NutraPlanet CS
NP Supplement Pimp
- Awards
- 1
Well good, becuase now you have chance at this great opportunity! Thats right, NutraPlanet is proud to team up with Applied Nutriceuticals and offer some great savings!
For a limited time only (while supplies last), you will receive two (no, not one) FREE sample bottles of Neovar with every purchase of IGF-2!!!
IGF-2: Immediate Growth Factor
Applied Nutriceuticals Research is proud to introduce the newest and most effective anabolic product on the market, IGF-2™. IGF-2™ is a powerful blend of the strongest legally available herbal compounds, perfectly standardized to provide the highest quality and effectiveness. IGF-2™ incorporates Safed Musli, Mucuna Pruriens, Dodder Seed, and Rhodiola Rosea combined into a specific, synergistic formula that produces amazing results faster than would ever be expected from an over-the-counter preparation.
Safed Musli is an Ayurvedic herb used for centuries to improve physical strength and male fertility. We now know that this due to the high concentrations of spirosta-steroidal saponins found in this compound, which have been shown to significantly increase testosterone levels (1,2,3,6). Mucuna Pruriens, another Ayurvedic herb, contains high concentrations of L-Dopa, a compound responsible for increasing endogenous GH and testosterone secretion (15). Dodder Seed (Cuscuta Chineses) is an herb used by the Chinese for centuries to treat male impotence and infertility, which has been shown to increase cAMP production (cyclic AMP – a precursor to ATP, the primary cellular energy molecule), as well as testosterone levels (26). Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that has been shown in animal studies to boost ATP, glycogen, and Creatine Phosphate levels, and has been shown in humans to decrease physiological stress while increasing memory, alertness, and energy (23,24,25).
Product Overview
IGF-2 and Hormonal Systems
The compounds contained in IGF-2™ stimulate a variety of complex reactions and messenger systems in the body, most notably through direct gene activation and the second messenger system. Safed Musli, Mucuna Pruriens, and Dodder Seed all have been shown to increase testosterone production in the body via a number of different mechanisms (1,2,26,27).
Testosterone Production
Safed Musli, in particular, contains large amounts of Spirosta-steroidal saponins: desoxydiosgenin, tigogenin, neotigogenin, which are intermediates to various hormonal pathways in the body (1,2). When ingested, desoxydiosgenin from Safed Musli is enzymatically converted to 11-oxa-5 alpha-androstane-3,17-dione, some of which is converted to testosterone through the testes. The increased testosterone produced by this process binds to the androgen receptor (AR), signaling the muscles via mRNA to increase protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, leading to greater strength, mass, and recovery (1,2,27).
Testosterone, which is lipid soluble, diffuses through the cell wall, binding to the intracellular androgen receptor (AR). The binding causes an activation of the hormone receptor, and the activated receptor complex continues on to the nucleus of the cell, where the hormone binds to a DNA receptor protein. This signals the transcription of DNA to produce mRNA(3). The mRNA is then transplanted to the ribosomes of the cell, signaling the body to increase protein synthesis in a variety of target tissues (skeletal muscle) (3).
L-Dopa and its effects on Testosterone and Human Growth Hormone
Another important chemical mechanism of IGF-2™ is L-Dopa-induced growth hormone (GH) release, and increased testosterone secretion through prolactin inhibition. Prolactin is a hormone that regulates testosterone production, and too much of it can suppress the secretion of gonadotropins, which hinders testosterone production. By inhibiting prolactin, IGF-2 increases endogenous testosterone levels dramatically. The variety of Mucuna Pruriens used in IGF-2™ is standardized to 25% L-Dopa, delivering large amounts of this active ingredient per capsule (27). L-Dopa is a precursor to Dopamine, a powerful biogenic amine, and L-Dopa is the only method of transport of Dopamine through the blood-barrier(3,15,16). Dopamine is a potent GH and testosterone agonist, meaning that dopamine inhibits prolactin release and hypothalamic somatostatin secretion, which allows for a greater stimulatory effect of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and secretion of testosterone by the testes. GHRH signals the pituitary to release GH, a polypeptide hormone produced by the somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary (3,11,12,14,15,16). GH stimulates skeletal muscle cells to grow and, in some cases, divide. Acting directly, GH mobilizes fats from fat depots and decreases the rate of glucose intake and metabolism. In mammals, GH exerts most of its anabolic effects through being mediated by IGF; IGF is also known as somatomedin, which stimulates the uptake of amino acids from the blood and into skeletal muscle, providing for a variety of anabolic effects in the human body. This is important, as IGF-2™ provides the biochemical stimulus for the aforementioned muscle-building processes.
