http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1023&context=ijesab
The Effects of a proprietary fenugreek extract on Strength & Body Composition
Eric Constancio, Colin Wilborn, Lem Taylor, Cliffa Foster, Brandon Bushey, Chris
Poole, Earnest Pena, Tyler Jones, Richard Kreider
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Texas A&M University, Baylor University
Int J Exerc Sci 2(1): S21, 2009. 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.
TEXAS AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE 2009 CONFERENCE
International Journal of Exercise Science S21
http://www.intjexersci.com