Fenugreek Seed Extract
Also known as: Trigonella foenum-graecum, methi, fenugreek seed extract, fenugreek saponins
A generic seed extract of fenugreek, a legume used both as a spice and in traditional medicine. It is unusual in serving two supplement categories: a meta-analysis of clinical trials supports fenugreek intake for glycemic control, and a separate meta-analysis of extract trials found a modest effect on total testosterone in men. A twelve-week trial of a glycoside-rich extract at 600 mg per day in resistance-training men reported strength and body-composition improvements. Standardization varies widely, so match the extract to the intended use.
Research summary
Soluble fiber and 4-hydroxyisoleucine slow carbohydrate absorption and support insulin release, while saponin fractions are proposed to affect androgen metabolism.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 500–600 mg | 600 mg | — |
500 to 600 mg per day of a standardized extract, split twice daily with meals. Glycemic trials often used gram-level seed powder rather than extract, so extract doses for blood sugar are less settled. Allow six to twelve weeks for hormone or strength outcomes.
Standardization: Varies: 50% saponins, or glycoside-enriched (Fenu-FG); specify on spec
Source material: seed extract
Forms of Fenugreek
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fenugreek Seed Extract | 500–600 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Powder | low |
| Fenugreek Seed Extract (Testofen) | 600 mg | — | Capsule, Tablet, Powder | high |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Bitter with a maple note; capsules preferred.
Formulation notes
Generic reference for Testofen. May add to glucose-lowering effects of berberine or medications; avoided in pregnancy.
- Not for pregnancy
Sources
- Effect of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) intake on glycemia: a meta-analysis of clinical trials. (Neelakantan 2014)PubMed
- Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels in male: A meta-analysis of clinical trials. (Mansoori 2020)PubMed
- Beneficial effects of fenugreek glycoside supplementation in male subjects during resistance training: A randomized controlled pilot study. (Wankhede 2016)PubMed
- Fenugreek — ExamineExamine
Related ingredients
Fenugreek Seed Extract (Testofen)
BotanicalA branded fenugreek seed extract standardized to 50% fenusides, a saponin glycoside fraction, developed for men's vitality products.
Typical: 600 mg
Ashwagandha Root Extract (KSM-66)
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Typical: 300–600 mg
Tongkat Ali Root Extract
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Typical: 200–400 mg
L-Arginine
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Typical: 3–6 g
Tribulus Terrestris Extract
BotanicalA fruit and aerial-part extract standardized to steroidal saponins, marketed heavily for testosterone and muscle building.
Typical: 500–1,500 mg