By Maggie McNamara
Vice President of Global Marketing – Saanroo

LibiFem®A Standardized Fenugreek Extract: A Promising Alternative for Enhancing Muscle Strength, Endurance, and Body Composition

The health and performance of female athletes are heavily influenced by a range of physiological factors, especially hormonal fluctuations. However, research has traditionally undervalued women, mostly relying on data from male athletes. This results in a gap in understanding female-specific nutritional needs and how the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraception, and other factors affect them.

Despite growing awareness, sports science research has critical shortcomings regarding female athletes. Women are notably underrepresented, often excluded, or have small sample sizes, which hinders generalizations. Research doesn’t account for hormonal diversity, fluctuations, contraception use, or conditions like PCOS. Varying methodologies across studies hinder accurate comparisons and conclusions about the effects of the menstrual cycle. Most studies focus mainly on performance metrics, overlooking symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, and mood changes that can impact training and performance.

This article aims to provide better insights and scientific evaluations of women’s health in sports, focusing on the possible benefits of a standardized fenugreek extract called LibiFem®, studied specifically in female athletes. It may positively affect muscle strength, endurance, and body composition.

The Research Landscape: The Necessity for Gender-Specific Studies

Abbie Smith-Ryan, Ph.D., an associate professor at the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, highlights the key gaps in research concerning female athletes. A major area of research focuses on the impact of the menstrual cycle on various physiological parameters, including inflammatory markers, energy expenditure, and protein turnover rates.

Smith-Ryan states, “There is a vast area of opportunity for research to uncover how both menstruation and contraception can influence nutrition.” While basic physiological needs may stay consistent, the interaction of these factors, especially when combined with the challenges of athletic training, can cause significant nutritional issues.

Recent studies have shown that protein kinetics in women can vary, especially during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, where the onset of anabolic resistance may occur more quickly as women age. Additionally, the perimenopausal phase, which typically lasts 10–12 years before menopause, can further complicate protein metabolism, emphasizing the need for a customized nutritional approach.

Smith-Ryan highlights the crucial role of estrogen in regulating insulin sensitivity, emphasizing the importance of providing accurate carbohydrate guidance based on the intensity and duration of physical activity. “Carbohydrate recommendations need to be tailored to the intensity and duration of activity in active women,” she asserts.

Hormonal Influences on Nutritional Requirements

Recent findings have highlighted the distinct differences in exercise-induced fat oxidation rates between men and women. Studies indicate that women may face greater challenges in fat oxidation when exercising while fasting, which could complicate fat metabolism compared to men. Clinical research supports the idea that even low-calorie protein supplements can provide benefits in energy expenditure and fat oxidation without harming performance.

Women have become the main consumers of dietary supplements. Even though they are well-informed about their options, many still look for more detailed insights into nutritional needs that are specifically tailored to their unique physiology. “The time is now to consider active women who may not know how to prioritize their health and nutrition,” Smith-Ryan emphasizes.

Missed Opportunities: A Call for Change

Historically, nutrition research has mainly focused on male subjects, leading to a notable lack of understanding of women’s dietary needs. This oversight has significant implications, as women and men may experience different health issues or symptoms that show up in unique ways. For instance, women are more likely to face higher rates of muscle, bone, and joint decline with age, which could potentially be reduced through specific dietary supplements.

As the women’s health category continues to grow, consumer expectations have evolved accordingly. Women increasingly seek safe, evidence-based, and effective ingredients rather than just generic products marketed in feminine packaging. The demand for supplements designed specifically for women is rising, and the market has a unique opportunity to respond effectively to this need.

LibiFem®: A Standardized Fenugreek Extract for Enhancing Sports Nutrition

LibiFem®, a standardized extract from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), has gained significant attention for its potential benefits in supporting sexual health and reducing menopausal symptoms. Recently, studies have also examined its effectiveness in improving muscle strength, endurance, and body composition.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study recently examined the effects of LibiFem® on 84 women aged 25 to 45, who were classified as healthy to overweight (with a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9) and had not participated in resistance training before the study. Researchers hypothesized that people who exercise regularly often use herbal products like LibiFem® to improve energy, stamina, and overall athletic performance.

Study Design: Methodology and Evaluation

The study involved two intervention groups (300 mg/day and 600 mg/day of LibiFem®) along with a placebo group, conducted over eight weeks. Comprehensive assessments were conducted at the study’s outset, encompassing evaluations of muscle strength, endurance, body composition, and quality of life measures.

Additionally, participants’ blood samples were collected to analyze biomarkers related to muscle metabolism and overall health. After the initial assessments, subjects followed a resistance training program that targeted major muscle groups in both the upper and lower body. Training sessions were scheduled three times per week during weeks 1–3 and 5–7, while two sessions took place during assessment weeks 4 and 8.

At the midpoint (week 4), participants underwent assessments of muscle strength, endurance, weight, and body composition. The final evaluation reflected the baseline measurements, enabling researchers to evaluate the changes caused by LibiFem® supplementation.

To ensure adherence to the study protocol, participants were monitored through regular communication and during training sessions.

Results: Key Findings from the Study

The study produced significant results, particularly in measuring muscle strength and changes in body composition over the eight-week period. Notably, a clear treatment effect was observed in leg press strength at week 8. All groups showed improvements, but the 600 mg LibiFem® group had a notable increase in strength, with an average gain of 22.17 kg, compared to 17.68 kg for the 300 mg group and 10.12 kg for the placebo group (p = 0.014). In terms of body composition, the LibiFem® (600 mg) group experienced a meaningful reduction in total fat mass, averaging a loss of 0.96 kg over the course of the study. This contrasted with the placebo group, which showed a minor gain of 0.09 kg. Additionally, the 600 mg group experienced significant decreases in trunk fat, losing an average of 0.59 kg, while the placebo group saw a slight weight gain.

Changes in Lean Mass: A Positive Outlook

The study also revealed significant gains in lean muscle mass among the LibiFem® (600 mg) group. Participants gained an average of 1.09 kg of total lean mass, which significantly exceeded that of the 300 mg group (0.152 kg) and the placebo group (0.079 kg) (p = 0.011 and 0.009, respectively).

Moreover, leg-specific lean mass increased by 280 g in the 600 mg group, while the placebo group experienced a decrease of 70 g (p=0.022). These findings suggest that LibiFem® may be a valuable option for active women seeking to enhance their body composition and athletic performance.

Implications for Women’s Health and Future Research

The results of the LibiFem® study open the door to broader applications in sports nutrition, specifically designed for women. Researchers and health professionals must continue to explore gender-specific nutritional needs to enhance health outcomes for female athletes. The effects of hormonal influences, metabolic variations, and exercise responses should stay at the forefront of this research.

As consumer awareness grows, brands must focus on research-supported formulas that meet women’s specific physiological needs. Addressing these needs enables the supplement industry better to support the health and performance of active women, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and athletic success.

Conclusion

In summary, assessing women’s health needs in sports and active living highlights many opportunities for research and product development. The field of women’s health is evolving, and studies like those on LibiFem® emphasize the importance of targeted efforts to enhance athletic performance and overall well-being.

As we move forward, researchers, healthcare practitioners, and marketers must collaborate in developing solutions that enable women to lead healthier, more active lives. The future of women’s health in sports nutrition appears promising, and with ongoing focus and investment, we can unlock the full potential of female athletes worldwide.