Beneficial effects of fenugreek glycoside supplementation in male subjects during resistance training: A randomized controlled pilot study

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the glycoside fraction of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds (Fenu-FG) on physiological parameters related to muscle anabolism, androgenic hormones, and body fat in healthy male subjects during an 8-week resistance training program using a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled design.MethodsSixty healthy male subjects were randomized to ingest capsules of Fenu-FG (1 capsule of 300 mg, twice per day) or the matching placebo at a 1:1 ratio. The subjects participated in a supervised 4-day per week resistance-training program for 8 weeks. The outcome measurements were recorded at recruitment (baseline) and at the end of the treatment (8 weeks). The efficacy outcome included serum testosterone (total and free) levels, muscle strength and repetitions to failure, metabolic markers for anabolic activity (serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen), and % body fat. The standard safety measurements such as adverse events monitoring, vital signs, hematology, biochemistry, and urinalysis were performed.ResultsFenu-FG supplementation demonstrated significant anabolic and androgenic activity as compared with the placebo. Fenu-FG treated subjects showed significant improvements in body fat without a reduction in muscle strength or repetitions to failure. The Fenu-FG supplementation was found to be safe and well-tolerated.ConclusionFenu-FG supplementation showed beneficial effects in male subjects during resistance training without any clinical side effects

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF STANDARDIZED CINNAMON BARK EXTRACT FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED WEIGHT LOSS AND ALOPECIA IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER: A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, AND PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of IND02 (standardized Cinnamon bark extract) supplementation for the prevention of side effects of cancer chemotherapy in female patients with breast cancer. Methods: The study was conducted using double-blind, placebo-controlled design in 34 female breast cancer patients during the first 4 consecutive 21-day cycles of the standard chemotherapy regimen. The active treatment (IND02 capsules, 400 mg, one capsule, and thrice a day) or matching placebo was orally administrated in randomized (1:1 ratio) patients. The efficacy outcome measures were reduction in chemotherapy-induced weight loss, alopecia (hair fall), and other side effects. The safety outcome measures were hematology, ECG, vital signs, adverse event monitoring, and laboratory safety measurements. Results: The patients on the treatment with IND02 had shown significant protection from chemotherapy-induced severe weight loss (cachexia) and alopecia (reduced hair density and % hairs in the anagen phase, and increased % hairs in telogen phase) which was seen in the placebo group. IND02 treatment was found safe and well-tolerated during the study. Conclusion: Concomitant use of IND02 in breast cancer patients during breast cancer chemotherapy showed a clinical promise regarding efficacy and safety in preventing chemotherapy-induced weight loss and alopecia

Preclinical safety evaluation of low molecular weight galactomannans based standardized fenugreek seeds extract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate acute oral toxicity, subchronic toxicity, and mutagenic potential of low molecular weight galactomannans based standardized fenugreek seeds extract (LMWGAL-TF) in laboratory animals rats as per Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. For the acute toxicity (AOT) study, LMWGAL-TF was orally administered to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats at a dose of 2000 mg/kg with vehicle control (VC) group (n = 5 per sex per group) as per OECD guideline no. 423. For the repeated dose toxicity study, the SD rats were orally administered with a daily oral dose of LMWGAL-TF 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day with VC group (n = 15 per sex) for a period of 90 days followed by a recovery period of 28 days as per OECD guideline no. 408. The effects on body weight, food and water consumption, organ weights with hematology, clinical biochemistry, and histology were studied. The mutagenic potential of LMWGAL-TF was tested using reverse mutation assay (AMES test, OECD guideline No. 471). The LMWGAL-TF did not show mortality or treatment-related adverse signs during acute (dose 2000 mg/kg) and subchronic (90-days repeated dose 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) administration. The LMWGAL-TF showed oral lethal dose (LD50) more than 2000 mg/kg during AOT study. The dose of 1000 mg/kg was found as no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) in rats during subchronic toxicity study. Furthermore, LMWGAL-TF did not show mutagenic potential in vitro. In conclusion, LMWGAL-TF was found safe during acute and subchronic (90 days repeated dose) toxicity studies in rats with no mutagenicity

