek treatment produced significant attenuation of the glucose tolerance curve and improvement in the glucose induced insulin response, suggesting that the hypoglycemic effect may be mediated through stimulating insulin synthesis and/or secretion from the beta pancreatic cells of Langerhans.

Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract on blood glucose, blood lipid and hemorheological properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2007.
Fenugreek seeds have previously been shown to have hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects on type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and experimental diabetic animals. Fenugreek seed extract has now been investigated for its effects on general properties, blood glucose and blood lipid, and hemorheological parameters in experimental diabetic rats. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were administrated Fenugreek seed extract, and Metformin HCl for 6 weeks. Compared with diabetic group, rats treated with fenugreek seed extract had an increase in body weight and a decrease in kidney /body weight. Compared with diabetic group, rats treated fenugreek seed extract had lower blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, total cholestrol and higher higher-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner . The plasma viscosity, whole blood viscosity of high shear rate (200 s-1) and low shear rate (40 s-1), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, whole blood reduction viscosity and platelet conglutination were significantly reduced in diabetic rats treated with high and middle doses of fenugreek seed extract, but not in those treated with low dose of fenugreek seed extract. It may be concluded that fenugreek seed extract can lower kidney /body weight ratio, blood glucose, blood lipid levels and improve hemorheological properties in experimental diabetic rats following repeated treatment for 6 weeks.

Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds on glycaemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo controlled study.
J Assoc Physicians India 2001.
Twenty five newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes (fasting glucose < 200 mg/dl) were randomly divided into two groups. Group I (n=12) received 1 gm/day hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek seeds and Group II (n=13) received usual care (dietary control, exercise) and placebo capsules for two months. Adjunct use of fenugreek seeds improves glycemic control and decreases insulin resistance in mild type-2 diabetic patients. Fenugreek also has a favorable effect on hypertriglyceridemia.

Effect of fenugreek seeds on the fasting blood glucose level in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.
Mymensingh Med J. 2004.
In this experiment defatted Trigonella foenum graecum seeds has been used as the antidiabetogenic herbal medicine. The experiment was carried out in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and BIRDEM from 1996 to 1998 on a total of 58 Long Evans rats of either sex. They were 50-60 days young rats with average body weight 72-174 gm. Among the total, 10 rats were treated with only vehicle called as non-diabetic control rats, 48 rats were treated with Streptozotocin at a dose of 90mg in 1ml of citrate buffer solution per kg body weight, among which 20 were diabetics. Ten (1 died, 1 escaped) diabetic rats were again treated with fenugreek called as Fenugreek-treated diabetic rats and the rest 10 diabetic rats were called as diabetic control rats. The change in the mean fasting blood glucose level in different groups of rat from day 5 from streptozotocin injection were higher in diabetic control group and in fenugreek-treated diabetic group than in non diabetic control group. From this experiment it may be concluded that fenugreek decreases the fasting blood glucose level considerably by improving diabetes mellitus.

Effect of fenugreek seeds on blood glucose and serum lipids in type I diabetes.
Eur J Clin Nutr. 1990.
The effect of Trigonella foenum seeds on blood glucose and the serum lipid profile was evaluated in insulin-dependent (Type I) diabetic patients. Isocaloric diets with and without fenugreek were each given randomly for 10 d. Defatted fenugreek seed powder (100 g), divided into two equal doses, was incorporated into the diet and served during lunch and dinner. The fenugreek diet significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and improved the glucose tolerance test. There was a 54 per cent reduction in 24-h urinary glucose excretion. Serum total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides were also significantly reduced. The HDL cholesterol fraction, however, remained unchanged. These results indicate the usefulness of fenugreek seeds in the management of diabetes.

Lipid lowering
Supplementation of fenugreek leaves lower lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of fenugreek leaves in diabetes mellitus. Albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: normal untreated rats; streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats; STZ-induced rats + fenugreek leaves; STZ-induced rats + fenugreek leaves; STZ-induced rats + glibenclamide; and STZ-induced rats + insulin. Rats were made diabetic by STZ injected intraperitoneally. Fenugreek leaves were supplemented in the diet daily to diabetic rats for 45 days, and food intake was recorded daily. Blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids were determined in serum, liver, heart, and kidney. Our results show that blood glucose and serum and tissue lipids were elevated in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Supplementation of fenugreek leaves lowered the lipid profile in STZ-induced diabetic rats. J Med Food. 2004 Summer.

Liver protection due to alcohol excess
Protective effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds in experimental ethanol toxicity.
Phytother Res. 2003.
The study investigates the effect of aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in experimental ethanol toxicity in rats. Ethanol feeding for 60 days resulted in significant increases in the activities of serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. The levels of serum lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in liver and brain were also significantly elevated. The fenugeek seeds exhibited appreciable antioxidant property in vitro which was comparable with that of reduced glutathione and alpha-tocopherol. Further, histopathological examination of liver and brain revealed that, aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds could offer a significant protection against ethanol toxicity.

