Testofen® (Fenugreek Seed Extract — Saanroo)

Trigonella foenum-graecum
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Testofen is a fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed extract sold by Saanroo, the company formerly called Gencor, and standardized to 50% Fenuside, the maker's name for its saponin glycoside fraction. It is marketed for male sexual desire and testosterone. Two placebo-controlled trials have tested 600 mg a day of Testofen in healthy men. In 120 men aged 43 to 70, 12 weeks lowered age-related symptom scores, improved sexual function and raised total and free testosterone compared with placebo. In 60 men aged 25 to 52, a Testofen and mineral tablet for 6 weeks improved sexual arousal and orgasm scores, with testosterone staying in the normal range. A meta-analysis of 7 trials of various fenugreek products found a small rise in total testosterone, but no significant change in free testosterone, lean mass, fat mass or leg strength.

Studied Dose 600 mg a day of Testofen for 6 to 12 weeks in both men's trials (in 2011 as two tablets with minerals); the 2023 meta-analysis pooled various fenugreek products and doses.
Active Compound Fenugreek seed saponin glycosides, standardized by the maker to 50% Fenuside (a proprietary saponin glycoside fraction).

Benefits

Total and free testosterone in men aged 43 to 70

In 120 healthy men aged 43 to 70, 600 mg a day of Testofen for 12 weeks raised total and free testosterone compared with placebo. In 60 younger men, testosterone stayed within the normal range. A meta-analysis of 7 trials of various fenugreek products (449 people) found a small rise in total testosterone (effect size 0.32) but no significant change in free testosterone.

Aging Male Symptom scores

Aging Male Symptom scores, a questionnaire on possible low-androgen symptoms, fell more with Testofen than with placebo in 120 healthy men aged 43 to 70 taking 600 mg a day for 12 weeks; this was the trial's primary outcome. It was a single trial in healthy men, not a treatment for diagnosed low testosterone.

Sexual desire and function in men

In 60 healthy men aged 25 to 52, a Testofen and mineral tablet (600 mg Testofen a day) for 6 weeks improved overall libido scores, especially sexual arousal and orgasm, versus placebo. In the 12-week trial of 120 older men, morning erections and frequency of sexual activity improved. A combination drink with Testofen helped in a 20-man pilot, but its other ingredients cloud the result.

Strength and body composition with training

Testofen itself has not been tested for strength. A pilot trial of a different fenugreek glycoside extract reported better body composition with resistance training, but a meta-analysis of 7 fenugreek trials found no significant change in lean body mass, fat mass or leg press strength.

Mechanism of action

1

Saponin glycosides (Fenuside)

The extract is standardized to 50% Fenuside, a fenugreek saponin glycoside fraction. How it might raise testosterone has not been shown in people.

2

Hormone measures in the trials

In the 12-week trial, total and free testosterone rose versus placebo. In the 6-week trial, testosterone and prolactin stayed within the reference range. Pooled fenugreek data show a small total testosterone rise without a significant free testosterone change.

Clinical trials

1
Testofen in Healthy Aging Men
PubMed

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial: 600 mg a day of Testofen or placebo for 12 weeks; primary outcome the Aging Male Symptom questionnaire. (Rao et al. 2016, Aging Male)

120 healthy men aged 43 to 70.

Aging Male Symptom scores fell more with Testofen than placebo. Sexual function improved, including morning erections and frequency of sexual activity, and total and free testosterone rose compared with placebo after 12 weeks. The authors reported it as safe.

2
Testofen and Minerals for Male Libido
PubMed

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial: two tablets a day giving 600 mg Testofen with minerals, or placebo, for 6 weeks; primary outcome the DISF-SR sexual function questionnaire. (Steels et al. 2011, Phytother Res)

60 healthy men aged 25 to 52 without erectile dysfunction.

Testofen improved overall libido, with significant gains in the sexual arousal and orgasm subdomains, and self-rated satisfaction with muscle strength, energy and well-being; mood and sleep did not change. Testosterone and prolactin stayed within the reference range. The tablet also contained minerals.

3
Fenugreek Meta-Analysis
PubMed

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 fenugreek studies (various products, not only Testofen). (Isenmann et al. 2023, Int J Sports Med)

449 participants (378 male, 71 female).

Total testosterone rose slightly (SMD 0.32, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.55). Free testosterone (0.24), lean body mass (0.19), fat mass (-0.19) and leg press (0.22) were not significant, as their confidence intervals crossed zero. The authors said no conclusions can be drawn for women.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well tolerated in the Testofen trials, which lasted 6 and 12 weeks.
Fenugreek can cause diarrhea, nausea and other digestive symptoms.
Large doses of fenugreek may cause a harmful drop in blood sugar.
Fenugreek can cause allergic reactions, including serious ones, in some people.
Pregnancy: fenugreek in amounts above those in food is not considered safe and has been linked to birth defects.

Important Drug interactions

Diabetes medicines: large fenugreek doses may lower blood sugar; check with your doctor and monitor blood sugar.
Testosterone therapy or other hormone treatments: theoretical additive effect; ask your prescriber.
If you take any medicine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using fenugreek; some herbs and medicines interact.

Frequently asked questions about Testofen® (Fenugreek Seed Extract — Saanroo)

What is Testofen?

Testofen is a fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed extract sold by Saanroo, the company formerly called Gencor, and standardized to 50% Fenuside, the maker's name for its saponin glycoside fraction. It is marketed for male sexual desire and testosterone.

What is Testofen used for?

