The Effects of Geranylgeraniol Supplementation on Testosterone in Middle-Aged Healthy Adults: An 18-Week,...

Geranylgeraniol (GG) is a naturally occurring isoprenoid that is involved in steroid hormone synthesis, the endogenous production of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), healthy muscle function, bone metabolism, and cellular energy production. Although preclinical research and a recent human study have indicated a potential role for GG in modulating testosterone levels, its effects in middle-aged adults remain unclear.

This study aimed to assess the effects of GG supplementation on testosterone status, coenzyme Q10 concentrations, and validated questionnaires of overall and sexual health in middle-aged healthy adults.

This 18-week, single-group, crossover, placebo-controlled trial involved participants aged 40 to 65 years. The intervention consisted of 8 weeks of placebo followed by a 2-week washout and 8 weeks of GG supplementation (300 mg/day). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, Week 8 (after blinded placebo), Week 10 (post-washout), and Week 18 (after blinded intervention).

Thirty-four participants completed the study. No significant changes were observed in total testosterone, free testosterone, or sex hormone binding globulin (all P > .05) in the full study sample or within the female subgroup. In the subgroup of men with lower baseline testosterone (<600 ng/dL, n = 8), total testosterone increased significantly following GG supplementation (mean difference = 28.44 ng/dL, 95% CI: 7.45-49.43, P = .015), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.13), indicating a meaningful physiological response. Serum CoQ10 declined significantly during placebo (mean difference = -0.10 μg/mL, P = .03) but remained stable during GG supplementation (P = .9), suggesting a potential maintenance effect.

These results highlight GG as a promising natural strategy to support endogenous testosterone production and CoQ10 homeostasis in age-related declines. Further investigation in larger, targeted populations such as men with late-onset hypogonadism or individuals on statin therapy is warranted.