Herbs are often ground into powders and sold in supplement form, claiming to heal everything from dry skin to mental fog. Sometimes it can be difficult to dig through the vast amount of information to find the truth behind these claims. One popular herb that is gaining attention as a supplement is fenugreek. In recent years, this commonly used ingredient in Indian cuisine has been linked with improved fertility. But is there any evidence to back this up? What are the benefits according to science? And can it positively impact male fertility? In this article, we will be exploring fenugreek benefits for men and examining the evidence base that supports its use as a male fertility supplement.
Key takeaways
- Fenugreek is a plant used widely in cooking and, historically, as a healing herb for a number of ailments.
- It has shown to have positive effects on sperm count, sperm quality, testosterone levels, and increased libido.
- There is a growing body of evidence supporting its many health-promoting benefits, although some claims have been overstated.
- Fenugreek can be taken in capsule or tea form and can be helpful as part of a supplement routine to help support male fertility.
What is fenugreek?
Fenugreek is an herb that has been used in traditional healing for centuries, including in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda (a traditional Indian healing system). It has a long history of being used to treat a variety of ailments such as aiding digestion, labor induction, improving metabolism, and general health promotion. However, despite its extended historical use in healing, there are not many studies looking at the efficacy of taking this in supplement form to support male fertility, and some of the findings have been quite contradictory.
Why do people take fenugreek?
Fenugreek (also known as Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a readily available plant that can be used in seed or powder form to add a nutty, sweet taste to dishes. As well as being used to add spice to recipes, it’s also used as a thickening agent in products such as shampoo and soap.
There are few reported side effects, and it comes in pill form, making it easy to add to your diet.
Its seeds contain diosgenin, an important precursor to synthesizing sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogens.
Can fenugreek improve male fertility?
Fenugreek is gaining popularity as a supplement for helping people with sperm improve their fertility. However, not all the research supports its use. Let’s dive into the research and see where the confusion lies.
A review carried out in 2018 looked at the research on fenugreek and its application in fertility research. Several studies discuss the protective role fenugreek supplementation can have on the testes against toxicity as well as being anti-inflammatory. However, most of these findings are based on research carried out on rats or other small animals and have not yet been replicated with human subjects.
Fenugreek and sperm count
In 2017, a study looked into the effect of fenugreek on semen quality and sperm count in adult humans. The study used a patent-pending compound known as Furosap™, which is manufactured from fenugreek seeds. The study involved 50 male volunteers aged between 35 and 65. It examined free and total testosterone levels, sperm profile, sperm morphology, libido, erectile dysfunction, mood, and mental alertness, among other factors unrelated to fertility. The participants took a 500mg dose of Furosap™ over 12 weeks.
The results showed increased sperm counts in 85.4% of participants.
Fenugreek and sperm quality
The above study also highlighted that Furosap™ improved sperm morphology in 14.6% of participants. Researchers evaluated extensive safety parameters as part of this study. They observed no significant changes through blood chemistry analysis, providing supportive evidence that fenugreek seed extract is safe to take without fear of side effects in terms of chemical-induced liver damage (hepatotoxicity) and chemical-induced kidney damage (nephrotoxicity).
Fenugreek and testosterone
Research carried out in 2015 using a different fenugreek extract, called Testofen™, examined the effect of taking 600mg a day for 12 weeks in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 120 men. The study looked at serum testosterone, androgen deficiency, and sexual function and found improvements in all these markers compared to the placebo group post-12 weeks of active treatment.
The 2017 study mentioned above using Furosap™ showed a significant increase in free testosterone levels, improving levels by up to 46% in nine out of ten participants.
Fenugreek and libido (sex drive)
Research in 2011 found that fenugreek extract can positively affect sexual drive, urge, or desire, also known as libido. This study included 60 men aged between 25 and 52 without any known health issues. They were given either 600mg of Testofen™ or the placebo over six weeks. Results showed Testofen™ caused a significant improvement in sexual arousal, without any reported adverse effects on mood or sleep.
One study, in 2015, set out to evaluate the effect of fenugreek seed extract on sex hormones and sexual function in 80 women who had reported low libido. Participants took 600mg of fenugreek seed extract or the placebo over two menstrual cycles. There was a significant increase in free testosterone and sexual desire and arousal compared to the placebo group.
Fenugreek anti-fertility effects
Some studies have found fenugreek to have detrimental effects on male fertility, including a decline in sperm count and sperm motility — but these studies have predominantly been carried out on rabbits and other small rodents. Therefore, these results should be read with caution. It is clear that additional human studies into the effect of fenugreek on male fertility are called for to truly identify how fenugreek affects the male reproductive system.
Other benefits of fenugreek
There are numerous reported benefits of taking fenugreek. Some highlight the neuroprotective benefits of the herb and call for additional studies into its therapeutic application for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It is also said to have an antidepressant and antianxiety effect, but more research is required to substantiate these claims.
For many years, people have recommended fenugreek to breastfeeding mothers as a galactagogue to increase milk supply. However, newer research reviews found no significant data supporting this recommendation.
A recent study in 2020 showed encouraging evidence that fenugreek can counter the effects of a high-fat diet on gut microbiota. However, this study was on mice, so there is now a call for follow-up studies with human participants to validate the results in humans.
How to take fenugreek
Fenugreek can be taken in a variety of forms:
- As seeds: Soak fenugreek seeds overnight in a glass of water. These can then be consumed in the morning on an empty stomach or boiled in water first to make them easier to chew and swallow.
- As a tea: Place 1–3 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in a cup of boiling water and allow to steep. This can be taken up to three times a day.
- As capsules: Fenugreek can taste quite bitter, so you may prefer to take your fenugreek in supplement form. Guidance states to begin by taking 500–600mg per day or as advised by your healthcare provider, depending on the benefit you are hoping for.
Fenugreek supplements are readily available worldwide; however, it is important to use a high-quality supplement provider, so you know exactly what is in your capsules.
At Legacy, we have produced a supplement that contains everything you might need to boost your fertility. Be sure to check out this page for more information. Or, if you’re uncertain if your fertility needs a helping hand, head over to our page on semen analysis to find out how to check your sperm health before you begin your journey to parenthood.
Other supplements that may benefit male fertility and hormone health
As well as fenugreek, there are other supplements you may like to consider if you are beginning your journey toward improved male fertility. Here are some suggestions that are backed up by science:
For a deeper look into all the health benefits of these and other supplement suggestions, head to Legacy’s guide to male fertility supplements.