Withania somnifera and Trigonella foenum-graecum as ingredients of testosterone-boosting supplements: Possible clinical implications – PubMed Black Hawk Supplements

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Trigonella foenum-graecum; Withania somnifera; testosterone; testosterone boosters.

Similar articles

• Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women, a Randomised Placebo Controlled Study.

  Rao A, Steels E, Beccaria G, Inder WJ, Vitetta L. Rao A, et al. Phytother Res. 2015 Aug;29(8):1123-30. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5355. Epub 2015 Apr 24. Phytother Res. 2015. PMID: 25914334 Clinical Trial.

• Efficacy of a Proprietary Trigonella foenum-graecum L. De-Husked Seed Extract in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms in Otherwise Healthy Women: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

  Steels E, Steele ML, Harold M, Coulson S. Steels E, et al. Phytother Res. 2017 Sep;31(9):1316-1322. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5856. Epub 2017 Jul 14. Phytother Res. 2017. PMID: 28707431 Clinical Trial.

• [Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Trigonella foenum-graecum].

  He YF, Ma HT, Wang RN, Lin PC, Wang HL. He YF, et al. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2021 Aug;46(16):4069-4082. doi: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20210430.601. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2021. PMID: 34467716 Review. Chinese.

• Beyond tribulus (Tribulus terrestris L.): The effects of phytotherapics on testosterone, sperm and prostate parameters.

  Santos HO, Howell S, Teixeira FJ. Santos HO, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 May 10;235:392-405. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.02.033. Epub 2019 Feb 18. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019. PMID: 30790614 Review.

Publication types