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Sperm count, sperm motility and abnormal sperm morphology at baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks and 12-weeks of FS treatment
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Background: Dietary fiber rich fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds have exhibited cardioprotective, hypolipidemic and other health benefits. Furosap (FS), an innovative, patented, 20% protodioscin-enriched extract was developed in our laboratory from fenugreek seeds. This study examined the free and total testosterone levels, sperm profile...
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... count (millions/ml), sperm motility (%) and abnormal sperm morphology (%) were evaluated at baseline, after 4 weeks, after 8 weeks and after 12 weeks following supplementation of FS (Table 5). Sperm count and sperm motility were significantly increased at the end of 4-, 8-and 12-weeks of FS treatment, while abnormal sperm morphology (%) reduced at all these time point. ...
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Consumption of plant-derived foods contaminated with afatoxin and their metabolites in animal products or exposure to contaminated mycotoxins air and dust caused kidney and liver damage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) upon afatoxin B1-induced damages to the liver and kidney of male al...
Background: A novel, patent-pending 20% protodioscin-enriched extract has been developed in our laboratories from fenugreek seeds(Furosap®). We assessed the efficacy of Furosap®in 50 male volunteers (age: 35-65 years)on free and total increased testosterone levels, sperm profile, mental alertness, cardiovascular health, mood, libido,and quality of...
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... In addition, both substances have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NFkB signaling pathway (Patel et al. 2012;Zhang et al. 2014). Studies have also shown that DIO can increase total testosterone, free testosterone in men and estradiol in women (Rao et al. 2015;Rao et al. 2016;Maheshwari et al. 2017). Consequently, plant-derived such as fenugreek, which contains DIO is also said to increase virility and fertility (Maheshwari et al. 2017;Rao et al. 2016). ...
... Studies have also shown that DIO can increase total testosterone, free testosterone in men and estradiol in women (Rao et al. 2015;Rao et al. 2016;Maheshwari et al. 2017). Consequently, plant-derived such as fenugreek, which contains DIO is also said to increase virility and fertility (Maheshwari et al. 2017;Rao et al. 2016). In addition to the endocrine effects of DIO, first intervention studies provided evidence that DIO can also enhance performance. ...
Plant steroids such as ecdysterone (ECDY) or diosgenin (DIO) have been associated with anabolic and performance-enhancing effects for years. However, the molecular mechanisms have not yet been extensively studied in skeletal muscle cells. Consequently, the anabolic activity and associated molecular mechanisms of ECDY and DIO alone and in combination were investigated in C2C12 myotubes. Dose-dependent effects of both compounds on myotube diameter, mRNA expression of IGF-1 and PI3KR1 as well as expression of myosin heavy chain (MHC) proteins were analyzed in differentiated C2C12 cells. In addition, the binding affinities to androgen and estrogen receptors were analyzed. Treatment with ECDY and DIO significantly induced hypertrophy of C2C12 myotubes. Partially additive effects were observed. This is supported by the mRNA expression of IGF-1 and PI3KR1 as well as in the expression of MHC. However, no clear statement can be made regarding which combination has the strongest additive effects. Besides, the results suggest that, in contrast to ECDY, DIO has antiandrogenic effects and bind on AR. Consequently, it indicates that two different mechanisms of action are activated in ECDY and DIO combinations. However, this must be confirmed in further cell cultures studies and human interventions concerning anti-doping regulations.
... Several studies in recent years suggest that some of the active components in fenugreek increase testosterone levels (total as well as free testosterone) in humans and animals [1,2,6], and libido can increase in men [4][5][6][7][8] and women [9,10], and it is likely that any positive effect of fenugreek extracts is to a significant extent mediated via changes in androgen metabolism. ...
... Several studies in recent years suggest that some of the active components in fenugreek increase testosterone levels (total as well as free testosterone) in humans and animals [1,2,6], and libido can increase in men [4][5][6][7][8] and women [9,10], and it is likely that any positive effect of fenugreek extracts is to a significant extent mediated via changes in androgen metabolism. ...
... There are several different nutritional supplements intending to affect testosterone metabolism on the market, and Trigozim R is one of them. The biologically active component of Trigozim R is probably protodioscin [6], but the biological activity of Trigozim R (and most other products on the market) is poorly documented in relation to testosterone metabolism. ...
