Testofen review : Fenugreek extract benefits for testosterone

According to some manufacturers of Testosterone supplements, Fenugreek may very well be the best herb you never heard of. This herb hails from India, Pakistan and other parts of Asia has been used for centuries as a spice, food and a variety of health ad medicinal purposes. It is widely used for bedroom purposes and caught my attention because I had received praise for Testofen, a specific Fenugreek extract in a couple of forum threads and emails. For exmaple, one poster wrote, “Testofen is good; Tribulus sucks for me.”

Of course, one can also just eat the seeds. Again, fenugreek has been used for centuries in various dishes, but also to heal anti-inflammatory conditions, especially those in the GI tract, and as a digestive aid.

Testofen is currently one of the most popular testosterone supplements or testosterone boosters available today. It is sold in GNC stores and many other retail stores. It can also be purchased from many websites online.

[amazon bestseller=”testofen” items=”3″]

There are many Testofen reviews raving about the product such as Nugenix. Many of the reviews claim that the supplement can help boost testosterone levels. Some reviews even claim that they are using the product successfully instead of undergoing hormone replacement therapy.

Overall, it seems that Testofen can be an ingredient/product worth trying if you are suffering from lower-than-normal testosterone levels.

Testofen vs Fenugreek

While fenugreek extract has been known for quite some time to be associated with Testosterone, Testofen is a unique fenugreek extract that has a large number of phytochemical components.

These include saponins and Furostanol. Each of these has many different health benefits. This blend of ingredients is what experts believe causes this natural testosterone booster to boost sexual vitality.

Men with an Andropause diagnosis may benefit from supplementation with Testofen in order to prevent drops in free testosterone levels. Clinical study results consistently show improvements in male energy levels, libido, muscle mass and overall feelings of well-being when using Testofen.

Gencor is the pharmaceutical company that holds the patent for Testofen, with the product undergoing several clinical trials with positive results. In each test, the supplement provides the desired effects on men’s libidos. Testofen also provides an increase in muscle development and physical strength. The average user of this supplement reports noticeable improvements to physicality and sex drive within a few month of taking Testofen.

Important points on Testofen and Fenugreek

There are few caveats worth mentioning – we cover those below – but what guy cannot help but lust at all the benefits of fenugreek? There are many, but we list the heavy hitters below:

1. Aphrodisiac. Fenugreek as a food and herb has always been known for its ability to fan sexual desire. Recently, the lore was verified using a specific extract of fenugreek, called Testofen, was shown in a double-blind study of healthy males to sigificantly increase both libido and the ability to orgasm. [1] Younger guys can scarcely imagine not being able to orgasm, but delayed (or even completely absent) orgasm is a problem for some older men. (Testofen is very reasonable if acquired through a bulk discounter like Amazon: Testofen Fenugreek Extract 300 mg 60 Caps.) NOTE: The study was partially sponsored by the manufacturer.

2. Blood Glucose Control. Fenugreek has almost magical powers over blood glucose levels after a meal. Of course, normally after one eats, there is a substantial spike in glucose that occurs and, particularly, as we get older, this ages and glycates our tissues. Fenugreek’s ability to help has been documented in many animal studies and even in one human study on both healthy and diabetic participants. [4] (Remember that that glucose spike hammers testosterone, so this aspect could potentially be long term testosterone protective.) How does Fenugreek protect diabetic and insulin resistant individuals. Researchers believe this is through reducing the oxidative (free radical) load that normally follows a meal for those with these conditions based on animal research. [8]

3. Testosterone. This is a complex one. There are some animal studies that show that Fenugreek actually decreases testosterone. [6][7] However, the above supplement Testofen, which has standardized itself to 50% fenuside, one of the key phytochemicals in fenugreek, is claimed (by the manufacturer) to be relatively neutral to total testosterone and actually increase free testosterone. [9]

CAUTIONS: One area of concern is that the company web site admits that testofen increases prolactin levels. [9] Prolactin is known for fighting testosterone and the effects of dopamine, both of which could be bad for erections. This is verified by the fact that women are sometimes advised to take large amounts of fenugreek while breastfeeding: prolactin is the “nursing hormone.”