Dodder Seed, Rhodiola Rosea
Dodder Seed is another important component of IGF-2™ as it also activates the second messenger system, and subsequently causes adenylate cyclase to generate cAMP from ATP (3,26). cAMP generation has a variety of effects on tissue and glandular activity, but the most notable is the stimulation of the thyroid to produce thyroxin (promoting elevated fat burning). Increased cAMP levels to also activate the protein kinase enzyme, which in turn activates hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in targeted tissues(10,11,13) and signals for the production of luteinizing hormone, which elevates testosterone levels in males. Elevations in these two hormones can cause a marked increase in fat as body fuel, as well as a strong correlation to decreased body fat and increased muscle mass, density and strength.
Rhodiola Rosea also displays some individualistic qualities of greater ATP enhancement and creatine phosphate storage in animal studies. At the Tomsk State University and Medical Institute in Russia, mice were administered Rhodiola supplementation and made to swim to exhaustion twice a day for six days. At the end of the testing period, muscle biopsies were performed, with the Rhodiola-treated mice having 17% greater ATP levels 45% greater creatine phosphate stores, and 53% greater muscle glycogen levels, while having lower intramuscular concentrations of lactic acid and ammonia (23,24,25). The rosavin and salidroside content of Rhodiola Rosea has also been shown to have significant effects on stress reduction in human studies by reducing cortisol release, while optimizing levels of key brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine that function together to maintain a healthy response to stress (20-25). Blocking cortisol is a very important effect, as cortisol breaks down muscle tissue and increases body fat, slowing the metabolism and lowering immune function. Rhodiola has been shown to also have adaptogenic qualities, allowing the human body to work harder during stress, while at the same time maintaining higher energy reserves (20-25). This is important to hard-training athletes because intense stress and strain can cause significant increases in stress hormone levels like cortisol (20-25), thus diminishing results.
Synergy
The ingredients in IGF-2™, precisely blended to optimal ratios together produce a powerful synergistic combination. Synergism of hormones occurs in situations where more than one hormone produces the same effects at the target cell, and their combined effects are amplified. Safed Musli contains large amounts of the spirosta-steroidal saponins and Mucuna Pruriens, as mentioned before, converts to L-Dopa. L-Dopa converts to dopamine, which increases testosterone (via prolactin inhibition) and growth hormone through an increase in GHRH release (1,10,11,12,16,17,18,27). GH converts to IGF-1, and exerts anabolic effects in skeletal muscle. Also, and even more importantly, hormonal compounds (like desoxydiosgenin) can increase IGF-1 in muscle tissue as well, and maybe even aid in the ability of the skeletal muscles to use GH and IGF. Increased testosterone also tells the body to continue producing GH endogenously, stopping the negative feedback loop (10-12). In conclusion, IGF-2™ employs powerful inter-compound synergism, leading to more rapid muscular growth, along with increased recovery and noticeable strength increases.
