Ginger and Testosterone: +17% in 3 Months [Meta-Analysis 2018]

Ginger and Testosterone: +17.7% Documented in Meta-Analysis

Clinical summary: Banihani's (2018) systematic review compiling human and animal studies reports an average increase in testosterone of 17.7% after 3 months of ginger supplementation. Main mechanism: antioxidant protection of Leydig cells + increase in LH.

Ginger and testosterone: the evidence

Banihani Study 2018 (Systematic review)

Compilation of all available studies on ginger and male hormones:

  • Average increase in serum testosterone: +17.7%
  • Increase in LH (luteinizing hormone): +43.2%
  • Improvement of the sperm concentration: +16.2%
  • Improvement of the sperm motility: +47.3%

Mares & Najam 2012 study (Human clinical trial)

75 infertile men, 3 months of ginger supplementation:

  • Serum testosterone: significant increase (p < 0.01)
  • FSH and LH: increased
  • Sperm volume and motility: improved

Mechanisms of action on testosterone

1. Antioxidant protection of Leydig cells

Leydig cells (testosterone producers in the testicles) are extremely sensitive to oxidative stress. 6-gingerol neutralizes ROS (reactive oxygen species) which damage these cells → testosterone production maintained.

2. LH increase

Ginger stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis → increased secretion of LH by the pituitary gland → reinforced signal to Leydig cells to produce more testosterone.

3. Reduction of testicular oxidative stress

Activation of the Nrf2 pathway → increased production of glutathione, SOD and catalase at the testicular level → favorable environment for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.

4. Anti-testicular inflammation

Inhibition of NF-κB → reduction of TNF-α and IL-6 at the testicular level → less inflammatory damage to germ cells and Leydig cells.

Sugar: the number 1 enemy of testosterone

Study Caronia et al. (2012, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism): 75g of glucose reduces testosterone by 25% for 2 hours in healthy men.

A shot of ginger at 33g of sugar/100ml contains ~8g of simple sugars. This is the paradox: you take ginger for testosterone, but the sugar in the shot makes it drop.

Hormonal impact Sweet shot (33g/100ml) NRTI (1.1g/100ml)
Effect of ginger on testosterone +17,7% +17,7%
Effect of sugar on testosterone -25% (2h) Negligible
Net effect Canceled Positive

Frequently asked questions

Does ginger really increase testosterone?

Yes. The systematic review by Banihani (2018) reports an average increase of 17.7% in serum testosterone after 3 months of supplementation. The main mechanism is the antioxidant protection of Leydig cells (testosterone producers) via 6-gingerol. INTI provides the effective dose of organic ginger without the sugar which, according to Caronia 2012, reduces testosterone by 25% for 2 hours.

How much ginger to increase testosterone?

Clinical studies use 1-2g of ginger per day for a minimum of 3 months. Regularity is crucial — the effects on testosterone and spermatogenesis require prolonged daily intake. A daily NRTI shot provides the dose in a convenient, no-added-sugar format.

Does the sugar in ginger shots negate the effect on testosterone?

Partially yes. The Caronia study (2012, JCEM) shows that 75g of glucose reduces testosterone by 25% for 2 hours. A shot containing 33g of sugar/100ml provides ~8g of simple sugars — enough to counteract some of the pro-testosterone effect of ginger. INTI contains 1.1g of sugar/100ml, which preserves the hormonal effect of ginger.

⚠️ Ginger does not replace prescribed hormonal treatment. If hypogonadism is suspected, consult an endocrinologist for a complete hormonal assessment.

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