Many aging men experience reduced energy and libido related to non-optimal testosterone levels. We conducted a randomized double-blind trial with TrigozimR fenugreek extract to assess impact on plasma and saliva testosterone, and some subjective effects. 95 men (40-80y) completed a 12-week intervention, taking 3 tablets daily with 0 mg (placebo; n = 22), 600 mg (n = 21), 1200 mg (n = 25) and1800 mg (n = 27) fenugreek extract and essential nutrients. Samples were collected at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 12. Participants answered a pre- and post-intervention questionnaire on lifestyle and libido. We measured total testosterone (HPLC-MS/MS) and sex hormone binding globulin (ELISA), calculated free testosterone index (FTI), and measured saliva testosterone. Plasma total testosterone and FTI increased after any dose of TrigozimR vs. baseline (13.0%, p = 1.0x10⁻⁴ and 16.3%, p = 6.2x10⁻⁶), but not vs. placebo (9.0%, p = 0.122 and 11.3% p = 0.059). 1800 mg TrigozimR resulted in 12.2% increased FTI (p = 0.025). Saliva testosterone concentration increased after any dose of TrigozimR vs. baseline (31.1%, p = 2.3x10⁻⁴) and vs. placebo (37.2%, p = 0.042). 1800 mg TrigozimR for 12 weeks resulted in 19.6% (p = 0.006) increased saliva testosterone. Compliance was confirmed by enhanced plasma concentration of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3. We observed no subjective effects or side-effects of TrigozimR. TrigozimR increased saliva and plasma testosterone concentration during intervention but only for saliva vs. placebo. Saliva may be preferred for measuring free testosterone due to no protein-bound testosterone.
... Lepidium meyenii exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with a free radical inhibition of 63% which may reduce oxidative stress (OS) and improve sperm quality. Trigonella foenum-graecum, which has been shown to have phyto-estrogenic effects, provides nutrients and helps regulate blood sugar levels [39], exhibited a free radical inhibition of 50%. Although Tribulus arabica exhibited a free radical inhibition of 30%, and Spirulina platensis showed a 25% free radical inhibition. ...
... Notably, Trigonella foenum-graecum has been utilized to promote reproductive wellbeing and address male infertility concerns [39]. Several factors contribute to the potential benefits of Trigonella foenum-graecum for fertility, including its phytoestrogenic properties [48]. ...
... The present study demonstrated substantial antioxidant activity, evidenced by a 50% inhibition of free radicals. These nutrients and antioxidants play a vital role in overall health and contribute to the optimal functioning of the reproductive system [39]. Additionally, Trigonella foenum-graecum has been examined for its potential antidiabetic effects, primarily attributed to the presence of 4-hydroxyisoleucine. ...
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a sodium salt derived from glutamic acid, is widely used in commercial food products to improve taste, quality, and preservation. However, its consumption may have detrimental effects on male reproductive function. Nevertheless, plant extracts, such as Lepidium meyenii (Maca), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), Spirulina platensis (Spirulina), and Tribulus arabica (Tribulus), may ameliorate these adverse effects. To this effect, the phytochemical properties of Lepidium meyenii, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Spirulina platensis, and Tribulus arabica were assessed, and their potential impact on MSG-induced impairment of reproductive parameters was examined. The phytochemical composition (steroids, terpenes, phenols, flavonoids) of the plants was profiled through spectrophotometry and the antioxidant activity was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups at random: a control group receiving distilled water, and five experimental groups (MSG, Maca, Fenugreek, Spirulina, and Tribulus) receiving 900 mg/kg/day of MSG dissolved in water for 45 days. Subsequently, the animals in the experimental groups were administered 500 mg/kg/day of the respective plant extract via oral gavage for an additional 35 days, while the MSG group continued to receive water only. Following the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed, and their reproductive tract organs were collected, weighed, and subjected to further analysis. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of diverse bioactive elements in the plant extracts, including phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Exposure to MSG negatively impacted total and progressive sperm motility, which was ameliorated by Lepidium meyenii treatment. Sperm morphology showed no significant differences among groups. Treatment of the phytochemical agents diminished histomorphometric alternations of the testicular length, germinal epithelium height, and number of cells in seminiferous tubules, which were caused by the initial administration of MSG. Testosterone and LH levels were reduced in the MSG group but improved in extract-treated groups. The study suggests Lepidium meyenii as a potential remedy for reproductive dysfunction. However, further investigation into its mechanisms and human safety and efficacy is warranted.
... Fenugreek, a traditional herbal remedy, has shown promise in enhancing male fertility through various mechanisms (Maheshwari et al., 2017). Our study corroborates previous findings indicating that fenugreek supplementation can improve sperm motility and reduce abnormalities in male rats with hypothyroidism (Kiss et al., 2019). ...