NeoVar
Applied Nutriceuticals Research has recently developed one of the strongest non-steroidal products on the market, by applying the principles of Ayurvedic medicine and modern-day chemistry. Creatine Ethyl Ester (creatine monohydrate with an Ethyl Ester attached to maximize bio-availability) has been used for several years by athletes to increase size and strength (2). The compound plays a vital role in cellular energy production, by regenerating ATP in skeletal muscle. This is very important, because without ATP, muscle contraction is not possible (2). Another important component of NeoVar, Banaba, is a medicinal herb that grows in India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. It has been used for centuries as a treatment for hyperglycemia and diabetes, and the hypoglycemic effect of banaba is very similar to that of the hormone insulin (8,9,10). Insulin is a crucial hormone in creatine transport, as it is necessary for the deposition of creatine phosphate in skeletal muscle. The third component of NeoVar, Rhodiola Rosea, has been shown to increase ATP and creatine phosphate, while enhancing energy metabolism in skeletal muscle and increasing protein synthesis (15). With NeoVar, The Applied Nutriceuticals Research Team has discovered a specific product formulation and spent countless hours testing it on athletes- and we pass this research-based knowledge on to you through our products!!
The ATP-PCr System, Maximizing CP Stores, and Glucose Metabolism
ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, which is an energy molecule produced in the mitochondria of the cell. As a muscle contracts, ATP provides the energy necessary for cross-bridge cycling which enables forceful muscle contraction. Unfortunately, skeletal muscle has very limited reserves of ATP- only around 4 to 6 seconds, just enough to get an athlete moving (2). ATP is the only energy source used directly for muscle contraction, and it must be renewed as fast as it is broken down for contraction to continue. During intense exercise, like sprinting or weight training, ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate. Fortunately, ATP can be regenerated in a fraction of a second by the interaction of ADP and creatine phosphate (CP) (2). CP is a potent molecule stored in the muscles, and is mobilized to regenerate ATP when a higher demand occurs (like during strenuous exercise). Muscle cells store a great deal more CP than they do ATP, and CP will readily donate its phosphate to ADP to produce ATP. Therefore, the more CP that is available within the cell, the more ATP will be produced which results in more energy, and stronger muscle contractions.
Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase intramuscular creatine stores to varying extents (5). Most research states that the more creatine skeletal muscle can hold, the greater the benefits provided from the compound. Creatine provides a variety of anabolic effects on skeletal muscle, in addition to being a source of ATP. Studies have shown that creatine increases both total and fat-free body mass (1,5). Increased CP inside the muscle cell is a powerful anabolic stimulus for muscle hypertrophy. Greater CP stores within skeletal muscle result in an increase in intracellular water, which raises osmotic pressure within the cell. High intracellular osmotic pressure triggers heightened protein synthesis and nitrogen retention (3). This is important, because both of these factors are responsible for lean body mass gains. Most simply put, the more creatine you can hold in your muscles, the more your muscles will recover and grow.
There are many other potential benefits to creatine supplementation. Creatine has been shown to boost the activity of myogenic cells, which are satellite stem cells that have the ability to turn themselves into new muscle cells if instructed to do so by the genetic code of the body. These satellite cells fuse with an adjacent damaged muscle fiber, thereby increasing myonucleii numbers necessary for growth and repair (4). This process of myogenic maturation is called hyperplasia, and the subsequent new muscle cells formed by hyperplasia also have the ability to enable muscle hypertrophy if combined with weight training.
As we know, creatine supplementation has been shown to increase intramuscular creatine stores, but to greatly varying extents (6). Most manufacturers suggest loading, but various strategies have been used in attempts to increase total creatine concentration within skeletal muscle (1,2,3,4,5,6). In the early 90's researchers discovered that ingesting creatine w/ high glycemic carbohydrates such as dextrose dramatically raised skeletal muscle concentrations of creatine beyond regular oral supplementation alone. Up to 60% increases were noted in some subjects (a 20% raise is considered normal in most studies) using these methods (6), but the results varied greatly. While moderately effective, these techniques fall short because most ingested creatine is still not absorbed. The unabsorbed creatine accumulates outside of the targeted cells, causing a multitude of negative side effects including bloating, cramping and dehydration. The Applied Nutriceuticals researchers have taken notice of these findings, and have further researched compounds that can further aid in greater uptake of intramuscular creatine.
