Fact Check: Can methi, kalonji and kala chana cure Diabetes in a month?

An Instagram post claims that methi, kalonji and kala chana cures Diabetes in a month. The claim is FALSE

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that methi, kalonji and kala chana cures Diabetes in a month. The reel by tastymealshindi says, "If you are a diabetes patient, the first thing you need to do is take 20 fenugreek seeds, 10 black seeds (kalonji), and about 30–40 black chickpeas. Soak them in water at night. By morning, they become soft. Chew them slowly one by one, and gradually sip the soaked water alongside. After one month, get your sugar levels tested."

The post can be accessed here

Fact Check

The claim is FALSE. Methi, Kalonji and Kala chana may help in managing blood glucose levels but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim that too in a month.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or when the body is unable to use the insulin effectively. Insulin is a vital hormone responsible for controlling blood glucose levels. When diabetes is not well-managed, it leads to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which over time can cause serious complications affecting the nerves, blood vessels, and other organs.

Can Diabetes Be Cured?

There is currently no permanent cure for diabetes. However, many individuals can achieve diabetes remission, meaning they maintain normal blood sugar levels without the need for medication. This is typically accomplished through sustained lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

What are the Health Benefits of Methi, Kalonji and Kala Chana?

Methi also known as Fenugreek is one of the oldest medicinal plants, boasts an exceptional medicinal and nutritional profile. Its seeds are rich in fiber, phospholipids, glycolipids, oleic acid, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, choline, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, nicotinic acid, niacin, and numerous other beneficial elements. Fenugreek has been widely used as a spice globally to enhance the sensory appeal of foods. Renowned for its medicinal properties, it exhibits antidiabetic, anticancer, hypocholesterolemia, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities.

Kalonji known as black seed, is a plant from the Ranunculaceae family and is often referred to as a miracle herb due to its rich history and therapeutic benefits. Black seed has been extensively studied and is known for its wide range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-cough, gastroprotective, anti-anxiety, anti-ulcer, anti-asthmatic, immuno-modulatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. Its most powerful component is thymoquinone (TQ), which has anticonvulsant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-carcinogen properties.

Kala chana, or chickpea, is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and folate. It may support heart health, and improve digestion due its high fiber content. The presence of antioxidants and phytosterols may also offer protection against certain cancers and chronic diseases. Including kala chana in the diet may aid in weight management and overall metabolic health.

Can methi, kalonji and kala chana cure Diabetes in a month?

The claim that methi, kalonji, and kala chana can cure diabetes in one month is false. While these foods may offer supportive benefits in managing blood sugar levels, they are not a substitute for medical care, and they cannot reverse diabetes, let alone in 30 days. 

Ethan Basch et. al. noted that fenugreek has a long-standing history of use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, traditionally applied for various purposes such as inducing labor, aiding digestion, and serving as a general tonic to enhance metabolism and overall health. Early studies involving both animals and humans indicate that fenugreek seed powder taken orally may possess potential blood sugar-lowering and cholesterol-reducing effects.

An article published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found fenugreek does improve overall glycemic control parameters and lipid profile safely. The study revealed that fenugreek could improve overall glycemic control parameters and lipid profile. The results suggest that fenugreek may be an effective and safe option for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus for management of the disease.

Kalonji, also known as black seeds, has shown positive effects on blood sugar levels. A review by Naina Mohamed Pakkir Maideen et. al. found that black seed supplementation may help improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

Kala chana has potential  health benefits along with managing blood sugar levels. A review by A. K. Jukanti et. al. highlights that chickpea may offer several health-promoting effects and, when consumed alongside other pulses and cereals, could play a supportive role inmanaging key health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and digestive disorders.

Methi, Kalonji, and Kala Chana may offer certain health benefits and could support diabetes management, but there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to suggest that they can cure diabetes.

Responding to the claim Dr Kushal Bangar, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist, AIMS Hospital, Dombivli said, "Methi (fenugreek), kalonji (black seeds), and kala chana (black chickpeas) are the ingredients that are commonly used by a large number of people to manage blood sugar levels. They are believed to be loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that may help improve insulin sensitivity and slow sugar absorption. These ingredients are widely promoted on social media for sugar management. However, they cannot help to cure or manage diabetes, especially not within a month. Don’t believe in any such posts forwarded on social media. People shouldn’t depend on these foods for regulating blood sugar levels. Diabetes requires long-term lifestyle changes, medication (if prescribed), regular monitoring, and prompt medical guidance. While these natural ingredients can be part of a healthy diet and support blood sugar control, they should not replace prescribed treatment or insulin. These ingredients can do more harm than good when taken in excess quantity without the expert’s recommendation. Excessive intake of kalonji, kala chana, or methi may cause stomach upset, gas, or bloating. In some cases, they can interfere with blood sugar or blood pressure medications, so don’t have these ingredients without the expert’s advice. Understand that just opting for home remedies without checking sugar levels or adjusting medicines can be dangerous. It's best to consult a doctor before making changes to your diabetes management plan."

Dr Aarti Ullal Physician and diabetologist Gleneagles Hospital, Parel further said, "Diabetes cannot be cured in a month by any food or natural ingredient alone. Methi (fenugreek), kalonji (black seeds), and kala chana (black chickpeas) may have mild blood sugar-lowering properties, but they cannot be used to manage diabetes in patients. These foods can be included as part of a balanced diabetic diet as they are rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidant content. However, they should never replace treatment like insulin or diabetes medications that are recommended by the doctor as per the patient’s requirement. It is better to be safe than sorry. Over-dependency on home remedies may delay proper care and increase the risk of complications like heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss. Managing diabetes requires an integration of diet, exercise, regular monitoring, and medication under a doctor’s guidance. While natural foods can support health, there is no evidence that they can reverse diabetes completely or within a short period. Don’t fall prey to any such claims made on social media or promoted by influencers. Such claims are not verified or backed by clinical trials . Better to exercise caution and adhere to the guidelines given by the doctor."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

The claim that methi (fenugreek), kalonji (black seed), and kala chana (black chickpeas) can cure diabetes in one month is false. While these foods may help manage blood sugar levels when used alongside medical treatment and lifestyle changes, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that they can cure diabetes—especially within a month.

Hence, the claim is FALSE.