1. What is it and where does it come from?
Can you think of any supplement other than creatine that dramatically increases muscle mass, enhances strength, energy, and produces a leaner more muscular body? Such a quest has been going on for quite some time now. For some, anabolic steroids was the answer. These "miracle substances" inserted the super-potent male hormone testosterone into the body and the body reacted by recovering faster from workouts, building more quality muscle than previously thought possible, and causing fat to burn quicker. Wow! Great, perfect…until the side effects came to light. This artificial testosterone caused more than just the muscles to grow. All the inner organs of the body also grew, causing "turtle belly". Not to mention other possible androgenic side-effects like sodium retention, acne, gynecomastia, aggression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, palpitations, enlarged heart, virilization, cancer, decreased blood clotting ability, headaches, anxiety, depression, impotence, stomach aches, jaundice, muscle tears, enlarged prostate, premature hair loss, stunted growth, immune system suppression, insomnia, sterility, and anaphylactic shock…just to name a few. Well, maybe anabolic steroids aren't the best idea after all. Darn…what else?
The search for a supplement that would produce the highly anabolic and sought-after steroid-like effects of faster muscle growth, recovery, and fat-burning, yet avoid the androgenic steroid-like side effects (acne, male-pattern baldness, prostate enlargement, etc.) has been an impossible feat…until now! Meet the Flavone family: 7-Isopropoxyisoflavone (Ipriflavone) and 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone (Methoxyisoflavone). These powerful anabolic compounds have just been brought to market by several pioneering companies. The results thus far are highly impressive to say the least. In fact, they may just be the sports supplements that everyone's been looking for!
These flavones were originally discovered and patented by a Hungarian company, which we'll discuss further in a minute. The funny thing is, other than researching the compounds and becoming very impressed by them, they just sat on them and did…well, pretty much nothing as far as marketing and making them available to the population. This mysterious compound that could have revolutionized bodybuilding over 30 years ago, instead was locked up with a patent that wouldn't expire until 1997. Luckily the work they did laid the foundation for what we have today! When the patent expired and researchers read the paperwork - what they found out was shocking! Not only did 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone and 7-Isopropoxyisoflavone increase protein synthesis and increase lean mass, but they also reduced body fat, lowered cholesterol levels, promoted endurance, an increased state of vitality, and increased the body's ability to use oxygen! In other words, these are the perfect anabolic supplements…without the negatives of steroids!
2. What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?
In a nutshell, methoxyisoflavone and ipriflavone are non-hormonal anabolic / anti-catabolic compounds. These powerful flavones have been shown to decrease cortisol levels, increase protein synthesis, and improve overall recovery from exercise. Wow!
In order to fully understand the power of 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone, however; we must start with the first anabolic flavone compound to make big waves: 7-Isopropoxyisoflavone or Ipriflavone. This anabolic compound has been shown to have incredible results for rapid muscle growth on athletes, even though it has only been on the market for a short time. The lean muscle mass increase that people are experiencing on this is amazing! Chinoin (Hungarian pharmaceutical company), a leader in flavonoid research and knowledge, developed Ipriflavone in the early 1970's. The research was aimed toward finding a nutrient partitioning agent able to transport much needed nutrients away from fat (adipose) tissue and toward muscle (proteinaceous) tissue. During the journey, Chinoin discovered Ipriflavone not only did this, but more. The original patent does more than just raise eyebrows…it could make you fall out of your chair! The credibility of Chinoin's flavone research lies in this simple fact: it's much more difficult to get a U.S. Patent than to get published in a journal without an abundance of scientific proof.
Right off the bat the patent outlines the flavone's ability to promote weight-gain and anabolism in it's composition.
The results of the animal studies that were conducted are quite dramatic! For one thing, nitrogen retention increased (one of the primary actions of anabolic steroids), regardless of the species used. Add that nice attribute to the further finding that Ipriflavone produced no estrogenic side-effects and actually no negative effects in endocrine tissue at all, and you've got an extraordinary substance on your hands. The animals (rats, mice, chickens and so on), regardless of age, or dosage had no signs of changes in their endocrine systems. The animals just grew more muscular-with no negative impact on testosterone, testicular shrinkage, or aromatization-all possible anabolic steroid side effects. Verification of these finding was done when many of the animals were dissected. It was found that no androgenic side effects occurred, yet muscle tissue grew larger. The levator ani muscle (a large pelvic diaphragm muscle) went up in weight, while the seminal vesicles remained the same. If the seminal vesicles had changed, this would show androgenic side-effects, but there was no difference.
