Fenugreek and Male Menopause

Fenugreek May Aid Male Menopause

Furostanol glycosides isolated from fenugreek (as Testofen®, form Gencor) increased muscle mass in castrated rats without affecting testosterone levels, in a recent study published is Phytotherapy Research (24: 1482–1488 (2010). DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3129). This anabolic activity has the potential to aid men as they enter so-called male menopause.

Andropause is an old-age disease associated with the loss of libido, loss of muscle mass and associated with decreased testosterone production. As the male body ages, gonadal function slowly declines with a resulting drop in serum testosterone, which can lead to multiple clinical manifestations such as a decrease in bone mass, learning factions, erectile functions, muscle mass and strength. On the other hand, fat mass increases.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum) has long been used in the traditional Indian systems of medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including sexual health. Western medicine often looks to testosterone replacement to treat erectile dysfunction, which has been shown to compromise the overall quality of life, and increase depression, anxiety and loss of self-esteem. Erectile dysfunction may also signal underlying disease including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). A potential risk of testosterone replacement therapy is an increase in the incidence of prostate cancer.

In the present investigation, Testofen at dose of 35 mg/kg/d significantly increased the weight of the levator ani muscle without increasing the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) similar to exogenous testosterone (10 mg/kg) treatment, indicating anabolic activity. Anabolic agents induce positive nitrogen balance in living organisms. Another bioassay for anabolic activity involves measurement of the increase in weight of the levator ani muscle. This measure correlates well with the nitrogen retention bioassay and the two are usually performed for the determination of anabolic activity.

This current study used Testofen, a furostanol glycoside fraction of Trigonella foenum-graecum, in immature castrated male Wistar rats to investigate anabolic and androgenic activity. The Indian researchers also investigate the effect of Testofen on testicular histology in non-castrated immature rats. Both the castrated and intact rats were divided into the following groups: (I) Control (distilled water), (II) Testofen at 10 mg/kg/d, (III) Testofen at 35 mg/kg/d, (IV) and testosterone (10 mg/kg bi-weekly) for four weeks. At the end of the study, blood was withdrawn, serum testosterone and BUN were measured. Animals were killed and reproductive organs were excised and weighed.

Testosterone increased the body weight of rats significantly (P<0.001)

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