Fenugreek
Also: Trigonella foenum-graecum · Testofen · methi · fenugreek seed extract
Mixed evidence — modest libido benefits in some studies, but the testosterone story is inconsistent and may include 5α-reductase inhibition.
Testosterone & hormonal load
Fenugreek seed extracts contain steroidal saponins (fenuside, protodioscin) proposed to inhibit aromatase and 5α-reductase. Some RCTs show increased free testosterone and improved sexual function scores, but total testosterone changes are inconsistent. Importantly, 5α-reductase inhibition could lower DHT — relevant for men concerned about hair loss or androgenic effects, but not straightforwardly 'testosterone boosting.' Libido improvements may occur through pathways independent of testosterone.
Found in.
Two jurisdictions, two different verdicts.
Approved as a food supplement ingredient in EU. Used traditionally in EU herbal medicine.
GRAS as a food spice/flavoring. Sold as a dietary supplement under DSHEA.
The receipts.
- [01]Steels et al. 2011 — Testofen and male sexual function RCT (PubMed)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21312304/
- [02]Wankhede et al. 2016 — Fenugreek glycoside supplementation during resistance training (PubMed)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30356905/
- [03]Mansoori et al. 2020 — Fenugreek extract and testosterone meta-analysis (PubMed)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32048383/
Find Fenugreek before it finds you.
Point the camera at any barcode. Mangood reads the ingredient list and tells you, in one tap, whether Fenugreek is hiding in the bottle in your hand.