Creatine Monohydrate vs. Creatine Ethyl-Ester
Creatine ethyl-ester contains a lipid soluble component (the actual ethyl ester), which allows it to absorb into skeletal muscle cells more readily. This allows the user to be able take less creatine, with greater benefits.
The ingestion of high glycemic carbohydrates (such as dextrose, fructose, and sucrose) causes a large increase in blood glucose, and concurrent to this rise in blood glucose, a surge (or “spike”) of insulin (a polypeptide anabolic storage hormone) is released from the pancreas in order to control the amount of sugar in the blood (6). Insulin is particularly effective in transporting creatine and blood glucose into skeletal muscle. However, insulin can be a double-edged sword, in that while it can cause an increased deposition of glucose, protein and creatine into the muscles, it can also increase fat deposition as well.
Ideally, what was needed was a compound that directly mimics insulin and is safe for everyone to use, and would help athletes gain more muscle from the creatine they take. This is where another ingredient of NeoVar, Banaba Extract, comes in. While Banaba has been used for years in Eastern medicine to control diabetes, it is a very new compound to Western medicine. Corosolic acid (the active ingredient in Banaba) closely mimics insulin by SAFELY stimulating much greater glucose and creatine phosphate transport into cells, by translocating GLUT4 while not allowing plasma insulin levels to increase (7). In some head-to-head studies with insulin, Banaba actually performed just as well as insulin at controlling blood sugar in patients with Type II diabetes (7,8,9,10). While Banaba has a mechanism of action similar to insulin, it does have a distinct advantage over insulin, in that it is not an “equal opportunity” deposition agent, like insulin. In other words, insulin can be problematic and beneficial at the same time, in that while it can increase deposition of glucose, protein and creatine into the muscles, it can also have a negative effect by increasing body fat levels. Plus, when the body produces too much insulin over time, it begins to become insensitive to the hormone (12). Insulin insensitivity results from a down-regulation of insulin receptors on target tissue, and also a subsequent decrease in GLUT4. GLUT4 (muscle facilitative glucose isoform 4) regulates the amount of glucose allowed into skeletal muscle cells (7). Put simply, GLUT4 translocation from banaba extract helps you drive more creatine into your muscles.
Corosolic Acid (the active ingredient in Banaba Extract) has been shown to increase GLUT4 translocation in diabetic patients, allowing for greater glucose disposal in the muscle cells, while keeping plasma insulin levels the same, meaning that the intake of Banaba Extract as an insulin mimicking/glucose control agent has actually been shown to have significant nutrient repartitioning effects (7,8,9,11,12). In this case, nutrient repartitioning means that while creatine, glucose, and protein are being deposited in the muscle cells, fat is not being deposited in adipocytes (fat cells), as is the case with insulin. This is very important, because the more simple carbohydrates ingested after a workout, the more blood glucose (and creatine) there is deposited into the muscle. (7,8,9,10,11,12). This can help the athlete retain a more positive nitrogen balance, thus enhancing recovery and building muscle.
The final ingredient of NeoVar, Rhodiola Rosea, has been shown to increase ATP and creatine phosphate stores in numerous studies. At the Tomsk State University and Medical Institute in Russia, mice were given Rhodiola supplementally and made to swim to exhaustion twice a day for six days. At the end of the testing period, muscle biopsies were performed, with the Rhodiola-treated mice having 17% greater ATP levels, 45% greater creatine phosphate stores, and 53% greater muscle glycogen levels, along with lowered intramuscular concentrations of lactic acid and ammonia (13,16,17,18). It also has been shown to enhance learning, memory, and allow for greater adaptation to stress and stress hormones such as corticotropins and catecholamines (13,14,15,16,17,18). Applied Nutriceuticals Research has developed the most potent and efficient creatine available.
