Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds have a number of health effects including cardioprotective, lipid lowering and general antioxidant effects. One of the phytochemicals in fenugreek seeds that may cause some of the health effects is a phytochemical called protodioscin which belongs to the steroidal saponin group of chemicals. Administration of a fenugreek seed extract enriched for protodioscin causes up to a 46 % increase in free testosterone in 90 % if human subjects administered the extract (500 mg per day). In addition, 85 % of the study population also experienced an increase in sperm count. Further, sperm morphology was increased in 15 % of subjects. As well as these improvements in reproductive function, the subjects also experienced a significant improvement in cognition and alertness. The study authors also reported that the subjects reported an increase in labido, which likely relates to the improvements in testosterone, and improved cardiovascular health.
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