Effekt av bockhornsklöver på testosteron och fettfri massa

[King Grub]

Background and objective

Previous studies from our lab demonstrated that a saponin rich isolate from the spice fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Leguminoseae) improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and cardiometabolic parameters while mitigating hepatic steatosis in diabetic mice. Furthermore, in a pilot, randomized clinical study, we found that obese, insulin-resistant subjects receiving fenugreek saponins exhibited improved insulin sensitivity as evidenced by a reduced homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. The current study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of fenugreek saponins in improving lean body mass, cardiorespiratory endurance and muscle strength in healthy human subjects.

Research Design and Methods

A prospective, double blind, randomized trial was performed in 40 healthy male human subjects (24.02±3.9 years) who received fenugreek saponin or placebo capsules (250 mg, twice daily) for a 12-week period. Prior to and following intervention, hand-grip, body fat mass/lean mass/fat distribution, upper and lower body strength and maximal graded exercise stress testing were determined using a digital hand dynamometer, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (DEXA), force plate, and treadmill with open-circuit spirometry, respectively. Clinical chemistry, free and total testosterone and C-reactive proteins were determined in the serum samples.

Results

No changes were observed in grip-strength, jump height, peak jump force and push-up force between the treatment or placebo groups following intervention. Similarly, measures of cardiorespiratory endurance (resting heart rate, maximal heart rate, total exercise test time, VO2max, peak and submaximal respiratory exchange ratio) and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were similar between groups and unchanged in both groups following intervention. Similarly, there were no differences or changes in percent fat or fat mass following DEXA analysis. No differences or changes were observed for body mass index, android fat, gynoid fat or the ratio of android to gynoid fat. However, the mean lean mass was significantly elevated in the group receiving fenugreek saponin compared to the placebo group. Total serum testosterone levels were significantly higher in the subjects receiving fenugreek saponins compared to placebo, whereas no changes were observed in free testosterone levels.

Conclusion

Short-term intervention with fenugreek saponins increased lean body mass and total testosterone levels. Further long-term studies are warranted to determine if these changes translate to improved physical fitness (i.e., muscle mass, strength, body composition and aerobic capacity).

Pilot clinical trial to evaluate the effect of Fenugreek Saponins on physical fitness. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2018 15:256.