Diet Rx for better weight control management, with fenugreek extract
This natural appetite suppressant works without stimulants. Diet Rx has no added caffeine, ephedra, ephedrine alkaloids, synephrine, hormones, guarana, ginseng, or stimulating amino acids. 

Benefits of Diet Rx
Decreases appetite so you eat less
Helps you maintain healthy blood sugar levels
Helps you maintain healthy cholesterol and lipid levels
Provides a variety of antioxidant from two dozen herbs and nutrients
Provides healthy fiber
Improves energy
Balances mood
Improves mental concentration and focus
Improves will power and choice of food selection

Safety of fenugreek and side effects
As a commonly eaten food, fenugreek is generally regarded as safe. The only common side effect is mild gastrointestinal distress when it is taken in high doses. Animal studies have found it to be essentially non-toxic.

Genotoxicity testing of a fenugreek extract.
Food Chem Toxicol. 2004.
Rich in protein, fenugreek seeds contain the unique major free amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine (4-OH-Ile), which has been characterized as one of the active ingredients for blood glucose control. As part of a safety evaluation of novel ingredients for use in blood glucose control, the potential genotoxicity of a fenugreek seed extract, containing a minimum of 40% 4-OH-ILE, was evaluated using the standard battery of tests (reverse mutation assay; mouse lymphoma forward mutation assay; mouse micronucleus assay) recommended by US Food and Drug Administration for food ingredients. Fenugreek extract was determined not to be genotoxic under the conditions of the tested genetic toxicity battery.

Fenugreek dosage
Fenugreek capsules typically contain about 600 mg. A typical dosage is about one to two grams two times a day with breakfast and lunch. Fenugreek tea is also available.

Additional benefits
Studies in rodents indicate that fenugreek has immune stimulating, antioxidant and anti-tumor properties, and protects the liver against alcohol toxicity. Administration of fenugreek seed extract with ethanol to rats prevented the enzymatic leakage and the rise in lipid peroxidation. The seeds exhibited appreciable antioxidant property in vitro which was comparable with that of reduced glutathione and vitamin E. Further, examination of liver and brain revealed that, extract of fenugreek seeds could offer a significant protection against ethanol toxicity. It also has anti- ulcer properties.  

Fenugreek extract sold by herb and ingredient suppliers
Fenugreek herb is sold as plain powder and in various extract potencies including a 2 to 1 extract and a 4 to 1 extract.

Gencor Announces Study Results 2009-11-06, press release
A new human clinical study was recently completed in Australia on Testofen, Gencor's proprietary extract of fenugreek, to evaluate its effect on libido in healthy men. The randomized, double blind placebo study tested sexual function, performance, and libido levels in 60 healthy males aged between 21 and 50 years over a 6 week period. Results showed Testofen produced a positive change in all parameters of libido, including sexual cognition, sexual arousal, sexual experience and orgasm. The effect may be a result of interaction with testosterone via alpha-5 reductase activity. A presentation of this study was made at SupplySide West in a VendorWorks seminar on November 13, 2009, at 2:30 p.m., by Ms. Amanda Rao, Director of Applied Science and Nutrition Pty. Ltd., the CRO that conducted the study. Ms. Amanda Rao has degree and postgraduate qualifications in science and over 15 years experience in the natural medicine industry in Australia, including product development, regulatory affairs, manufacture and education.

Questions
I am a fan of Dr. Sahelian's website and use it as a reference when I am considering natural substances over prescription drugs. I was looking at your listing for fenugreek when I noticed a reference for Testofen. When I looked at the ingredients for that product, I noticed that the majority active herbal ingredient was safed musli which has a traditional use in Indian medicine for sexual dysfunction. I have not see much reference to fenugreek as a sexual aid. The proprietary blend of Testofen includes ginseng and b-vitamins also. I am curious about fengreek's role in this topic so I am hoping your site might address that at some point. I do know Dr Sahelian is affiliated with some of the products mentioned on the site but I really appreciate the fact-based answers and reviews of the various herbal remedies and the medical viewpoints as to dosage, use, limits and side effects. This is unique on the web. It's so hard to get unbiased information on alternative remedies on the internet.
    As far as I know, Testofen is a fenugreek extract, perhaps there is a product that includes this extract with the other herbs and nutrients that you mention?

I came across a web site promoting a standardized form of fenugreek called Testofen. It said those given 600 mg a day had a great increase in free testosterone levels compared to the placebo group. Is Testofen a good thing to take for health?
   The human body is very complicated and just looking at levels of one hormone tells us very little regarding the long term benefit of Testofen or any supplement that increases testosterone levels. Increasing testosterone levels through this fenugreek extract may or may not be a healthy thing to do until we have a few human trials published.