The effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed on glycemic parameters: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective: The presented meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to analyze the effectiveess of fenugreek  (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on fasting blood glucose (FBG), ۲-hr postprandial glucose (۲hPPG), Hemoglobin A۱c (HbA۱c), Insulin and Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search of several databases was performed from inception to ۳۰ October ۲۰۲۳, for controlled clinical trials. Data were analyzed using the random-effect model, and are presented as weighted (WMD) or standardized (SMD) mean difference and associated ۹۵ % confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane χ۲ test. Meta-regression, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis were used to identify the source of heterogeneity. Funnel plot, Egger's, and Begg's tests were also used to evaluate publication bias.Results: A total of ۲۶ Randomized controlled trial (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria. The results indicated significant improving effects of fenugreek on FBG (WMD: − ۱۶.۷۵ mg/dl; ۹۵ % CI: − ۲۳.۳۶, − ۱۰.۱۵; p<۰.۰۰۱), ۲hPP (WMD: - ۲۲.۲۸ mg/dl; ۹۵ % CI: - ۳۴.۴۲ to - ۱۰.۱۵; p<۰.۰۰۱; I² (%): ۹۵.۱%, p<۰.۰۰۱), HbA۱c levels (WMD: - ۰.۶۳ mg/dl; ۹۵ % CI: - ۰.۷۶ to - ۰.۵۱; p<۰.۰۰۱), and insulin (SMD: - ۰.۴۲; ۹۵ % CI: - ۰.۷۹ to - ۰.۰۵; p = ۰.۰۲۶). However, the HOMA-IR effect was insignificant (WMD: -۲۲.۲۸ mg/dl; ۹۵ % CI: - ۰.۸۴ to ۰.۰۲; p = ۰.۰۶۱).Conclusion: The overall results support the possible protective and therapeutic effects of fenugreek on glycemic parameters. Future studies with higher quality are necessary to confirm the results of the present meta-analyses.