The effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed on glycemic parameters: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Chehregosha, Fatemeh; Fakhr, Laleh; Tarighat-Esfanjani, Ali; Maghsoumi-Norouzabad, Leila

doi:10.22038/ajp.2025.26043

The effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed on glycemic parameters: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Fatemeh Chehregosha ¹^{, 2}^{, 3}

Laleh Fakhr ³

Ali Tarighat-Esfanjani ¹^{, 2}

Leila Maghsoumi-Norouzabad ⁴^{, 1}

¹ Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

² Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

³ Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

⁴ Traditional Medicine and Hydrotherapy Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran

10.22038/ajp.2025.26043

Abstract

Objective: The presented meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to analyze the effective
ess of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-hr postprandial glucose (2hPPG), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Insulin and Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).
Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search of several databases was performed from inception to 30 October 2023, for controlled clinical trials. Data were analyzed using the random-effect model, and are presented as weighted (WMD) or standardized (SMD) mean difference and associated 95 % confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane χ² test. Meta-regression, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were used to identify the source of heterogeneity. Funnel plot, Egger's, and Begg's tests were also used to evaluate publication bias.
Results: A total of 26 Randomized controlled trial (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria. The results indicated significant improving effects of fenugreek on FBG (WMD: − 16.75 mg/dl; 95 % CI: − 23.36, − 10.15; p<0.001), 2hPP (WMD: - 22.28 mg/dl; 95 % CI: - 34.42 to - 10.15; p<0.001; I² (%): 95.1%, p<0.001), HbA1c levels (WMD: - 0.63 mg/dl; 95 % CI: - 0.76 to - 0.51; p<0.001), and insulin (SMD: - 0.42; 95 % CI: - 0.79 to - 0.05; p = 0.026). However, the HOMA-IR effect was insignificant (WMD: -22.28 mg/dl; 95 % CI: - 0.84 to 0.02; p = 0.061).
Conclusion: The overall results support the possible protective and therapeutic effects of fenugreek on glycemic parameters. Future studies with higher quality are necessary to confirm the results of the present meta-analyses.

Keywords

Fenugreek Fasting blood glucose Hemoglobin A1c HOMA

IR 2hr postprandial glucose Insulin

Subjects