Testofen Results Of Study To Raise Testosterone In Men

I came across the published results of Gencor Pacific, Inc. actual  8 week study. I am going to post a LINK to it  here for your information:

http://www.onlysupplements.co.uk/images/TESTOFENHumanStudy.pdf

I was unable to cut and paste any portion of the study, however you can click on the link and see the complete study parameters, ages, duration and results for yourself. I am now on my second bottle of Testofen from Swanson Products.

I can give you some information:

60 men between the ages of 18 and 35 were tested
26 completed 8 week study with a placebo
29 completed study on Testofen 300mg in the morning and 300 mg evening
All trained for some resistance power exercises for 1 month

Free Testosterone Levels pg/ml
Prior to testing 17.76
After 8 week trial test 45.29
Total increase 17.55
% increase was 98.1%

I feel this was significant for an 8 week test.

I am 65 years of age and NOT between the ages of 18-35. I have been on it for 30 days plus and am on my second bottle of 60 caps from Swanson products. I also take a DHEA 25mg tab 1X daily and 1 or 2 Tribulus Terrestis caps daily. I also take other supplements along with a daily whey protein shake.

I do 75 push ups every other day and on the off days I do pull ups and chin ups and I do abdominal crunches and stretching exercises every day and try to walk 30-45 mins at a brisk pace every day.

I will post my actual T readings upon my next blood lipid profile.

Dan

Testofen From Swanson Health Products

I received my two month supply of Testofen from Swanson vitamins in the mail today and officially started on two capsules a day on 5/20/2013.

I will post my results in 60-90 days after giving the product a fair trial period. Here is the bottle label with ingredients:


Supplement Facts

Serving Size 1 Capsule
Amount Per Serving% Daily ValueTestofen® Fenugreek SeedExtract (Trigonella foenum-graecum) (standardized to 50% fenusides) 300 mg *


*Daily Value not established.


Other ingredients: Rice flour, gelatin, may contain one or both of the following: magnesium stearate, silica.

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule two times per day with water.

WARNING: Do not take this product if you are pregnant or nursing.

Testofen® is a registered trademark of Gencor Pacific, Inc.

(My Input)

Customer reviews from Swanson are MIXED, however in most cases the reviews I read were based on how people feel. There were not any reviews where people had their testosterone levels measured with a blood test BEFORE and after being on testofen for 60 to 90 days. I feel that opinions based on how one feels after 60-90 days do have some merit, however without testosterone levels being tested to show before and after results, opinions are just that...OPINIONS.

Perhaps a better review would be the one I am posting here from Gencor which is the company that developed the various testofen supplements. Here is a LINK to that information:

http://www.gencorpacific.com/index.php/featured-ingredients/testofen

EXCERPTS:

Benefits and market opportunity

Testofen® is a fenugreek extract standardized for 50% Fenuside™.

Testofen is the branded name for Gencor’s fenugreek extract. Fenugreek is a well-known, versatile herb that contains over 100 phytochemical constituents, including Furostanol Saponins and Steroidal Saponins. While fenugreek has multiple health applications, the active constituents included in Testofen have been shown to boost testosterone levels an thereby increase libido, lean muscle mass and immune functions. The group of saponin glycosides that Testofen is standardized to is named Fenuside.

After age 30, most men begin to experience a natural and gradual decline in testosterone levels, which can result in reduced drive and libido and a slow loss of muscle tone and definition. Most of the testosterone found in men is bound to the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) and Albumin. Only 2−3% of the testosterone present in the human body is typically in a free state. Testofen has been shown to increase free testosterone, up to 98 percent, in an eight-week trial (see below).*

Incorporate Testofen in product formulations designed to support healthy sexual function in adult males.*

Clinical research

Both animal and human clinical studies have been conducted on Testofen®.

Animal study

Study results: The 2010 study of Testofen on the reproductive systems of rats demonstrated that Testofen supported an increase in intracarvenous pressure, which led to healthy erectile functions.* Improvements in libido and muscle mass were also measured.*

Citation: Urmila Aswar et.al, 2010. Effect of Furostanol Glycosides from Trigonella foenum –graecum on the reproductive system of Male Albino Rats. Phytotherapy Research, 24, 1482–1488.


Human study on adult male libido

Study result: A six-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted in Australia in 2009 on 60 healthy adult males. A formulation containing Testofen as a major active ingredient showed a statistically significant increase in the sexual function, performance and satisfaction of the active group.* Study used the DISF-SR index, in addition to quality of life measures such as perceived muscle strength, energy levels, and well-being.

