A preliminary human study has translated findings from mouse models, demonstrating that the oral ingestion of bean sprouts can increase blood testosterone levels PMID:40906146. The mechanism is believed to be the action of coumestrol, a natural compound in bean sprouts that inhibits the HASPIN kinase enzyme. While the evidence is early-stage, this suggests a potential, highly accessible dietary strategy for supporting healthy testosterone levels as men age. ### Key Findings - **Increased Testosterone in Humans:** Oral ingestion of bean sprouts led to a measurable increase in blood testosterone levels in human participants (1.5 fold increase) PMID:40906146. - **Confirms Animal Models:** This finding builds upon previous research in mice, which showed that ingesting bean sprouts rich in the compound coumestrol increased serum testosterone and suppressed hypogonadism PMID:39336163. - **Potential LOH Intervention:** The study positions coumestrol-rich bean sprouts as a potential dietary intervention for Late-Onset Hypogonadism (LOH), an age-related decline in testosterone. ### The Longevity Context Late-Onset Hypogonadism (LOH) is a significant concern in aging, defined by an age-related decline in testosterone accompanied by clinical symptoms. These can include decreased libido and sexual function, osteoporosis, reduced physical strength, and negative mood alterations PMID:16151757. The condition is common, affecting up to 25% of elderly males, and is linked to multiple factors including dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and reduced testosterone synthesis by Leydig cells PMID:34829704. A formal diagnosis requires both clinical symptoms and biochemical evidence of testosterone deficiency PMID:24044105. The findings from the primary study PMID:40906146 are compelling because they offer a potential nutritional approach to this issue. The proposed mechanism, inhibition of the HASPIN kinase by coumestrol, is supported by animal data. A prior study in a mouse model demonstrated that ingesting bean sprouts rich in this compound not only increased serum testosterone but also suppressed symptoms of hypogonadism PMID:39336163. This suggests a specific biochemical pathway through which a simple food can influence endocrine health. ### Actionable Protocol Based on this preliminary human evidence, incorporating bean sprouts into your diet is a low-risk, high-accessibility strategy. 1. **Incorporate Bean Sprouts:** Add fresh bean sprouts to salads, stir-fries, or soups 3-5 times per week. 2. **Focus on Coumestrol:** While specific coumestrol content is not typically listed on packaging, bean sprouts are a primary dietary source of this compound. 3. **Context is Key:** This dietary approach should be considered a supportive measure for maintaining healthy testosterone levels, not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment for clinically diagnosed hypogonadism. Consult a healthcare professional for persistent symptoms.