Testosterone and free testosterone levels decrease in men as they age, consequently inducing andropause symptoms, such as weight gain, fatigue, and depression. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the reducing effect of New Zealand spinach (NZS) on these androgenic symptoms by orally administering its extract to 26-week-old rats for four weeks. Biochemical blood testing was conducted, and the andropause symptoms-related indicators and muscular endurance levels were examined. In the NZS extract-treated rats, the decrease in muscle mass was suppressed, and immobility time was reduced in the forced swim test. In addition, the grip force and muscular endurance of the forelimbs were significantly increased compared to the control group; therefore, NZS extract exhibits a positive effect on the maintenance of muscle mass and improves muscular endurance. The representative male hormones, testosterone and progesterone, in the NZS extract-treated group were 1.84 times and 2.48 times higher than those in the control groups, respectively. Moreover, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, which affect lipid metabolism, were significantly reduced in the NZS extract-treated group. Overall, NZS extract shows potential for further development as a functional food material for improving muscle strength and relieving andropause symptoms.
Keywords: New Zealand spinach; Tetragonia tetragonoides (pall.) Kuntze; andropause symptoms; halophyte.