This study used the DISF-SR index (the lead index in studies of sexual health) and measured the following variables:
Sexual cognition
Sexual arousal
Sexual experience
Ability to have an orgasm
Quality of sexual performance
Recovery time following sexual activity
Overall libido
General energy levels

Testofen showed statistically significant increases in DISF-SR parameters (including sexual arousal and orgasm). In addition, Testofen had a positive effect on 3 quality of life (QOL) parameters:
Muscle strength
Energy levels
Overall well-being

Citation: Steels, E., Rao, A. and Vitetta, L., 2011. Physiological Aspects of Male Libido Enhanced by Standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum Extract and Mineral Formulation. Phytotherapy Research, Vol. 25, 1294–1300. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3360


Human study on free testosterone levels and performance

Study Results: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled human clinical study of 60 subjects was conducted using Testofen as the sole ingredient. The active group demonstrated the following statistically significant results:
Significant anabolic activity as evidenced by BUN reduction (p<0.05) compared to placebo*
Significant increase in free testosterone (p<0.05) compared to placebo group*
Increased immunity (p<0.003) compared to placebo group*
Significant reduction in Serum Creatinine levels (p<0.02) compared to placebo group signifying Creatine uptake and recycling in muscle cell*
Significant increase in prolactin (p<0.04) compared to placebo group, however, this increase is within physiological limits for men*
Significant decrease in body fat compared to baseline*
Maintenance of muscle size despite maintaining overall weight and reduction of body fat*

Citation: Wankhede et. al., 2006 “Effect of Testofen on safety, anabolic activity and factors affecting exercise physiology.” To be published.

(IN ANY EVENT) I recently had my testosterone tested as part of my ongoing lab tests connected with type 2 diabetes.

I posted my last two tests on this BLOG and have no "Dog in the fight either way". I will NOT go on the Androgel 1.62% again because of side effects of which the main one was dramatically increased blood pressure readings while taking it with very little real world increase in testosterone.

SEE MY POST ON 3/14/13 ENTITLED: CholesLo works - look at my numbers. My testosterone was
272 when my last test was done and I started taking testofen from Swanson TODAY 5/20/2013. I will POST my results in 60 or 90 days along with my opinion and view on increased energy, muscle mass etc. In the 3/14/2013 post showing blood lipid profile numbers from taking a product called CholesLo my testosterone numbers are DISMAL at best on both 10/26/12 and again when recently taken  later in March  2013. My results whatever they may turn out to be will reflect dietary and exercise changes also.

EXCERPT from 3/14/13 post:

Here are the numbers:

10/26/12 Lab Work Numbers:

• Triglycerides  (359)
• Cholesterol    (183)
• HDL               (31 )
• LDL               (80 )
• Testosterone  (248)

NEW Numbers for latest test (71 days on CholesLo):

• Triglycerides (216) for a 143 point drop or 40% LESS
• Cholesterol    (152) for a 31 point drop or  16.9% LESS
• HDL (good C.)  (33) UP 2 points or 6.45% BETTER
• LDL (bad C.)    (76) for 4 point drop or 5% LESS
• Testosterone  (272) for 24 point increase or 9.67% better

MY next readings will be sometime probably around the end of July. I walk virtually every day, and I do squats with the dumb bells and overhead  pushes to exhaustion with 20 pound dumb bells, along with abdominal exercises and stretching.

On the alternate days, I do 75-100 push ups and on every day I do a few pull ups and chin ups. I have also added canned salmon, more eggs, more nuts and take a full range of supplements that include more than adequate amounts of B6, B12, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin D3, fish oil etc.

Based on what I have read concerning testofen, I feel 60-70 days of taking two caps a day along with the exercise etc. should show some results.

Look for my numbers again around the first part of August.

Dan

“I believe you can and you're already there”
― Theodore Roosevelt

Benefits of Adequate Testosterone Levels

Why all the fuss over testosterone levels as we age? What is the role of testosterone in the body anyway and do we really need to keep track of our levels as we age and especially if we are type 2 diabetics?

I have previously done blog posts on the link between LOW levels of testosterone and the development of Type 2 Diabetes. There is also a link between low T levels and the development of heart disease.

I think if you are going to pursue increasing your testosterone levels you need to:

Pursue a complete program including eating testosterone building foods, doing more aerobic and especially weight bearing exercise. Squats with the dumb bells, along with bench presses, push ups, pull ups, chin ups, mountain climbing, interval fast/normal walking and running, doing short burst of intense running, along with taking the right supplements such as TESTOFEN, or one of the products including testofen such as Ageless male, Testoril etc. I like to do three sets of squats with the dumb bells 3 or 4 times a week to exhaustion.

I would STAY AWAY FROM THE DRUGS AND THE GELS AND CREAMS. Why?.......last time I looked one of the inescapable side effects was "Testicular Atrophy"......YOU DON'T want that.