No other product on the market today can deliver what NeoVar does…so why waste your time and money on second-best?
For a limited time only (while supplies last), you will receive two (no, not one) FREE sample bottles of Neovar with every purchase of IGF-2!!!
IGF-2: Immediate Growth Factor
Applied Nutriceuticals Research is proud to introduce the newest and most effective anabolic product on the market, IGF-2™. IGF-2™ is a powerful blend of the strongest legally available herbal compounds, perfectly standardized to provide the highest quality and effectiveness. IGF-2™ incorporates Safed Musli, Mucuna Pruriens, Dodder Seed, and Rhodiola Rosea combined into a specific, synergistic formula that produces amazing results faster than would ever be expected from an over-the-counter preparation.
Safed Musli is an Ayurvedic herb used for centuries to improve physical strength and male fertility. We now know that this due to the high concentrations of spirosta-steroidal saponins found in this compound, which have been shown to significantly increase testosterone levels (1,2,3,6). Mucuna Pruriens, another Ayurvedic herb, contains high concentrations of L-Dopa, a compound responsible for increasing endogenous GH and testosterone secretion (15). Dodder Seed (Cuscuta Chineses) is an herb used by the Chinese for centuries to treat male impotence and infertility, which has been shown to increase cAMP production (cyclic AMP – a precursor to ATP, the primary cellular energy molecule), as well as testosterone levels (26). Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that has been shown in animal studies to boost ATP, glycogen, and Creatine Phosphate levels, and has been shown in humans to decrease physiological stress while increasing memory, alertness, and energy (23,24,25).
Product Overview
IGF-2 and Hormonal Systems
The compounds contained in IGF-2™ stimulate a variety of complex reactions and messenger systems in the body, most notably through direct gene activation and the second messenger system. Safed Musli, Mucuna Pruriens, and Dodder Seed all have been shown to increase testosterone production in the body via a number of different mechanisms (1,2,26,27).
Testosterone Production
Safed Musli, in particular, contains large amounts of Spirosta-steroidal saponins: desoxydiosgenin, tigogenin, neotigogenin, which are intermediates to various hormonal pathways in the body (1,2). When ingested, desoxydiosgenin from Safed Musli is enzymatically converted to 11-oxa-5 alpha-androstane-3,17-dione, some of which is converted to testosterone through the testes. The increased testosterone produced by this process binds to the androgen receptor (AR), signaling the muscles via mRNA to increase protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, leading to greater strength, mass, and recovery (1,2,27).
Testosterone, which is lipid soluble, diffuses through the cell wall, binding to the intracellular androgen receptor (AR). The binding causes an activation of the hormone receptor, and the activated receptor complex continues on to the nucleus of the cell, where the hormone binds to a DNA receptor protein. This signals the transcription of DNA to produce mRNA(3). The mRNA is then transplanted to the ribosomes of the cell, signaling the body to increase protein synthesis in a variety of target tissues (skeletal muscle) (3).
L-Dopa and its effects on Testosterone and Human Growth Hormone
Another important chemical mechanism of IGF-2™ is L-Dopa-induced growth hormone (GH) release, and increased testosterone secretion through prolactin inhibition. Prolactin is a hormone that regulates testosterone production, and too much of it can suppress the secretion of gonadotropins, which hinders testosterone production. By inhibiting prolactin, IGF-2 increases endogenous testosterone levels dramatically. The variety of Mucuna Pruriens used in IGF-2™ is standardized to 25% L-Dopa, delivering large amounts of this active ingredient per capsule (27). L-Dopa is a precursor to Dopamine, a powerful biogenic amine, and L-Dopa is the only method of transport of Dopamine through the blood-barrier(3,15,16). Dopamine is a potent GH and testosterone agonist, meaning that dopamine inhibits prolactin release and hypothalamic somatostatin secretion, which allows for a greater stimulatory effect of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and secretion of testosterone by the testes. GHRH signals the pituitary to release GH, a polypeptide hormone produced by the somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary (3,11,12,14,15,16). GH stimulates skeletal muscle cells to grow and, in some cases, divide. Acting directly, GH mobilizes fats from fat depots and decreases the rate of glucose intake and metabolism. In mammals, GH exerts most of its anabolic effects through being mediated by IGF; IGF is also known as somatomedin, which stimulates the uptake of amino acids from the blood and into skeletal muscle, providing for a variety of anabolic effects in the human body. This is important, as IGF-2™ provides the biochemical stimulus for the aforementioned muscle-building processes.
Dodder Seed, Rhodiola Rosea
Dodder Seed is another important component of IGF-2™ as it also activates the second messenger system, and subsequently causes adenylate cyclase to generate cAMP from ATP (3,26). cAMP generation has a variety of effects on tissue and glandular activity, but the most notable is the stimulation of the thyroid to produce thyroxin (promoting elevated fat burning). Increased cAMP levels to also activate the protein kinase enzyme, which in turn activates hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in targeted tissues(10,11,13) and signals for the production of luteinizing hormone, which elevates testosterone levels in males. Elevations in these two hormones can cause a marked increase in fat as body fuel, as well as a strong correlation to decreased body fat and increased muscle mass, density and strength.
Rhodiola Rosea also displays some individualistic qualities of greater ATP enhancement and creatine phosphate storage in animal studies. At the Tomsk State University and Medical Institute in Russia, mice were administered Rhodiola supplementation and made to swim to exhaustion twice a day for six days. At the end of the testing period, muscle biopsies were performed, with the Rhodiola-treated mice having 17% greater ATP levels 45% greater creatine phosphate stores, and 53% greater muscle glycogen levels, while having lower intramuscular concentrations of lactic acid and ammonia (23,24,25). The rosavin and salidroside content of Rhodiola Rosea has also been shown to have significant effects on stress reduction in human studies by reducing cortisol release, while optimizing levels of key brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine that function together to maintain a healthy response to stress (20-25). Blocking cortisol is a very important effect, as cortisol breaks down muscle tissue and increases body fat, slowing the metabolism and lowering immune function. Rhodiola has been shown to also have adaptogenic qualities, allowing the human body to work harder during stress, while at the same time maintaining higher energy reserves (20-25). This is important to hard-training athletes because intense stress and strain can cause significant increases in stress hormone levels like cortisol (20-25), thus diminishing results.
Synergy
The ingredients in IGF-2™, precisely blended to optimal ratios together produce a powerful synergistic combination. Synergism of hormones occurs in situations where more than one hormone produces the same effects at the target cell, and their combined effects are amplified. Safed Musli contains large amounts of the spirosta-steroidal saponins and Mucuna Pruriens, as mentioned before, converts to L-Dopa. L-Dopa converts to dopamine, which increases testosterone (via prolactin inhibition) and growth hormone through an increase in GHRH release (1,10,11,12,16,17,18,27). GH converts to IGF-1, and exerts anabolic effects in skeletal muscle. Also, and even more importantly, hormonal compounds (like desoxydiosgenin) can increase IGF-1 in muscle tissue as well, and maybe even aid in the ability of the skeletal muscles to use GH and IGF. Increased testosterone also tells the body to continue producing GH endogenously, stopping the negative feedback loop (10-12). In conclusion, IGF-2™ employs powerful inter-compound synergism, leading to more rapid muscular growth, along with increased recovery and noticeable strength increases.