Effect of cyclodextrin garcinol complex on isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity and cardiac hypertrophy in rats

Background: Garcinol is a polyisoprenylated benzophenone derivative present in the fruit rinds of Garcinia species namely Garcinia indica (common name 'Kokum') and Garcinia cambogia (common name 'Gombogee'). It appears to be involved in the regulation of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity of heart tissue when the heart is subjected to oxidative stress in various pathogenic conditions/ chemical agent. But garcinol is associated with severe limitation of instability and poor bioavailability which can be improved complexing cyclodextrin with garcinol (garcinol complex). Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate effect of cyclodextrin with garcinol complex (20 mg/kg), on Iso induced cardiotoxicity and cardiac hypertrophy in rats.Methods: Male Wistar rats (250-300g) were divided into following 4 groups of six animals each. Group 1 was control (distilled water 2 ml/kg/day orally for 18 days and water for injection by i.p. from day 9 to day 18), group 2 was cyclodextrin (cyclodextrin 2 ml/kg/day orally for 18 days and water for injection by i.p. from day 9 to day 18), group 3 Iso (distilled water 2 ml/kg/day orally for 18 days and isoproterenol 1 mg/kg by i.p. from day 9 to day 18), group 4 garcinol complex (20 mg/kg/day orally for 18 days and isoproterenol 1 mg/kg by i.p. from day 9 to day 18). After 24 hrs of last dose of isoproterenol, electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rate were recorded in anaesthetized rats. The animals were sacrificed by overdose of ether. The hearts of animals were isolated for measurement of reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Results: Isoproterenol treated rats showed significant myocardial hypertrophy, decreased endogenous antioxidants when compared with the control group animals. The garcinol complex (20 mg/kg) treatment for 18 days showed significant cardioprotective activity by lowering the myocardial hypertrophy, level of lipid peroxidation (MDA content) as well as elevated the level of GSH. The results suggest pre-treatment of garcinol complex (20 mg/kg), may offer potential benefits in the management of cardiotoxicity and cardiac hypertrophy. Conclusion: It is thus concluded that Garcinol Complex (20 mg/kg) administration offered significant protection against isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity and cardiac hypertrophy as well as decreased myocardial injury by preservation of endogenous antioxidants and reduction of lipid peroxidation in rat heart

PRENATAL DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY EVALUATION OF LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT GALACTOMANNANS BASED STANDARDIZED FENUGREEK SEED EXTRACT DURING ORGANOGENESIS PERIOD OF PREGNANCY IN RATS

Objective: To evaluate the prenatal developmental toxicity of low molecular weight galactomannans based standardized fenugreek seed extract (LMWGAL-TF).Methods: Rats received oral administration of LMWGAL-TF (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) during the period of gestation from day 5 (implantation day)–19 (1 d before expected day of parturition) post conception. Maternal, embryo, and fetal toxicity parameters were evaluated.Results: LMWGAL-TF exposure did not produce maternal (clinical observations, body weight gain, food intake) and embryo–fetal toxicity. Occasional skeletal and visceral malformations, unrelated to the treatments, were seen in both LMWGAL-TF-treated and vehicle control (VC) groups.Conclusion: Oral exposure of LMWGAL-TF during the prenatal period did not induce significant maternal and embryo–fetal toxicity up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg in rats. The dose of 1000 mg/kg was considered as NOAEL for LMWGAL-TF.Keywords: Developmental toxicity, Low molecular weight galactomannans, Standardized fenugreek seed extract, OECD Test No. 414, Reproductive system, Rat

Interaction of Aqueous Extract of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel-Champ. with Glyburide in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Mice

