Study finds that a proprietary fenugreek extract from Gencor may support exercise performance in women

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A recent study¹ found that a proprietary extract of fenugreek, called Libifem (from Gencor; Austin, TX), improved exercise performance in females. In the study, 128 women between the ages of 25 and 45 were given either 300 mg per day of the fenugreek extract, 600 mg per day of the fenugreek extract, or placebo for eight weeks. Of the 128 women, 84 completed the study. Researchers evaluated muscle strength and endurance, functional threshold power, body composition, and sex hormones at baseline, week four and week eight. The primary outcome was a one-repetition maximum (1RM) leg press and bench press.

Results showed that after eight weeks, subjects taking 600 mg of the fenugreek extract saw significant increases in their leg press 1RM compared to placebo. The 600 mg dose also significantly reduced their total fat mass when compared to baseline and placebo, but no significant differences in fat mass were found for 300 mg of the fenugreek extract. Compared to 300 mg and placebo, the 600 mg dose also significantly increased lean mass in subjects.

“We are thrilled with the study outcomes and Libifem’s tremendous ability to support women in athletics,” said R.V. Venkatesh, co-founder at Gencor, in a press release. “Libifem is helping to revolutionize the women’s sports and active nutrition category by validating its ingredients with gold standard clinical research. We will continue to investigate Libifem and its impact in women’s health.”

The study of exercise in female subjects has some unique challenges. For example, the researchers explain that hormonal changes due to menstrual cycles or menopause have the potential to modify cardiovascular and respiratory systems, thermoregulation, and injury/repair mechanisms, all of which can impact exercise outcomes. This current study did not take these factors into account. These inclusion of these variables in future studies may assist researchers in evaluating the effects of the extract and how testosterone levels may have improved or affected the measured outcomes.

Reference

Rao, A.; Clayton, P.; Briskey, D. Libifem® (Trigonella foenum-graecum) in Conjunction With Exercise on Muscle Strength, Power, Endurance, and Body Composition in Females Aged Between 25 and 45 years. Front. Sports Act. Living. 2023, 5. DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1207013