Withania somnifera and Trigonella foenum-graecum as ingredients of testosterone-boosting supplements: Possible clinical implications.
- 2024-04-17
- Advances in clinical and experimental medicine : official organ Wroclaw Medical University 34(2)
- Monika Skrzypiec-Spring
- Andrzej Pokrywka
- Justyna Kuliczkowska-Płaksej
- Adam Szeląg
- Marek Bolanowski
- PubMed: 38628109
- DOI: 10.17219/acem/185743
Study Design
- Type
- Review
This narrative review provides an overview of scientific studies on dietary supplements that may affect circulating testosterone (T) levels to explore which substances are scientifically proven to increase T concentration. We also review the scientific literature for their potential mechanisms and laboratory test changes triggered by their use. Based on the analysis of existing data on substances used to increase endogenous T levels, especially double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials, we selected 2 herbal extracts with the best documented positive effects on T levels, Withania somnifera root and root extracts/leaves and seed extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum. Although these substances have different postulated mechanisms of action, both significantly increase T levels in men. Withania somnifera may inhibit the effects of cortisol and prolactin on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and directly affect the hypothalamus. Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds contain the active substance diosgenin, which is a precursor for sex hormone synthesis in gonads.
Research Insights
Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds contain the active substance diosgenin, which is a precursor for sex hormone synthesis in gonads.
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Small
Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds contain the active substance diosgenin, which is a precursor for sex hormone synthesis in gonads.
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Small