Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a unique spice that has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese cuisines as well as medicines for thousands of years.
Commonly known as ‘Methi’ in the Indian subcontinent, it gets its scientific name from a combination of 2 Latin words. ‘Trigonella’ means ‘little triangle’ referring to the shape of the small flowers and ‘foenum-graecum’ means ‘greek hay’, so named after the scent of hay which the dried herb emanates.
The fresh leaves, dried ones, and seeds are all used in culinary preparations not only to impart flavor but also because they are rich in nutrients and provide many health benefits.
As a medicine, fenugreek has been proven useful in treating medical conditions such as controlling blood sugar and lipid levels, increasing libido, enhancing breast milk production, easing constipation, and many more (1).
For those with a dislike for fenugreek’s naturally bitter taste, supplements in the form of powders, dry, or liquid capsules can lend a helping hand. Listed are our top 6 choices of the best fenugreek supplements available online. Choose the one that fits your needs the best.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Vegan Fenugreek Supplement – Now Foods Fenugreek
2. Best Potency Fenugreek Supplement – Nutricost Fenugreek
3. Best Fenugreek Powder – BulkSupplements Fenugreek Powder
4. Best Fenugreek Liquid Capsules – Gaia Herbs Fenugreek Seed
5. Best Budget Fenugreek Supplement – Best Naturals Fenugreek
6. Best Organic Fenugreek Supplement – Oregon’s Wild Harvest Fenugreek
Now let’s look at each of these fenugreek supplements in detail to find out why they are considered the best in their categories.
1. Best Vegan Fenugreek Supplement – Now Foods Fenugreek
Vegan supplements do not contain any ingredients derived from animal sources. They are popular and sought-after as they are suitable for people who restrict animal-based products and are a healthier option.
About Now Foods Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a top-class product from one of the most reliable and well-known brands in the supplement market, Now Foods. This supplement has been formulated for individuals to benefit from the goodness of fenugreek and help sustain overall well-being.
The vegan capsules contain 500 mg of powdered seeds of fenugreek in each one. Opening and adding the contents to tea is one other way of using this supplement.
Now Foods, a family-owned company, manufactures Fenugreek in an NPA A-rated GMP certified facility in Illinois, USA. Using the best Non-GMO ingredients in their product, Now Foods also conducts extensive in-house quality testing at every stage for maximum safety and purity.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 2 veg capsules has:
- Organic Fenugreek (seed) – 1000 mg
Now Foods Fenugreek is available for purchase as a container of 100 medium-sized capsules that can provide 50 servings. This can last the user for 1 month or less depending on use.
The recommended dosage is 2 capsules 1-3 times a day, depending on the condition for which it is taken. The product is only for adults and not advisable for pregnant women.
The herbal supplement is packaged in capsules made from hypromellose or plant fiber which makes it ideal for vegans and vegetarians. The product is free from allergens but is manufactured in a facility that makes other products which may contain allergens.
The Pros:
- 1000 mg in every serving of 2 capsules
- Hypromellose capsules that are ideal for vegans or vegetarians
- Made in an NPA A-rated GMP facility in the USA
- Manufactured by a reliable, family-owned business brand
Summary: Now Foods Fenugreek is a quality supplement made in the USA. Packed in vegetarian capsules and free of allergens, this herbal product is safe and can support good metabolism and physical health always.
2. Best Potency Fenugreek Supplement – Nutricost Fenugreek
The potency of a supplement is important as it directly plays a role in providing better health in fewer pills. Brands that provide potent formulations within regulated limits can benefit health faster and better.
About Nutricost Fenugreek
Nutricost Fenugreek is a popular supplement with ground fenugreek seeds that can benefit health tremendously. The grounded seeds in each capsule facility are easy to use as pills or even brewing into tea for consumption.
Formulated with premium quality non-GMO fenugreek seeds, this supplement provides a good 675 mg in each capsule. It can be taken to support regulation of glucose levels, maintain libido, and increase breast milk production for nursing mothers.
Nutricost Fenugreek is made in an FDA registered, GMP compliant facility in Utah, USA with top quality control monitoring at every stage from procurement to distribution.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 2 capsules provides:
- Fenugreek Seed Powder – 1350 mg
Each container of Nutricost Fenugreek has 240 capsules or 120 servings, enough to last as a 4-month supply. The easy-to-swallow capsules are made of gelatin and hence not vegan-friendly.