NeoVar
Applied Nutriceuticals Research has recently developed one of the strongest non-steroidal products on the market, by applying the principles of Ayurvedic medicine and modern-day chemistry. Creatine Ethyl Ester (creatine monohydrate with an Ethyl Ester attached to maximize bio-availability) has been used for several years by athletes to increase size and strength (2). The compound plays a vital role in cellular energy production, by regenerating ATP in skeletal muscle. This is very important, because without ATP, muscle contraction is not possible (2). Another important component of NeoVar, Banaba, is a medicinal herb that grows in India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. It has been used for centuries as a treatment for hyperglycemia and diabetes, and the hypoglycemic effect of banaba is very similar to that of the hormone insulin (8,9,10). Insulin is a crucial hormone in creatine transport, as it is necessary for the deposition of creatine phosphate in skeletal muscle. The third component of NeoVar, Rhodiola Rosea, has been shown to increase ATP and creatine phosphate, while enhancing energy metabolism in skeletal muscle and increasing protein synthesis (15). With NeoVar, The Applied Nutriceuticals Research Team has discovered a specific product formulation and spent countless hours testing it on athletes- and we pass this research-based knowledge on to you through our products!!
The ATP-PCr System, Maximizing CP Stores, and Glucose Metabolism
ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, which is an energy molecule produced in the mitochondria of the cell. As a muscle contracts, ATP provides the energy necessary for cross-bridge cycling which enables forceful muscle contraction. Unfortunately, skeletal muscle has very limited reserves of ATP- only around 4 to 6 seconds, just enough to get an athlete moving (2). ATP is the only energy source used directly for muscle contraction, and it must be renewed as fast as it is broken down for contraction to continue. During intense exercise, like sprinting or weight training, ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate. Fortunately, ATP can be regenerated in a fraction of a second by the interaction of ADP and creatine phosphate (CP) (2). CP is a potent molecule stored in the muscles, and is mobilized to regenerate ATP when a higher demand occurs (like during strenuous exercise). Muscle cells store a great deal more CP than they do ATP, and CP will readily donate its phosphate to ADP to produce ATP. Therefore, the more CP that is available within the cell, the more ATP will be produced which results in more energy, and stronger muscle contractions.
Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase intramuscular creatine stores to varying extents (5). Most research states that the more creatine skeletal muscle can hold, the greater the benefits provided from the compound. Creatine provides a variety of anabolic effects on skeletal muscle, in addition to being a source of ATP. Studies have shown that creatine increases both total and fat-free body mass (1,5). Increased CP inside the muscle cell is a powerful anabolic stimulus for muscle hypertrophy. Greater CP stores within skeletal muscle result in an increase in intracellular water, which raises osmotic pressure within the cell. High intracellular osmotic pressure triggers heightened protein synthesis and nitrogen retention (3). This is important, because both of these factors are responsible for lean body mass gains. Most simply put, the more creatine you can hold in your muscles, the more your muscles will recover and grow.
There are many other potential benefits to creatine supplementation. Creatine has been shown to boost the activity of myogenic cells, which are satellite stem cells that have the ability to turn themselves into new muscle cells if instructed to do so by the genetic code of the body. These satellite cells fuse with an adjacent damaged muscle fiber, thereby increasing myonucleii numbers necessary for growth and repair (4). This process of myogenic maturation is called hyperplasia, and the subsequent new muscle cells formed by hyperplasia also have the ability to enable muscle hypertrophy if combined with weight training.
As we know, creatine supplementation has been shown to increase intramuscular creatine stores, but to greatly varying extents (6). Most manufacturers suggest loading, but various strategies have been used in attempts to increase total creatine concentration within skeletal muscle (1,2,3,4,5,6). In the early 90's researchers discovered that ingesting creatine w/ high glycemic carbohydrates such as dextrose dramatically raised skeletal muscle concentrations of creatine beyond regular oral supplementation alone. Up to 60% increases were noted in some subjects (a 20% raise is considered normal in most studies) using these methods (6), but the results varied greatly. While moderately effective, these techniques fall short because most ingested creatine is still not absorbed. The unabsorbed creatine accumulates outside of the targeted cells, causing a multitude of negative side effects including bloating, cramping and dehydration. The Applied Nutriceuticals researchers have taken notice of these findings, and have further researched compounds that can further aid in greater uptake of intramuscular creatine.
