Efficacy of fenugreek seed extract on men's psychological and physical health: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial

J Complement Integr Med. 2020 May 22;18(2):445-448. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2019-0101.

Abstract

Objectives: Limited research has examined the effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) supplementation to improve healthy younger men's aging male symptoms. The study objective was to examine whether a fenugreek seed extract would improve healthy men's aging male symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), grip strength, and anxiety.

Methods: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was employed, using a parallel design, with assessments at baseline, Day 30, and Day 60. Healthy male volunteers (n = 57, mean age = 26.1 years) were randomized to: fenugreek 400 mg/d (n = 19), fenugreek 500 mg/d (n = 19), or placebo group (n = 19).

Results: The fenugreek groups reported significant improvements in aging male symptoms, anxiety levels, grip strength, and indicators of HRQoL compared to the placebo group, p's < 0.05. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: Fenugreek supplementation is an effective nutritional intervention for improving aging male symptoms, anxiety levels, grip strength, and aspects of HRQoL in healthy recreationally active men. Future researchers are encouraged to examine the health and ergogenic effects of fenugreek supplementation in hypogonadal and older populations.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03528538.

Keywords: Trigonella foenum-graecum L; fenugreek; sexual health.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Quality of Life
  • Trigonella*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03528538