Blood pressure a little high? TRY green smoothies based on celery first, along with aerobic exercise, losing weight etc. FIRST before simply going on a prescription drug for blood pressure with its own list of deadly side effects.

No heart disease yet, however the doctor urges you to go on LIPITOR and/or CRESTOR, and/or some other drug as a preventive measure? I urge you to to do your own research on the dangerous side effects of Statins FIRST.

PLEASE check out the writings and research of ROB THOBURN on testosterone and the best way to boost yours:

http://robthoburn.wordpress.com/2011/02/05/fenugreek-increases-testosterone-and-it-smells/

(MY INPUT):

Testofen as offered by Swanson Health Products looks to be a best buy for increasing testosterone. You may also want to look into cycling tribulus terrestis, maca, DHEA 25mg, Ginko Biloba, long jack etc. along with testofen. I urge you to visit several websites that concern themselves with cycling (on and off again) use of these other products.

You can also look at products like Ageless Male and Testoril which are a lot more expensive if you are already taking a decent multiple nutrient program, exercising and eating right.

What should your testosterone levels be? I have seen charts for adult males from 300-1200 ng/dl and others starting at 366 for the LOW end number. A simple blood test done along with your normal blood lipid profile can be ordered by your diabetes doctor. You should also run your iodine levels once in a while.

Here is some further information on T Levels:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/222182-what-is-the-range-of-testosterone-levels/

EXCERPT:


TESTOSTERONE PRODUCTION

Around 95 percent of circulating testosterone is produced by the Leydig cells in the testes, although the adrenal glands also produce the hormone and its precursors. Testosterone is synthesized from the precursor molecule cholesterol, which goes through a complex reaction pathway producing several intermediate molecules on the way. Testosterone production occurs in the Leydig cells under the control of another hormone called luteinizing hormone. This causes an increase in the number of Leydig cells and an increase in the level of testosterone that they produce in puberty and throughout life.

AVERAGE TESTOSTERONE LEVELS

Testosterone can be measured in the blood in nanograms per deciliter. The first time testosterone is produced is in the first two months of life where levels can reach
300 ng/dL, followed by a steady rise until 6 months. This is followed by a sharp drop in levels until puberty is reached, when testosterone levels rise until adult levels of 300 to 1,000 ng/dL are reached around age 16. TheNational Institute of Health states that the average testosterone levels in adult males is 700 ng/dL, with the healthy range between 300 and 1,200 ng/dL. In adult females, it should be between 30 and 95 ng/dL.
DAILY TESTOSTERONE FLUCTUATIONS

Within an individual, testosterone levels in the blood can vary 10 percent to 15 percent from one moment to the next. Levels are typically higher in the morning. Levels can also fluctuate during the day because of periodic testosterone secretions that occur about every seven hours. The increased levels of secretion are modest and so the rise and fall of blood hormone levels as a result of this are also minor.
TESTOSTERONE BINDING PROTEINS

One major factor determining blood testosterone levels is the amount of free testosterone compared to bound testosterone. The hormone is normally bound to a sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which is produced in the liver and prevents the testosterone from being metabolized as soon as it enters the blood. However, this means that bound testosterone travels around the blood in an inactive form. Only when testosterone is free in the blood can it perform its biological tasks, yet only 1 percent to 3 percent of testosterone is unbound in the blood. A decrease in the SHBG levels will result in higher blood testosterone levels. It is also known that variations in the testing methods can result in a variation of 33 percent in the levels of testosterone found in an individual. These factors should be taken into account when performing a testosterone measurement. If you have concerns about your testosterone levels, consult your physician.
Dan

Fenugreek (vs.) Testofen For boosting Testosterone

While up in the Berkshires recently I picked up a couple of bottles of fenugreek capsules from GNC. Each bottle contains 120 capsules of whole herb fenugreek seed (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum). I was actually looking for a product with testofen in it which is fenugreek extract, which they had in the form of "Ageless Male" for $35.00 a bottle for a one month supply.

Is there any value at all from taking The whole Herb caps from GNC to boost testosterone levels? There are different websites saying YES and..........no. The truth I think lies somewhere in between.A supplement researcher by the name of Richard Kreider PhD of Texas A&M University did a study involving a "purported aromatase and 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, "which turns out to have been fenugreek".

For 8 weeks, 30 YOUNG Male subjects received either a capsule containing 500 mg of fenugreek or a placebo while following a supervised resistance exercise routine. The fenugreek extract was standardized for "grecunin" and supplied by the Indus Biotech of India. I am NO SURE of exactly what grecunin actually is, so can't comment on it.

