A formulation containing a standardized extract of Trigonella foenum‐graecum and minerals was also associated with improvements in sexual function in a study with 120 healthy men aged between 43 and 70.
Results of the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial were published in The Aging Male.
The study used Gencor’s Testofen ingredient and was conducted by scientists at the University of Sydney, Integrated Health Group (Brisbane), Princess Alexandra Hospital (Brisbane), and Medlab Pty Ltd (Sydney).
“This is the first published study of a Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract in the treatment of symptoms of possible androgen deficiency in aging men,” they wrote. “The results of this study demonstrate that Trigonella foenum-graecum (Testofen) seed extract significantly reduces symptom severity in the aging male. The most significant changes observed were in the somatic and sexual function domains of the [Aging Males Symptoms scale (AMS)].”
Health aging
The study’s findings were hailed as a “breakthrough” by R.V. Venkatesh, Managing Director - Gencor Pacific Limited, which funded the study.
“Age related androgen decrease is normal in adult males. That leads to a whole lot of symptoms and conditions which are commonly referred to as ‘Andropause’. This condition is well recognized and a lot of potential solutions are being investigated,” Venkatesh told NutraIngredients-USA.
“This study is a breakthrough in finding a potential solution to all the issues arising from Andropause. The study found a reduction in the symptoms of age related androgen decrease; an increase in total and free testosterone levels; and an increase in sexual function
“This study shows that Testofen is the best solution available today in the market for healthy aging. With the world facing an increasingly ageing population, healthy ageing is of paramount importance to maintain quality of life for aging males. In Testofen, we have an excellent solution for healthy ageing.”
Study details
Led by Amanda Rao from the University of Sydney, the researchers randomly assigned the men to receive either 600 mg per day of the Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract (Testofen) or placebo for 12 weeks.
Results showed that there was a significant decrease in AMS score over time and between the active and placebo groups, wrote the researchers. Improvements in sexual function were also reported for the Trigonella group, compared to placebo.
Total serum testosterone and free testosterone levels were also found to increase more in the Trigonella group compared with placebo after 12 weeks, they added.
“Potential mechanisms by which Trigonella foenum-graecum may increase serum testosterone includes stimulation of pulsatile GnRH/LH, increased testicular sensitivity to LH, and increased testosterone synthesis or reduced testosterone catabolism,” wrote the researchers. “However, further study still needs to be undertaken before a comprehensive mechanism of action can be proposed.”
Source: The Aging Male
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.3109/13685538.2015.1135323
“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”
Authors: A. Rao, et al.