The cortisol-suppressing action of Ipriflavone also impressed researchers. In fact, identical doses of anabolic steroids did not have as good of effects on cortisol suppression as did Ipriflavone. Basically, the cattle, pigs, rabbits, and poultry when fed Ipriflavone-enriched feed at a dosage of 2 grams per 100kg increased in lean body mass at an incredible 7%-20%! To put this in perspective, think of a 200 pound bodybuilder adding an extra 10% or so of lean body mass…20 more pounds of muscle! The animals were given Ipriflavone for a period ranging from 1 to 4 months, while their diet was not changed. In other words, calorie intake does not necessarily have to be increased in order to maintain the gains in mass due to the increased efficiency in processing food.
Another test was conducted to determine actual differences in strength and endurance in which animals were weighed down with an additional 3 grams per 100 grams of bodyweight in a swimming test forced to exhaustion. Over a 45 day period, calories were kept the same for both the Ipriflavone-consuming and non-Ipriflavone-consuming groups. The results speak for themselves: the animals on Ipriflavone were able to swim for 33 minutes longer than the untreated animals before going under for good! This conclusive experiment shows the incredible ergogenic effects of this potent anabolic compound. Ipriflavone dramatically increases endurance!
Yet another study indicated the level of anabolic activity of Ipriflavone by measuring the effect on calcium and phosphate retention; minerals indicative of such activity. The dosage used was 20 mg per kilogram of bodyweight. Guess what? Calcium and phosphorus retention increased significantly, which is one of the main reasons many countries are using it to treat osteoporosis. Even in conditions of osteoporosis, bone mass has been shown to increase.
The human studies conducted with wasting patients showed an increase in lean body weight anywhere between 2 to 3 kilograms in merely a few weeks on Ipriflavone. The anabolic effects are apparently not confined to just animals, but are extraordinary in humans as well. The safety of Ipriflavone was confirmed on animals when mega-doses where given to them. Up to 4000 mg per kilogram were applied with absolutely zero side effects. Rather, they just gained more lean muscle!
The final test was conducted on nitrogen retention because as you know, a positive nitrogen balance is the key to dramatically increasing muscle growth. The findings were based on the test results on the 20th to 30th day of the study. Nitrogen excretion was lowered by a considerable amount, confirming the power and anabolism of Ipriflavone!
Now that you've got an idea of the amazing anabolic power of 7-Isopropoxyisoflavone (Ipriflavone), you can really appreciate 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone (Methoxyisoflavone) because of the two super anabolic compounds - get this - the second is more powerful than the first. Studied during the same time period as Ipriflavone, Methoxyisoflavone's scientific data definitely impressed the government to justify issuing a patent for it. As it turns out, Methoxyisoflavone is perhaps the most potent legal anabolic compound ever-with no side effects! Some of the findings include:
In the same levator ani test used for Ipriflavone, results confirmed that Methoxyisoflavone was more anabolic than both Ipriflavone and anabolic steroids! All the while, no androgenic side effects occurred whatsoever with Methoxyisoflavone.
Again, regardless of species, lean body mass increased significantly within 30 days accompanied by an increased state of vitality; while producing no androgenic effects and no endocrine tissue alteration! In terms we can all appreciate, this compound has been shown to increase muscle mass and size, while also making you feel better.
As with Ipriflavone, the human studies conducted yielded excellent results. Cortisol levels were reduced in wasting patients, while phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and nitrogen levels increased considerably. What does all this mean? Simple - More Muscle!
From these studies, researchers have concluded that identical doses of anabolic steroids do not compare to Methoxyisoflavone in anabolism! HOLY COW! Consider the differences… both cause muscle growth, but with Methoxyisoflavone the androgenic side effects are non-existent.
