Cindy wrote to Dr. Lawrence and received this response:


> I did not include Fenugreek on the list of dangerous herbs.  I did discuss
> > it extensively.  There are no placebo controlled trials reported.  Cross
> > allergies to peanuts and chick peas are important.  Other effects are
> > lowering blood surgar and colic in the infant to mention a few.  It should
> > be carefully studied in a placebo controlled trial with blood sugar
> > determinations before it is promoted as a galactogue.
>

Does anyone know the basis for this assertion -- that the fenugreek will
lower the baby's blood sugar?  That there is an association with cross
allergies to peanuts?  That it can cause colic?  I'm really interested in
finding the sources for this, as I haven't been able to locate them.

According to Tom Hale, fenugreek has been noted to reduce cholesterol in
animals when 50% of their diet contained fenugreek SEEDS.  Also a
hypoglycemic effect has been noted with the SEEDS.  He goes on to say, "The
transfer of fenugreek into milk is unknown but untoward effects have not been
reported."  (Colic not mentioned.  Nor are peanuts or chick peas).  In
adults, only TWO cases of fenugreek allergy have been reported.

Does anyone have a more thorough treatise on fenugreek than this?

Thanks!

Jan Barger in Wheaton

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