Evidence supporting the use of: Fenugreek
For the health condition: Indigestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Arabic medicine, as a remedy for various digestive complaints, including indigestion. Its seeds are rich in soluble fiber and mucilaginous compounds, which are believed to coat and soothe the gastrointestinal lining. This traditional use is based on the observation that fenugreek can help regulate bowel movements, alleviate heartburn, and reduce symptoms of mild dyspepsia. Some traditional texts recommend fenugreek tea or seed preparations for calming the stomach after heavy meals.
There is, however, limited scientific evidence to support these uses. A small number of modern studies suggest that fenugreek fiber may slow gastric emptying and enhance satiety, which could indirectly benefit digestion. One small clinical trial found that a fenugreek-based product reduced symptoms of heartburn in subjects with frequent indigestion, showing potential efficacy comparable to antacid medications. However, these studies are few, often have small sample sizes, and methodological limitations. Overall, the primary justification for fenugreek’s use in indigestion is traditional, with a modest level of supporting evidence from preliminary scientific studies. More rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to conclusively establish its efficacy and safety for this indication.
Other ingredients used for Indigestion
cutchacid protease
activated charcoal
allspice
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
amylase
green chiretta
apple
apricot
artichoke
bamboo
benegut perilla (proprietary)
betel
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
black pepper
radish
rice
calcium
cassia bark
chamomile
chen pi
chloride
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
melon
exo-peptidase
fennel
fenugreek
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gentian root
ginger
glucomannan
green banana
HCL
quassia
jujube
kudzu
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
licorice root
lipase
liquid liver fractions
lovage
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
orange
oregon grape
ox bile
pancreatin
papain
peppermint oil
pepsin
plum fruit
psyllium
quail egg
rhubarb root
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
watermelon
xylanase
bentonite
cascara sagrada
oryza
tangerine
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
punarnava
holarrhena antidysenterica
fumaria parviflora
blessed thistle
yarrow
bile salt
prickly ash
elecampane
root tuber
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
flowering quince
dogwood
dioscorea
sweetgums
queen of the meadow
caraway
anemarrhena asphodeloides
peach
wood betony
horehound
Sichuan pepper
alginic acid
sea salt
Alcohol
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Actinidin
Agastache
Acidity regulator
Ambergris
Angelica
Agrimony
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Agarwood
American Liverleaf
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Areca
Agrimonia pilosa
Antifoam agent
Amor seco
Aniseed myrtle
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Betony
Buttermilk
Butter
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Bicarbonate
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Blackbrush
Bistort
Big Quaking Grass
Bougainvillea
Bael
Butternut
boldo
Black Gram
Bile
black salt
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
banana
Bassia scoparia
Belamcanda
Bottle gourd
Cumin
Centaury
Carqueja
Chervil
Coriander
Chive
Cape Aloe
Centaurium erythraea
Citron
Cantaloupe
Chlorophytum
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Chenopodium
Colombo
Copalchi
Cubeb
Carob
Chirata
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Carlina
Calamus
Chestnut
Colocynth
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
Dense Fruit Dittany
Dextrin
Dragonhead
Dill
Dianthrone
Dolichos
Dichrostachys glomerata
English Horsemint
Enzyme Blend
Elephant's Head
Fig
Goldthread
Himalayan Salt
Molasses
Phosphate Salt
Prickly Pear Cactus
Potash
Quince
Rose
Rhubarb
Squash
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Vinegar
Other health conditions supported by fenugreek
Abdominal PainAmenorrhea
Appetite (deficient)
Breast Milk (dry up)
Breasts (enhance size)
Breasts (swelling and tenderness)
Cholesterol (high)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Hypoglycemia
Indigestion
Inflammation
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Nursing
Pain (general remedies for)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Sex Drive (low)
Sugar Cravings
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores
Products containing fenugreek
Nature's Sunshine CleanStart Mild
Nature's Sunshine Seasonal Allergy (Formerly ALJ)
Nature's Sunshine ALJ®
Nature's Sunshine Cellular Detox (Formerly All Cell Detox)
Nature's Sunshine Blood Sugar Formula (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Joint Health (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Enviro-Detox
Nature's Sunshine Fenugreek & Thyme
Nature's Sunshine Marshmallow & Fenugreek
Nature's Sunshine PLS II
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine SugarReg
Nature's Sunshine Tiao He Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Ultrabiome DTX
Nature's Sunshine Vari-Gone