Evidence supporting the use of: Methylxanthine
For the body system: Muscles
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Methylxanthines are a class of compounds that include caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. There is moderate scientific evidence supporting their effects on the muscular system, primarily through the actions of caffeine. Caffeine is known to enhance skeletal muscle contractility and delay fatigue. It works by antagonizing adenosine receptors, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP, and promoting the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, all of which can enhance muscle performance during exercise.
Numerous studies have shown that caffeine supplementation can improve endurance, strength, and power output in both trained and untrained individuals. The International Society of Sports Nutrition and other sports medicine organizations recognize caffeine as an effective ergogenic aid, particularly for activities involving endurance and high-intensity exercise. Effects on muscle strength and power are less consistent, but some research supports benefits in these areas as well.
While most of the data focus on caffeine rather than all methylxanthines, the evidence base is sufficient to support the use of caffeine (a methylxanthine) for muscular support in athletic contexts. However, the effects may vary between individuals, and excessive intake can cause side effects. Other methylxanthines, such as theobromine and theophylline, have less compelling evidence for supporting muscle function in healthy individuals, and are not typically used for this purpose outside of specific medical contexts (e.g., respiratory diseases).
Other ingredients that support Muscles
Acetyl L-carnitineAcetylcholine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algae
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
amino acids
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
animal protein
animal Tissue
Anserina
antler
arachidonic acid
arginine alpha ketoglutarate
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Arginine aspartate
arginine creatine
Arginine malate
Arginine nitrate
Arginine silicate
arnica
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
avocado
ba ji tian
banana
BCAA
bee products
beef
Beef liver
Beef Protein
beet
beta-alanine
beta-hydroxybutyrate
bicarbonate
Biopeptide
black galingale
black ginger
black gram
Black willow
blue cohosh
bovine
bovine liver
bovine protein
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
brown rice protein
C-phycocyanin
caffeine
calcium
camphor oil
cardarine
Carnosine
casein
Cetylated Fatty Acids
cherry
chia seed
chickpea protein
Chinese mountain ant
chloride
chuchuhuasi
citrate malate
coca
Coconut Water
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
cramp bark
creatine
creatine monohydrate
Curcuma
Curcuminoid
Cyanotis arachnoides
Cyanotis vaga
Cyathula
d-alpha tocopherol
D-Ribose
date
deer velvet
devil's claw
dextrose
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipeptide
Dipsacus
DL-Methionine
dong quai root
ecdysteroids
ecdysterone
egg
Egg protein
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
elk antler
emu oil
epicatechin
epistane
Erythrina
essential oil blend
Ethyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
eucommia
Eurycoma Longifolia
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
fish
fish protein
forskohlii root
Ginsenosides
glucose
Glutamine
Glycerol
Glycine
Glycocyamine
GMS-ribose
guanidinoacetic acid
guanidinopropionic acid (GPA )
guelder rose
Haematococcus pluvialis
hairy arnica
herbal blend (proprietary)
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
hydroxymethylbutyrate
icariin
Iporuru
iron
Isoleucine
isomaltulose
kale
ketosterones
L-alanine
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-carnosine
L-citrulline
L-glutamine
L-glycine
l-isoleucine
L-leucine
L-ornithine
L-proline
L-taurine
L-threonine
L-valine
lactalbumin
Lavandin
Legume protein
Lentein
Lentil
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
lipids
magnesium
malic acid
maral root
Marine protein
Marjoram
Maslinic acid
Menthol oil
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Methylxanthine
Milk
Milk Protein
Mineral ascorbate
Mineral blend
NADH
nicotinamide riboside
Ornithine
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Pea
Peppermint
Peptides
Phosphatidic Acid
Phosphocreatine
phosphorus
phytocannabinoids
Phytoecdysteroid
Plankton
polyphenols
potash
potassium
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
protein
proteolytic enzymes
Puerain
pyruvate
Qin Jiao
quinoa
Quinoa Protein
Rhaponticum
rhizome
ribose
rue
Safed musli
Salmon Oil
salt
Shilajit
Sida cordifolia
siler root
solomon's seal
Soy Protein
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spinach
spirulina
squawvine
suma
Taurine
Taxillus sutchuenensis
Terpenoids
Tongkat ali
trace minerals
Tribulus Terrestris
Trichopus zeylanicus
Turkesterone
turmeric
Tynanthus panurensis
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
Ursolic Acid
Vegetable Protein
Viburnum
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Watermelon
wheat germ
Whey protein
white willow
Wintergreen
Withanolides
Wood betony
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
Other body systems supported by Methylxanthine
ArteriesBlood
Brain
Bronchials
Circulatory System
Epinephrine
Heart
Lungs
Mitochondria
Muscles
Nerves
Respiratory System
Sympathetic Nervous System