The manufacturer recommends only two capsules a day as a daily dosage or as directed by a physician The capsules can be taken with 8-12 oz of water for good benefits.
Nutricost Fenugreek contains high-quality ground fenugreek seeds as the only ingredient and is free from gluten and additives. To assure customers of quality and safety, the company offers a 90-day 100% purchase price money-back guarantee, which adds value to your investment.
The Pros:
- Good potency of 1350 mg fenugreek in every 2 capsules
- 4-month supply in every container
- Gluten-free
- 100% purchase price money-back guarantee
Summary: With the enhanced potency of 1350 mg in just 2 capsules and being gluten-free, Nutricost Fenugreek comes across as a beneficial dietary supplement that can help nourish physical health in many ways.
3. Best Fenugreek Powder – BulkSupplements Fenugreek Powder
Powder supplements are favored over capsules and tablets because they can be added to food preparations or mixed into liquids easily. Moreover, this saves the trouble of having to swallow more pills which can be uncomfortable for some people.
About BulkSupplements Fenugreek Powder
Fenugreek Powder by BulkSupplements.com is a top-ranking supplement from one of the most reputed supplement brands. Easy to use, this supplement can be mixed in culinary preparations or juices to achieve maximum health benefits.
With a powerful 1000 mg in less than half a teaspoon, BulkSupplements says one can enjoy good benefits like better digestion, increase in libido, optimized cardiovascular health, great hair, and skin protection.
BulkSupplements is a reputed distributor of more than 400+ dietary supplements. Their products are produced and packaged in a cGMP compliant, FDA inspected facility in the USA, with third-party verification that assures quality.
What it Contains:
Each serving of ⅓ tsp consists of:
- Powdered Fenugreek Seeds – 1000 mg
A 100g pack of BulkSupplements Fenugreek Powder can provide up to 100 servings. Options to purchase 250g, 500g, 1kg, and 5kg packs are also available to consumers.
As fenugreek powder is more bitter when powdered, users need to use just 1/3rd of a teaspoon 1-3 times a day as recommended dosage. The facility to add it to food preparations or smoothies makes it easy to use and more palatable too.
BulkSupplements Fenugreek Powder has no added ingredients and is free of additives. It is free of allergens such as soy, dairy, yeast, gluten and is devoid of added sugars which makes it a safe and healthy dietary supplement.
The Pros:
- Easy-to-use powder form
- A 100g pack provides up to 100 servings
- No added sugars or additives
- Free from dairy, yeast, soy, and gluten
Summary: BulkSupplements Fenugreek Powder is a quality supplement that can help address varied health issues. Free of allergens, sugar, and additives, it can be mixed in daily foods to achieve desired benefits easily.
4. Best Fenugreek Liquid Capsules – Gaia Herbs Fenugreek Seed
Liquid extracts in capsules are preferred over powder capsules because they disintegrate quickly, enable faster and complete absorption of the ingredients into the body.
About Gaia Herbs Fenugreek Seed
Gaia Herbs Fenugreek Seed is a powerful supplement loaded with the goodness of fenugreek to deliver various health benefits for both men and women.
Every capsule is filled with 390 mg of liquid extracts that equals approx. 2,230 of dry powder. This supplement can adequately support maintaining good glucose levels, libido, and increase breast milk production in nursing women.
Sourced from Gaia’s certified organic farm in North Carolina, this supplement is manufactured in their FDA-inspected production facility. Quality tests performed right from procurement to final distribution assures safety and purity to consumers.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 3 capsules holds:
- Organic Fenugreek Seed – 1170 mg
- Total Carbohydrates – 2 grams
A bottle of Gaia Herbs Fenugreek Seed contains 60 capsules and can last for 10-15 days depending on usage. The fenugreek extracts are packed in liquid Phyto caps, a patented technology of Gaia, that helps in faster disintegration upon ingestion.
The recommended dosage is 2-3 capsules twice a day as required. The product contains no animal by-products and hence suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Gaia Herbs promises purity in all its products. Apart from being gluten-free and soy-free, Fenugreek Seed is free of pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contamination making it safe for regular consumption.
