The most pronounced activity of fenugreek seed ex-tract seems to be a strong hypoglycemic effect. Clinical research suggests that it lowers blood sugar through several distinct mechanisms. For one, the seed extract contains high levels of an amino acid called 4-hydroxyisoleucine. This amino acid helps
stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas in response to serum glucose (blood sugar). Fenugreek also seems to increase the number of insulin re-ceptors in various tissues, increasing hormone sensitivity. It also appears to inhibit intestinal en-zymes involved in the breakdown of sugars andstarch. Together, these factors may allow this ex-tract to be an effective supportive treatment in type-2 diabetic patients, helping to regulate both resting glucose levels and the insulin response after meals.
Fenugreek also appears to exhibit a measurable anti-hyperlipidemic effect, which means that it might improve lipids in patients suffering from high cholesterol. It has specifically been shown in studies to lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, an activity that should create an environment more favorable(less atherogenic) for the cardiovascular system. This biological activity may be due in part to other compo-
nents of Fenugreek seeds called sapogenins, which are known to increase the excretion of cholesterol in the bile. Fenugreek’s cholesterol lowering effect may also be due in part to another compound called disogenin, which has some estrogenic activity.
Some components of the fenugreek seed have also been shown to stimulate the release of growth hormone in rats. Additional human studies are necessary to determine if fenugreek seed extract can improve human
exercise performance.
