Update January 4, 2024. Tesofen is an ingredient found in supplements touted to boost testosterone levels. As such, it's one of the popular supplements for men over 40. The ingredient may be found in supplements touted to raise testosterone, improve gym workouts – and help workouts in the bedroom too. So, does it really work? In this testofen review, you will learn about the clinical research on this compound and its potential side effects. Is this the best testosterone booster formula? Here's the evidence. You decide.
What Are Normal Levels of Testosterone For Adult Men
Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men. When it is being transported through the blood, testosterone is usually bound to proteins like sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.
When testosterone is unbound, it becomes free and has more potent androgenic effects. This is why doctors may discuss total and free testosterone.
Total testosterone represents the overall quantity of testosterone circulating in your bloodstream, regardless of whether it's readily available for use.
Free testosterone is the portion of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood. Free testosterone refers to the biologically active portion that can influence muscle growth and other functions.
Testosterone levels usually peak in the 20s and 30s and then slowly decline during the aging process.
Total Testosterone vs. Aging
| Age Range (Years) | Total Testosterone (ng/dL) | Free Testosterone (pg/mL) |
| 20-24 | 270-1190 | 9-52 |
| 25-29 | 260-1100 | 8-48 |
| 30-34 | 230-1000 | 7-44 |
| 35-39 | 210-880 | 6-40 |
| 40-44 | 190-770 | 5-36 |
| 45-49 | 170-670 | 4-32 |
| 50-54 | 150-570 | 3-38 |
| 55-59 | 130-480 | 2-24 |
| 60-64 | 110-400 | 1-20 |
| 65-69 | 90-330 | 1-16 |
| 70-74 | 70-270 | 1-12 |
| 75-79 | 50-210 | 0-8 |
| 80-84 | 30-150 | 0-4 |
| 85-89 | 10-100 | 0-2 |
| 90+ | <10 | <2 |
Obviously, these levels are not engraved in stone. Lifestyle also plays an important role in a man's testosterone level as he ages. Things that can make a positive impact on healthy testosterone levels during the aging process include
- resistance training (strength training)
- getting enough quality sleep
- avoiding excess body fat
- healthy nutrition
- avoiding smoking
- getting adequate protein
- avoiding excess alcohol
What Is Testofen?
Testofen is a patented extract of the seeds of the herb fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum.). In fact, it's promoted as the “world's most clinically-researched fenugreek seed extract.” Testofen is standardized to contain at least 50% of fenugreek compounds called saponin glycosides.
These compounds are also called fenusides by Gencor Pacific, the Hong Kong nutraceutical company that owns the testofen patent and trademark. Saponins are thought to be responsible for the androgen-boosting effects of fenugreek.
Another name for Gencor is GE Nutrients Inc. the company website is GencorPacific.com. To its credit, the company puts its money where its mouth is by sponsoring research on its patented anabolic extract.
Testofen Clinical Research
Several clinical experiments have been conducted on the testofen extract. Here is a summary of some of those studies, including the pros and cons of the research.
Study 1
In one company-sponsored study involving men in their 50s, 600 mg of testofen taken daily for twelve weeks was reported to provide significant improvements in:
- Libido, morning erections and intercourse frequency
- Total testosterone and free testosterone.
More specifically,
- Total testosterone increased from 12.3 nmol/L to 13.8 nmol/L (354 ng/dl increasing to 398 ng/dl)
- Free testosterone increased 241 pmol/L to 264 pmol/L
Study 2
Another investigation noted testofen produced an overall positive effect on physiological aspects of libido. This study involved 60 healthy men aged 25-52. They were given either 600 mg of the herb or a placebo. In this clinical study, the men reported – on surveys – that their libidos had improved. There was no change in testosterone, prolactin, mood or sleep.
Study 3
Researchers in India recruited men in their early 20s to receive either 600 mg of testofen or a placebo for 8 weeks. All the men performed the same type of strength training program 4 days per week. The results revealed these findings:
- No significant improvements in 1RM bench press or leg press muscle strength tests compared to placebo takers.
- Testifen users could perform about one extra rep on the bench press – but not the leg press.
- Slight reductions in body fat in the chest, thighs, and triceps.
