Testofen ® (Fenugreek extract) increases strength and muscle mass compared to placebo in response to calisthenics. A randomized control trial

The Anabolic Effect of Fenugreek: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

The use of plant steroids to improve physical health and performance is becoming increasingly popular. One of these plant steroids is diosgenin, which is mainly available in fenugreek. As a result, some studies have been conducted to improve physical health. Fenugreek extracts are also becoming increasingly popular in the context of athletic performance. Based on these assumptions, a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the promoting effects of fenugreek on strength performance, body composition, and hormone concentration. Four databases were screened according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The current version of ReviewManager (RevMan) was used for the statistical evaluation. Seven studies with 449 participants (378 male, 71 female) met the inclusion criteria. A small effect of fenugreek was detected for total testosterone (standard mean difference (SMD): 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09 0.55), free testosterone (SMD: 0.24; 95% CI: -0.04, 0.52), lean body mass (SMD: 0.19; 95% CI: -0.10, 0.49), fat mass (SMD: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.44, 0.05), and leg press performance (SMD: 0.22; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.47), in male athletes. The meta-analysis shows that chronic application of fenugreek has performance-enhancing and anabolic effects in male athletes, but no statements can be made for female athletes.

Libifem® (Trigonella foenum-graecum) in conjunction with exercise on muscle strength, power, endurance, and body composition in females aged between 25 and 45 years

Introduction

This study examined the effects of Libifem® on exercise performance and body composition in females 25-45 years old.

Methods

Participants were randomized to three equal groups to consume: 600 mg Libifem®/day, 300 mg Libifem®/day or a placebo for 8 weeks. Participants completed a whole-body exercise program three times a week for 8 weeks. At baseline, week 4 and week 8, muscle strength and endurance, functional threshold power, body composition, and sex hormones were measured. At week 8, all three groups increased leg press 1RM compared to baseline.

Results

A significant difference between group treatment effect was seen for leg press at week 8 (p = 0.045), with the 600 mg Libifem® group significantly increasing their leg press 1RM compared to placebo (p = 0.014). The 600 mg Libifem® group significantly reduced their total fat mass (0.96 kg loss) from baseline compared to placebo group (0.09 kg gain). There was no significant difference in fat mass for the 300 mg Libifem® group (0.23 kg loss). The 600 mg Libifem® group had a significant increase in lean mass compared to both the 300 mg and placebo groups (p = 0.011 and 0.009, respectively).

Discussion

Overall, there were significant and dose-related changes in body composition and ergogenic parameters, comparable with previous findings in males.

Clinical Trial Registration

This trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials registry [ACTRN12618001538235].

Fenugreek and Its Effects on Muscle Performance: A Systematic Review

Fenugreek extracts possess promising physiological and pharmacological properties in human and animal models. This review aims to provide a scientific and comprehensive analysis of the literature on the effects of fenugreek extracts on muscle performance. An extensive online search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. The main medical and scientific engines were searched for articles from May 1981 to May 2021 to capture all scientific studies focused on the effect of fenugreek on muscle and exercise or sport. Out of 81 studies acquired, six eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the qualitative analysis. Four RCTs observed that fenugreek supplementation had significantly improved muscle strength, repetitions to failure (muscle endurance), submaximal performance index, lean body mass, and reduced body fat. Among the remaining two trials, one reported the significant effect of fenugreek extracts on the rate of muscle glycogen resynthesis during post-exercise recovery; however, the other failed to do so. Those two trials were weak, with a minimal sample size (<10). Further, fenugreek glycoside supplementation with sapogenins and saponins reported substantial anabolic and androgenic activity, influencing testosterone levels and muscle performance. It was useful during eight weeks of resistance training without any clinical side effects. Fenugreek with creatine supplementation improved creatine uptake without the necessity of high carbohydrate intake. Hence, fenugreek extracts can be a helpful natural supplement and ergogenic aid for athletes. However, it is better to be aware of doping and liver and kidney damage before using the fenugreek supplement.

A Proprietary Herbal Blend Containing Extracts of Punica granatum Fruit Rind and Theobroma cocoa Seeds Increases Serum Testosterone Level in Healthy Young Males: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

LN18178 is a proprietary herbal blend containing extracts of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cocoa seeds. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of LN18178 on serum testosterone levels in healthy young adults in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. One hundred and twenty male volunteers (age 21-35 years) were randomized into three groups. Each group (n = 40) received a daily dose of either placebo or 200 or 400 mg LN18178 for fifty-six days. An increase in serum testosterone (free and total) was the primary efficacy measure of the study. The secondary measures included dihydrotestosterone (DHT), cortisol, Luteinizing hormone (LH), 17β-Estradiol (E2), hand grip strength, and the mid-upper arm circumferences (MUAC). The vital signs and clinical chemistry parameters in blood and urine were performed to determine product safety. Post-intervention, both doses of LN18178 significantly increased free testosterone (p < 0.0001 vs. baseline; p = 0.0268 and p < 0.0001, respectively vs. placebo). The high dose group showed significant increases in total testosterone (p < 0.0001 vs. baseline; p = 0.0184 vs. placebo) and luteinizing hormone (p < 0.0007 vs. baseline; p = 0.0470 vs. placebo). The changes in other hormones were not significant. At post-trial, the LN18178-400 group showed significant improvements in the hand grip strength and mid-upper arm circumference. The hemato-biochemical parameters, urinalysis, and vital signs of the participants were within the normal range. Together, these observations suggest that LN18178 is a safe and tolerable herbal blend; it increases testosterone level and increases muscle strength and MUAC in young, healthy males.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2022.2035037 .

Testosterone Boosters Intake in Athletes: Current Evidence and Further Directions

“Testosterone boosters” (TB)—are supplements that are claimed to increase testosterone levels in the human body. While the consumption of TB may be popular among athletes, there is insufficient evidence both about the safety and the real efficacy of TB. In our review, we searched MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane Library for studies on the effects of 15 substances that are claimed to increase testosterone levels Anacyclus pyrethrum; Bulbine natalensis; Epimedium (horny goat weed); L-arginine; L-carnitine; magnesium; Mucuna pruriens; pantothenic acid; selenium; shilajit Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali); Serenoa repens (saw palmetto); boron; Withania somnifera (ashwagandha); and Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) in athletes and healthy adults under 55 years of age. We found such studies regarding 10 out of 15 substances: L-arginine (3 studies); L-carnitine (2); magnesium (1); selenium (2); shilajit (1); Tongkat Ali (2); Serenoa repens (1); boron (3); ashwagandha root (2); and fenugreek (7). Many of them fail to prove the efficacy of these substances to increase testosterone levels. Tongkat Ali, ashwagandha, and fenugreek were the substances with the strongest evidence. The positive effect of magnesium and shilajit on testosterone concentration was shown in single studies. Conflicting data found that L-arginine, L-carnitine, Serenoa repens, selenium and boron do not appear to increase testosterone levels. There are almost no data on the safety profile of various TB components; however, certain TB components may be linked to coagulation, and pancreatic and hepatic disorders. Based on the review, the authors conclude that at present TB cannot be recommended for use by athletes due to insufficient data on their efficacy and safety.