Fenugreek
Description
Fenugreek, derived from the plant Trigonella foenum-graecum, is an ancient herb originating from India and the Mediterranean region. Both its leaves and seeds are consumed, with the seeds being the most common form found in supplements. Traditionally, fenugreek has been a staple in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for various ailments, including digestive issues and to promote lactation. Its key benefits are often attributed to its rich content of soluble fiber, saponins, and alkaloids. Fenugreek is frequently studied for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it of interest for metabolic support. Additionally, it has gained popularity for its purported ability to support healthy testosterone levels in men and to naturally increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers. Beyond these primary uses, fenugreek also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can contribute to overall digestive health due to its fiber content and has been explored for its role in cholesterol management and appetite control. Its versatile nature makes it a valued ingredient in both culinary and wellness applications.
Sources
Fenugreek seedsFenugreek leaves
Cheapest Fenugreek Supplements
Best Fenugreek Supplements
Value Fenugreek supplements
Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith foodTake with Meals to minimize digestive upset and aid absorption.
Taking fenugreek with food can help mitigate potential gastrointestinal side effects.
Optimal Dosage
Minimum500 mg
Maximum1000 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Goals
Testosterone Support
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:500–600 mg
Fenugreek is rich in furostanolic saponins, which are believed to inhibit the enzymes aromatase and 5-alpha-reductase. By reducing the conversion of testosterone to estrogen and DHT, it may help support higher levels of free testosterone, with studies showing positive effects on libido and body composition.
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Weight Gain
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:500–1000 mg
For many, the biggest obstacle to gaining weight is a lack of appetite. Fenugreek has been traditionally used and studied for its potential to increase the drive to eat. By making it easier to consume the large volume of food required for growth, it directly addresses a primary barrier to success.
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Interactions
Positive Interactions
Chromium
Both fenugreek and chromium support healthy blood sugar levels and may work synergistically to improve glucose metabolism.
Zinc
Zinc plays a role in insulin function, and combining it with fenugreek may offer comprehensive support for metabolic health.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in glucose metabolism, and its combination with fenugreek may enhance overall blood sugar support.
Psyllium fiber
Fenugreek contains fiber; combining it with other fibers like psyllium can further support digestive health and blood sugar regulation.
Recommended products
Best 
Ultimate Man-T
The Vitamin Shoppe
Fenugreek: 600 mg
Ultimate Man-T is a multi-ingredient supplement for men, combining herbal extracts with vitamins and minerals to support vitality, energy, and fitness endeavors.
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Ultra GHT Male Maximum Strength
NaturesPlus
Fenugreek: 400 mg
This NaturesPlus supplement offers a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts like Fenugreek and Tongkat Ali, aiming to support male vitality, energy, and overall health with a multifaceted approach.
Best 
TESTOFX
ALLMAX
Fenugreek: 600 mg
This product offers a multi-ingredient blend combining fenugreek, ashwagandha, tribulus, and other botanicals, designed to support testosterone levels, prostate health, and overall male vitality.
Best 
Nugenix Ultimate
Nugenix
Fenugreek: 700 mg
Nugenix Ultimate provides a comprehensive blend of ingredients like D-Aspartic Acid, Fenugreek, and Epimedium, crafted to support male vitality and natural hormonal balance.
Budget 
Fenugreek 600 mg
Eclectic Herb
Fenugreek: 600 mg
This fenugreek supplement provides 600mg of the herb, a dose often used to support testosterone levels and appetite, in a simple capsule form.
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Full Spectrum Fenugreek 600 mg
Planetary Herbals
Fenugreek: 400 mg
This full-spectrum fenugreek supplement provides a good 600mg dose, often used to support testosterone levels and potentially appetite for weight management goals.
Budget 
Full Spectrum Fenugreek 600 mg
Planetary Herbals
Fenugreek: 400 mg
This fenugreek supplement provides a solid 600mg dose from both extract and powder, often supporting testosterone and potentially increasing appetite for specific health goals.
Budget 
Fenugreek Seed 610 mg
The Vitamin Shoppe
Fenugreek: 610 mg
This product delivers 610mg of fenugreek seed, an herb often used to support testosterone and appetite.
Budget 
Fenugreek 600 mg
Nature's Answer
Fenugreek: 600 mg
This fenugreek supplement delivers 600mg of the herb, often used to support testosterone and appetite, in a simple capsule form.
Best 
Testosterone Wellness for Men
Bio Nutrition
Fenugreek: 500 mg
This supplement combines herbal extracts, essential minerals, and DHEA to support male wellness, focusing on testosterone, energy, and fitness, though a proprietary blend reduces ingredient transparency.
Value 
Fenugreek
Herb Pharm
Fenugreek: 614 mg
This liquid fenugreek extract provides a substantial 614mg dose, often used to support testosterone levels and appetite, in an easily absorbable form.
Value 
Fenugreek Extract 500 mg
Swanson
Fenugreek: 500 mg
A simple and cost-effective fenugreek seed extract, offering a standardized dose in an easy-to-take capsule form.
