Hydra Research Summary 

Arachidonic Acid 

Omega-6 ‘cousin’ to EPA that is synthesized from linoleic acid; Found in the brain where it comprises 10-12% of total fatty acids and in muscle, comprising 15-17% of total fatty acids1 

Provides inflammation, a necessary immune response to repairing damaged tissue that is activated during injury or irritation (such as strength training); Precursor to various leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and thromboxane - collectively known as eicosanoids2 

Produces two prostaglandins – PGE2 & PGE2α; Work to increase protein breakdown and stimulate protein synthesis – Translates to potentially increasing skeletal muscle fiber growth3,4 

Suggested to increase lean body mass, strength, and power output5,6 

Eucommia Ulmoides Extract 

Contains phytoandrogens which can help augment signaling of other androgens through androgen receptors, therefore increasing their efficacy7 

Shown to provide muscle-building effects through androgen receptors without the negative prostate or hair-loss  stimulation effects associated with testosterone8 

May potentially aid in skeletal muscle development, bone density improvement, increased training capacity, and increases in libido9–11 

Smilax sieboldii (Std. For Laxogenin) 

Plant-based compound referred to as one of the brassinosteroids12 

Exhibits anabolic properties similar to that of the drug Anavar, yet is NON-hormonal and does not interfere with the body’s natural endocrine system (doesn’t alter testosterone nor estrogen levels).13 

Potentially aids in the growth of lean muscle mass and improved body composition14 

Apigenin 

Naturally occurring compound found in parsley, but also in smaller quantities in celery, oranges, grapefruit, and chamomile15 

Shown to act as an anti-inflammatory agent for reducing inflammation related issues16 

Research has shown it to not only enhance muscle hypertrophy but to also prevent muscle breakdown17 

Black Pepper Extract 

Increases the bioavailability of other ingredients and increases time active in the system by downregulating enzymes18 

Shown to increase absorption by slowing intestinal transit rate and thus prolonging the time said compounds are exposed to the potential uptake19 

Inhibits glucuronidation in the liver, a process that attaches a molecule (glucuronide) to drugs to signal for their urinary excretion. This is a natural process that safeguards the body from too high of levels of drugs and supplements, but on the downside, it inhibits all uptake and renders some supplements useless.20Page Break 

References  

1. Brash A. Arachidonic acid as a bioactive molecule.J Clin Invest. 2001;107(11):1339-1345. doi:10.1172/JCI13210 
2. Calder P. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation, and immunity.Lipids J. 2001;36(9):1007-1024. doi:10.1007/s11745-001-0812-7 
3. De Souza E. Effects of Arachidonic Acid Supplementation on Acute Anabolic Signaling and Chronic Functional Performance and Body Composition Adaptations.PLoS One. 2016;11(5):E0155153. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0155153 
4. Akasaka H. Identification of the two-phase mechanism of arachidonic acid regulating inflammatory prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis by targeting COX-2 and mPGES-1.Arch Biochem Biophys. 2016;603:29-37. doi:10.1016/j.abb.2016.04.011 
5. Roberts M. Effects of arachidonic acid supplementation on training adaptations in resistance-trained males.J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007;4(21). doi:10.1186/1550-2783-4-21 
6. Markworth J. Arachidonic acid supplementation transiently augments the acute inflammatory response to resistance exercise in trained men.J Appl Physiol. 2018;125(2):271-286. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00169.2018 
7. Ong V. Novel phytoandrogens and lipidic augmenters from Eucommia ulmoides.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007;7(3). doi:10.1186/1472-6882-7-3 
8. Hussain T. Health-Promoting Properties of Eucommia ulmoides: A Review.Evid Based Complement Altern Med. Published online March 2016. doi:10.1155/2016/5202908 
9. Kim JY. Effects of Eucommia ulmoides extract on longitudinal bone growth rate in adolescent female rats.Phytother Res. 2015;29(1):148=53. doi:10.1002/ptr.5195 
10. Yanmei L. Changes in Lactate Dehydrogenase and 3-Hydroxyacetyl-CoA Dehydrenase Activities in Rat Skeletal Muscle by the Administration of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver Leaf with Spontaneous Running-training.Biol Pharm Bull. 1999;22(9). doi:10.1248/bpb.22.941 
11. Lim P. Asian herbals and aphrodisiacs used for managing ED.Transl Androl Urol. 2017;6(2). doi:10.21037/tau.2017.04.04 
12. Wang Q. Synthesis of brassinosteroids analogues from laxogenin and their plant growth promotion.Nat Prod Res. 2015;29(2):149-157. doi:10.1080/14786419.2014.968151 
13. Tian L. Steroidal Saponins from the Genus Smilax and Their Biological Activities.Nat Prod Bioprospecting. 2017;7(4):283-298. doi:10.1007/s13659-017-0139-5 
14. Bishop G. Brassinosteroids and Plant Steroid Hormone Signaling.Plant Cell. 2002;14(Suppl):S97-110. doi:10.1105/tpc.001461 
15. He X. Protective role of apigenin in cisplatin-induced renal injury.Eur J Pharmacol. 2016;789:215-221. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.07.003 
16. Leyva-Lopez N. Flavonoids as Cytokine Modulators: A Possible Therapy for Inflammation-Related Diseases.Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(6). doi:10.3390/ijms17060921 
17. Jang YJ. Apigenin enhances skeletal muscle hypertrophy and myoblast differentiation by regulating Prmt7.Oncotarget. 2017;8(45):78300-78311. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.20962 
18. Kesarwani K. Bioavailability enhancers of herbal origin: An overview.Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013;3(4):253-266. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60060-X 
19. Mehmood M. Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of black pepper and piperine in gastrointestinal disorders.J Med Food. 13(5). doi:10.1089/jmf.2010.1065 
20. Han H. The effects of black pepper on the intestinal absorption and hepatic metabolism of drugs.Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2011;7(6):721-729. doi:10.1517/17425255.2011.570332