Abstract
Fenugreek extract has been marketed in dozens of dietary products as having performance enhancing potential for resistance trained athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential performance enhancing effects of a proprietary fenugreek extract in conjunction with a controlled resistance training program. METHODS: Thirty resistance trained male subjects were matched according to fat free mass and randomly assigned to ingest in a double-blind manner capsules containing 500mg of a placebo or fenugreek (Trigonella Foenun greacum) once per day for 8-weeks (Active: N = 17, 21 ± 2.8 yrs, 178 ± 5.8 cm, 85 ± 9.6 kg, 18.8 ± 4.8 BF%; Placebo: N = 13, 21 ± 3 yrs, 180 ± 6.4 cm, 84 ± 15 kg, 18.3 ± 6.8 BF%). Subjects were instructed to participate in a periodized 4-day per week resistance-training program split into two upper and two lower extremity workouts per week for a total of 8-weeks. Body composition was analyzed using hydrodensiometry and strength tests involved performing a one repetition max (1RM) on the isotonic bench press and leg press. Statistical analyses utilized a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures for all criterion variables (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A significant (p < 0.05) group x time interaction for body composition was observed indicating the Active (-1.8 ± 0.5 BF%) group decreased body fat percentage in comparison to Placebo (-0.05 ± 0.3 BF%) over the 8-week investigation period. In addition, there was a significant (p < 0.05) main effect for time over the eight week period in lean muscle mass (Active: 2.4 ± 0.1 kg; Placebo: 1.0 ± 0.1 kg). No significant effects for group or time were observed for upper or lower body strength (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In addition to a controlled resistance training program fenugreek had a significant impact on body composition in comparison to placebo. This study was funded by Indus Biotech.
Recommended Citation
Constancio, Eric J.; Wilborn, Colin; Taylor, Lem; Foster, Cliffa; Bushey, Brandon; Poole, Chris; Pena, Earnest; Jones, Tyler; and Kreider, Richard
(2009)
"The Effects of a Proprietary Fenugreek Extract on Strength & Body Composition,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
1, Article 21.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss1/21