Another area of concern is that some animal studies show significantly decreased fertility resulting from Fenugreek consumption. [6][7]

4. Growth Hormone. One study on rat cells showed increases in growth hormone output from an extract of fenugreek seeds. [2] If it really works that way, then maybe we can get a little boost in this “fat burning” hormone. Hopefully, we’ll get a study on humans sometime soon.

5. Muscle. Fenugreek is likely anabolic. Researchers found in a study on (castrated) rats that it did not raise testosterone but was anabolic, i.e. muscle-building. [2] Again, hopefully, we’ll get a study on humans sometime soon.

6. Weight Loss. Several animal studies show, particularly in those with insulin resistance and/or diabetic-related issues, that fenugreek can help drop the pounds. [5] If you have insulin and glucose issues, it is very hard to shed the pounds or even maintain your weight. Fenugreek appears to be a significant help in this category.

7. Inflammation. Inflammation, as you know, is the root of all evil and will hammer your arteries and endothelium. Fenugreek has a historical reputation as being anti-inflammatory and a number of studies have verified this. [11] One interesting study found that a blend of fenugreek, cinnamon and curcumin actually helped with post-recovery workout inflammation for example. [12]

8. Triglycerides. Trouble with elevated triglyceride levels? Well, you’re not alone and fenugreek can help. A couple of studies show that it lowers levels in the liver. [12]

Fenugreek, Testosterone, DHT, and Prolactin

Most people think that fenugreek is only used as an ingredient to normalize and increase male testosterone levels.

This isn’t the case. Since fenugreek also contains galactagogues which have the distinctive ability to increase prolactin levels, which is why fenugreek is also marketed to women to increase their lactation during pregnancy.

Although men taking fenugreek won’t likely start producing milk, it’s still very much likely that supplementing with the herb can lead to elevated prolactin, which is somewhat detrimental for testosterone production via inhibition of dopamine

For obvious reasons, the T-booster manufacturers using fenugreek are pretty silent about the issue.

Prolactin aside, does fenugreek actually increase testosterone

The answer is maybe, but also maybe not. You see, initial studies (sponsored by fenugreek manufacturer) showed very promising results, as fenugreek supplementation increased testosterone levels and improved body composition in resistance trained males.

Since the herb has compounds such as apigenin, luteolin, protodioscin, magnesium, and calcium – all of which can contribute to increased testosterone production – it was all but plausible that fenugreek would become the next big thing in the supplement industry (and it certainly did).

The thing is that fenugreek extracts haven’t always performed this well on scientific studies.

Although in rodents, the extract increased muscle growth, it failed to have any impact on circulating testosterone levels. In an effort to replicate the first human study sponsored by Indus Biotech, Bushey et al. found that in their trial, fenugreek did not increase either free or total testosterone levels, but it ended up lowering DHT due to 5-a reductase inhibitory effect.

Lastly, a study using 600mg/day of fenugreek extract called “Testofen” on healthy male subjects, failed to show any increases in testosterone levels. Recently, several lawsuites have been filed against companies using testofen in their testosterone boosters.

Fenugreek can have some anti-thyroid effects, as it was found to disrupt the normal rise in thyroid hormones in rodents administered T3 and T4, this effect was likely due to a compound called trypsin, which can inhibit protein digestion and thyroid hormone transportation in the body.

User Reviews on Testofen

#1

I’m 54 years old and I’ve been suffering from depression lately. I read online that this may be a sign of low testosterone. After having my testosterone levels checked, I was diagnosed with low testosterone. The doctor suggested hormone replacement therapy which means I have to take testosterone shots once or twice a month and monitor testosterone levels regularly. I don’t like this option so I searched around for alternative treatments.

I found Testofen in a supplement store and decided to give it a try because there are many good Testofen reviews online. I am pleased with the results and have been using it for half a year now. According to my latest testosterone blood test, my level is still on the lower range but it has increased considerably. Testofen is definitely a good testosterone supplement.