The Pros:
- Patented liquid Phyto caps helps in faster disintegration and absorption
- Raw material procured from own Certified Organic farm
- No animal by-products
- Tested free of contaminants, pesticides, soy, and gluten
Summary: Gaia Herbs Fenugreek Seed is a quality supplement enriched with pure fenugreek extracts in easily absorbable liquid Phyto caps. The product can safely be used by women for lactation support and regulating glucose levels.
5. Best Budget Fenugreek Supplement – Best Naturals Fenugreek
Dietary supplements are usually taken for a considerable period to get desired benefits. Only a few reputed brands can offer affordable pricing and quality which become the primary factors for the buyers when considering long-term intake.
About Best Naturals Fenugreek
A top-quality supplement from Best Naturals, Fenugreek helps with optimized digestion, lactation, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels in a natural manner. Just the right health benefits without burning a hole in your pocket!
With no artificial color, flavor, or preservatives, this top-quality supplement is just filled with pure fenugreek seed powder in every capsule to nourish the body with essential vitamins to support overall well-being.
Best Naturals uses only non-GMO ingredients in making the product. They manufacture Fenugreek in a GMP-compliant facility in the USA and it is also third-party tested to verify purity and potency before the final distribution.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 2 capsules offers:
- Fenugreek Seed Powder – 1220 mg
- Total Carbohydrate – 1 gram
Best Naturals Fenugreek is available for purchase in containers of 180 and 360 capsules. Whereas the former lasts for 30 or 45 days, the larger bottle can provide 180 servings to last for 2 or 3 months based on use, which is value for money.
The manufacturer suggests taking 2 capsules, 2-3 times a day or as directed by a practitioner. This supplement is best taken with meals to avail maximum benefits.
As a high-quality supplement, Best Naturals Fenugreek is free from major allergens and added sugars. The capsules are made from gelatin, and though budget-friendly, they may not be suitable for vegans/ vegetarians.
The Pros:
- A highly affordable quality supplement that is value for money
- Potent fenugreek powder of 1220 mg in every serving
- Free from major allergens and pesticides
- No artificial ingredients and sugars
Summary: Best Naturals Fenugreek is a pocket-friendly and potent supplement that can provide several health benefits. Free of artificial ingredients, allergens, and sugars, it is safe for consumption and is true value for money.
6. Best Organic Fenugreek Supplement – Oregon’s Wild Harvest Fenugreek
Organic products especially certified brands that assure clean farming practices are fast gaining popularity. Growing crops without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, GMOs, etc. ensures natural and healthy nutrients for better well-being.
About Oregon’s Wild Harvest Fenugreek
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Fenugreek is a naturally nutritious dietary supplement that is filled with the nourishing qualities of fenugreek for achieving varied health benefits.
With 100% organic fenugreek as the only ingredient in the gelatin capsules, this supplement supports lactation in nursing mothers, along with good digestion, and blood sugar regulation.
Fenugreek is manufactured in Redmond, Oregon, USA using only non-GMO verified ingredients. The fenugreek used is Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO), and hence, extremely safe and healthy.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 3 capsules gives:
- Organic Fenugreek Seed – 1500 mg
Consumers can buy Oregon’s Wild Harvest Fenugreek in packs of 90 or 180 capsules. Depending on the pack the supplement can last for 1 or 2 months. Vegans and vegetarians may not find this product suitable as it contains bovine gelatin.
Three capsules a day is the manufacturer’s suggested dosage. Users having a specific requirement can consult a physician for advice on the right dosage.
Oregon’s Wild Harvest tests everything from the soil to the final product to ensure Fenugreek has no microbial contaminants and heavy metal toxicity. It contains zero fillers, additives, and is also free from major allergens which makes it an ideal product for good health.
The Pros:
- Certified Organic Fenugreek
- Maximum of 3 capsules totaling 1500 mg daily
- Available in containers of 90 and 180 capsules
- Tested for microbial contamination and heavy metal toxicity
Summary: Oregon’s Wild Harvest Fenugreek is an organically grown supplement that can provide many health benefits. The product is certified organic and free of harmful substances, allergens, and contaminants.
Dosage for Fenugreek Supplements
Fenugreek is approved and used by both traditional and modern medicine. Supplements may be more potent and hence the variations in dosage may be advised according to requirement.