- Free testosterone almost doubled from 17 ng/dl to 35 ng/dl (significant improvement)
- Total testosterone rose from 404 ng/dl to 455 ng/dl (not significant better than placebo takers)
Study 4
In another experiment
men in their mid-30s are put on an exercise program and given either:
- placebo
- 300 mg of testofen
- 600 mg of testofen
While everyone became stronger (because they all worked out), those who took testofen supplements saw these improvements
increase in weight lifted on the 1RM on the leg press. However the increase in weight was more in those who took 300 mg
- 300 mg testofen: 57 lbs (26 kg) increase
- 600 mg testofen 46 lbs (21 kg) increase
It is strange that 300 mg appeared to boost leg press performance more than taking 600 mg.
However, those taking 600 mg of testofen saw higher testosterone levels than those who took just 300 mg
Total testosterone increased from 496 ng/dl to 533 ng/dl.
However, in this study, testofen failed to raise free testosterone.
Testofen Research Review Video
Watch on my YouTube channel
Testofen FAQ
Does Testofen Improve Exercise Performance?
Raising testosterone may not translate into improved exercise performance. According to one study after 8 weeks of fenugreek supplementation (600 mg/day), 1RM bench press weight did not increase, even though testosterone levels improved significantly compared to placebo takers. On the plus side, those taking the herb could perform about one extra bench press repetition before muscle failure occurred.
How Much Do You Take?
Studies showing the supplement's effects on testosterone, libido, and exercise have used 600 mg per day. Dietary supplements will tell you the dosage of testofen it contains. Make sure to take note of the number of capsules required to achieve this dosage. This information is found on the Supplement Facts Lable.
How Does Tesofen Work?
Some research suggests the herb may reduce the 5-alpha reductase an enzyme, which lowers testosterone. Inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme helps raise testosterone levels.
The company that makes this nutraceutical has said the power of the supplement lies with phytonutrients called saponins. Saponins look somewhat – like testosterone. So, the idea of how saponins work goes like this:
- Most testosterone is bound to a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) which prevents testosterone from being used by the cells of the body.
- Saponins attach to sex hormone-binding globulin.
- When saponins bind to SHBG, they cause the protein to release testosterone into the circulation, where it can be used.
- This results in an increase in free testosterone.
The GenCor Pacific company calls the family of saponins, which can release free testosterone and fenusides.
Testofen Q and A
1 Do You Take It With Food?
Some studies do not indicate whether testofen was taken with food or on an empty stomach. Taking the supplement with food may reduce stomach upset. This is true for many other supplements too. To reduce side effects, begin by taking less than recommended for the first week.
2 Before Or After Exercise?
Unfortunately, studies do not discuss whether the supplement was taken before exercise or after exercise.
3 How Much Is Too Much?
Human clinical studies often use 600 mg per day. Based on this, using more than 600 mg per day is not required. Supplements containing this ingredient will always tell you how much they contain. This information is found on the Supplement Facts label. Taking two 300 mg doses may help maintain levels of androgen-raising fenugreek saponins.
4 How Long Until It Starts Working?
Some clinical studies have noted results after three months of use. The effects and benefits may be different depending on the individual, their goals and their health status.
5 Is It Natural?
Testofen is natural in the sense it's derived from fenugreek, a common spice. That said, testofen concentrates compounds, called saponins, that are normally found in low amounts in fenugreek. Whether it's natural or not is up to your interpretation.
6 Do Foods Have Testofen?
Fenugreek seeds will contain saponins, the reputed active testosterone-boosting ingredient.
7 Is Testofen The Same Thing As Testosterone?
While the saponins in fenugreek may look like testosterone, saponins are NOT the same thing as the testosterone hormone. So no prescription is required
8 Is Testofen a Banned Substance?
While anabolic agents are banned by the NCAA or WADA, testofen does not seem to be on the list when it was checked. That said, athletes who are drug tested should specifically ask about this before taking testofen or fenugreek supplements.
The Tesofen Class Action Lawsuit
In 2018 the makers of the product agreed to pay 7 million to settle a lawsuit stemming from people who claimed the ingredient was falsely advertised. The Natural Products Insider website has a nice write-up on the earlier proceedings.