Creatine Monohydrate vs. Creatine Ethyl-Ester
Creatine ethyl-ester contains a lipid soluble component (the actual ethyl ester), which allows it to absorb into skeletal muscle cells more readily. This allows the user to be able take less creatine, with greater benefits.
The ingestion of high glycemic carbohydrates (such as dextrose, fructose, and sucrose) causes a large increase in blood glucose, and concurrent to this rise in blood glucose, a surge (or “spike”) of insulin (a polypeptide anabolic storage hormone) is released from the pancreas in order to control the amount of sugar in the blood (6). Insulin is particularly effective in transporting creatine and blood glucose into skeletal muscle. However, insulin can be a double-edged sword, in that while it can cause an increased deposition of glucose, protein and creatine into the muscles, it can also increase fat deposition as well.
Ideally, what was needed was a compound that directly mimics insulin and is safe for everyone to use, and would help athletes gain more muscle from the creatine they take. This is where another ingredient of NeoVar, Banaba Extract, comes in. While Banaba has been used for years in Eastern medicine to control diabetes, it is a very new compound to Western medicine. Corosolic acid (the active ingredient in Banaba) closely mimics insulin by SAFELY stimulating much greater glucose and creatine phosphate transport into cells, by translocating GLUT4 while not allowing plasma insulin levels to increase (7). In some head-to-head studies with insulin, Banaba actually performed just as well as insulin at controlling blood sugar in patients with Type II diabetes (7,8,9,10). While Banaba has a mechanism of action similar to insulin, it does have a distinct advantage over insulin, in that it is not an “equal opportunity” deposition agent, like insulin. In other words, insulin can be problematic and beneficial at the same time, in that while it can increase deposition of glucose, protein and creatine into the muscles, it can also have a negative effect by increasing body fat levels. Plus, when the body produces too much insulin over time, it begins to become insensitive to the hormone (12). Insulin insensitivity results from a down-regulation of insulin receptors on target tissue, and also a subsequent decrease in GLUT4. GLUT4 (muscle facilitative glucose isoform 4) regulates the amount of glucose allowed into skeletal muscle cells (7). Put simply, GLUT4 translocation from banaba extract helps you drive more creatine into your muscles.
Corosolic Acid (the active ingredient in Banaba Extract) has been shown to increase GLUT4 translocation in diabetic patients, allowing for greater glucose disposal in the muscle cells, while keeping plasma insulin levels the same, meaning that the intake of Banaba Extract as an insulin mimicking/glucose control agent has actually been shown to have significant nutrient repartitioning effects (7,8,9,11,12). In this case, nutrient repartitioning means that while creatine, glucose, and protein are being deposited in the muscle cells, fat is not being deposited in adipocytes (fat cells), as is the case with insulin. This is very important, because the more simple carbohydrates ingested after a workout, the more blood glucose (and creatine) there is deposited into the muscle. (7,8,9,10,11,12). This can help the athlete retain a more positive nitrogen balance, thus enhancing recovery and building muscle.
The final ingredient of NeoVar, Rhodiola Rosea, has been shown to increase ATP and creatine phosphate stores in numerous studies. At the Tomsk State University and Medical Institute in Russia, mice were given Rhodiola supplementally and made to swim to exhaustion twice a day for six days. At the end of the testing period, muscle biopsies were performed, with the Rhodiola-treated mice having 17% greater ATP levels, 45% greater creatine phosphate stores, and 53% greater muscle glycogen levels, along with lowered intramuscular concentrations of lactic acid and ammonia (13,16,17,18). It also has been shown to enhance learning, memory, and allow for greater adaptation to stress and stress hormones such as corticotropins and catecholamines (13,14,15,16,17,18). Applied Nutriceuticals Research has developed the most potent and efficient creatine available.
No other product on the market today can deliver what NeoVar does…so why waste your time and money on second-best?
