How Ginger May Help Boost Testosterone (Explained)

✔ Evidence-Based. Scientifically Reviewed by Michael Sharpe, MSc.

Ginger supplementation has been found in several animal experiments to increase testosterone levels. However, it seems there is minimal research on its effect in humans. In this article we will explore the research and see if it can help boost testosterone.

Study of Ginger in 75 Males With Fertility Issues

The researchers describe an experiment they conducted with 75 married males between the ages of 19 and 40 who had fertility issues. The men were given ginger treatment. (1)

The researchers do not specify how much ginger was given to the males or how it was given to them. They are also vague about the study’s duration, though the paper mentions “three months of treatment.”

The researchers utilised a control group of 25 healthy males, however the data they gathered from this group is not included in the publication. As a result, only the 75 infertile males are shown in the graph below. A placebo was not supplied to any of the participants.

Results

The supplementation increased the testosterone levels of the males by ~17.7%. FSH increased slightly but significantly, while LH increased substantially by ~43.2%

Malondialdehyde content in the men’s blood was also reduced, while the beneficial glutathione concentration increased. Malondialdehyde is a free radical activity marker.

This supports the hypothesis that ginger operates primarily by activating natural antioxidants in the testes and eliminating toxic compounds.

Sperm cell number and quality both rose. However, the report doesn’t say if the males went on to have children.

Does Ginger Increase Testosterone?

Based on the limited human research, as well as research in animals, it seems ginger may be able to improve fertility, testosterone levels, LH and FSH, among other effects. (2)

Research suggests the mechanisms by which this may occur is mainly by the following functions. (2)

• Enhancing luteinizing hormone (LH) production
• Increasing the level of cholesterol in the testes
• Reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the testes
• Improving the activity of the antioxidant enzymes
• Regulating and normalising blood glucose
• Increasing blood flow in the testes
• Increasing testicular weight
• Recycling testosterone receptors

Although these are promising results, the impact of ginger on testosterone has yet to be shown in people in a large, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. As a result, it cannot be confirmed.

Definitions

Below are definitions and short explanations of what some of the terms in this article mean.

• Testosterone: Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced mostly in the testes, but also in the ovaries and adrenal cortex. It accelerates the development of secondary male sexual characteristics, as well as a variety of other functions.
• FSH: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein polypeptide hormone and a gonadotropin. The anterior pituitary gland’s gonadotropic cells synthesis and release FSH, which governs the body’s development, growth, pubertal maturation, and reproductive activities.
• LH: Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a hormone produced by gonadotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland. It has functions in both men and women, this hormone is important in fertility in both genders, it also stimulates testosterone production in men.
• Malondialdehyde: When free radicals oxidise a fat, MDA (malondialdehyde) is formed as a result. Excess free radicals damage the membranes of healthy cells. When MDA levels are high, it indicates that oxidative stress is present.
• Free Radicals: Free radicals are unstable atoms that may harm cells, resulting in disease and premature ageing. Free radicals have been related to ageing as well as a variety of illnesses.

References

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This evidence based analysis of ginger and testosterone features 2 references, listed below.

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