What we've learned is that not only does Ipriflavone and Methoxyisoflavone work, but they work well…and not just for animals, for humans as well. What's better, these highly anabolic compounds work through different metabolic pathways, making them the perfect stack to take together! They work synergistically to produce even better results! The powerful protein synthesizing properties and nitrogen retaining effects can be amplified even further in this manner! Gain more lean mass, increase strength, recovery times, bone mass, and induce a greater state of vitality with these powerful flavones. All the while without worries of androgenic side-effects.
3. Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?
Anyone who wants to boost their lean muscle gains should consider this breakthrough product! Flavones are even safe and effective for women. For males, if you're testosterone levels are in the normal range, which they probably are, and if you're diet is good, then these powerful anabolic flavones are definitely for you! Without a doubt, these are currently the bodybuilding supplement of choice. It's no accident that nearly every supplement company around is now producing their own ipriflavone and methoxyisoflavone-containing products. Results are a definitive, whether it will work mildly or extremely well for you is to be discovered…but one thing is certain…it works! Since flavones are not associated with deficiency, there are no symptoms, except not being as muscularly lean as you could be!
4. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?
The recommended serving size of 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone so far is anywhere from 400mg to 800mg taken in a split dosage twice throughout the day (200mg - 400mg twice daily). Ipriflavone is recommended to be taken in the range of 250mg to 1250mg per day in divided doses.
5. What are some Awesome Supplements to Stack with these Flavones?
Methoxyisoflavone and/or ipriflavone work very well by themselves. However, if you really want to peak out your gains and increase your testosterone levels naturally to the max, then try stacking them with these awesome supplements: ZMA, Tribulus Terrestris, and/or 4-Androstenediol.
Antoher post for Methoxy
Description
Methoxy-7 8fl. oz from Biotest
Methoxy-7 Anabolic Flavone Formula Bodybuilders and athletes have been searching for a supplement (or drug) that would dramatically increase protein synthesis but not exhibit androgenic side effects, like male-pattern baldness, enlarged prostate, acne, gynocomastia, and liver damage. For the most part, with the exception of maybe creatine, this quest has been like chasing the wind-that is, until now. The name of this potent anabolic compound is 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone (Methoxy-7). It was originally designed to increase lean mass on animals and humans, without the negatives associated with steroids. Not only was the flavone found to be powerfully anabolic-often producing several kilos of lean mass in just a few weeks-but it significantly reduces body fat, lowers cholesterol, and improves the body's ability to utilize oxygen. In other words, it's not only anabolic, it's healthy!
Manufacturer's description: Trying to make new and innovative supplements ain't easy work. Sometimes it's nearly impossible, and sometimes you fail. Fortunately, this time we succeeded. And after about eight months of research and development, Methoxy-7 (anabolic 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone in our special liquid delivery system) is done, and orders are shipping. I have to tell you that just six months ago, I was beginning to worry that Methoxy-7 wasn't going to ever get done. We literally searched all over the world for the intermediary compound to make it and, of all places, we found it in Estonia (next to Russia). No kidding.
Okay, so we have to go to Estonia to get the material. No problema. It's 1999, and we can do anything and go anywhere nowadays. Right? Wrong. Let's just say that Estonia hasn't changed much since about 1920 - and worst of all, they don't know it. Somehow, we finally managed to get the supply lines open and material flowing smoothly (relatively speaking) into production.
Once we received the flavone and checked it into our production facility, we began formulating Methoxy-7 into one of our new liquid delivery systems that we originally designed for prohormones. I mean, this delivery system rocks, too. It's capable of getting nearly 100% of the flavone into the body. The formulation phase was fairly easy - all of the ingredients and the emulsion went together beautifully. Mission accomplished. Next step was the taste test...gulp...thhhoooooey! The concoction tasted like sweetened turpentine! Not really - it was worse! And you know us, it had to taste good or it wasn't going out the door, period.
So, Seymour (this 74-year-old, brilliant, mad-scientist, genius-type chemist who's specialized in emulsion technology for the last 40 years and who invented the liquid delivery system that we're using) and I went to work, tinkering and tweaking the flavoring agents and emulsifiers until we got everything right, including the taste. And, fortunately, we didn't kill one another in the process. (Sometimes science guys think that it's enough for a formulation to work. They'll say something like, "Oh, you want it to taste good, too?" Duh.)
