New clinical study explores the effects of cocoa bean and pomegranate peel blend on sexual function and overall health in aging men

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A recently published study examined the effects of Tesnor, a proprietary blend of cacao and (Theobroma cacao) seed and pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel, by Gencor, on the sexual function of adult human males. As noted in the study’s introduction, levels of testosterone – the androgen that helps maintain sexual function, healthy sperm profile, bone and muscle mass, metabolic homeostasis, and psychological wellness in males – generally falls after age 30. The study, “A Combination of Punica granatum Fruit Rind and Theobroma cacao Seed Extracts Enhances Sexual Function in Aging Males in a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study,” was published in International Journal of Medical Sciences in January 2025.

This 84-day trial involved 120 older adult male participants, ages 40-70, with low sexual desire and mild to moderate erectile disfunction. Half of the participants received LN18178 (400 mg Tesnor), the other half received a placebo, and all were instructed to consume one capsule orally daily. Baseline evaluations and follow-up evaluations were conducted on days 14, 42, and 84 with questionnaires on sexual function being completed during each visit. Other evaluations included fatigue, sleep quality, and various safety assessments.

Highlighted results included:

• The total score was increased for the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning-Self Reported-Male (DISF-SR-M), which measured improvements in various sexual functions
• For psychological assessments, improved scores were seen for the multi-dimensional fatigue inventory (MFI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores
• Participants substantially increased the six-minute walk distance and hand-grip strength (HGS), which suggests increased aerobic capacity and endurance as well as increased muscle strength

Minor and transient adverse effects were reported in both the placebo and test groups. Limitations of the study included a lack of measurement of semen parameters or body composition. Ultimately, the researchers concluded that the supplementation was safe and effective in improving sexual function, physical health, and psychological health of aging adult males.

“The cacao seed has long been used in traditional Indian medicine to promote sexual health, while pomegranate is recognized as a powerful antioxidant that supports blood flow and sexual function,” stated R.V. Venkatesh, co-founder and managing director at Gencor, in a February 18 press release. “Tesnor, our proprietary blend, is clinically proven to boost testosterone levels. The results of this study further demonstrate Tesnor's effectiveness in enhancing men's health just beyond serum testosterone levels to showing improved sexual health in aging males.”

The press release also noted that Tesnor is suited for capsules, tablets, ready-to-mix (RTM) powders, soft gels, and gummies.

Future research in the effects on male fertility was suggested by the researchers.

Reference

1. Srivastava, MK.; Singh, G.; Kodur, RR.; Yalamanchi, A. A Combination of Punica granatum Fruit Rind and Theobroma cacao Seed Extracts Enhances Sexual Function in Aging Males in a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study. Int. J. Med. Sci. 2025. DOI: 10.7150/ijms.99958.