In any event over the course of the study, total and bioavailable (free) testosterone increased 6.57% and 12.26% respectively, in the subjects taking fenugreek. Estradiol and DHT levels also increased 25.5% and 6.10% respectively. Though not significantly, NO changes in hormone levels were found in the placebo group.

http://robthoburn.wordpress.com/2011/02/05/fenugreek-increases-testosterone-and-it-smells/

EXCERPT:

As explained in my recent post about boron, the enzyme aromatase converts testosterone into estradiol, whereas 5-alpha-reductase (5-AR) converts testosterone into DHT. Thus, you might think that because estradiol and DHT increased in this study, albeit not significantly, the fenugreek supplement didn’t work. The authors seemed to come to a different conclusion, stating, “estradiol decreased 9.64% from Week 0 to Week 4 before rising above baseline values by the conclusion of the 8-week study. Because of a significant increase in total and bioavailable testosterone without a corresponding [significant] increase in estradiol and DHT, we conclude that the [fenugreek extract] successfully, but incompletely, inhibited aromatase and 5-α reductase activity.”

The researchers also measured changes in body composition. While the fenugreek extract did not change fat-free mass, subjects receiving it did experience a reduction in fat mass of 1.77% vs. 0.55% in the placebo group. Granted, such changes may not be all that significant to you in the real world, but they were statistically significant here in the laboratory. The fenugreek supplement was found to have no significant effects on strength.

The authors drew an important conclusion, one worth keeping in mind when you walk through your local sports supplement store in search of a “testosterone booster”:


“AIs [aromatase inhibitors] marketed by nutritional supplement companies claim that these products increase androgen levels similarly to anabolic steroids while simultaneously suppressing estrogen levels. The current data, along with those from our previous work (Willoughby et al., 2007), support this notion to some extent, because we saw increases in total and bioavailable testosterone accompanied with minimal change in DHT and estradiol. Conversely, as our data suggest, an increase in endogenous testosterone levels does not always translate to an increase in muscle hypertrophy and strength. It is likely that the increase in endogenous testosterone levels from the experimental supplement did not affect androgen-receptor expression or the interaction between testosterone and an androgen receptor, which provides a possible explanation of why fat-free mass and strength did not increase more than in the PL group in our investigation. Thus, these data support the notion that elevated levels of testosterone within physiological levels have no influence on muscle strength in strength-trained young men.”

Summary

Most people taking a supplement like the one studied here will do so in the hope that it will provide not merely a change in testosterone, but also some downstream benefit: a change in body weight, body fat, muscle size, strength, libido, energy, mood, etc. What this study suggests is that supplementation with this particular fenugreek extract may allow young, healthy resistance-exercising males to lose slightly more body fat than would be the case if they took a placebo.



My (OWN Limited research)  has shown me that TESTOFEN is the better product for boosting testosterone levels with few if any side effect compared to the various gels such as Androgel 1.62 etc. The Ageless male is a better product than the Fenugreek whole herb caps as it contains other ingredients. here is a LABEL from Ageless male:




In regards to Ageless male, I already get more than adequate levels of B6, magnesium and Zinc and can buy a TESTOFEN extract product from Swanson Vitamins for around $15 a month as opposed to $35 for Ageless male from GNC.

TESTOFEN unlike other fenugreek prodcuts available today, contains HIGH concentrations of a specific group of saponin glycosides isilated and characterized exclusively by Gencor scientists. These compunds called fenusides, are the subject of ongong research which Gencor believes will continue to support fenugreek's testosterone promoting benefits.

Here is a link to Swanson's TESTOFEN product which i feel is a GREAT value in the marketplace right now for those like myself who will NOT go back on any other gels and creams etc because of the side effects.

http://www.swansonvitamins.com/swanson-ultra-testofen-fenugreek-extract-300-mg-60-caps







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Swanson Ultra
Testofen Fenugreek Extract


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SWANSON$14.99Item:SWU461Availability:In StockCaps Size:O, Pill Size GuideSize:300 mg 60 Caps


Testofen--a unique, standardized Fenugreek extract
Features testosterone-supporting fenusides
Studied for its effects on libido in men & women
Fenugreek is nothing new. But Testofen isn't your average Fenugreek. It's the result of diligent scientific research performed by Gencor Pacific, a global nutraceutical leader deeply rooted in the traditions of Ayurvedic medicine. Testofen has high concentrations of a specific group of saponin glycosides isolated and characterized exclusively by Gencor scientists. These compounds, called fenusides, are the subject of ongoing research, which Gencor believes will continue to support Fenugreek's testosterone -promoting benefits. In Ayurveda, Fenugreek is valued mostly for its effects on blood sugar and GI health. But many practitioners also recognize its benefits for hormonal support, especially its effects on testosterone, which appeared to enhance libido in both men and women.

God Bless,

Dan