Fenugreek Is Superior to Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum and Tara Gum for Metabolic Health: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Background: Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), locust bean (Ceratonia siliqua), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and tara (Caesalpinia spinosa) are plant-derived materials that contain galactomannans as their major polysaccharide component. Galactomannans are soluble, highly viscous, and fermentable dietary fibers widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because of their favorable technological properties. Methods: We performed our systematic search on 16 April 2026, in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), without language restrictions. Eligible randomized controlled trials compared the effects of guar gum, locust bean gum, and fenugreek on glycemic parameters, lipid profile, and body weight-related outcomes in healthy adults or patients with metabolic disorders. Results: A total of 50 randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Of these, 27 investigated guar gum, 20 fenugreek (12 seed powder, 7 seed extract, 1 leaf extract), two mixed galactomannan preparations, and one locust bean gum intervention. Considerable heterogeneity was observed across studies regarding participant characteristics, intervention doses, and treatment duration. Nevertheless, fenugreek-derived preparations consistently improved glycemic outcomes. In contrast, guar gum demonstrated more consistent effects on lipid parameters. Effects on body weight and body mass index were less consistent across…
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