(-)-Epicatechin is Safe with Good Tolerability and is Rapidly Absorbed in Adults
Published March 2015
The purpose of this study was to determine the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of various doses of (-)-epicatechin in healthy human subjects.
Note that the formulation and dosage of (-)-epicatechin used in this clinical study are relevant to our key ingredient, Mitokatylst™ in the product Mitokatylst™ – E.
The study results reported no adverse cardiovascular effects. The test results also showed that the levels of follistatin – a protein that can stimulate muscle mass and strength – increased significantly in all subjects. To date, the only known way to physiologically increase follistatin levels is with exercise.
Key Takeaways
- The open label study was designed to give healthy human subjects a unique formulation and dosages of (-)-epicatechin as follows: single doses (50 mg, 100 or 200 mg) or multiple doses of 50 mg daily or twice daily.
- The study results did not show any adverse effects on the heart rate, (diastolic and systolic) blood pressure, or electrocardiogram at any of the (-)-epicatechin doses or dosing schedules of the nine healthy human subjects.
- None of the subjects reported any symptoms, such as light headedness, dizziness, fatigue, chest discomfort, or changes in breathing during the research duration.
- Plasma follistatin levels in subjects receiving (-)-epicatechin for 5 days were found to be approximately 2.5X higher on day 5 versus day 1 indicating (-)-epicatechin has a vigorous and sustained effect on follistatin production. Other clinical studies, including some by Blue Oak scientists, have shown follistatin improving skeletal muscle mass, strength, and regeneration.
Authors
Christopher F. Barnett, Aldo Moreno-Ulloa, Sruti Shiva, Israel Ramirez-Sanchez, Pam R. Taub, Yongxuan Su, Guillermo Ceballos, Sundeep Dugar, George Schreinerf, Francisco Villarreal