Written By : Rohit Dwivedi, M.D. (Last Updated on March 31, 2024)
There is nothing quite fulfilling, like sexual confidence in a man.
And the energy in the gym.
Testosterone gives men their edge.
It is responsible for your libido, mood stability, red blood cell production and muscle growth.
A recent study 1 showed that there is a fourfold increase in the use of testosterone boosters between 2003 and 2013.
Low testosterone has become a significant problem in individuals.
Do you have low T-levels?
Have you tried these best testosterone boosters?
Some herbs such as fenugreek have been proven to boost testosterone levels.
Have you come across fenugreek and wondered if it will give you the edge?
You are not alone; many men want to increase their T-levels but worry about hyped-up supplements that do not offer effective results.
Well, recent research shows Fenugreek’s potential to boost testosterone.
But what is the science behind it?
Are there any other benefits and side effects?
Let’s find out below.
What is Fenugreek?
Fenugreek is a plant that is native to South Asia and Arabic regions.
For a long time, fenugreek has been used to spice up Indian dishes and to treat labour pains and stimulate milk production in women in Chinese medicine.
Fenugreek extract is used as a dietary supplement for various health benefits such as increasing energy, boosting testosterone, reducing cholesterol and regulating blood sugar levels.
Fenugreek seeds contain vitamins, inositol, saponins, choline, and coumarins which makes it a potent antioxidant.
Will Fenugreek boost your testosterone levels?
Fenugreek extract is popular among various T-boosters.
Fenugreek contains furostanolic saponins – a compound believed to boost the production of testosterone.
Various studies show fenugreek increases testosterone levels.
A 2010 study 2 published on the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition involving men who participated in resistance training showed that they had higher levels of testosterone following an 8-week supplementation with 500mg Fenugreek.
A 2016 study 3 done by University of Sydney, department of medicine analyzed the effects of Testofen-a standardized form of Fenugreek and found out that it increased testosterone levels, enhanced sexual health and reduced symptoms of androgen deficiency in healthy aging men who were supplemented with 600mg daily for 12 weeks.
In yet another study 4 published in 2017 by the International Journal of Medical Sciences, Furosap-a patented form of fenugreek, improved testosterone levels, sperm health, cardiovascular health, and overall performance.
But some studies have reported that fenugreek does not affect testosterone levels.
A 2009 study 5 by Texas American College of Sports Medicine sought to find out if Fenugreek affected testosterone levels.
It involved 45 resistance-trained males who took 500 mg of Fenugreek daily for 8 weeks.
Results showed that it did not affect testosterone levels.
Also, a 2010 study indicated that there were no changes in testosterone levels following fenugreek supplementation in resistant training individuals.
Benefits of Fenugreek
Aside from boosting testosterone levels and improving libido, Fenugreek is used to treat various conditions, including diabetes and obesity.
Take a look at these benefits.
Lowers blood sugar
Fenugreek controls blood sugar in various ways.
It improves insulin sensitivity, reduces intestinal absorption of glucose, delays gastric emptying and decreases concentrations of lipid-binding protein.
A 2015 study showed that fenugreek reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by lowering insulin resistance.
Anticancer effects
Fenugreek can help in the treatment of cancer since it displays cytotoxicity in cancer cells like T-cell lymphoma.
A study published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies showed that cells exposed to a high concentration of fenugreek displayed less cytotoxicity.
Boosts milk production
Fenugreek has been used as a galactagogue to increase milk supply for lactating mothers when used alongside supplements like ashwagandha, garlic, and wide asparagus.
A 2019 study done on 40 women with insufficient milk production showed an increase in milk production within the 5 days of taking fenugreek.
Reduces inflammation
The petroleum ether extract from fenugreek contains linolenic acids that display anti-inflammation properties.
A 2016 study done on rats with induced arthritis showed significant anti-inflammatory effects on all the specimens tested.
Aids in weight loss and body fat accumulation
Fenugreek contains soluble fibre that promotes weight loss by preventing overeating.
It also contains thermogenic elements that help in reducing weight loss by improving carbohydrate metabolism.
A study done on 60 healthy men who were given 300 mg of Fenugreek daily for 8 weeks showed a significant change in body fat accumulation.
Promotes healthy kidneys
Fenugreek helps in maintaining healthy kidneys by increasing the level of antioxidants, which decreases oxidative stress.
Also, it increases the number of red blood cells which in turn promotes oxygenated blood into the kidney.
Does Fenugreek have side effects?
Fenugreek does not pose significant side effects when taken in the right amounts or by following your doctor’s guidelines.
But, those allergic to peanuts may also be allergic to fenugreek, although further studies still need to be conducted in a wide range of individuals.
Potential side effects include:
- Stomach upsets.
- Headaches.
- Diarrhea.
- Dizziness.
- Flatulence.
- Urine /breast milk odor.
- Hypoglycemia -common in people with diabetes -where sugar levels fall below normal.
Pregnant mothers are also advised not to use fenugreek for medicinal purposes since it may trigger involuntary abortion.
When overdosed, it may cause infertility and DNA damage.
It may cause excessive bleeding in individuals taking blood thinners.
Conclusion
Fenugreek has excellent perks to the human body.
Several studies show that fenugreek boosts testosterone, while others indicate it does not affect.
Therefore, more research is needed to support that fenugreek boosts T-levels.
Aside from increasing testosterone levels, it also offers other benefits, including lowering inflammation, reducing insulin resistance, boosting milk production, aiding fat loss, increasing libido and anticancer properties.
So, if you are looking to boost your testosterone levels and get other health benefits, then fenugreek is a good option.
Read next: When To Consider a Testosterone Test?