Mushrooms are low calorie food with very little fat and are highly suitable for obese persons. With no starch and very low sugars, they are the ‘delight of the diabetics’. Combination of herbal drugs (or isolated phytochemicals) is found to be beneficial in certain diseases when given along with conventional drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Lentinaceae) (called as PP-aqu) and its interaction with glyburide in alloxan induced diabetic mice. The diabetic mice treated were with PP-aqu (500 mg/kg, p.o.) alone or combination with glyburide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. Blood samples were collected by orbital sinus puncture using heparinized capillary glass tubes and were analyzed for serum glucose on 0, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days. Body weights and mortality were noted during the study period. In oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glucose (2.5 g/kg, p.o.) was administered with either vehicle, PP-aqu alone or in combination with glyburide and serum glucose level analyzed at 0, 30, 60 and 120 min after drug administration. Administration of PP-aqu (500 mg/kg) and its combination with glyburide (10 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.001) decreased serum glucose level in diabetic mice. In OGTT, glyburide or PP-aqu treatment alone or their combination produced significant (P < 0.001) increase in glucose threshold. Thus we suggest that P. pulmonarius showed potent and synergistic antihyperglycemic effect in combination with glyburide

EFFECTS OF A PROPRIETARY BLEND RICH IN GLYCOSIDE BASED STANDARDIZED FENUGREEK SEED EXTRACT (IBPR) ON INFLAMMATORY MARKERS DURING ACUTE ECCENTRIC RESISTANCE EXERCISE IN YOUNG SUBJECTS

  Objective: To assess the efficacy of a proprietary blend rich in glycoside based standardized fenugreek seed extract (400 mg) and minor quantities of curcumin and cinnamon (25 mg each) supplementation (IBPR) on inflammatory markers related to skeletal muscle soreness using double-blind placebo control, parallel design.Methods: A total of 20 healthy non-resistance trained young male and female subjects were assigned to ingest either IBPR or matching placebo for 14 days before the eccentric exercise bout. Subjects were instructed to perform 24 sets with 10 eccentric knee extensor repetitions (with one leg at 30°/s on an isokinetic device). Subjects had their blood drawn at baseline, immediately post, 1 hr, 3 hrs, and 24 hrs post-eccentric exercise. Efficacy in terms of serum levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ra, IL-1b, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor) and safety in terms of kidney function (blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, BUN to creatinine ratio), and differential leukocyte count were measured. The data of each parameter were analyzed by two-way repeated measure ANOVA.Results: Significant time-dependent effects were observed in IL1b, IL6, and creatinine values from baseline whereas significant treatment dependent effect was seen in IL-1ra. IBPR was found to be safe and well tolerated.Conclusion: IBPR supplementation showed a significant anti-inflammatory efficacy on eccentric exercise-induced inflammatory markers of skeletal muscle soreness in non-resistance trained subjects

Fenugreek: Traditional and Modern Medicinal Uses

For many centuries, fenugreek has been one of the most popular spices and vegetables serving as an integral part of culinary practices across many cultures. Fenugreek contains exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties, but scientific evidence for its potential health benefits has been considerably understudied and is beginning to grow. This book is a comprehensive compilation and documentation on the scientific profile of fenugreek and its phytoconstituents, including their most known applications and health benefits. It features a wide range of chapters written by highly experienced academics and industrial professionals. Topics cover applications of fenugreek including information on nutrition, fitness supplements, functional food, and excipients of novel drug delivery systems. In addition, it features topics on related products in the areas of nutraceuticals, functional food preparations, and complementary medicines. Features: • Comprehensive review of traditional wisdom and modern scientific evidence on fenugreek • Presents scientific evidence of fenugreek as an ingredient for product development formulation • Contains information on extraction methods, risk assessment, claim validations, and the regulatory status of fenugreek-based products • Covers broad physiological benefits of fenugreek in management of diabetes mellitus, primary hyperlipidemia, inflammation and pain, neuropathy and neuroinflammation, neurological and psychological disorders, kidney and lung disorders, as well as immunological, infectious, and malignant disorders • Enhances awareness of existing scientific knowledge surrounding fenugreek, whilst encouraging future scientific research towards better and safer nutritional and medicinal applications This book is a valuable resource of information on fenugreek for researchers, students, nutritionists, sport medicine practitioners, fitness enthusiasts and trainers, naturopaths, traditional practitioners, and toxicologists. This book helps industries in the fields of nutraceuticals, fitness and sports medicine products to develop their future products. However, this book is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations