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 estrogenic
(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 estrogenic (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 .
*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: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].