Performance Enhancement and Energy Metabolism Modulation by Diosgenin in Endurance Athletes

Code: 242C12EI

The popularity of using plant steroids to improve physical health and performance is on the rise. One such plant steroid is diosgenin (DIO), primarily found in fenugreek (DOI: 10.9755/ejfa.2016-01-086). In vitro studies on adipocytes have demonstrated that glucose and fat metabolism are beneficially influenced by DIO (DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.200900609). These findings are further supported by animal studies (DOI: 10.1155/2019/7213913; DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.02.020). A recent review also supports these observations, indicating that chronic application of fenugreek can significantly reduce fat mass (DOI: 10.1055/a-2048-5925). Additionally, improvement of endurance performance was observed in mice (DOI:10.3177/jnsv.52.287). However, there is a significant lack of data available on the effects of DIO on endurance performance in humans. In a two-arm randomized controlled double-blind crossover trial the effects of 500mg DIO will be tested against a placebo group. A total of 15 endurance-experienced participants will consume a dietary supplement rich in DIO or a placebo product over 14 days. The initial application phase will be followed by a 2-week wash-out period, and then a second application phase. Before and after both application phases, participants' performance will assessed through isometric mid-thigh pull, cycling-ergometer step and ramp test. Thereby, maximal fat oxidation, lactate threshold and maximal oxygen uptake will be analyzed via spiroergometric and lactate data to determine corresponding metabolic profiling & energy metabolism. Training sessions will be monitored throughout the study period to ensure participants maintain their usual training regime. In addition, the metabolism of glucose in C2C12 cells after treatment with DIO will be investigated in our established cell culture system.