Testofen is researched primarily for Men's Health and Testosterone. In 120 healthy men aged 43 to 70, 600 mg a day of Testofen for 12 weeks raised total and free testosterone compared with placebo. In 60 younger men, testosterone stayed within the normal range.

What is the recommended dosage of Testofen?

The clinically studied dose is 600 mg a day of Testofen for 6 to 12 weeks in both men's trials (in 2011 as two tablets with minerals); the 2023 meta-analysis pooled various fenugreek products and doses. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Testofen safe, and does it have side effects?

Side effects and cautions reported for Testofen include: Generally well tolerated in the Testofen trials, which lasted 6 and 12 weeks. Fenugreek can cause diarrhea, nausea and other digestive symptoms. It may also interact with some medications. Testofen is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Testofen interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Diabetes medicines: large fenugreek doses may lower blood sugar; check with your doctor and monitor blood sugar. Testosterone therapy or other hormone treatments: theoretical additive effect; ask your prescriber. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Testofen?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Testofen as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 3 study summaries and 9 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(9 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Isenmann E, Alisauskas P, Flenker U, Schalla J, Diel P. The Anabolic Effect of Fenugreek: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis. Int J Sports Med. 2023;44(10):692-703. doi: 10.1055/a-2048-5925.PubMedUsed to support: Systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 fenugreek studies (449 participants, 378 male). Total testosterone rose slightly (SMD 0.32, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.55); free testosterone, lean body mass, fat mass and leg press performance changes were not significant. Covers various fenugreek products, not only Testofen.
  2. Sankhwar SN, Kumar P, Bagchi M, Rungta M, Bagchi D. Safety and Efficacy of Furosap®, a Patented Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract, in Boosting Testosterone Level, Reproductive Health and Mood Alleviation in Male Volunteers. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2023;42(1):27-35. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2021.1978348.PubMedUsed to support: Open-label, single-arm 12-week study (no placebo group) of Furosap, a different patented fenugreek seed extract, at 500 mg a day in 100 healthy men aged 35 to 60, reporting higher free and total testosterone, better sperm motility, mood and mental alertness, and no adverse events. Not a Testofen study.
  3. Wankhede S, Mohan V, Thakurdesai P. Beneficial effects of fenugreek glycoside supplementation in male subjects during resistance training: A randomized controlled pilot study. J Sport Health Sci. 2016;5(2):176-182. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2014.09.005.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study in 60 healthy men on an 8-week resistance training program taking 600 mg a day of a fenugreek glycoside extract (Fenu-FG, not Testofen). The authors reported anabolic and androgenic effects and lower body fat versus placebo, without a loss of strength.
  4. Rao A, Steels E, Beccaria G, Inder WJ, Vitetta L. Influence of a Specialized Trigonella foenum-graecum Seed Extract (Libifem), on Testosterone, Estradiol and Sexual Function in Healthy Menstruating Women, a Randomised Placebo Controlled Study. Phytother Res. 2015;29(8):1123-30. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5355.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 80 healthy menstruating women with low sexual desire taking 600 mg a day of Libifem, a fenugreek seed extract the maker sells separately for women, for two menstrual cycles; free testosterone, estradiol, sexual desire and arousal rose versus placebo. A women's trial of another branded product; it does not support claims for Testofen in men.
  5. Rao A, Steels E, Inder WJ, Abraham S, Vitetta L. Testofen, a specialised Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract reduces age-related symptoms of androgen decrease, increases testosterone levels and improves sexual function in healthy aging males in a double-blind randomised clinical study. Aging Male. 2016;19(2):134-42. doi: 10.3109/13685538.2015.1135323.PubMedUsed to support: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 120 healthy men aged 43 to 70 taking 600 mg a day of Testofen for 12 weeks. Aging Male Symptom scores (the primary outcome) fell more than placebo, sexual function improved including morning erections and frequency of sexual activity, and total and free testosterone rose versus placebo.
  6. 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):1294-300. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3360.PubMedUsed to support: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 60 healthy men aged 25 to 52 taking two tablets a day (600 mg Testofen with minerals) for 6 weeks. Overall libido improved, with significant gains in sexual arousal and orgasm, plus self-rated muscle strength, energy and well-being; mood and sleep did not change, and testosterone and prolactin stayed within the reference range.
  7. Shirai M, Miyoshi Y, Ogasa T, Miyoshi M, Ishikawa K, Hiramatsu I, Uesaka Y, Nozaki T, Koyama T, Tsujimura A. Oral Testofen, L-Citrulline, Resveratrol, and Caffeine Supplement Drink Improves Sexual Function in Men with Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Study. World J Mens Health. 2021;39(4):733-739. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.200129.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot in 20 men with sexual dysfunction using PDE5 inhibitors: a drink with Testofen 600 mg, L-citrulline 800 mg, resveratrol 300 mg and caffeine 40 mg a day for 14 days improved several IIEF sexual function domains. A combination product, so the effect cannot be attributed to Testofen alone.
  8. Saanroo (formerly Gencor) Testofen ingredient page Saanroo. 2026;Manufacturer web page..SourceUsed to support: Not PubMed-indexed; manufacturer source. Describes Testofen as a Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract standardized to 50% Fenuside, a proprietary saponin glycoside matrix; the site states that Gencor is now Saanroo.
  9. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Fenugreek NCCIH (NIH). 2025;Fact sheet, last updated February 2025..SourceUsed to support: Not PubMed-indexed. NIH fact sheet: fenugreek may cause diarrhea, nausea and other digestive symptoms; large doses may cause a harmful drop in blood sugar; it can cause allergic reactions, including serious ones; it is not safe in pregnancy in amounts above those in food.