Herbs & Supplements

Alhova Scientific Name: Fenugreek Other Names: Bird's Foot, Greek Clover, Greek Hay, Hu Lu Ba, Methi, Trigonella, Trigonella foenum-graecum When should I be careful taking it? Pregnant women should not take fenugreek by mouth. In animal studies, fenugreek has caused contractions of uterine tissue. Such contractions could result in a miscarriage if they happen during pregnancy. In addition, fenugreek passes into the blood of developing babies and the breast milk of new mothers who take it. As a result, the newborn infant may have a maple-sugar like smell, especially in the urine. A similar smell is present when the baby has a rare but serious metabolic disorder called Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD). The disease may be diagnosed incorrectly, if the smell caused by fenugreek is mistaken for MSUD. Precautions Individuals who have allergies to peanuts or soybeans may also be allergic to fenugreek. They should avoid taking the oral forms of fenugreek, applying it topically, and touching any part of the growing or dried plant. Repeatedly applying topical fenugreek to the same areas may cause itching, redness, rash, or other reactions. << Back What side effects should I watch for? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.