Value 
Alpha
JYM Supplement Science
Fenugreek: 500 mg
A comprehensive capsule blend featuring key botanicals like Ashwagandha, Fenugreek, Tongkat Ali, and DIM, designed for male hormonal balance and overall vitality.
Value 
T Male
NaturesPlus
Fenugreek: 300 mg
This supplement combines key minerals like Zinc, Magnesium, and Boron with Fenugreek and antioxidant-rich botanical extracts to support healthy testosterone levels and overall male well-being.
Budget 
Fenugreek
Amazing India
Fenugreek: 1220 mg
This fenugreek supplement delivers an exceptionally high 1220mg dose, making it a strong option for supporting testosterone levels and stimulating appetite.
Budget 
Fenugreek 610 mg
21st Century
Fenugreek: 610 mg
This product provides 610mg of fenugreek seed powder, an herb often chosen for its potential to support testosterone and appetite, in an economical form.
Best 
Fenugreek
Oregon's Wild Harvest
Fenugreek: 1500 mg
This product delivers a very high 1500mg dose of organic fenugreek, making it a powerful option for supporting testosterone and stimulating appetite.
Budget 
Fenugreek Seed 610 mg
The Vitamin Shoppe
Fenugreek: 610 mg
This larger pack provides 610mg of fenugreek seed, an herb often used for testosterone support and appetite stimulation, at an enhanced value.
Best 
Glycemic Vibrance H
Vibrant Health
Fenugreek: 500 mg
Glycemic Vibrance H is a comprehensive supplement offering a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts primarily focused on supporting healthy metabolic function and balanced blood sugar levels, along with general wellness benefits.
Best 
Fenugreek Seed
Gaia Herbs
Fenugreek: 1170 mg
An organic liquid whole fenugreek product, offering a convenient form but at a higher price point per serving.
Value 
Gluco-Response
NuMedica
Fenugreek: 450 mg
This blend features vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts like fenugreek (450mg), bitter gourd, and gymnema, primarily designed for blood sugar support, with fenugreek offering some additional support for vitality.
Value 
TEST
Biochem
Fenugreek: 300 mg
This is a multi-ingredient male support blend featuring Fenugreek, Shilajit, Vitamin D, and Boron, aiming to contribute to vitality and metabolic health.
Best 
Fenugreek Extract 300 mg
Swanson
Fenugreek: 300 mg
This supplement provides 300mg of Testofen fenugreek seed extract, standardized for fenusides, a specific form often used to support healthy testosterone levels and men's vitality.
Best 
Fenugreek Seed Extract
Bluebonnet
Fenugreek: 600 mg
This fenugreek seed extract delivers 600mg, standardized for total saponins, making it a targeted and potent option for supporting testosterone levels and appetite.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$27.79
Median$25.69
Price per serving
Average$0.85
Median$0.60
Price per 100 mg
Average$0.49
Median$0.25
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
Saponins (9) 85
Saponins are a class of glycosides found abundantly in fenugreek seeds. Furostanolic saponins, such as protodioscin and diosgenin, are specifically studied for their potential to increase free and total testosterone levels by mechanisms including inhibiting certain enzymes (e.g., 5-alpha reductase, aromatase) or stimulating testosterone production. They may also contribute to fenugreek's effects on glucose metabolism and appetite stimulation.
Pros
- Directly linked to testosterone increase in human studies
- Potential metabolic benefits for blood sugar and lipids
- Well-researched active component of fenugreek
Cons
- Can cause mild digestive upset (e.g., bloating, gas) in high doses
- May contribute to body odor with a 'maple syrup' smell
- Specific saponin profiles and efficacy can vary between extracts
Per product
Avg$42.88
Med$43.99
Per serving
Avg$1.47
Med$1.43
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.34
Med$0.36
Price distribution
Fenugreek Furans (2) 30
Fenugreek contains various furan-containing compounds, including sotolone, which imparts the characteristic maple syrup aroma to fenugreek. While some furanostanols are active saponins, 'Fenugreek Furans' as a general category often refers to these aroma compounds or other non-steroidal furans. Their direct role in testosterone regulation or weight gain is not extensively studied or established.
Pros
- Contributes to the unique flavor and aroma profile of fenugreek
Cons
- No direct strong evidence for testosterone support as a distinct category from furanostanolic saponins
- No direct strong evidence for promoting weight gain
- May contribute to body odor
Per product
Avg$49.71
Med$49.71
Per serving
Avg$1.65
Med$1.65
Per 1000 mg
Avg$1.51
Med$1.51
Price distribution
Furanostanols (2) 90
Furanostanols are steroidal saponins, a subgroup of saponins, known for their unique furan ring structure. Protodioscin is a prominent furanostanol found in fenugreek that is believed to promote the production of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and subsequent androgen synthesis. Research indicates that furanostanols can significantly contribute to increases in free and total testosterone, improved muscle strength, and enhanced sexual function.
