Abstract
BackgroundFenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed is a popular kitchen spice and medicinal herb with wide applications in Indian folklore. Earlier studies have shown that the hydro-ethanolic extracts of fenugreek are efficient in the management of a number of hormone related disorders in women, including post and peri-menopausal discomforts, sexual dysfunctions, lactation and even in amenorrhea. However, systematic informations on their safety and influence on hormonal balance are limited.ResultsForty-eight healthy menstruating women aged 20 to 48 were randomized either to FHE (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) and supplemented with 250 mg × 2/day for 42 days. FHE did not produce any side effects or adverse events. It offered significant (P < 0.05) beneficial effects to sexual problems (41.6%) and irritability (40%) among the participants who had higher sexual dysfunctions scores (> 1) when monitored by the validated Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) scale. Further, hormone analysis indicated an enhancement in estradiol (P = 0.040), free testosterone (P = 0.025), and total testosterone (P = 0.012) in FHE group in comparison to placebo. There were no significant changes in progesterone (P = 0.174) and FSH (P = 0.879) upon FHE supplementation. The hematological and biochemical safety parameters were also at par with the safety of the extract.ConclusionThus, the supplementation of FHE may be considered as a natural alternative for sexual issues in women.Trial registrationCTRI/2018/09/015614 dated 05/09/2018.
Highlights
The reproductive cycle is regulated by the hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis; mainly the estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) [1]
Women experience physiologic deterioration of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function resulting in hormonal imbalance and a variety of symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbance, mood swings, depression, cognitive decline, vaginal dryness and sexual dysfunction occur with a significant impact on their quality of life [9, 10]
Further analysis indicated no detrimental effect on hormonal balance
Summary
The reproductive cycle is regulated by the hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis; mainly the estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) [1]. Cyclic rise of estrogen and progesterone occurs. The constant variations in the hormonal levels normally cause a number of physiological and psychological changes in a woman’s life. Woman may experience mood swings and Dysmenorrhea, (2021) 7:63. Women experience physiologic deterioration of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function resulting in hormonal imbalance and a variety of symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, sleep disturbance, mood swings, depression, cognitive decline, vaginal dryness and sexual dysfunction occur with a significant impact on their quality of life [9, 10]. Earlier studies have shown that the hydro-ethanolic extracts of fenugreek are efficient in the management of a number of hormone related disorders in women, including post and peri-menopausal discomforts, sexual dysfunctions, lactation and even in amenorrhea. Systematic informations on their safety and influence on hormonal balance are limited
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