Illegal? Who would have thought a compound developed to help people overcome muscle atrophy would become the bodybuilding breakthrough of the decade?

Flex, July, 2005

THE STUDY

A study was designed to test the hypothesis that the administration of the core compound in Endothil[TM]-CR to exercising men will lead to increases in muscle growth and strength exceeding those achieved through exercise alone.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Thirty one adult males ages 30-55 who had been following a weight training program to build muscle mass for over a year were invited to participate in the study. All subjects were nonsmokers, taking no medications, and in good health. Weight training consisted of a three times per week exercise routine for six weeks. Sixteen received the active compound in ECR and fifteen subjects received a placebo pill identical in appearance. Both groups took their pills by mouth 30-45 minutes before workouts.

MEASUREMENTS

A number of anatomic and functional measurements were obtained on each subject prior to starting and at the completion of the study. These measurements included height (as measured with a calibrated Health O Meter statiometer), weight (on a balance beam scale wearing light clothes and no shoes), body mass index (body mass index = weight (kg)/height (m)2), waist circumference (measured at the level of the umbilicus), biceps measurement (the circumference of the dominant biceps muscle measured at the middle of the muscle belly of the flexed muscle), quadriceps measurement (circumference of the dominant thigh measured 4" above the kneecap while the subject is standing in a relaxed posture), body composition, and skin fold measurement. All measurements were performed in duplicate. Upper body strength was measured by asking each subject to do 10 repetitions on a bench press or an incline barbell at the maximum possible weight at which they were able to complete the 10 reps. Lower body strength was measured by asking the subject to perform 10 repetitions at the maximum possible weight on a leg press or leg extensions machine. Both baseline and final pressed weights were recorded for upper and lower body strength. Compliance was determined by subtracting the number of capsules returned by the subject at the final visit from the number of capsules dispensed at the outset of the study.

RESULTS

After six weeks, the subjects who took the active compound experienced a significant (p<0.05) increase in both upper and lower body strength as well as in circumference of the biceps muscle. Specifically, the amount of weight bench pressed increased by 10 lbs. in subjects receiving ECR's core compound compared to an increase of 5 lbs. in subjects receiving placebo. The amount of weight leg pressed increased 70 lbs. in the experimental group versus 20 lbs. in placebo treated subjects. The treatment group experienced a significant increase in biceps circumference that was more than four times that of the placebo group, who experienced almost no increase in biceps circumference (p=0.03). There were no significant changes between the two groups in quadriceps circumference, % body fat, % lean body mass, weight, or body mass index.