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Fenugreek Extract for Testosterone and Libido: RCT Results

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In a 12-week trial of 120 men aged 43–70, 600 mg/day of the studied fenugreek extract improved the Aging Male Symptoms...

In a 12-week trial of 120 men aged 43–70, 600 mg/day of the studied fenugreek extract improved the Aging Male Symptoms score, sexual function measures, and total and free testosterone relative to placebo. The verified abstract does not substantiate the precise 46% and 6.57% increases. These results do not establish treatment for diagnosed testosterone deficiency.

Key Findings

  • Rao 2016 randomized 120 men aged 43–70 to Testofen 600 mg/day or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the Aging Male Symptoms questionnaire. [1]
  • The trial reported improvements in total and free testosterone, frequency of morning erections and sexual activity. Exact percentage increases are not supplied by the verified abstract. [1]
  • A separate six-week trial enrolled 60 men aged 25–52 and tested a fenugreek-plus-mineral formulation; improvements in sexual arousal and orgasm scores belong to that study. [2]
  • Wilborn 2010 enrolled 30 resistance-trained men and used 500 mg/day for eight weeks. Some hormone and body-composition measures differed between groups, while strength improved over time in both groups. [3]
  • These trials tested specific preparations over short periods. They do not establish a class-wide effect for all fenugreek products or long-term clinical safety.

Study Details

Testofen, a specialised Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract reduces age-related symptoms of androgen decrease, increases testosterone levels and improves sexual function in healthy aging males in a double-blind randomised clinical study
Rao A, Steels E, Inder WJ, Abraham S, Vitetta L — The aging male : the official journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male (2016)
Twelve weeks of Testofen 600 mg/day improved Aging Male Symptoms, total and free testosterone, and some sexual-function measures versus placebo.
120 participantsModerate
Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and mineral formulation
Steels E, Rao A, Vitetta L — Phytotherapy research : PTR (2011)
Six weeks of a 600 mg/day fenugreek-plus-mineral formulation improved self-reported arousal and orgasm; testosterone remained within the reference range.
60 participantsModerate
Effects of a purported aromatase and 5α-reductase inhibitor on hormone profiles in college-age men
Wilborn C, Taylor L, Poole C, Foster C, Willoughby D, Kreider R — International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism (2010)
Eight weeks of 500 mg/day during resistance training affected some hormone and body-composition outcomes; strength improvement was a time effect rather than a demonstrated supplement-specific advantage.
30 participantsModerate

Practical Takeaway

The studies suggest possible improvements in some sexual-function and hormone measures, with important limits from sample size, duration and formulation. Persistent low libido or suspected testosterone deficiency warrants assessment of the cause; a short supplement trial is not evidence that fenugreek can replace treatment for a diagnosed endocrine disorder.

Summary

Rao's 2016 randomized trial of Testofen in 120 men aged 43–70, with separate context from smaller studies of libido and resistance training.

Related Supplements

Fenugreek

Related Conditions

Low TestosteroneBlood Sugar Management

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the 2016 trial show a 46% testosterone increase?

The verified abstract reports significant increases in total and free testosterone but does not provide that percentage. It should not be presented as a verified effect size from this source.

How long were the trials?

The Rao trial lasted 12 weeks, the Steels libido study six weeks, and the Wilborn resistance-training study eight weeks. These durations do not establish how quickly an individual will notice a benefit.

Which dose was tested?

The Rao and Steels studies used 600 mg/day of their specific formulations, while Wilborn used 500 mg/day. Formulations and study populations differed, so the studies do not identify one best dose for everyone.

Is long-term safety established?

No. Short trials cannot establish safety over years or across people with other conditions and medications.

Do results in older men apply to younger men?

The studies enrolled different age groups and measured different outcomes. A hormone result in men aged 43–70 cannot be assumed to predict strength or performance benefits in younger adults.

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Supplement Guide

Fenugreek

Bottom line: Fenugreek extract at 500-600mg daily may boost free testosterone and libido in men. Testofen is the best-studied form with multiple positive RCTs supporting its use.

Condition Guide

Low Testosterone

References

  1. Rao A, Steels E, Inder WJ, Abraham S, Vitetta L (2016). Testofen, a specialised Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract reduces age-related symptoms of androgen decrease, increases testosterone levels and improves sexual function in healthy aging males. Aging Male. DOI PubMed
  2. Steels E, Rao A, Vitetta L (2011). Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and mineral formulation. Phytotherapy Research. DOI PubMed
  3. Wilborn C, Taylor L, Poole C, Foster C, Willoughby D, Kreider R (2010). Effects of a purported aromatase and 5α-reductase inhibitor on hormone profiles in college-age men. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. DOI PubMed