Permitted drugs that enhance anabolism

Author: S. Kulineнкov (book "Pharmacology of Sports").
2011-03-31

This group of drugs includes pharmacological agents of various structures and origins that enhance protein biosynthesis in the body (have an anabolic effect) through their action on various mechanisms and thereby contribute to accelerated muscle growth. However, they are not prohibited substances and do not belong to the class of anabolic steroids.

Below are some anabolic agents (anabolics) along with their characteristics. The drugs obtained from the extracts of the stems and roots of Leuzea safflower, which grows in Central Asia, Kazakhstan, and the Far East, are promising in terms of anabolic action.

Ecdisten

(Contains 0.005 g of the active substance from Leuzea) has a tonic and anabolic effect (essentially being a natural anabolic). Despite its steroidal structure, ecdisten lacks the harmful side effects associated with testosterone and anabolic steroid medications. Prolonged use of ecdisten, even in high doses (6-9 tablets per day for 3-4 weeks), does not cause disturbances in the levels of key hormones (cortisol, somatotropic hormone, testosterone, insulin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, etc.) in the blood, nor does it negatively affect the liver. Ecdisten is not considered doping and can be used without any restrictions from the perspective of anti-doping control.

During aerobic developing exercises, it is recommended to take 2 tablets (0.01 g) of ecdisten 3 times a day after meals. With intense athletic loads, the intake can be increased to 9 tablets a day (3 times 3). The usual course of intake lasts 18-20 days. It is recommended to combine the use of ecdisten with vitamin B or multivitamin complexes.

Cobamamide, a coenzyme of vitamin B12, can also be classified as an anabolic-type agent, and its intake should be combined with meals rich in protein and amino acids. Cobamamide tablets are taken at a dose of 2-3 tablets per day, 30 minutes before meals. The course lasts 2-4 weeks.

Potassium Orotate

(Potassium salt of orotic acid) - orotic acid, formed in the body, is a precursor of pyrimidine amino acids, which make up nucleic acids. It has an anabolic effect and stimulates hematopoiesis. To enhance its effect on the myocardium, it is used in conjunction with riboxin. It helps shorten the time for medium-altitude and climatic adaptation. It is available in tablets of 0.25 g. Recommended dosage is 0.25-0.1 g taken 2-3 times a day, 1 hour before meals or 4 hours after meals for 15-20 days.

Methyluracil

A pyrimidine derivative, structurally and functionally similar to potassium orotate. The drug promotes protein synthesis and stimulates the process of hematopoiesis. It is used to increase endurance and performance during high-volume training loads, as an anabolic agent, as well as in the treatment of "overstrain." It is available in tablets of 0.5 g. It is recommended to take 2-3 tablets 3 times a day during or after meals.

L-Carnitine

A natural substance related to vitamin B, present in cardiac and skeletal muscles. It participates in metabolic processes as a carrier of fatty acids through membranes into mitochondria—the site of beta-oxidation, where they burn to produce a large amount of energy; it stimulates fat metabolism and stabilizes the immune system.

L-Carnitine determines the overall amount of energy produced in the body, increases performance during moderate, high, and submaximal training. With the intake of the drug, aerobic energy sources are utilized more intensively while simultaneously stimulating the body's anaerobic capabilities, which helps to conserve glycogen and glucose reserves during extended intense training sessions. Overall and special performance, resistance, and endurance are improved, fatigue is reduced, and muscle mass increases.

In endurance sports, it contributes to accelerating recovery processes. In strength-speed sports, it has a stimulating effect on muscle growth when taken at 2 g per 70 kg of body weight (2 teaspoons of a 20% solution) twice a day in the morning and afternoon, 30 minutes before meals, diluted with liquid. It is available as a 20% solution "Elkar" in 50 ml bottles, as well as a dietary supplement "Carnifit" (which contains 10% L-Carnitine).

Mildronate

The drug is a structural analogue of the precursor of carnitine—beta-butyrobetaine. The anabolic properties of Mildronate are stronger than those of carnitine. For this purpose, taking Mildronate during intensive loads is recommended at a dosage of 1-2 capsules 30 minutes after meals 2-3 times a day for 10-14 days.