Methoxyisoflavone for Sports & Fitness

Also known as: 5-Methyl-7-Methoxy-Isoflavone

What is it?

Methoxyisoflavone is a member of the family of flavonoids (isoflavones). In a U.S. patent, the developers of this substance claim, based on preliminary animal research, that it possesses muscle-building and bone-building (anabolic) effects without the side effects seen with either androgenic (male) hormones or oestrogenic (female) hormones.¹

Where is it found?

Several substances similar to methoxyisoflavone are found in many plants and some foods, including soybeans. Whether methoxyisoflavone itself is found in nature is unknown.

Why do athletes use it?*

Some athletes say that methoxyisoflavone

improves muscle mass gains from strength training without undesirable hormonal side effects.

What do the advocates say?*

Methoxyisoflavone is a recently developed supplement related to the flavonoid family. Only one preliminary human trial has tested its effects on body composition changes with exercise. Although results were promising, double-blind research is needed to confirm them.

How much is usually taken by athletes?

Methoxyisoflavone is a member of the family flavonoids (isoflavones). In a U.S. Patent, the developers of this substance claim, based on preliminary animal research, that it possesses anabolic (muscle-building and bone-building) effects without the side effects seen with either androgenic (male) hormones or oestrogenic (female) hormones.² A preliminary controlled trial found that strength-training athletes who took 800 mg per day of methoxyisoflavone for eight weeks experienced a significantly greater reduction in percentage body fat than those who took a placebo.³ Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings. The U.S. patent also claims methoxyisoflavone reduces appetite and lowers blood cholesterol levels. Whether this claim is true has not yet been demonstrated in published scientific research

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Hormones with anabolic effects on muscle often have side effects that include acne, male-pattern baldness, prostate enlargement, and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL; “good”) cholesterol. Whether methoxyisoflavone can cause these side effects has not been investigated.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with methoxyisoflavone .

Resources

See a list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.

*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for methoxyisoflavone based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles on methoxyisoflavone. For more complete and detailed information, including references and safety information, see Methoxyisoflavone as a nutritional supplement.

References
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1. Feuer L, Farkas L, Nogradi M, et al. Metabolic 5-methyl-isoflavone-derivatives, process for the preparation thereof and compositions containing the same. United States Patent 4,163,746, August 7, 1979.

2. Feuer L, Farkas L, Nogradi M, et al. Metabolic 5-methyl-isoflavone-derivatives, process for the preparation thereof and compositions containing the same. United States Patent 4,163,746, August 7, 1979.

3. Incledon T, Gammeren DV, Antonio JA. The effects of 5-methylisoflavone on body composition and performance in college aged men. Med Sci Sports Exer 2001;33(5 suppl):S338 [abstract].

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.