Evidence supporting the use of: Fenugreek
For the body system: Breasts

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds have a long history of traditional use to support breast health, particularly for promoting lactation in breastfeeding women. In various traditional systems, including Ayurveda and traditional Middle Eastern medicine, fenugreek has been used as a galactagogue, a substance believed to increase milk supply. This traditional use has led to its inclusion in many herbal blends marketed for nursing mothers.

Some small clinical studies and anecdotal reports suggest that fenugreek may increase milk production in some women, possibly due to its phytoestrogen content, which may mimic estrogenic effects in the body. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited, inconsistent, and often hampered by methodological flaws such as small sample sizes and lack of controls. Systematic reviews generally conclude that while there is some evidence of fenugreek’s efficacy as a galactagogue, it is not strong or definitive.

Fenugreek is not used, either traditionally or scientifically, for breast enlargement or breast cancer prevention. Its primary historical use for the "Breasts" body system relates to lactation support. Despite its popularity in traditional practice, more high-quality research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and elucidate its mechanisms of action in this context.

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