Proprietary Botanical Blend Extract
Also known as: Botanical blend, Proprietary botanical extract, Polyphenol botanical blend, Proprietary Botanical Blend Extract
Overview
Proprietary botanical blends are mixtures of plant extracts combined in specific ratios, often standardized for bioactive compounds. Common botanical components include *Sphaeranthus indicus*, *Mangifera indica*, turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper. These blends are marketed for muscle strength and endurance enhancement, anti-inflammatory and immune support, and sleep quality improvement. They are characterized by the synergistic effects of combined botanicals targeting multiple physiological pathways such as muscle protein synthesis, antioxidant activity, and modulation of inflammatory and immune responses. Research on these blends is emerging to moderate, with some blends having undergone randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with human subjects, but overall evidence is still limited and specific to blend composition. The quality of available evidence includes RCTs with adequate sample sizes and some meta-analyses on individual botanical components, but few systematic reviews on proprietary blends as a whole.
Benefits
A botanical blend of *Sphaeranthus indicus* flower head and *Mangifera indica* bark (in a 2:1 ratio) at 650 mg daily has been shown to improve muscle strength and endurance in young men undergoing resistance exercise training over 8 weeks, with statistically significant gains compared to placebo. Similar benefits have been observed with doses of 425 mg and 850 mg of this blend in resistance training-naïve healthy young men. A polyphenol botanical blend has also demonstrated significant improvement in subjective sleep quality compared to placebo, though no significant changes in sleep onset latency or REM sleep percentage were observed. Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects have been reported for blends containing turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper, based on preclinical and animal studies.
How it works
Proprietary botanical blends work through multiple mechanisms depending on their composition. Some blends activate the mTOR signaling pathway and upregulate muscle-specific transcription factors (myogenin, myoD), promoting muscle protein synthesis. They can also enhance mitochondrial function and nitric oxide generation in endothelial cells, supporting muscle endurance and vascular function. Additionally, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are achieved via bioactive polyphenols and capsaicinoids, modulating immune responses and oxidative stress. The absorption and bioavailability of these blends vary by botanical, with black pepper (piperine) known to enhance the bioavailability of other compounds like curcumin.
Side effects
Proprietary botanical blend extracts are generally well tolerated in studied doses, with no serious adverse events reported in RCTs. Common side effects have not been reported in the cited studies. Potential interactions with anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory drugs due to bioactive compounds exist, so caution is advised. Contraindications are not well established, but caution is warranted in pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with known allergies to botanical components. Studies have primarily been conducted in healthy young men, and the safety in other populations requires further research.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of a *Sphaeranthus indicus* and *Mangifera indica* blend is approximately 425 mg daily, showing some efficacy. Optimal dosage ranges are between 650 mg to 850 mg daily, demonstrating significant benefits in muscle strength and endurance. The maximum safe dose is not clearly established, as doses above 850 mg have not been studied in RCTs. These blends are typically administered daily during resistance training programs, though the timing relative to exercise is not specified. Water-soluble extracts are commonly used in studies, and standardization of active compounds is recommended. The inclusion of piperine-containing black pepper extracts may enhance bioavailability.
FAQs
Is the proprietary botanical blend safe?
Yes, within studied doses and populations, it appears safe with no significant adverse effects reported.
How long before benefits are seen?
Muscle strength improvements have been observed after 8 weeks of supplementation combined with resistance training.
Can it be used without exercise?
Evidence supports benefits primarily when combined with resistance exercise; effects without exercise are unclear.
Are all botanical blends the same?
No, effects depend heavily on the specific botanical components and their ratios.
Does it improve sleep?
Some blends with polyphenols may improve subjective sleep quality but do not significantly alter sleep architecture.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1393917/full – This RCT found that 650 mg of a blend of *S. indicus* and *M. indica* improved muscle strength and endurance compared to placebo in young men undergoing resistance training. The study highlights the potential of this botanical blend to enhance muscle performance when combined with exercise.
- https://foodandnutritionresearch.net/index.php/fnr/article/view/8972 – This RCT demonstrated that a blend of *S. indicus* flower head and *M. indica* bark (LI12542F6) increased muscle size, strength, and endurance in healthy men. The study suggests that this specific botanical blend can be an effective supplement for improving muscle performance.
- https://researchportal.northumbria.ac.uk/files/55708224/ijerph_18_03044.pdf – This RCT indicated that a polyphenol botanical blend improved subjective sleep quality in adults with mild sleep issues. While the study showed improvements in subjective measures, it did not find significant changes in objective sleep parameters like sleep onset latency or REM sleep percentage.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11995447/ – This article discusses the potential benefits of botanical blends for various health outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific composition and mechanisms of action of these blends to ensure their efficacy and safety.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11945807/ – This resource provides information on the use of botanical blends in traditional medicine. It highlights the synergistic effects of combining different plant extracts and their potential to address various health conditions.
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