Where Can You Buy Tesofen?
Supplements that contain testofen can be found at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Vitamin World, and other health food stores. It may also be found at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, and Rite Aid too.
How To Contact GenCore
GenCor Pacific is the company that makes Testofen. Their US contact number is 949-502-5760. Their US address is 19700 Fairchild Road, Suite 330 Irvine, California 92612. Another name for the company is GE Nutrients Inc. The company's home office is in Hong Kong, China.
The company also has a branch in India too (Gencor Pacific Organics India Pvt. Ltd.)
Testofen Supplement Pro / Con
Here's a quick rundown on what I feel are the pros and cons. These are my opinions.
| Pro | Con |
| The supplement has clinical studies | Not all studies show it works |
| Company has been around a long time | Studies only involve healthy people |
| No serious side effects reported | Long term side effects not known |
| Pretty easy to find | Needs more studies on “older” men |
Some may also add that the fenugreek extract has mostly only been studied by the company that makes it. That's not necessarily a bad thing because if they don't support research on their product, who will?
Testofen vs. Fenugreek
What will raise testosterone the most – Testofen or fenugreek? Do they work the same? No studies could be located which compare these products to each other. It would be tempting to say testofen would work better since it contains a more concentrated amount of saponins. But, it will take research to know for sure.
One study has noted 500 mg of a fenugreek extract called Torabolic worked better than a placebo at improving both upper and lower body strength. The study lasted 60 days and involved 49 men who were not novices (that's good). Testosterone levels were not measured.
This investigation involved a proprietary extract of fenugreek (Torabolic) which – like Testofen – is different than fenugreek itself. The Torabolic extract is made by Indus Biotech, which supported this investigation.
Testofen vs. Tribulus
Tribulus Terrestris is one of the most famous ingredients found in testosterone booster supplements. But, the problem with Tribulus is clinical studies don't seem to show it works.
For more info see:
What About D-Aspartic Acid?
There is no good proof that D-aspartic acid boosts testosterone levels in humans. No study has compared Testofen to D-aspartic acid. Watch this video for the proof.
How Does It Compare To Tongkat Ali?
There are no head-to-head comparisons with Tongkat Ali (also known as Eurycoma longifolia) to determine which raises testosterone the most.
For more insights on this ingredient see:
TongKat Ali Testosterone Review
Watch on my Youtube Channel
What Supplements Contain Testofen
The two most popular supplements are:
Both of these supplements have been around for many years.
The Swanson brand vitamins also has a supplement with this fenugreek extract.
Testofen Side Effects
This herbal extract is likely safe in healthy persons, especially when used in small amounts found in food. Supplement studies on the herb often use healthy people. As such, supplement side effects in not “healthy” people need more study. Here is a brief list of things to consider when taking fenugreek/Testofen. This list is not complete:
- Start with less than recommended for the first week to see what your side effects might be.
- Stop taking the herb at least 2 weeks before having surgery.
- If you take blood thinner medicine, ask your doctor and pharmacist first.
- Speak to your doctor if you take any medicine.
- Do not take this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Don't use if you are allergic to fenugreek.
- Don't combine with hormone replacement therapy you get from your doctor.
- Fenugreek supplements are not intended for children.
- Fenugreek supplements containing may have an unpleasant odor.
In women, the herb fenugrek exacerbate migraine headaches and promote acid reflux and indigestion.
Testosterone replacement has been associated with blood clots. This warning pertains to prescription hormone replacement drugs. It's not known if testosterone supplements like testofen cause blood clots. One report describes blood clots in the lungs of a 51-year-old man soon after he started taking a multi-ingredient testosterone supplement.
There is no evidence that testofen promotes cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, or any other side effect associated with hormone replacement therapy. Preliminary evidence suggests fenugreek – the spice – may reduce cancer.
Does Testofen Really Raise Testosterone?
Company-sponsored research appears to show that Testofen raises testosterone levels, although other research is less clear. I'm personally not yet convinced it works for everyone. I'd like to see a few other studies, primarily involving only men over age 50. To know for sure get your testosterone measured before taking the supplement and retest again after a couple of months.