Dear lactnetters,
The article on fenugreek and breastfeeding (D Tiran, Complementary Therapies
in Nursing and Midwifery 2003, 9: 155-156 Short Communication) does not
mention the most likely mechanism for interaction of drugs and fenugreek:
like other mucilaginous botanical agents such as psyllium and marshmallow
root, fenugreek would be expected to delay or decrease the absorption of
concurrently ingested medicines.

Re: patch test - substances can induce reaction when applied to the skin but
not necessarily with oral ingestion (e.g. garlic, Vitamin E). More data
about fenugreek route of administration and allergy risk is called for.

The question of dose is not discussed in this short communication even
though it is the most pertinent element in any discussion of adverse or
beneficial effects, or herb-drug interactions.

It would have been very helpful for speculation about herb-drug interactions
to be separated from actual clinical observations or human studies. Which
citations are theoretical and which have observed phenomena behind them?

Boldo-fenugreek (in title of reference # 8) is a combination herb product
containing boldo ( Peumus boldus) and fenugreek. It would be impossible to
separate the contributions of boldo from the more innocuous fenugreek: boldo
is contraindicated in serious liver disease, in bile duct obstruction, with
gallstones; the American Herbal Product Association suggests it be used only
under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Regards,
Sheila Humphrey
BSc RN IBCLC

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html