Cystoseira canariensis's therapeutic uses
Cystoseira canariensis is a type of brown seaweed that has gained attention for its potential therapeutic uses, particularly in the context of muscle growth enhancement. Research suggests that extracts from this seaweed may inhibit myostatin, a protein that restricts muscle cell growth, potentially offering benefits for athletes and individuals looking to increase muscle mass. The common therapeutic dosage of Cystoseira canariensis is around 1,200 milligrams per day, typically divided into three doses.
Despite initial promising findings from test-tube studies, subsequent human trials have not demonstrated any significant benefits in muscle growth or myostatin reduction. For instance, a twelve-week double-blind study involving resistance training found no differences in outcomes between participants taking Cystoseira and those receiving a placebo. Additionally, while Cystoseira is generally considered safe and no serious adverse effects have been reported, comprehensive safety testing in vulnerable populations—such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with certain medical conditions—has not yet been conducted. Overall, the therapeutic potential of Cystoseira canariensis remains uncertain, and further research is needed to establish its efficacy and safety.
Cystoseira canariensis's therapeutic uses
Definition: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
Principal proposed use: Sports and fitness performance enhancement
Overview
Because of the high emotional stakes involved in both amateur and professional sports, pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturers continually seek to find products that might add a competitive edge. Findings from test-tube studies suggested that an extract of the brown seaweed Cystoseira canariensis might inhibit a substance in the body called myostatin.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dose of cystoseira is 1,200 milligrams (mg) per day, often divided into three doses.
Therapeutic Uses
Myostatin inhibits the growth of muscle cells. It is believed that some animals, and some people, produce relatively less myostatin and, therefore, develop stronger muscles even without much exercise. Consider chimpanzees that live in a cage but are nonetheless much stronger than similarly sized humans. If a substance could be discovered that effectively blocks the action of myostatin, that substance might logically be hypothesized to aid muscle growth. Therefore, based on findings that can only be characterized as far too preliminary to rely upon, cystoseira became a widely marketed sports supplement.
Scientific Evidence
Despite the foregoing test-tube findings, it is a very long way from test tube evidence to real benefits. The vast majority of effects seen in the test-tube do not ultimately translate into an effective treatment. To truly determine whether a treatment works, it must undergo human trials, specifically, one type of trial: the double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Several studies have been performed on cystoseira in the first decades of the twenty-first century, and all failed to find any benefits.
In one twelve-week double-blind study, twenty-two males were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or 1,200 mg per day of cystoseira. Both groups underwent intensive resistance training (weight lifting) for the duration of the trial. The results showed no difference in outcome between the treatment and the placebo groups. Although a single study cannot prove lack of efficacy, this outcome clearly demonstrated that cystoseira had been brought to market prematurely. Studies that followed only confirmed these results: supplements like cystoseira did not decrease myostatin levels.
Safety Issues
Cystoseira is thought to be a safe, food-like substance. No serious adverse effects were seen in the human study described above. However, comprehensive safety testing has not been performed. Maximum safe doses in pregnant or nursing women, young children, and people with liver or kidney disease have not been determined.
Bibliography
Ramazanov, Z., M. Jimenez del Rio, and T. Ziegenfuss. “Sulfated Polysaccharides of Brown Seaweed Cystoseira canariensis Bind to Serum Myostatin Protein.” Acta Physiologica et Pharmacologica Bulgarica 27 (2003): 101-106.
Santos, Heitor O., et al. “The Effects of Dietary Supplements, Nutraceutical Agents, and Physical Exercise on Myostatin Levels: Hope or Hype?” Metabolites, vol. 12, no. 11, pp. 1146. 20 Nov. 2022, doi:10.3390/metabo12111146.
Wilburn, Colin D., et al. “Effects of Methoxyisoflavone, Ecdysterone, and Sulfo-Polysaccharide Supplementation on Training Adaptations in Resistance-Trained Males.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 3, no. 2, 2006. Taylor & Francis Online, doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-3-2-19. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.
Willoughby, D. S. “Effects of an Alleged Myostatin-Binding Supplement and Heavy Resistance Training on Serum Myostatin, Muscle Strength and Mass, and Body Composition.” International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism 14 (2004): 461-472.