#2

I was obese most of my life ever since I could remember. This is probably the reason my hormone levels are abnormal. Even if I diet hard and exercise daily, it is still very difficult to lose weight. For years, I have been struggling to lose weight. I have lost over 50 pounds but I’m still overweight and have about 50 more pounds to lose. My doctor suggested that I may have low testosterone because of the symptoms like moodiness, difficulty in gaining muscle and stubborn body fat.

Instead of undergoing hormone replacement therapy, I decided to try testosterone boosters first. I found lots of positive customer feedback and Testofen reviews online so I decided to give this supplement a try. After using it for about a month, I noticed a considerably difference and my weight loss started again. I also started feeling good and my mood problems disappeared. Testofen is a great product and I have noticed no adverse effects from this testosterone booster.

REFERENCES:

1) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ health/article-2005453/Herbs-used-curries-spice-things-bedroom.html

2) Chemistry & Biodiversity, Sep 2008, 5(9):1753 1761, “Rat Growth-Hormone Release Stimulators from Fenugreek Seeds”

3) Phytotherapy Research, Oct 2010, 24(10):1482 1488, “Effect of furostanol glycosides from Trigonella foenum-graecum on the reproductive system of male albino rats”

4) Nutrition Research, Dec 1986, 6(12):1353 1364″Effect of fenugreek seeds and leaves on blood glucose and serum insulin responses in human subjects”

5) MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Volume 224, Numbers 1-2, 45-51, “Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seed powder improves glucose homeostasis in alloxan diabetic rat tissues by reversing the altered glycolytic, gluconeogenic and lipogenic enzymes”

6) Contraception, 73(3):301-306, “Evaluation of the potential antifertility effect of fenugreek seeds in male and female rabbits”

7) Phytotherapy Research, Mar/Apr 1993, 7(2):134-138, “Efficacy of the steroidal fraction of fenugreek seed extract on fertility of male albino rats”

8) Indian J Physiol Pharmacol, 2001 Oct, 45(4):408-20, “Restoration on tissue antioxidants by fenugreek seeds (Trigonella Foenum Graecum) in alloxan-diabetic rats”

9) http://www.testofen.com/

10) International Journal of Obesity, Feb 2006, 30:1298 1307, “Alleviation of hepatic steatosis accompanied by modulation of plasma and liver TNF- levels by Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seeds in Zucker obese (fa/fa) rats”

11) International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Abstract Submissions, 2(1):18, “Effects of Fenugreek, Cinnamon, & Curcumin on Post Workout Inflammatory Response”

12) Hannan J, Rokeya B, Faruque O, et al. Effect of soluble dietary fibre fraction of Trigonella foenum graecum on glycemic, insulinemic, lipidemic and platelet aggregation status of Type 2 diabetic model rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;88(1):73-77.

13) Turkyilmaz C, Onal E, Hirfanoglu I, et al. The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and short-term catch-up of birth weight in the first week of life. J Altern Complement Med. 2011;17(2):139-142.

14) Carani C, Granata A, Fustini M, Marrama P. Prolactin and testosterone: their role in male sexual function. Int J Androl. 1996;19(1):48-54.

15) Wilborn C, Taylor L, Poole C, Foster C, Willoughby D, Kreider R. Effects of a purported aromatase and 5a-reductase inhibitor on hormone profiles in college-age men. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2010;20(6):457-465.

16) Aswar U, Bodhankar S, Mohan V, Thakurdesai P. Effect of furostanol glycosides from Trigonella foenum-graecum on the reproductive system of male albino rats. Phytother Res. 2010;24(10):1482-1488.

17) “Fenugreek Extract Supplementation Has No effect on the Hormonal Profil” by Brandon Bushey, Lem W. Taylor et al. . IJESAB. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss1/13/. Accessed June 2, 2017.

18) Steels E, Rao A, Vitetta L. Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and mineral formulation. Phytother Res. 2011;25(9):1294-1300.

19) Tahiliani P, Kar A. Mitigation of thyroxine-induced hyperglycaemia by two plant extracts. Phytother Res. 2003;17(3):294-296.

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