Effect of a plant extract of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on testosterone in blood plasma and saliva in a double blind randomized controlled intervention study

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#humans #testosterone #trigonella #male #saliva

Effect of a plant extract of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on testosterone in blood plasma and saliva in a double blind randomized controlled intervention study

Lee-Ødegård et al., 2024 | PLoS One | Rct

Citation

Lee-Ødegård Sindre, Gundersen Thomas E, Drevon Christian A. Effect of a plant extract of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on testosterone in blood plasma and saliva in a double blind randomized controlled intervention study. PLoS One. 2024;19(9):e0310170. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0310170

Abstract

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.

Key Findings

Saliva may be preferred for measuring free testosterone due to no protein-bound testosterone.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 22
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Testosterone
  • Trigonella
  • Male
  • Saliva
  • Middle Aged
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Aged
  • Plant Extracts
  • Adult
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: fenugreek

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10