Background: Hypothyroidism, a common hormonal disorder, disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, impacting male reproductive health. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), known for its pharmacological properties, has shown potential therapeutic benefits and risks concerning reproductive function. Methods: Male rats were divided into four groups: a negative control, a hypothyroid group, a hypothyroid group treated with fenugreek extract (15 mg/kg/day), and a hypothyroid group treated with L-thyroxine (0.1 mg/kg/day). Thyroid hormone levels and sperm characteristics (motility, viability, morphology) were assessed after 30 days of treatment. Hormonal analysis was performed using ELISA, and semen analysis followed standard protocols. Statistical analysis involved ANOVA with p < 0.05. Results: Hypothyroidism led to increased TSH and decreased T3 and T4 levels, alongside impaired sperm parameters. Both fenugreek and L-thyroxine treatments significantly improved thyroid hormone levels and sperm characteristics compared to the hypothyroid group. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism adversely affects male reproductive health, but fenugreek shows promise in ameliorating these effects, potentially due to its antioxidant properties and hormonal modulation. Further research is needed to confirm its clinical application.
... They showed an increase in the concentration of free testosterone, an increase in the amount of sperm in semen, and an improvement in sexual condition. [112,113] In physically active men aged 20-28 years, the impact of 12-week supplementation with fenugreek seed extract (20% protodioscin) on the hormone profile, body composition, and exercise capacity was assessed. The study showed an increase in testosterone concentration and lean body mass. ...
Testosterone boosters (TB) are multi-ingredient dietary supplements that have gained popularity among athletes and the general population. However, certain ingredients in TB are associated with adverse events. The aim of the present study was to analyze dietary TB supplements available for sale online on shop.bodybuilding.com and amazon.com in ten distribution area markets. We evaluated the top five best-selling TB and the most frequently used ingredients of 50 selected TB and the evidence for their efficacy and safety, as well as legislation, statements in the European Union (EU) and sports organizations such as International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and World Anti- Doping Agency (WADA). Among 50 TB, 361 components and 98 ingredients were identified. The following ingredients were included in the final review: fenugreek, D- aspartic acid (DAA), 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) or indole-3-carbinol (I3C), Eurycoma longifolia, Cordyceps spp., and ecdysteroids. In EU an authorized health claims refer to few ingredients in TB, mainly minerals, vitamins. Some ingredients were recognized by international sports organizations such as the ISSN, AIS, and WADA and some were identified as unauthorized ingredients/novel food in the EU. Selected ingredients can possibly increase the risk of endocrine system dysregulation.
... Other findings TBs were considered "promising" if one clearly positive RCT for the outcome of interest was available, "unclear" if a positive noncontrolled prospective study against baseline sTT was available, the remainder were considered as "no effect shown". TBs considered The main findings from these studies are resumed in Table 4. "Unclear" and "No effect shown" TBs' results are displayed in Supplement 2 [54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63]. ...
Testosterone boosters are heavily marketed on social media and marketplaces to men with claims to significantly increase testosterone. Lax industry regulation has allowed sales of supplements to thrive in the absence of verification of their purported benefits. Our primary objective was to systematically review all data published in the last two decades on testosterone boosters and determine their efficacy. Our outcome of interest was total testosterone increase versus placebo in four different populations: male athletes, men with late-onset hypogonadism infertile men and healthy men. Following search and screening, 52 studies were included in our review, relating to 27 proposed testosterone boosters: 10 studies of cholecalciferol; 5 zinc/magnesium; 4 Tribulus terrestris and creatine; 3 Eurycoma longifolia and Withania somnifera; 2 betaine, D-aspartic acid, Lepidium meyenii and isoflavones; while the remainder were single reports. Our findings indicate that most fail to increase total testosterone. The exceptions were β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate and betaine, which can be considered effective for male athletes. Eurycoma longifolia, a blend of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cacao seed extracts (Tesnor™) and purified Shilajit extract (PrimaVie™) can be considered possibly effective for men with late-onset hypogonadism; Eurycoma longifolia and Withania somnifera possibly effective for healthy men; and a non-hormonal aromatase inhibitor (Novadex XT™) possibly effective for male athletes.
... Furthermore, interventions showed a reduction of fat mass in obese individuals through FEN supplementation and confirm the effect of diosgenin on fat and carbohydrate metabolism [20][21][22]. In addition to the positive effects on body composition, an increase in free testosterone was detected in men and promoted libido [23]. Similar effects on libido and energy metabolism were observed in studies of FEN in combination with zinc, magnesium and pyridoxine [24]. ...
... This suggests that the effect of FEN is less pronounced in healthy men without a deficit of free testosterone. Such a group-specific effect was already demonstrated in a study by Maheshwari et al. [23]. The results showed an increase in FT concentration of 46 % in about 90 % of men with clinical symptoms of hypogonadism. ...
