JISSN

official impact factor 2.68

Open Access Research article

Effects of Methoxyisoflavone, Ecdysterone, and Sulfo-Polysaccharide Supplementation on Training Adaptations in Resistance-Trained Males

Colin D Wilborn1, Lemuel W Taylor2, Bill I Campbell3, Chad Kerksick4, Chris J Rasmussen3, Michael Greenwood3 and Richard B Kreider3*

Author Affiliations

1 Human Performance Lab, University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Belton, TX

2 Exercise Physiology Lab, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL

3 Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, TX

4 Applied Biochemistry and Molecular Physiology Laboratory, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

For all author emails, please log on.

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2006, 3:19-27 doi:10.1186/1550-2783-3-2-19

Published: 13 December 2006

Abstract

Purpose

Methoxyisoflavone (M), 20-hydroxyecdysone (E), and sulfo-polysaccharide (CSP3) have been marketed to athletes as dietary supplements that can increase strength and muscle mass during resistance-training. However, little is known about their potential ergogenic value. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these supplements affect training adaptations and/or markers of muscle anabolism/catabolism in resistance-trained athletes.

Methods

Forty-five resistance-trained males (20.5 ± 3 yrs; 179 ± 7 cm, 84 ± 16 kg, 17.3 ± 9% body fat) were matched according to FFM and randomly assigned to ingest in a double blind manner supplements containing either a placebo (P); 800 mg/day of M; 200 mg of E; or, 1,000 mg/day of CSP3 for 8-weeks during training. At 0, 4, and 8-weeks, subjects donated fasting blood samples and completed comprehensive muscular strength, muscular endurance, anaerobic capacity, and body composition analysis. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in training adaptations among groups in the variables FFM, percent body fat, bench press 1 RM, leg press 1 RM or sprint peak power. Anabolic/catabolic analysis revealed no significant differences among groups in active testosterone (AT), free testosterone (FT), cortisol, the AT to cortisol ratio, urea nitrogen, creatinine, the blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio. In addition, no significant differences were seen from pre to post supplementation and/or training in AT, FT, or cortisol.

Conclusion

Results indicate that M, E, and CSP3 supplementation do not affect body composition or training adaptations nor do they influence the anabolic/catabolic hormone status or general markers of catabolism in resistance-trained males.

Keywords:
resistance training; sports nutrition; supplementation; exercise; anabolic