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Herbs & Supplements
Alhova
Scientific Name: Fenugreek
Other Names: Bird's Foot, Greek Clover, Greek Hay, Hu Lu Ba, Methi, Trigonella, Trigonella foenum-graecum
What side effects should I watch for?
Major Side Effects
Taking large amounts of fenugreek for very long periods has a small risk of causing hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low). Signs that blood sugar may be too low include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control. If not corrected, low blood sugar can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
Less Severe Side Effects
Due to its effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most side effects reported from using fenugreek orally are GI in nature. They include diarrhea and gas.
Occasionally, allergic reactions to topically applied fenugreek have been reported. Fenugreek is a member of the same family of plants as peas, peanuts, and soybeans. Individuals sensitive to one of those related plants may also be sensitive to fenugreek. Some evidence suggests that frequent applications of fenugreek to the same area of skin can eventually be irritating.
Taking fenugreek by mouth may make the urine smell somewhat like maple syrup. A relatively rare metabolic disorder (Maple Syrup Urine Disease) also causes a similar smell in the urine of affected individuals. Cases of misdiagnosis have been reported in medical literature when fenugreek taken by very young children or new mothers gave the baby's urine a maple sugar-like smell.
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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.
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What side effects should I watch for? 