Pros
- Potent and well-researched for testosterone support and libido enhancement
- Often standardized in effective fenugreek extracts
- May contribute to improved muscle strength and body composition
Cons
- May cause digestive upset or flatulence in sensitive individuals
- Specific furanostanol content and efficacy can vary by product
- Potential for body odor ('maple syrup' scent)
Per product
Avg$49.71
Med$49.71
Per serving
Avg$1.65
Med$1.65
Per 1000 mg
Avg$1.51
Med$1.51
Price distribution
Stanols (2) 25
Stanols, or phytostanols, are saturated forms of plant sterols. While fenugreek contains various steroidal compounds (like saponins and furanostanols), 'stanols' as a general category in fenugreek are not primarily associated with testosterone-boosting or weight-gain effects in research. They are more commonly recognized for their ability to help reduce LDL cholesterol absorption. The specific active compounds for testosterone are the furanostanolic saponins, which are steroidal but not typically referred to broadly as 'stanols' in this context.
Pros
- Potential for cholesterol management (general health benefit, but not a specified goal here)
Cons
- No direct strong evidence for testosterone support from general fenugreek stanols
- No direct strong evidence for promoting weight gain from general fenugreek stanols
Per product
Avg$49.71
Med$49.71
Per serving
Avg$1.65
Med$1.65
Per 1000 mg
Avg$1.51
Med$1.51
Price distribution
Fenugreek Extract (1) 80
Fenugreek extract is a concentrated preparation from the seeds of the fenugreek plant. These extracts are often standardized to contain specific levels of bioactive compounds, such as furostanolic saponins and furanostanols, which are believed to be responsible for the herb's effects on testosterone, libido, and appetite. This form is widely used in dietary supplements due to its potency and consistent delivery of active constituents compared to raw powder.
Pros
- Concentrated and potent, delivering higher levels of active compounds
- Often standardized, allowing for consistent dosing and predictable effects
- Widely used in research studies demonstrating benefits for testosterone and appetite
Cons
- Efficacy can still depend on the specific standardization and extract type
- May still cause mild digestive issues or body odor in some individuals
- Can be more expensive than raw fenugreek powder
Per product
Avg$38.47
Med$38.47
Per serving
Avg$1.28
Med$1.28
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.21
Med$0.21
Price distribution
Fenugreek fibers (1) 35
Fenugreek seeds are rich in dietary fibers, encompassing both soluble (primarily galactomannan) and insoluble types. These fibers contribute to digestive regularity, help manage blood sugar levels, and promote a feeling of fullness. While essential for overall health, the broad category of fenugreek fibers does not directly influence testosterone production, and their satiety-inducing properties can be counterproductive for intentional weight gain without careful dietary planning.
Pros
- Supports overall digestive health
- Aids in blood sugar control
- Contributes to feelings of fullness
Cons
- Can cause digestive discomfort (e.g., bloating, gas) if consumed in large amounts
- Satiety effects may inhibit weight gain by reducing overall caloric intake
- No direct evidence for increasing testosterone
Per product
Avg$33.60
Med$33.60
Per serving
Avg$1.12
Med$1.12
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.17
Med$0.17
Price distribution
Galactomannan (1) 40
Galactomannan is a heteropolysaccharide that forms a significant portion of fenugreek seeds. As a soluble fiber, it forms a viscous gel in the digestive tract, which helps slow gastric emptying, moderate blood glucose response, and promote satiety. While beneficial for digestive health and blood sugar control, its direct impact on testosterone levels is negligible, and its satiety-promoting effects might counter weight gain if not managed within a high-calorie diet.
Pros
- Supports digestive health and regularity
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels
- Promotes satiety, which can aid in weight management (if desired)
Cons
- Can cause bloating, gas, or other digestive discomfort in high doses
- Satiety effects may hinder weight gain if caloric intake is not carefully managed
- No direct evidence for increasing testosterone
Per product
Avg$33.60
Med$33.60
Per serving
Avg$1.12
Med$1.12
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.17
Med$0.17
Price distribution
Total Saponins (1) 85
Saponins are a class of glycosides found abundantly in fenugreek seeds. Furostanolic saponins, such as protodioscin and diosgenin, are specifically studied for their potential to increase free and total testosterone levels by mechanisms including inhibiting certain enzymes (e.g., 5-alpha reductase, aromatase) or stimulating testosterone production. They may also contribute to fenugreek's effects on glucose metabolism and appetite stimulation.
Pros
- Directly linked to testosterone increase in human studies
- Potential metabolic benefits for blood sugar and lipids
- Well-researched active component of fenugreek
Cons
- Can cause mild digestive upset (e.g., bloating, gas) in high doses
- May contribute to body odor with a 'maple syrup' smell
- Specific saponin profiles and efficacy can vary between extracts
Per product
Avg$15.60
Med$15.60
Per serving
Avg$0.52
Med$0.52
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.09
Med$0.09
Price distribution