Evidence supporting the use of: Androstenedione
For the health condition: Muscle Tone (lack of)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Androstenedione is a steroid hormone that serves as a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen. It has been marketed and used as a supplement, particularly among athletes and bodybuilders, with the aim of increasing muscle mass, strength, and muscle tone. The rationale behind its use is that by boosting endogenous testosterone levels, it could enhance muscle protein synthesis and thus improve muscle tone. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited and conflicting. Several clinical studies have investigated the effects of androstenedione supplementation in healthy men. Most have found little to no significant increase in muscle strength or muscle size, even when combined with resistance training. Some studies have noted slight increases in serum testosterone, but these did not translate into meaningful improvements in muscle mass or tone. Furthermore, androstenedione can increase estrogen levels, potentially leading to adverse effects such as gynecomastia or hormonal imbalances. Due to insufficient evidence of efficacy and concerns about safety, androstenedione is not recommended as a treatment for lack of muscle tone. It is also banned by many sports organizations, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the U.S. FDA has classified it as an unapproved new drug. In summary, while there is some scientific investigation into androstenedione for muscle-related uses, the quality and outcomes of the evidence do not robustly support its use for improving muscle tone.
Other ingredients used for Muscle Tone (lack of)
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
branched-chain amino acids
calcium
caterpillar mushroom
cissus quadrangularis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
fish protein
l-isoleucine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-leucine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
phytocannabinoids
potassium
sardines
black ginger
tongkat ali
Urolithin A
vitamin D
whey protein
atractylodes
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
camphor oil
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Aralia
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Banyan
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Casein
Chinese Silkvine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cyathula
Chuchuhuasi
Creatine
Chicken
Deer Velvet
Egg
Ecdysteroids
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt