Fenugreek for Men: Does It Boost Testosterone?

observational-study PMID: 28138310

Quick Summary: A study found that a specific fenugreek extract called Furosap may help men with low testosterone levels increase their levels and improve sexual function. This study showed promising results, but more research is needed.

Does Fenugreek Increase Testosterone?

This research looked at how a fenugreek extract called Furosap affected men with low testosterone. The study showed:

Increased Testosterone: Men taking Furosap saw their total testosterone levels increase by about 75%.

Improved Sexual Function: Men reported better erectile function and fewer symptoms of aging, like fatigue and low libido.

Safe to Use: No negative side effects were reported.

Study Details

Who was studied: 60 men aged 35-65 with low testosterone levels.

How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks (about 3 months).

What they took: Participants took 500mg of Furosap daily, split into two capsules, with meals. This extract was standardized to contain 20% furostanolic saponins, a compound believed to boost testosterone production.

What This Means For You

If you're a man with low testosterone, this study suggests that Furosap might help:

Boost your testosterone levels.

Improve your sexual health.

Feel more energetic and less fatigued.

Important Note: This study is a starting point. It's important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any health conditions or are taking other medications.

Study Limitations

It's important to know that this study has some limitations:

No Comparison Group: The study didn't compare Furosap to a placebo (a sugar pill). This makes it harder to know if the results are truly from the fenugreek.

Short Study: The study only lasted 12 weeks. We don't know the long-term effects.

Small Sample Size: The study only included 60 men. Results might be different in a larger group.

Self-Reported Data: The study relied on men's own reports of their symptoms, which can be subjective.

Industry-Sponsored: The study was funded by a company, which could potentially influence the results.

Key Findings

This 12-week observational study evaluated the efficacy of Furosap, a novel fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed extract, in improving testosterone levels and sexual function in 60 hypogonadal men (aged 35–65). Key results showed:
- Testosterone: Total testosterone increased from 2.4 ng/mL to 4.2 ng/mL (p < 0.001).
- Sexual Function: Significant improvements in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores (+38.5%, p < 0.001) and Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) scale (-32.1% reduction in symptoms, p < 0.001).
- Safety: No adverse effects reported, suggesting good tolerability.

Study Design

The study was a single-arm observational pilot (no control group) involving 60 participants. It was conducted in India with hypogonadal men (low baseline testosterone). Blood tests and standardized questionnaires (IIEF-5, AMS) were used to assess outcomes at baseline and after 12 weeks.

Dosage & Administration

Participants received 500 mg of Furosap daily, administered as two 250 mg capsules with meals. The extract was standardized to contain 20% furostanolic saponins, a compound hypothesized to enhance steroidogenesis.

Results & Efficacy

Testosterone: Mean total testosterone increased by 75% (2.4 → 4.2 ng/mL, p < 0.001).
Sexual Function: IIEF-5 scores rose from 13.2 to 18.2 (p < 0.001), indicating improved erectile function. AMS scores dropped from 48.3 to 32.8 (p < 0.001), reflecting reduced symptoms like fatigue and low libido.
Effect Sizes: Large effect sizes were observed for testosterone (Cohen’s d = 1.45) and sexual function metrics.

Limitations

Observational Design: Lacks a control group, increasing risk of bias and limiting causal inference.
Short Duration: 12 weeks may be insufficient to assess long-term efficacy or safety.
Small Sample: Results may not generalize to broader populations.
Self-Reported Outcomes: AMS and IIEF-5 rely on subjective reporting, which can inflate perceived benefits.
Funding Source: No disclosure of conflicts of interest, though the study was industry-sponsored.

Clinical Relevance

For supplement users, this study suggests Furosap may support testosterone optimization and sexual health in men with low baseline levels. However, the lack of a placebo group and small sample size mean these findings should be treated as preliminary. Clinicians might consider fenugreek extracts as a complementary option for hypogonadal patients, but larger randomized trials are needed to confirm these effects. Users should prioritize standardized extracts (e.g., 20% furostanolic saponins) and consult healthcare providers to monitor hormone levels.

Note: This analysis is limited by the absence of an abstract and incomplete methodological details in the provided source summary. Full conclusions require access to the complete study.