Methi (Fenugreek): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

Introduction

Trigonella foenum-graecum or Methi (fenugreek) is one of the oldest traditional medicinal plants belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is cultivated in the Indian subcontinent, North Africa, and the Mediterranean region. Methi is used in many forms, such as herb (dried leaves), fresh leaves (vegetables), and spice (seeds). Fenugreek is nutritious, functional, and nutraceutical in nature. All these traits make fenugreek a well-known spice crop used in human diets^[1].

Nutritional Value

Fenugreek is a rich source of dietary fibres and other nutrients needed for proper growth.  Fenugreek is also rich in several phytochemicals such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, amino acids, minerals and steroidal saponins^[2].

Nutritional value of Methi (fenugreek):

• Carbohydrates: 58%^[2]
• Proteins: 23%-26%^[2]
• Fats: 0.9%^[2]
• Fibres: 25%^[2]

In addition, Methi also contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese. Beta carotene and Vitamin C are considered essential components of Methi.

Properties of Methi

Methi possesses many properties, as mentioned below.

• It may show an antioxidant property.
• It may show liver protection properties
• It may help in reducing inflammation
• It may show antiulcer properties   
• It may show anticancer properties^[3]
• It may show antibacterial properties^[3]
• It may show neuroprotective (protective of neurons) properties.

Uses of Methi

Because of a wide variety of active phytochemicals, methi may show potential uses against many disease conditions. Some of the potential uses of methi are mentioned below.

1. Potential uses of methi in controlling arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints by causing chronic inflammation, characterised by tissue injury and synovial proliferation. As per animal studies^[4], supplementing fenugreek mucilage could inhibit oedema by lowering the activity of inflammatory enzymes. Properties of fenugreek may help in managing arthritis symptoms. However, you must strictly adhere to the doctor’s advice and treatment when dealing with arthritis. Reach out to your doctor before using any herbal remedy.

2. Potential uses of methi in cancer

A compound called protodioscin in methi could show anticancer properties against cancer cell lines. Fenugreek extract also showed inhibition of the growth of breast and pancreatic cancer cell lines in studies. As per animal studies^[6], the administration of fenugreek extracts also helps reduce tumour cell growth. However, more research is required to support the use of fenugreek against cancer in humans. Therefore, fenugreek should not be used against cancer without consulting a healthcare provider first.

3. Potential uses of methi in gastric ulcers

The gel fraction of fenugreek may help avoid gastric lesions. The stomach protective benefit of fenugreek might be due to the presence of flavonoids and polysaccharides in the gel portion of fenugreek. In addition, the anti-secretory activity of fenugreek might play a protective role against ulcers. However, if you are struggling with stomach problems like ulcers, talk to your doctor and get a proper diagnosis and treatment^[5].

4. Potential uses of methi in brain disorders  

The components present in methi might be effective against neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression. For example, fenugreek extract may help lessen depression as it inhibits the activity of the monoamine oxidase enzyme. In addition, components like flavonoids present in fenugreek might help reduce behavioural abnormalities by positively altering the pathways and expressions of proteins and enzymes. However, any brain disorders should be met with proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are having trouble with any brain functions, talk to your healthcare provider and receive help^[7].

5. Potential uses of methi in asthma

Asthma is a lung disorder characterised by inflamed airways that restrict the pathway for inhalation and exhalation. According to a study^[8], fenugreek extract was effective in treating mild asthma and can be recommended as adjuvant therapy. Daily use of methi may help avoid the symptoms of asthma. However, do not use methi as an alternative to asthma treatment. You should talk to a doctor before making any decisions.

6. Potential uses of methi in obesity

Methi may help manage weight without any significant side effects. Many animal studies have shown the effectiveness of methi in weight loss. Methi’s high amount of fibre might help suppress hunger. Consumption of methi powder was found to be helpful in reducing weight, as per animal studies^[9]. The galactomannan present in methi seeds may help in excreting the sugars from the body before they are absorbed into the blood. However, before making any changes to your diet, you are advised to talk to your healthcare provider or dietitian.

7. Potential uses of Methi for liver

Extract of the fenugreek seeds may provide protective benefits against alcohol-induced liver damage. The polyphenolic compounds present in the extract may show liver-protective benefits. The fenugreek seeds might help protect the liver cells and function from the toxic effects of alcohol. However, taking herbal remedies if you are suffering from any liver condition may worsen the situation. Therefore, you need to consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy for the liver^[10].

Though studies show the benefits of methi in various conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of methi on human health.  

How to Use Methi?

There are many ways to make use of methi in daily life.

• Dried leaves of Methi can be used as a herb.
• Seeds of Methi can be used as a spice.
• Fresh leaves of Methi can be used as a vegetable.

You must consult a doctor before taking methi or any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an Ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a doctor. 

