Sarcopenia: effects of Robuvit® supplementation on loss of muscular mass and strength

The aim of this pilot registry study was to evaluate the effects of the supplement Robuvit^® (French oak wood extract) in otherwise healthy subjects with sarcopenia. Robuvit^® is used in several conditions including convalescence, fatigue, vigor loss, hepatic failure and liver inflammatory conditions. Subjects (30 male subjects and an equivalent control group) were evaluated for a period of 3 months. Standard management (SM) was compared to SM+Robuvit^® (3 cp/day; 300 mg/day).

Sixty male subjects (age 70-80 years) with loss of muscular mass and strength were included; 30 subjects used Robuvit^® 300 mg/day and 30 served as controls. Both groups were comparable at baseline.

The tolerability was very good. After 3 months, body fat percentage decreased significantly in the supplement group compared to controls (P<0.05). Hand strength, measured using hand grip dynamometry, was significantly increased in the supplemented subjects compared to controls (P<0.05). Muscular vascularization, assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry, improved significantly in the supplemented group compared to controls (P<0.05). The subjective perception of vigor significantly increased in the subjects using Robuvit^® compared to controls (P<0.05). After 3 months, plasma oxidative stress was significantly decreased with the supplement compared to controls (P<0.05). The urinary excretion of 3-methylhistidine (3MEH) significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the Robuvit^® group compared to controls, suggesting a reduced level of muscle breakdown.

In conclusion, this pilot registry study suggests that 'primary' (idiopathic) sarcopenia can be reduced in otherwise healthy subjects with supplementation of Robuvit^®. Robuvit^® increased hand strength, muscular vascularization, subjective vigor and reduced plasma oxidative stress and urinary excretion of 3-methylhistidine a marker of muscle loss after 3 months.