Supplements

Fenugreek oral capsule improves self-reported sleep quality in primiparous postpartum women

In a triple-blind RCT of 60 primiparous women, fenugreek seed extract (700 mg daily) significantly improved PSQI scores compared to placebo at postpartum days 30 and 60 (p<0.001). At day 60, mean PSQI scores were 5.1±1.4 in the fenugreek group vs 8.9±1.5 in the placebo group, after adjusting for baseline differences.

Last updated: Aug 6, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score44/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. The effect of fenugreek oral capsule on the sleep quality of primiparous women in the postpartum period: a triple&#x2011;blind randomized controlled trial.

observational

Mohammadi S, Karimi FZ, Salari R, Mazloom SR · Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 60 days postpartum
Intervention: 700 mg fenugreek seed extract capsule once daily from postpartum day 3-5 until day 60
Outcome: Sleep quality measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at days 15, 30, and 60 postpartum
Effect Size: N/A (F-values reported: day 30 F=21.4, day 60 F=54.6)
Population: Primiparous women in the postpartum period attending health centers in Sabzevar, Iran

Result:

PubMed: 42547874DOI: 10.1186/s40748-026-00281-8

Mechanism Graph

Fenugreek contains compounds with potential sedative and anxiolytic properties
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May modulate neurotransmitter systems involved in sleep regulation
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Could reduce postpartum stress and anxiety, indirectly improving sleep
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Result: Improved self-reported sleep quality scores

Limitations

  • ⚠Baseline sleep quality scores differed significantly between groups, requiring statistical adjustment
  • ⚠Sleep quality was assessed via self-report (PSQI) without objective measures (e.g., polysomnography)
  • ⚠Small sample size (n=60) and single-center design may limit generalizability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended dose of fenugreek for postpartum sleep improvement?▼

The study used 700 mg fenugreek seed extract capsule once daily, starting on postpartum day 3-5 and continuing until day 60.

How quickly does fenugreek improve sleep quality in postpartum women?▼

No significant difference was seen at day 15, but significant improvements were observed by day 30 and day 60 postpartum.

Is fenugreek safe for breastfeeding mothers?▼

The study did not report adverse effects, but safety in breastfeeding was not specifically assessed. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

What sleep outcomes were measured in this trial?▼

The primary outcome was sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a self-reported questionnaire.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Mohammadi S, Karimi FZ, Salari R, Mazloom SR. "The effect of fenugreek oral capsule on the sleep quality of primiparous women in the postpartum period: a triple&#x2011;blind randomized controlled trial.." Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology, 2026. PMID: 42547874 DOI: 10.1186/s40748-026-00281-8
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.