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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.