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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Sep 17;19(9):e0310170.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310170. eCollection 2024.

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

Sindre Lee-Ødegård  1 , Thomas E Gundersen  2 , Christian A Drevon  2   3   4
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

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

Sindre Lee-Ødegård et al. PLoS One. .

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

TEG is CEO and stockowner in Vitas Ltd. CAD is stockowner, consultant, and board member in the contract laboratory Vitas Ltd where the intervention was performed and where most of the laboratory analyses were carried out. CAD is CEO and stockowner in the consulting company DBG Ltd responsible for design and execution. We received funding from the commercial source Vitas Ltd. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials. SL was paid for performing the statistical analyses.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. CONSORT flow diagram.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Blood responses to 0–12 weeks of TrigozimR supplementation.
The combined effect of any TrigozimR dosage (0–1800 mg/d) on (A) total plasma testosterone concentration, (B) sex hormone binding globulin (SHGB), and (C) free testosterone index (FTI). Effect of different dosages of TrigozimR vs. placebo on total testosterone (D), SHBG (E), and FTI (F). *p<0.05, **p<0.01 and ***p<0.001 vs. week 0 after correction for multiple testing by Tukeys method.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Saliva concentration of free testosterone after 0–12 weeks of TrigozimR supplementation (0–1800 mg/d).
(A) TrigozimR vs. placebo; the combined effect of all TrigozimR dosages. (B) Different dosages of TrigozimR vs. placebo. *p<0.05 and **p<0.01 vs. week 0 after correction for multiple testing using Tukeys method.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Plasma concentration of 25(OH) vitamin D3 after 0–12 weeks of Trigozim supplementation providing 30 ug/d of vitamin D in all groups.
(A) The combined effect of any Trigozim dosage vs. placebo. (B) Different doses of Trigozim vs. placebo. ***p<0.001 vs. week 0 after correction for multiple testing using the Tukeys-method.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Clinical chemistry of serum/plasma before and after whole fenugreek group (600, 1200, and 1800 mg/day) and placebo.
(A) hsC-reactive protein for all participants combined, (B) alanin aminotransferase, (C) creatinine, and (D) zinc; hsCRP for all subgroups, (F) ALAT, (G) creatinine, and (H) zinc. *p<0.05, **p<0.01 and ***p<0.001 vs. week 0 for each group.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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