Is Fenugreek Good for Male Fertility?
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
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Data suggest that infertility among couples is on the increase. This had led to the research of natural remedies utilizing botanical extracts to discover whether they can offer a safe, and non-invasive treatment to this growing concern.
One of these extracts is fenugreek.
Fenugreek seeds also known as Trigonella feonum-graecum is a very ancient, very powerful plant known for its medicinal benefits.
It has been used for centuries for its effects on human ailments and its general health-promoting qualities.
Recently, fenugreek has been showing marvelous results in the field of modern science and slowly but surely making its way into the mainstream health industry.
In this article we cover the following points:
- Fenugreek composition
- What's testosterone?
- How does fenugreek boost testosterone?
- Can fenugreek work alone?
- How to use fenugreek
- Conclusion
Fenugreek properties
Fenugreek seeds are choke-full of phytochemicals like steroids and saponins.
It contains alkaloids, mainly trigonelline, coumarins like cinnamic acid, hydrocarbons, vitamins, polyphenols, flavonoids, lipids, glycoside, amino acids, magnesium, manganese, and iron.
It will not be an exaggeration to say that these are a gift of nature to humankind and have been used within Ayurvedic practice.
All of this goodness packed inside this seed makes them ideal antioxidants, anti-diabetics, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial agents among a myriad of other benefits that are both medicinal and pharmacological.
➡️READ: Natural treatments for male infertility
Among all these benefits, some studies have concluded that fenugreek seeds are miraculous ingredients for improving male fertility; they do this in different ways.
One of which is reducing androgen deficiency. It also works by boosting serum levels of the male hormone testosterone, which in turn, boosts the reproductive health of males.
Apart from these, after many clinical trials, it has been concluded that fenugreek improves sperm form, motility, improves mood, mental alertness, reflex erection which all together work to provide the consumer with a boost in fertility and overall reproductive well-being.
Fenugreek helps male fertility by boosting levels of testosterone both in serum and free form.
A lot of men have found the use of fenugreek in this regard while looking for natural alternatives to increase reproductive health.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is the sex hormone in men that affects sexual functions, energy levels, and sexual maturity.
Testosterone in the male body declines as they age. Other causes of low levels of testosterone might be health conditions like diabetes and obesity, regardless of age.
Normally the deficiency is treated by hormone replacement therapy, but other, natural treatments are available and should be considered first before reaching for prescription drugs.
The other options can include herbal and botanical remedies that aren't just based on quakery.
There's now scientific evidence for the inclusion of safe, natural extracts within the clincial sphere.
How does fenugreek boost testosterone levels?
- Fenugreek seeds contain a compound known as furostanolic saponins, which can increase testosterone production. Another compound found in fenugreek seeds, namely, protodioscin, also takes part in increasing the levels of testosterone in the human body.
- Additionally taking fenugreek supplements resulted in increased libido, mood boost, increased energy, and sexual health that leads to a boost in fertility in males.
- Fenugreek not only actively works to increase the level of testosterone in the body but also helps fight the ailments that might negatively impact the production of this hormone. Due to its property as an anti-diabetic supplement, it positively impacts the consumer's health, improving the testosterone levels that were getting low due to conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Can fenugreek work alone?
As good and beneficial as fenugreek is, it is still a supplement and might need some extrinsic factors to work its magic.
Along with taking the supplement, you are advised to make some lifestyle changes that will aid in efficient and quick results as well as improve overall health and physical well-being.
These might involve:
- Exercise
- Healthy diet
- Management of blood sugar levels
- Losing body fat
- Getting sufficient sleep
Improving sperm motility and morphology.
Along with its benefits regarding the levels of testosterone, fenugreek has been advocated for its role in improving sperm morphology, count and sperm profile.
Several types of research have concluded that furosap, a compound extracted from fenugreek, when administered was seen to visibly increase the sperm count and improve the overall quality of sperm.
As a result, increasing fertility in males who were taking it as a supplement.
How to use fenugreek
Fenugreek is used as a supplement in form of powder, food additive, or capsule.
Dose
Research published in 2011 has demonstrated that a dose of 600mg per day over a 6 week period improved libido and testosterone.
A study published by the International Journal of Medical Sciences reported that 500mg of fenugreek seed extract taken daily over a 3 month period was also effective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fenugreek is no doubt a very unique herb rightly famous for its medicinal qualities long before modern medicine discovered it. It is organic and hence safe for human consumption with rarely any side effects.
If you feel you have infertility issues you should consult your doctor and discuss using fenugreek supplements to improve your sexual health.
The efficiency of supplements depends largely on underlying health conditions so it is better if you take your doctor's advice before using any new supplements and understand the dosage, drug interactions, and adverse effects if any.
