Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk

Abstract Exercise induced myokines play an important role in metabolic regulation and inter organ communication. This study investigated the effects of concurrent training and fenugreek supplementation, separately and in combination, on circulating myokines and lipid profile in overweight women. Forty overweight women (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to four groups: concurrent training (CT), fenugreek supplementation (FG), combined concurrent training plus fenugreek (CT+FG), and control (CON). The intervention lasted 6 weeks (3 sessions per week). The concurrent training protocol consisted of circuit based resistance exercises (50–70% 1RM) followed by aerobic training at 55–70% HRmax. Participants in the supplementation groups consumed fenugreek extract capsules (670 mg/day; two 335 mg capsules taken after breakfast and dinner). Fasting blood samples were collected before the intervention and 48 hours after the final training session. Concurrent training significantly improved lipid profile by reducing triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) and increasing high density lipoprotein (HDL) (p < 0.05). Training interventions also significantly increased circulating irisin and myonectin levels (p < 0.05). Fenugreek supplementation alone improved HDL levels but showed no significant effect on myokine concentrations. The combined CT+FG group demonstrated the greatest improvements in lipid profile and myokine responses compared with the other groups. Concurrent training appears to be an effective strategy for improving lipid profile and increasing circulating myokines in overweight women. Fenugreek supplementation may provide additional benefits for lipid profile when combined with exercise; however, its direct effects on myokines remain unclear. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to clarify the potential synergistic effects of exercise and fenugreek supplementation.