Fengureek Extract Shown to Increase Muscle Mass and Strength

Fenugreek is an herb similar to clover that is native to the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, and western Asia. Fenugreek seeds smell and taste somewhat like maple syrup. A new study suggests that fenugreek extract may help increase muscle mass and strength.

Participants in the study included 138 males with an average age of 36. They took 600 mg of fenugreek extract, 300 mg of fenugreek extract, or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. The researchers measured muscle strength and endurance, body composition, functional threshold power, and sex hormones at baseline, week 4, and week 8.

Participants in the 600 mg group saw significant increases in functional threshold power (7.6 watts) and amount lifted during a leg press (45 pounds) compared to the placebo group. They also saw a 1.4% decrease in body fat and a 1.8% increase in lean mass. In addition, they saw increases in testosterone concentration.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Brisbane. It was published online ahead of print on March 10, 2020 in the journal Translational Sports Medicine.