Anyway, I'm happy to say (actually, relieved is a better word) that Methoxy-7 not only works exactly like we had hoped for, but it tastes good, too. In fact, I look forward to taking a hit of Methoxy-7 a couple of times a day.
Contained in each 2-teaspoon serving: 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone 400 mg Each bottle contains 24 servings
Without giving away the entire secret of how the delivery system works, let me just say that one of the key ingredients is cholesterol. Don't freak out. We're not draining bacon grease into bottles, we're using pure, USP-grade cholesterol, which is pretty cool stuff. Cholesterol is the building block for all hormones, and it's present in all body tissues. In chemical terms, materials that use cholesterol as the base for their structures are called cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene derivatives, or "chicken wire" compounds.
Cholesterol is vital for life, and an ample supply is necessary for optimal body function and hormone production. In fact, people who have very low levels of body fat (like bodybuilders) probably need significantly more dietary cholesterol than the average person. This might be part of the answer for why the high-fat Anabolic diet works so well. The bad rep associated with dietary cholesterol is really off base, too. The real culprits are saturated fats combined with oxidative and reactive byproducts that are generated by uncontrolled free radicals. So, as a general rule for good, healthy living, make sure that your diet includes known free-radical scavengers, like ALA and vitamins C and E, etc., and you'll be just fine.
Buried Deep in the US Patent Office...
The history behind the development of Methoxy-7 is convoluted and very interesting. We found the key in an obscure patent that was filed in 1977 by a Hungarian company for a compound that could have revolutionized bodybuilding and sports forever. Unfortunately, the Hungarian company didn't do anything with the compound. For some reason - maybe it was politics, or maybe they were just a little freaked out - the Eastern-Bloc company just sat on the mysterious material.
Well, in 1997, when the patent ran out, Biotest researchers dug up the filed paperwork, read all about this compound, and just about fell off their lab stools in shock. What they discovered - or better said, re-discovered - was almost too good to be true. What they had found was allegedly the ultimate, "perfect" anabolic agent. You may be saying to yourself, "I've heard this story before." Well, you may have, but this time the story has a different ending - it's true!
The quest for the perfect anabolic supplement has to be at the epicenter of bodybuilding since, well, bodybuilding was born. Bodybuilders and athletes have been searching for a supplement (or drug) that would dramatically increase protein synthesis but would not exhibit androgenic side effects, like male-pattern baldness, enlarged prostate, acne, gynecomastia, and liver damage.
For the most part, with the exception of maybe creatine, this quest has been like chasing the wind - that is, until now. The name of this potent anabolic compound is, of course, 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone (Methoxy-7). It was originally designed to increase lean mass on animals and humans, without the negatives associated with steroids. Not only was the flavone found to be powerfully anabolic - often producing several kilos of lean mass in just a few weeks - but it significantly reduces body fat, lowers cholesterol, and improves the body's ability to utilize oxygen. In other words, it's not only anabolic, it's healthy!
Although no one knows just how 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone works for certain (even scientists aren't exactly sure how steroids work), we do know that it significantly increases calcium, phosphorous, potassium, and nitrogen retention, which clearly shows its anabolic horsepower.
Now, after more than two decades of being buried away in a patent, Biotest brings you Methoxy-7 - pure 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone in a proprietary, liquid delivery system that's designed to increase absorption and utilization to nearly 100%.
It's too early to tell just how effective the anabolic flavone is and exactly what you'll gain from it, but we're all sold that it works. And we've just made arrangements to conduct our first university study on Methoxy-7. So try it and let us know how it does for you.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 10 ml (2 teaspoons) Servings Per Container: 24
Calories: 8
Total Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0
Cholesterol: 520mg
5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone: 400mg
Other ingredients: Purified water, fatty-acid ethyl esters, polysorbate 60, cholesterol (NF), lecithin, natural and artificial flavors, potassium sorbate, methyl paraben, disodium EDTA, butylated hydroxyanisole, sucralose, and vegetable gum.
Suggested use: Shake well before using. As a dietary supplement, place 1 serving (10 ml; 2 teaspoons) under tongue, hold for 30-60 seconds, then swallow. Take 2 servings a day.
