|
» »
Pharmaceutical pharmacology for amateurs: a review of medications
Author: Sergey Yezhov - sports medicine physician. All articles by the author ➤
Important! We do not advocate for the use of steroids and other potent substances. All information is provided so that those who still decide to take them can do so with minimal health risks. At the very beginning of this article, I would like to warn you that the use of any medications, even vitamins, should be agreed upon with a doctor. One should never harm their health for no reason. Today, the fitness industry and the cult of the beautiful body are becoming increasingly popular around the world. People are seeking any means to build the perfect body. Often, many of them take risks by using prohibited substances. In this publication, we will take a brief look at medications that can be purchased at any pharmacy and are relatively safe for use even by beginner athletes. They can be conditionally divided into the following groups:
1. Herbal AdaptogensThe most common adaptogens used in sports include:
By participating in metabolic processes, they enhance the body's performance, making it more resistant to prolonged physical and psycho-emotional stress. However, the effect is achieved at doses significantly higher than the recommended levels. For example, ginseng root is taken at 25-30 drops three times a day after meals, while eleutherococcus tincture is taken at 1 teaspoon twice a day. Additionally, they improve liver and myocardium functions, enhance the body’s protein synthesis, stimulate recovery and regeneration processes, and increase the oxygen potential of erythrocytes. It should be noted that the anabolic effect of herbal adaptogens is realized only against the background of training influences, so they should be used with adequate physical loads. These medications have a moderate psycho-stimulatory effect, so they should not be used by people suffering from sleep disorders, high blood pressure, and tachycardia. 2. AnabolicsAnabolic drugs, or anabolic agents, increase the rate of metabolic processes in the body by stimulating protein synthesis within cells. Glutamic acid participates in nitrogen metabolism and detoxification of ammonia. Additionally, it positively affects the central nervous system (take 2 tablets twice a day after meals). Methionine, being an essential amino acid, activates the action of sex hormones, vitamins B12, C, and folic acid (2 tablets twice a day). Orotic acid or potassium orotate acts as a stimulator of protein synthesis inside cells. Safinor is a combined preparation that contains riboxin, potassium orotate, saparal, and flowerin. It stimulates protein and energy metabolism and helps adapt the body to significant physical stress (2 tablets twice a day). Carnitine (carnitine hydrochloride) is better known in sports circles as a fat burner. However, in addition, it participates in anabolic processes by enhancing fat metabolism and increasing cellular energy production. It is synthesized in the liver from methionine and lysine in the presence of vitamins C, B6, and PP, as well as iron. Ecdysterone is a steroid preparation of plant origin. It is one of the most effective substances allowed for use. It is obtained from the leaves and roots of plants such as Rhaponticum carthamoides and Leuzea carthamoides from the Asteraceae family. Ecdysterone has a pronounced tonic effect and moderate anabolic action. Its molecular mechanisms of action are similar to those of anabolic steroids (it binds to receptors on the membranes of muscle cells, is transported by cytoplasmic receptors to the cell nucleus, where it regulates the synthesis of nucleic acids, which in turn control protein biosynthesis), although it is significantly less effective than steroids. 3. AntioxidantsAntioxidants, such as:
4. Energy-enhancing MedicationsAmong the means that increase the energy potential of cells, Mildronate (Mildronat) has gained the most popularity. It has created a lot of buzz in modern doping wars. Mildronate increases the energy potential of cells by stimulating oxygen transport into the mitochondria. The recommended dosage is 15-20 mg per kg of body weight once a day, preferably 30 minutes before training. Recommended cycles of use range from 6 weeks to 3 months. After that, it is necessary to take a break to prevent the development of resistance to the drug. Trimethazidine has properties that are very similar to those of the popular drug Mildronate. It contributes to an increase in the oxygen potential of cells, enhances intracellular energy, prevents the action and formation of free radicals, and increases resistance to physical exertion. Sodium adenosine triphosphate is used as intramuscular injections and also enhances the energy potential of cells. 5. Psycho-stimulantsOf the drugs that stimulate the CNS, Piracetam (Noopept) is the best known. It improves neural transmission between brain cells, enhancing their potential neurophysiological capabilities. The drug has a tonic effect and increases performance. It affects the metabolism of certain amino acids (alanine, aspartic acid, leucine, proline) and macro-energy phosphates. 6. Vitamin and Mineral ComplexesDo not forget about vitamins. Increased physical exertion requires an increase in their content in the daily diet. Although they may not directly affect muscle mass gain, vitamins are coenzymes; that is, they are substances that participate in absolutely all processes in the body. As for dosages, this is also a rather debatable and ambiguous issue. Personally, I recommend that my clients consume vitamin complexes for athletes. The dosages of active substances in them are significantly higher than in pharmacy analogs. So that's basically everything I wanted to discuss in this overview. However, the market for pharmacological preparations is constantly expanding, so a continuation of this article may follow. Wishing you good luck in your sports endeavors and new achievements! SIMILAR ARTICLES
COMMENTS |