The effects of spilanthol (SA3X) supplementation on muscle size and strength in healthy men - a randomized...

To assess the effects of daily spilanthol (SA3X) supplementation over three months on muscle metrics and hormonal profiles in healthy males.

A total of 546 participants were randomized into SA3X or placebo groups, with or without structured exercise. Muscle size (mid-arm, chest, thigh circumference) and strength (bench-press, squatting) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Serum testosterone (total and free), estradiol, and SHBG levels were assessed.

Among the participants in the exercise groups, those given SA3X had significant increases than those given placebo in terms of muscle size - mid-arm muscle circumference (10.54 vs. 7.21 cm; p<0.05), chest circumference (15.23 vs. 10.82; p<0.05) and thigh circumference (change in quadriceps area, 12.84 vs. 9.01 cm; p<0.05) and significant increases in strength in the bench-press (85.01 vs. 65.09 kg, p<0.05) and squatting exercises (155.04 vs. 95.06 kg, p<0.05). The participants assigned to the SA3X-no-exercise group had significant increases in muscle size than those assigned to the placebo-no-exercise group (p<0.05). A significant increase was also observed in total and free testosterone levels in SA3X group as compared to placebo (p<0.05). No significant increase was seen in estradiol levels. No significant adverse effects were observed among the participants.

SA3X supplementation significantly enhanced muscle size, strength, and testosterone levels in exercising participants compared to placebo, with additional benefits observed even without exercise.