Sabinsa Corporation will shortly introduce to the marketplace another new product derived from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). The product, Fenusterols™ is an extract obtained from defatted fenugreek seeds and is standardized to contain a minimum of 50% steroidal saponins. These saponins are also known as furostanol saponins.

General Structure of a Furostanol Saponin The principal furostanol saponin in Fenugreek is diosgenin. Diosgenin has been proven to have various effects on cholesterol metabolism, specifically in lowering LDL plasma cholesterol levels. Other furostanols in fenugreek include gitogenin, tigogenin, smilagenin, sarsasaponin, etc.

In light of the effect which furostanol saponins exert on appetite stimulation and hormone release, Fenusterols™ may be potentially useful in Sports Nutrition. Fenugreek seeds are traditionally used in appetite stimulation the resulting increase in food intake ultimately triggers anabolism. Animal model studies have revealed that the furostanol saponin fraction is responsible for the anabolic effects of fenugreek seeds. In addition, the furostanol class of plant steroids have pronounced immunostimulating and luteinizing hormone (LH) releasing properties. LH in turn signals the pituitary gland to produce more testosterone and high testosterone levels have been correlated with improved athletic performance. The mechanism of hormone releasing action of furostanols is linked to the conversion of cholesterol into active hormones, resulting in the simultaneous reduction of plasma cholesterol levels.

Please call Sabinsa Corporation for further information and samples.