An influx of weekend warriors, competitive endurance athletes and boomers
seeking to stave off the aging process through physical fitness is resulting in increasing
sales in the sports nutrition category. Accordingly, research companies are investing time
and money to develop new ingredients that can aid in recovery, performance and other
aspects of active lifestyles.
Many manufacturers are developing unique blends and formulations with combinations of
ingredients. The following two branded ingredients are proving effective in formulations
but also carry positive effects on their own.
Forskolin®
Derived from the "power" herb Coleus forskohlii, Forskolin® (patented
by Sabinsa Corp.) has an active ingredient called forskolin. The herb has been used in
Ayurvedic medicine for many years. Forskolin's basic mechanism of action is that it
increases the amount of cyclic AMP (adenosine monophosphate) in cells by activating an
enzyme called adenylate cyclase. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is one of the most important secondary
messengers in the cell and is considered to be one of the most important cell regulating
compounds.
Under normal circumstances, cAMP forms by adenylate cyclase activation due to hormonal
stimulation at the cell receptor site. However, forskolin seems to bypass this reaction
and allows for an increase in intracellular cAMP to occur. Why is it important to increase
cAMP levels? Benefits to athletes include relaxation of the arteries and smooth muscles,
lowered blood pressure, enhanced insulin secretion (which can help drive carbohydrates and
protein into muscle cells for energy and recovery) and increased thyroid hormone function
(which can help enhance metabolic rate). Forskolin also seems to benefit other cellular
enzymes as well.
Forskolin® is patented for enhancing lean body mass, which is what many athletes and
fitness buffs are trying to accomplish. The more lean muscle mass an individual has, the
more calories he will burn at rest to maintain that muscle mass.
This ingredient can also significantly increase lipolysis (fat burning). The breakdown
of fat for fuel (lipolysis) is actually regulated by cAMP. Forskolin has been shown to not
only enhance lipolysis, but it may also inhibit fat storage from occurring. This is good
news for individuals trying to lose body fat and get lean. Another way that Forskolin may
promote fat loss is by stimulating thyroid hormone production and release. Thyroid hormone
controls metabolism and can enhance the metabolic rate.
One of the overlooked benefits of Forskolin® includes its stimulation of digestive
enzymes that can allow individuals to digest and assimilate their food better. It has also
been shown to increase nutrient absorption in the small intestine.
Forskolin® has been shown to be safe and effective and has a great amount of potential
as a sports supplement.
Exsativa®
This product, a trademarked ingredient from Arcopharma SA, is a mixture of Avena
sativa (green oats extract), nettle extract, and sea buckthorn fruit. Avena sativa has
been used and studied for its effects on sexual function and as a natural aphrodisiac. How
can this benefit athletes? One of the mechanisms of action of decreased potency and sexual
function is a decreased testosterone level. Testosterone is the all-star muscle-building
hormone that athletes want to increase naturally to support gains in muscle mass and
strength. Exsativa® has been shown in clinical research to not only increase natural
testosterone levels but also to increase strength in humans.
Researchers believe this ingredient stimulates natural testosterone production by
boosting LH (leutinizing hormone) levels. This allows the body to increase testosterone
production. Athletes are excited about this supplement's potential because of the ongoing
controversy surrounding supplementation with androstenedione (andro). While andro has been
promoted for its ability to increase testosterone levels, recent publications have shown
some adverse effects associated with its use. Andro can also cause a false positive
reading to occur on a drug test for anabolic steroids. Exsativa® has also been shown to
promote muscle recovery after physical activity, which is very important for hard working
athletes and exercising individuals.
Based on the numerous benefits of these ingredients, their potential for enhancing
athletic performance is incredible. More sports nutrition companies will be using these
ingredients because they are based on science and can produce results.
References available upon request. Please call (480) 990-1101 ext. 1018 to receive
references.
Rehan Jalali is the president of the Supplement Research Foundation (www.tsrf.com)
and was formerly the Head Nutritionist at EAS and Muscle Media magazine. He is also a
nationally ranked competitive natural bodybuilder. He can be reached over the internet at rehan@tsrf.com.
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