Side Effects of Methi

The side effects associated with methi use are given below.

• According to animal studies^[11], oral administration of the seeds’ aqueous extract showed a decrease in female fertility. It also led to growth retardation, facial malformation, alteration of motor skills, and neurobehavioural performance in offspring.
• Dizziness, transient diarrhoea, and flatulence are also side effects of Methi.
• When used as a therapeutic agent, overdosing on Methi can adversely affect health.

Before taking methi or any other herbal remedy, you need to talk to your doctor about the possible side effects of the herbal treatment. This will help you avoid unwanted side effects.

Precautions to take with Methi

Here are some general precautions you need to take while using methi.

• Consumption of Methi seeds is not safe during pregnancy. It may lead to abortion and impart adverse effects on the offspring, such as disturbance of behaviour and motor skills.
• People who are allergic to chickpeas or fenugreek need to be cautioned in consuming fenugreek as possible cross-reactions can occur.

Also, you should talk to a doctor, who will help you make well-informed choices.

Interaction with other Medicines

Methi may interact with some medicines and alter their activity.

• It is important to be careful when taking Methi and other medicines, as it can cause an interruption in the intestinal absorption of oral medicines.
• When taken with hypoglycaemic medicines, fenugreek can help reduce blood glucose levels more than expected. Blood glucose levels need to be closely monitored to prevent such cases.

If you are taking medicines for any health conditions, talk to your doctor about the possible interactions of the treatment with other herbs and medicines. It will help you avoid unwanted herb-medicine interactions.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Elsevier. Fenugreek [Internet]. Amsterdam: Elsevier; [cited 2025 Apr 14]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/fenugreek​
2. Sulieman AME, Yagoub AAA, El Tijani HM. Fenugreek: A review on its nutraceutical properties and utilization in various food products. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2015 Jul;22(2):109–17. doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2014.10.001. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1658077X15301065
3. Al-Timimi LAN. Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities of Fenugreek Seed Extract. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2019 Dec 1;20(12):3771–6. doi:10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.12.3771. PMID: 31870120; PMCID: PMC7173369. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7173369/
4. Pundarikakshudu K, Shah DH, Panchal AH, Bhavsar GC. Anti-inflammatory activity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn) seed petroleum ether extract. Indian J Pharmacol. 2016 Jul-Aug;48(4):441–4. doi:10.4103/0253-7613.186195. PMID: 27756958; PMCID: PMC4980935. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4980935/
5. Pandian RS, Anuradha CV, Viswanathan P. Gastroprotective effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum) on experimental gastric ulcer in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Aug;81(3):393–7. doi:10.1016/s0378-8741(02)00117-4. PMID: 12127242. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12127242/
6. Shabbeer S, Sobolewski M, Anchoori RK, Kachhap S, Hidalgo M, Jimeno A, et al. Fenugreek: a naturally occurring edible spice as an anticancer agent. Cancer Biol Ther. 2009 Feb;8(3):272–8. doi:10.4161/cbt.8.3.7443. Epub 2009 Feb 18. PMID: 19197146; PMCID: PMC3095649. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3095649/
7. Varshney H, Siddique YH. Pharmacological Attributes of Fenugreek with Special Reference to Alzheimer’s Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res. 2023;20(2):71–9. doi:10.2174/1567205020666230525154300. PMID: 37231762. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37231762/
8. Emtiazy M, Oveidzadeh L, Habibi M, Molaeipour L, Talei D, Jafari Z, et al. Investigating the effectiveness of the Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) seeds in mild asthma: a randomized controlled trial. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018 May 2;14:19. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0238-9. PMID: 29743896; PMCID: PMC5930943. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5930943/
9. Kumar P, Bhandari U, Jamadagni S. Fenugreek seed extract inhibit fat accumulation and ameliorates dyslipidemia in high fat diet-induced obese rats. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:606021. doi:10.1155/2014/606021. Epub 2014 Apr 29. PMID: 24868532; PMCID: PMC4020548. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4020548/
10. Kaviarasan S, Ramamurty N, Gunasekaran P, Varalakshmi E, Anuradha CV. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed extract prevents ethanol-induced toxicity and apoptosis in Chang liver cells. Alcohol Alcohol. 2006 May-Jun;41(3):267–73. doi:10.1093/alcalc/agl020. Epub 2006 Mar 30. PMID: 16574673. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16574673/
11. Oufquir S, Ait Laaradia M, El Gabbas Z, Bezza K, Laadraoui J, Aboufatima R, et al. Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Sprouted Seed Extract: Its Chemical HPLC Analysis, Abortive Effect, and Neurodevelopmental Toxicity on Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 Apr 7;2020:1615794. doi:10.1155/2020/1615794. PMID: 32328121; PMCID: PMC7166263. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7166263/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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