The Effect of Fenugreek in Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

2023-09-12
International journal of molecular sciences 24(18)
- Jiwon Kim
- Woojeong Noh
- Ahrim Kim
- Yoomin Choi
- Young-Sik Kim

PubMed: 37762302
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813999

Study Design

Type: Meta-Analysis
Sample size: n = 706
Population: 706 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus from 10 RCTs
Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis, searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, KISS, RISS, ScienceON, using random or fixed effect model

Rigorous Journal

Fenugreek is a widely used herbal medicine as a complementary therapy for diabetes mellitus. Lots of clinical trials have proved its beneficial effect on glycemic control parameters and lipid profiles. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fenugreek as a treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), Korean studies Information Service System (KISS), Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), and ScienceON to select RCTs which used fenugreek targeting hyperglycemia with a control group. We used either a random effect model or a fixed model in a meta-analysis of Fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2 h plasma glucose during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (2-hPG), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)/total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), body mass index (BMI). After screening, a total of 10 studies (706 participants) remained. Fenugreek significantly reduced FBG, 2-hPG, and HbA1c, but it did not significantly decrease HOMA-IR. Moreover, it significantly improved TC, TG, and HDL-C, while there were no significant differences in LDL-C and BMI. Hepatic or renal toxicity was not observed, and there were no severe adverse events associated with fenugreek despite mild gastrointestinal side effects in some studies. In conclusion, fenugreek improves overall glycemic control parameters and lipid profile safely.

Research Insights

Fenugreek→Increased High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
it significantly improved TC, TG, and HDL-C
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Fenugreek→Reduced Blood Cholesterol
it significantly improved TC, TG, and HDL-C
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Fenugreek→Reduced Body Mass Index
there were no significant differences in LDL-C and BMI
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Fenugreek→Reduced Fasting Blood Glucose Levels
Fenugreek significantly reduced FBG, 2-hPG, and HbA1c
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Fenugreek→Reduced Glycosylated Hemoglobin
Fenugreek significantly reduced FBG, 2-hPG, and HbA1c
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Fenugreek→Reduced HOMA-IR
it did not significantly decrease HOMA-IR
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Fenugreek→Reduced LDL Cholesterol
there were no significant differences in LDL-C and BMI
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Fenugreek→Reduced Postprandial Glucose
Fenugreek significantly reduced FBG, 2-hPG, and HbA1c
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Fenugreek→Reduced Triglyceride Levels
it significantly improved TC, TG, and HDL-C
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate

Adverse Events Reported

Fenugreek→Overall tolerability
there were no severe adverse events associated with fenugreek
Finding
Reported
Fenugreek→gastrointestinal side effects
despite mild gastrointestinal side effects in some studies
Finding
Reported
Grade
mild
Fenugreek→hepatic toxicity
Hepatic or renal toxicity was not observed
Finding
Reported
Fenugreek→renal toxicity
Hepatic or renal toxicity was not observed
Finding
Reported