Fenugreek extract raises testosterone levels in women
If women use 2 capsules with fenugreek extract every day, the concentration of free testosterone and estradiol in their blood increases. This emerges from a human and sponsored study that Australian researchers published in 2015 in Phytotherapy Research.Study
The researchers divided 80 women aged 20-49 into 2 groups. During 2 menstrual cycles, one group received a daily capsule with no active substances at breakfast, and later in the day, during dinner, a second capsule with no active substances. This was the placebo group.
The other group of women took a capsule with 300 milligrams of fenugreek extract daily during breakfast and during dinner. In total, the women took 600 milligrams of extract per day.The researchers used Libifem, a product from Gencor. Gencor paid for the research.
Results
The supplement had no effect on cholesterol levels or the release of LH, FSH and other hormones. Supplementation with fenugreek extract also had no influence on the menstrual cycle.
What fenugreek did change was the concentration of estradiol and free testosterone. Supplementation increased the concentration of both hormones.
Before and after the supplementation period, the researchers determined the sexual functioning of women with the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning. All scores increased as a result of supplementation. Not surprisingly, the number of times the women had sex increased as well.
Click on the figure below for a larger version.
Not surprisingly, supplementation increased the number of times the women had sex.
Conclusion
"The results indicate that this extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum may be a useful treatment for increasing sexual arousal and desire in women", summarize the researchers.
Source:
Phytother Res. 2015 Aug;29(8):1123-30.
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The researchers divided 80 women aged 20-49 into 2 groups. During 2 menstrual cycles, one group received a daily capsule with no active substances at breakfast, and later in the day, during dinner, a second capsule with no active substances. This was the placebo group.
Results
The supplement had no effect on cholesterol levels or the release of LH, FSH and other hormones. Supplementation with fenugreek extract also had no influence on the menstrual cycle.
What fenugreek did change was the concentration of estradiol and free testosterone. Supplementation increased the concentration of both hormones.
Before and after the supplementation period, the researchers determined the sexual functioning of women with the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning. All scores increased as a result of supplementation. Not surprisingly, the number of times the women had sex increased as well.
Click on the figure below for a larger version.
Not surprisingly, supplementation increased the number of times the women had sex.
Conclusion
"The results indicate that this extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum may be a useful treatment for increasing sexual arousal and desire in women", summarize the researchers.
Source:
Phytother Res. 2015 Aug;29(8):1123-30.