Scientific studies have shown that fenugreek in appropriate dosages can be particularly useful in treating medical issues, some of which are given below.
- Supplementation of 5-25 grams once a day can have a significant effect on both fasting and postprandial glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (2).
- 1-6 grams of fenugreek may increase breast milk production in nursing mothers. One study showed that 7.5 grams of fenugreek for 7 days suggested it helped in increasing breast milk production in postnatal mothers and resulting in infant weight gain (3).
- Dysmenorrhea or painful cramps during menstruation is common in young women. One study showed that ingestion of fenugreek of 900 mg 2-3 times a day during the menstrual cycle can reduce the severity of pain and other related symptoms (4).
- Few studies indicate that 600 mg of fenugreek supplementation for 6-12 weeks was shown to improve libido and testosterone levels in men (5).
Overdosing on fenugreek even though it is natural, can bring on adverse effects. Following the manufacturer’s dosage strictly or consulting a practitioner for the right dosage could turn out to be beneficial and safe.
Summary: Dosage for fenugreek supplements can differ based on the medical condition it is taken for. Adhering to the manufacturer’s suggestions or consulting a doctor before using a supplement can prevent overdosing or side effects.
Risks and Side Effects of Fenugreek Supplements
Fenugreek is generally considered safe for use as a spice and medicine. But as with all supplements, certain individuals taking too much or having certain medical conditions may experience some side effects.
Few mild side-effects reported in certain users include stomach upset, gas, bloating, headache, and diarrhea.
Fenugreek belongs to the Pea family (Fabaceae) and is related to peanuts and chickpeas. Individuals with known allergies to peanuts or peas can refrain from using fenugreek supplements to prevent undesirable effects.
People have also reported a maple syrup-like odor that can arise due to the ingestion of fenugreek supplements. This is common and due to the presence of Sotolon, a flavor and aromatic compound in fenugreek (6).
Consumption of fenugreek in higher doses can result in lower blood sugar levels. Hence diabetics under prescribed medications or insulin, should exercise precaution while using these supplements or check with a practitioner.
Research has indicated that fenugreek contains certain powerful coumarin compounds that can have anticoagulant effects. Hence, individuals on anticoagulant, anti-platelet, or warfarin medications should consult a doctor before using fenugreek supplements to avoid possible interactions (7).
Fenugreek, though recommended for lactating mothers, should be used only in moderation and that too after consulting a practitioner. Pregnant women and children are not advised to use fenugreek due to a lack of reliable data.
Summary: Fenugreek supplements can result in mild to severe adverse effects in individuals. Moderate use or adhering to doctor-recommended doses can help ascertain suitability and prevent drastic side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the best time to take fenugreek?
Fenugreek seeds, whole or powdered are added to food preparations. Some people also soak a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds overnight and consume it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning to balance sugar levels or to lose weight. In such cases, only a small amount of fenugreek is involved.
Supplements on the other hand are more powerful as they contain greater quantities of fenugreek. Since fenugreek is known to lower blood sugar levels, most manufacturers recommend taking fenugreek just before or with meals to avoid drastic drops in glucose levels.
Can fenugreek cause constipation?
No, it doesn’t. In fact, it is just the opposite. Fenugreek contains soluble fiber and taking fenugreek supplements with adequate water can help in bulk-forming and passing of stools easily.
Is fenugreek a blood thinner?
Fenugreek contains coumarin compounds naturally. Coumarin is known to be an effective anticoagulant, meaning a blood thinner that prevents clotting. This is the reason why individuals taking prescribed anticoagulants such as warfarin should avoid taking fenugreek supplements to prevent excessive thinning of blood and risk of bleeding.
The Final Note
Fenugreek has been often used as a spice and herb in cooking to impart flavor and health since traditional times. Popular for its extensive therapeutic properties, regular consumption of fenugreek can help in sustaining good physical well-being.
Dietary supplements of fenugreek are available and make a good choice for those people who use less fenugreek or have a dislike for its bitter taste. These supplements usually are more potent and easy to consume.
Fenugreek supplements can help with maintaining glucose levels, increased lactation, libido, and aid in good digestion. Dosage of supplements may differ with needs, and side-effects in some people can be avoided by consulting a good practitioner for suitability and safety.