Effect of Herbal Supplements Prosopis Cineraria (Khejri) and Spirulina on Muscle Mass, Skeletal Muscle Mass, and Fat-Free Mass in Cricket Players
摘要
Background and Purpose Herbal dietary supplements have become more popular among professional and recreational players to enhance the physical fitness level and gain more muscle mass. They are frequently consumed by athletes to enhance the performance level in competitions. Methods In the current study, Spirulina and Khejri were used as supplements by cricket players to enhance their physical fitness and muscle mass. Both supplements were given to individuals groups and in combination to see the combined effect. The intervention period was 21 days, and supplements were given in 500 mg doses daily. Muscle mass was evaluated before and after the intervention period. 40 cricket players were divided into four groups: Group 1 (n = 10): Both supplements, Spirulina and Khejri, Group 2 (n = 10): Supplement Spirulina, Group 3 (n = 10): Supplement Khejri, and Group 4 (n = 10): Control. Results In comparison with control Group 4, experimental Groups 1, 2, and 3 showed significant enhancement in skeletal muscle mass (Kg) (Group 1 versus control: 34.48 ± 2.48 versus 29.05 ± 2.78, p < 0.01; Group 2 versus control: 31.29 ± 5.07 versus 29.0 5 ± 2.78, ns; Group 3 versus control: 33.42 ± 4.87 versus 29.05 ± 2.78, p < 0.05), significant increase in muscle mass (Kg) was found post-intervention after 21 days of supplementation (Group 1 versus control: 54.81 ± 3.97 versus 50.01 ± 4.56, p < 0.05; Group 2 versus control: 52.02 ± 6.64 versus 50.01 ± 4.56, ns; Group 3 versus control: 55.14 ± 6.24 versus 50.01 ± 4.56, p < 0.05), and significant increase in fat-free mass (Kg) was found post-intervention after 21 days of supplementation (Group 1 versus control: 58.1 ± 3.84 versus 52.76 ± 4.81, p < 0.05; Group 2 versus control: 54.14 ± 7.88 versus 52.76 ± 4.81, ns; Group 3 versus control: 57.32 ± 7.59 versus 52.76 ± 4.81, ns). Conclusion Supplementation with Khejri and Spirulina resulted in enhanced muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass, and fat-free mass after 21 days of the intervention period in cricket players.