Is the missing ingredient in your love life hiding in your spice rack? Researchers certainly think so.

According to a new study in Australia, the herb fenugreek significantly improved male libido. The research, performed by the Centre for Integrative Clinical and Molecular Medicine, showed that men who took a fenugreek extract twice daily saw significant improvements in their love life.

How significant? The study looked at the effects of a fenugreek-based preparation on the libido of men aged 25 to 52. The men took the extract twice a day for six weeks, while another group had a placebo pill.

MBA BY THE BAY: See how an MBA could change your life with SFGATE's interactive directory of Bay Area programs.

Within six weeks of starting the trial, men who took the fenugreek had increases in their libido scores of more than 25 percent. The men who took the placebo saw either no increase or a decrease.

Researchers are unclear how the herb, which is used in curry and other dishes, works to improve libido. Fenugreek does contain some compounds that may effect hormone levels. The compounds, known as saponins, may be responsible for an increase in the production of sex hormones.

Male horniness is not the only place where the herb is alleged to have positive effects. Some new mothers take fenugreek to increase the volume of breast milk they produce. Other people swear that fenugreek reduces inflammation and wards off arthritis. Still other research shows that the herb can reduce cholesterol levels and perhaps help folks with type-1 and type-2 diabetes manage their symptoms.

(c) 2011 Benzinga.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published in its entirety or redistributed without the approval of Benzinga.