<body><h1>Sulfo-Polysaccharide Extract </h1><p><br></p><p> syn. cystoseira canariensis</p><p> </p><p><div id=’imgblock’><img data-pointer=’9123’/></div></p><p> </p><h2> Description: </h2><p> </p><p> This sport supplement consists of a concentrated blend of natural sulfated polysaccharides that have been extracted from brown seaweed (specifically the species cystoseira canariensis). Brown seaweed extracts like this have been shown to possess a number of biological activities in humans, the most widely studied of which are antioxidant and anti-viral. This particular extract has been heavily promoted to inhibit the human myostatin protein, a negative regulator of muscle growth. By binding this protein, it has been stated that sulfo-polysaccharide extract can support an increase in skeletal muscle mass and strength.</p><p> </p><p> Sulfo-polysaccharide extract was first released as a sport supplement in 2002. Around this time, myostatin had been the subject of much scientific research and discussion. In particular, it was shown that inhibiting myostatin in certain animals (such as mice and bulls) caused them to develop enormous amounts of muscle mass compared to those with a normally functioning protein. Naturally, a dietary supplement that could inhibit the myostatin protein garnered a great deal of public interest. Unfortunately, this supplement did not appear to have the stated physiological effect. Recent studies have suggested that sulfo-polysaccharide extract does not have any myostatin-inhibiting or performance-enhancing effect, and the original manufacturer has since abandoned this supplement. It may remain available through other suppliers.</p><p> </p><h2> Promoted Benefits:</h2><p> Sulfo-polysaccharide extract is promoted to inhibit myostatin and increase muscle mass and strength. </p><p> </p><h2> Clinical Studies: </h2><p> The use of sulfo-polysaccharide extract as a sport supplement is only supported by one in-vitro clinical study. Its Clinical Support Rating is 1 (1/ 5).</p><p> </p><p> The one potentially supportive study that was published on sulfo-polysaccharide extract involved its incubation in serum with the myostatin protein.505 The investigators reported that sulfo-polysaccharide extract was able to bind myostatin. This is a preliminary investigation only, and may not relate to any bioactive effect in humans supplementing this extract. </p><p> </p><p> There have been two additional placebo-controlled studies examining the effects of sulfo-polysaccharide extract on exercising adults. Neither study supports the use of sulfo-polysaccharide extract as a sport supplement.</p><p> </p><p> The first study examined the supplementation of 1,200 mg/day for 12 weeks in a group of resistance trained men.506 The study did not find any significant difference between supplement and placebo groups with regard to total body mass, fat-free mass, muscle strength, or thigh volume/mass. Furthermore, an examination of serum myostatin showed that sulfopolysaccharide extract did not inhibit this protein.</p><p> </p><p> The second study involved the supplementation of sulfo-polysaccharide extract for eight weeks (500 mg/day) in a group of men with resistance training experience.507 Investigators could not find any statistically significant or strong trends of improvement caused by sulfo-polysaccharide extract in any marker of performance, anabolic/catabolic status, or body composition. </p><p> </p><h2> Empirical Evidence: </h2><p> Sulfo-polysaccharide extract has been widely used as a stand-alone supplement. Given the high interest in myostatin at the time this ingredient was released to market, many consumers had strong expectations for it. Unfortunately, individual experiences did not live up to these expectations. A strong majority of people reported that they did not notice any benefit with regard to muscle mass or strength from the supplement. Only a small number of users seemed to report that a positive response might have occurred, which may simply be due to placebo effect. Sulfo-polysaccharide extract has an Empirical Evidence Rating of 1 (1/5).</p><p> </p><h2> Effective Dosage: </h2><p> An effective dosage of this supplement has not been established. Manufacturers commonly recommend 1,000-2,000 mg per day. </p><p> </p><h2> Side Effects / Safety: </h2><p> Sulfo-polysaccharide was well tolerated during clinical studies, with no reported side effects. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></body>
