Does Fenugreek Extract Raise Testosterone Levels?

“Do nothing and remain a shell of the man you could be!” That’s ad copy used for a popular brand of male virility product called Nugenix on their website. Nugenix is one of a number of products that try to address low testosterone levels in men; it contains fenugreek, among other substances.

Fenugreek has many documented uses: as a dietary supplement for diabetes, to stimulate milk production during breastfeeding, and for other health conditions. It has some positive research that suggests it will help reduce triglycerides and improve carbohydrate metabolism.

But what’s the connection with virility? What does fenugreek do for testosterone levels? Fenugreek extract may help increase testosterone levels slightly in the few human clinical trials that have been done. Based on quality of life assessments, men felt their overall sexual health had improved. The problem is that the products such as Nugenix all contained other ingredients that might have explained some of the effects, and of course there’s also the possibility of a placebo effect, especially in studies that ask for a subjective judgment of the substance’s benefits. And four clinical trials spread out over nine years isn’t exactly overwhelming clinical evidence.

There isn’t enough science to suggest whether products containing fenugreek extract will help raise testosterone levels, but there are two actions proven to increase testosterone: weight loss and exercise. If you want to do things naturally, that’s the way to do it.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet

References:

1. Aging Male. 2016 Jun;19(2):134-42.
2. Phytother Res. 2011 Sep;25(9):1294-300.