The use of plant steroids to improve physical health and performance is becoming increasingly popular. One of these plant steroids is diosgenin, which is mainly available in fenugreek. As a result, some studies have been conducted to improve physical health. Fenugreek extracts are also becoming increasingly popular in the context of athletic performance. Based on these assumptions, a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the promoting effects of fenugreek on strength performance, body composition, and hormone concentration. Four databases were screened according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The current version of ReviewManager (RevMan) was used for the statistical evaluation. Seven studies with 449 participants (378 male, 71 female) met the inclusion criteria. A small effect of fenugreek was detected for total testosterone (standard mean difference (SMD): 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09 0.55), free testosterone (SMD: 0.24; 95% CI: −0.04, 0.52), lean body mass (SMD: 0.19; 95% CI: −0.10, 0.49), fat mass (SMD: −0.19; 95% CI: −0.44, 0.05), and leg press performance (SMD: 0.22; 95% CI: −0.02, 0.47), in male athletes. The meta-analysis shows that chronic application of fenugreek has performance-enhancing and anabolic effects in male athletes, but no statements can be made for female athletes.
... The serum testosterone boosting effects of Fenugreek extract have been well documented in literature. 1 Extensive research has been conducted on Fenugreek in both animal and human models and has been shown to have beneficial effects on regulating insulin levels in both diabetic and pre-diabetic patients, improving cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic patients, and has been shown to improve serum levels of free and total testosterone. 1,26 In one study by Maheshwari et al,27 50 males between the ages of 35 and 65 years of age received 500 mg of Fenugreek for 12 weeks. Numerous parameters were assessed including mental alertness, mood, reflex erection, sperm count, sperm motility, free testosterone levels, libido, and cardiovascular health and were examined at baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks, and 12-weeks. ...
... Numerous parameters were assessed including mental alertness, mood, reflex erection, sperm count, sperm motility, free testosterone levels, libido, and cardiovascular health and were examined at baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks, and 12-weeks. 27 Researchers found that free testosterone levels improved by up to 46% in almost 90% of participants. Additionally, sperm counts improved in over 85% of participants, while sperm motility, mental alertness, mood, libido, and cardiovascular health were also improved throughout the study. ...
... Additionally, sperm counts improved in over 85% of participants, while sperm motility, mental alertness, mood, libido, and cardiovascular health were also improved throughout the study. 27 Authors did not find any significant changes in serum lipids including cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and VLDL levels. 27 Other studies have also supported similar findings. ...
Methods An initial review of the literature published in the last ten years was performed using the databases PubMed and GoogleScholar with search terms including "Testosterone and Ashwagandha" or "Testosterone and Withania som-nifera", "Testosterone and DHEA", Testosterone and Fenugreek", etc. Results Studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of using herbal and nutritional supplements such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-grae-cum), Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack), Zinc, and Vitamin D to increase levels of testosterone in men. Conclusions The use of herbal and nutritional supplementation to increase testosterone levels in men with suboptimal levels have shown benefits to both increasing free and total testos-terone levels, but also show added value in improving semen and sperm parameters such as increased sperm concentration, sperm and semen volume, sperm count, sperm motility, and morning erections, with added benefits in reducing body fat, improving strength and muscle mass, improved mood, and decreasing cortisol levels.
... These clinical trial results found that volunteers taking FurosapTM demonstrate obvious improvements in mental alertness, mood, cardiovascular health, and libido. There were no observed influences to volunteers' clinical blood parameters, such as cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels [35]. Therefore, FurosapTM (enriched in 20% protodioscin) is safe and effective for human use. ...
Protodioscin (PD) is a steroidal saponin with various pharmacological activities, including neuro-protective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities. However, the effect of PD on human osteosarcoma (OS) cells is unclear. In this study, we found that PD significantly inhibits the growth of human HOS and 143B OS cells through the upregulation of apoptotic-related proteins (cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved PARP) and mitophagy-related proteins (LC3B and NIX), which contribute to the induction of apoptosis, and MMP (mitochondrial membrane potential) dysfunction and mitophagy. The inhibition of LC3 or NIX was shown to decrease apoptosis and mitophagy in PD-treated OS cells. The knockdown of p38MAPK by siRNA decreased mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, mitophagy, and the NIX/LC3B expression in the PD-treated OS cells. A binding affinity analysis revealed that the smaller the KD value (−7.6 Kcal/mol and −8.9 Kcal/mol, respectively), the greater the binding affinity in the PD-NIX and PD-LC3 complexes. These findings show the inhibitory effects of PD-induced mitophagy in human OS cells and may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for human OS, by targeting the NIX/LC3 pathways.
... 24 Specific claims noted in multiple publications are that fenugreek seed is capable of increasing free T and bioavailable T levels without increasing total T levels, and reduces dihydrotestosterone levels. 17,[23][24][25][26] An 8-week double-blind placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial (RCT) included 88 participants: 44 participants were supplemented with a patented extract of T. foenum-graecum and Lespedeza cuneata and 44 participants were supplemented with placebo. This study found an increase of both free and total T when compared with baseline. ...
