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Fenugreek / Methi

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Anti-tumourmoderate evidence

Fenugreek seeds contain diosgenin — a steroidal saponin that is one of the most versatile anti-cancer phytochemicals known. Diosgenin induces apoptosis in breast, colon, prostate, leukaemia, and liver cancer cells; inhibits angiogenesis; reduces cancer cell migration and invasion; and suppresses NF-κB. It also serves as a biosynthetic precursor for numerous steroidal drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. Fenugreek also contains 4-hydroxyisoleucine (a unique amino acid that enhances insulin sensitivity) and high fibre galactomannans — making it particularly relevant for metabolic aspects of cancer (elevated insulin and IGF-1 are cancer growth signals). Egyptian and Arabic traditional medicine has used fenugreek seeds for abdominal tumours for over 3,000 years, documented in the Ebers Papyrus (1550 BCE). Clinical studies show fenugreek extract significantly reduces colon polyp recurrence in human trials.

Medicinal Properties

Anti-tumourApoptosis-inducingHormonal modulatingMetabolicImmunomodulatoryDiosgenin-rich

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Cancer Types Studied

BreastColonProstateLeukaemiaLiver

Recommended Dosage

500–1000 mg standardised fenugreek seed extract (diosgenin content specified) daily. Or 5–10 g whole fenugreek seeds soaked overnight, eaten in the morning.

Preparations

Soaked Fenugreek Seeds (Traditional)

1–2 tsp whole fenugreek seeds soaked in water overnight. Eat the seeds and drink the water first thing in the morning on empty stomach. Traditional Arabic and Indian cancer-supportive preparation. Slightly bitter, mucilaginous texture.

Standardised Extract Capsules

500–1000 mg standardised fenugreek extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum, 50% saponins) daily with meals. More consistent diosgenin dosing than seeds.

NIH / PubMed Research

PMID 15064140Diosgenin from fenugreek induces apoptosis in cancer cells PMID 15534334Fenugreek extract reduces colon polyp recurrence — clinical study

Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.

Cautions & Interactions

Strong blood sugar lowering effect — monitor closely in diabetics; may require medication adjustment
May interact with anticoagulants (contains coumarins)
Avoid in pregnancy — historically used to induce labour; uterine stimulant at high doses
Maple syrup-like body odour is a known harmless side effect
May interact with thyroid medication — take 2 hours apart