lifted said:
^^^
Yes, I must've misread that concerning hairloss. Nandi's advice is always welcomed, thx.
Since the plant sterols are only idnetified by their chemical formulas, we have no way of knowing how strongly they bind to the AR. But this issue is likely muted by the overall poor bioavailability of plant sterols in general. While these compounds may contribute a minor anabolic (and suppressive) effect, the primary mode of action of Cissus is blocking the catabolic action of cortisol.
After a cycle, cortisol is normal but testosterone is low. Normally enough testosterone is present in the body to antagonize enough of the cortisol receptors so a balance is met. Post cycle, the catabolic effects of cortisol dominate; this is one reason we are so prone to losing our hard earned gains we made during our cycle.
Here is what one representative study said about phytosteroids. Essentially, one would have to inject Cissus to see any significant suppressive effect:
: Int J Sport Nutr. 1991 Jun;1(2):170-7.
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Gamma oryzanol-plant sterol supplementation: metabolic, endocrine, and physiologic effects.[/size]
Wheeler KB, Garleb KA.
Medical Department, Ross Laboratories, Columbus, OH 43216.
The use of gamma-oryzanol and phytosterols is gaining popularity among various athletic populations. These compounds are being consumed in the belief that they elicit anabolic effects ranging from increased testosterone production and release to stimulating human growth hormone release. However, published scientific studies suggest that these compounds are poorly absorbed. Furthermore, animal studies indicate that when these compounds are injected subcutaneously or intravenously, they induce antianabolic or catabolic activity. Normally, less than 5% of orally consumed phytosterols are absorbed from the intestinal tract, with the majority being excreted in the feces. Intravenous or subcutaneous injections of gamma-oryzanol in rats have been shown to suppress luteinizing hormone release, reduce growth hormone synthesis and release, and increase release of the catecholamines, dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. Although it hasn't been directly measured, this metabolic milieu, if accurate, may actually reduce testosterone production.
Note the passage about the plant sterols exhibiting a catabolic effect when injected. Since numerous experiments have shown Cissus to be anabolic, here again is evidence that these plant sterols are only contributing a minor effect, if at all, to the action of Cissus
Taking note of the above about gamma-oryznol, it sounds like it should be avoided at all costs. Yet it is quite healthful, and orally none of the adverse effects associated with it are seen. So it is impossible to extrapolate from injectable to oral use:
Int J Sport Nutr. 1997 Dec;7(4):318-29.
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The effects of gamma-oryzanol supplementation during resistance exercise training.[/size]
Fry AC, Bonner E, Lewis DL, Johnson RL, Stone MH, Kraemer WJ.
Exercise and Sport Science Laboratories, University of Memphis, TN 38152, USA.
To determine the effectiveness of gamma-oryzanol supplementation, weight-trained males were randomly divided into supplemented (G-O) and control placebo (Con) groups. The G-O group ingested 500 mg.day-1 of gamma-oryzanol according to manufacturer's instructions. Test batteries were administered before (T1), after 4 weeks (T2), and after 9 weeks (T3) of a periodized resistance exercise program. Both groups demonstrated significant increases in 1 repetition maximum muscular strength (bench press and squat) and vertical jump power, with no differences between the groups. No differences between groups were observed for measures of circulating concentrations of hormones (testosterone, cortisol, estradiol, growth hormone, insulin, beta-endorphin), minerals (calcium, magnesium), binding protein (albumin), or blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol). Resting cardiovascular variables decreased similarly for both groups. These data suggest that 9 weeks of 500 mg.day-1 of gamma-oryzanol supplementation does not influence performance or related physiological parameters in moderately weight-trained males.
