Examination of Curcumin and Fenugreek Soluble Fiber Supplementation on Submaximal and Maximal Aerobic Performance Indices

Review: bioavailability and efficacy of 'free' curcuminoids from curcumagalactomannoside (CGM) curcumin formulation

The golden spice turmeric with its main bioactive component curcumin is one of the most popular and extensively studied nutraceuticals. Despite numerous pre-clinical studies reporting positive pharmacodynamics of turmeric extracts and curcumin, the main issues in translating the pharmacological effects to clinical efficacy have been to overcome its poor pharmacokinetics and to deliver significant amounts of the biologically relevant forms of the actives to various tissues. This review is aimed at providing a first critical evaluation of the current published literature with the novel curcumagalactomannoside (CGM) formulation of curcumin using fenugreek galactomannan dietary fibre, specifically designed to address curcumin poor pharmacokinetics. We describe CGM and its technology as a food-grade formulation to deliver 'free' unconjugated curcuminoids with enhanced bioavailability and improved pharmacokinetic properties. The therapeutic relevance of improving bioavailability of 'free' curcuminoids and some of the technical challenges in the measurement of the 'free' form of curcuminoids in plasma and tissues are also discussed. A total of twenty-six manuscripts are reviewed here, including fourteen pre-clinical and twelve clinical studies that have investigated CGM pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy in various animal models and human conditions. Overall current scientific evidence suggests CGM formulation has improved bioavailability and tissue distribution of the biologically relevant unconjugated forms of turmeric actives called 'free' curcuminoids that may be responsible for the superior clinical outcomes reported with CGM treatments in comparison with unformulated standard curcumin across multiple studies.

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.

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.

Short Term, Oral Supplementation with Optimized Curcumin Does Not Impair Performance Improvements Associated with High Intensity Interval Training

Curcumin may improve athletic performance through a reduction in inflammation following exercise and improve mental states of well-being. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the effects of a 14 day HIIT intervention and oral supplementation with Longvida^® optimized curcumin on athletic performance, lactate response, and well-being. Sixteen males and twenty females participated in a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to explore the effects of Longvida(R) optimized curcumin (1.0 g/day) and or a placebo (PLA) taken daily during a 14 day HIIT protocol. Participants were randomized into two groups, then evaluated in three groups, curcumin-fast (CURF), curcumin-slow (CURS) and placebo. Curcumin-fast and curcumin-slow were separated by their 16.1 km cycling time trial performance (TT) with CURF and CURS determined by a TT <30 min and >30 min at the pre intervention time point, respectively. Cycling time-trial performance, blood lactate response, and well-being assessments were determined at pre and post 14 day HIIT intervention time points. Blood lactate was recorded at baseline, 8.01 km, 15.1 km, and 1 min post, and 4 min post of the pre and post intervention TT. Following the internvetion, CONP and CURS experienced with 8.15% and 5.04% improvements in TT performance times, while CURF experienced a 0.57% improvement in TT performance time. No changes were observed with respect to other measures. When curcumin is taken daily in conjunction with 14 days of HIIT on a cycle ergometer, cycling performance in either well trained or more recreationally trained athletes is not impaired. Although the improvements in TT performance were not stasticially significant, they are noteworthy.