Personally, I'd pass...
In modern times some of the traditional uses of fenugreek have fallen by the wayside, but one area in which it is more popular than ever is that of natural breast enhancement. The benefits of fenugreek to breastfeeding women have already been mentioned, but the benefits to the breast are much greater than this as fenugreek is rich in flavonoids, a class of phytoestrogens (including vitexin and its glycosides and esters, isovitexin, orientin, vicenins 1 and 2, quercetin and luteolin), which have a healthy hormonal balancing action in the female body and help to promote the process of mammogenesis, the development of the breast. Take a look at any herbal formulation designed for breast enhancement, from any part of the world, and you are likely to notice that it contains fenugreek as a major ingredient
Fenugreek
Capsules of fenugreek seed are sometimes recommended as a galactogogue, or agent to increase milk production in the lactating mother. This use of the herb should be undertaken cautiously, since the evidence of safety for the nursing infant is only anecdotal. Some commercial teas promoted for the purpose of increasing lactation use fenugreek as an ingredient, but herbal concentration in teas can vary widely and are generally somewhat low.
Fenugreek: Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Fenugreek is the most commonly recommended herbal galactogogue. It is a member of the pea family listed as GRAS (generally regarded as safe) by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is available over-the-counter in capsules or tea as an herbal remedy. Talk to your health care provider regarding dosage to increase milk supply. Reported side effects are rare and include maple syrup odor to sweat, milk and urine; diarrhea; and increased asthmatic symptoms. Fenugreek is also known to affect blood glucose. Diabetic mothers should talk to their physician before using fenugreek.
Galactagogues, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
J Hum Lact. 2002 Aug;18(3):274-9. Related Articles, Links
Galactogogues: medications that induce lactation.
Gabay MP.
Drug Information and Medication Use Outcomes Section, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA.
Galactogogues are medications that aid in initiating and maintaining adequate milk production. Most exert their pharmacologic effects through interactions with dopamine receptors, resulting in increased prolactin levels and thereby augmenting milk supply. Metoclopramide remains the galactogogue of choice due to its documented record of efficacy and safety in women and infants. Domperidone crosses the blood brain barrier and into the breast milk to a lesser extent than metoclopramide, decreasing the risk of toxicity to both mother and infant possibly making it an attractive alternative. Traditional antipsychotics, sulpiride and chlorpromazine, have been evaluated, but adverse events limit their use. Human growth hormone, thyrotrophin-releasing hormone, and oxytocin have also been studied. Finally, a natural product, fenugreek, has been purported to be effective in anecdotal reports. Use of this agent may be warranted after considering risks versus benefits.
Wikipedia...
Fenugreek - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fenugreek seed is widely used as a galactagogue (milk producing agent) by nursing mothers to increase inadequate breast milk supply. It has also been used to increase breast size. It can be found in capsule form in many health food stores.
Recently fenugreek has found its way into some bodybuilding supplements as it is suggested it may help stimulate testosterone production, although there is little evidence for this.
Natural Nurse.com
Natural Aphrodisiacs
Fenugreek has been recognized as a medicinal plant for centuries. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used the aromatic seeds extensively. It was a stable included in the diet of Harem woman to increase the size and roundness of their breasts, and is currently being promoted in several herbal ‘bust enhancing’ products. 16 Studies support the practice of modern midwives, as they continue the ancient tradition of recommending fenugreek to improve the milk supply of nursing mothers. 17 ,18 Traditional Chinese herbalists used fenugreek for male reproductive issues and kidney problems. 19 It is interesting to note that in Chinese medicine the kidneys are considered to be the area where sexual energy is stored. Fenugreek lowers blood sugar, 20 ,21 probably by increasing tissue insulin sensitivity. 22 The rich combination of nutrients in Fenugreek include the steroidal saponin diosgenin, 23 choline , trimethylamine (a sex hormone in frogs), Vitamins A, B 2, B 6, B 12, D, and essential oils. Diosgenin is an important precursor for the synthesis of a number of sex hormones, and also exhibits estrogenic effects.24
Body and Fitness
Fenugreek for Health
Breast Enlargement
The seeds and sprouts have a centuries-old folk reputation as breast enlargers. In fact, 100 years ago the herb was a key ingredient in the original formula for Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, a popular remedy for "female troubles"--everything from menstrual pain to postmenopausal vaginal dryness. Fenugreek seeds contain a fair amount of diosgenin, a chemical compound that's often used to create semisynthetic forms of the female sex hormone estrogen. While estrogen has many effects on the body, two relate principally to breast enlargement. The hormone causes growth of breast cells and contributes to water retention. In fact, many women who take the Pill, which contains estrogen, for birth control often experience as a side effect the feeling of breast fullness caused by water retention. Plant estrogen (phytoestrogen) from sources like fenugreek does not lead to uncomfortable breast fullness. Great for breast feeding. Inceases milk.
