What is Ipriflavone?

Ipriflavone, or 7-isopropoxyisoflavone, was first synthesized in the late 1960s from naturally occurring isoflavones. Ipriflavone made nutrition headlines in the United States as a bone-building supplement in the late 1990s due in part to its ability to enhance phosphorous and calcium absorption. But what has caught the eye of bodybuilders and researchers is ipriflavone's ability to boost anabolism. Ipriflavone's anabolic activity has been compared to the anabolic steroids, methenolone, oxandrolone, and stanazolol.

Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?

Due to its anabolic properties, ipriflavone can selectively increase fat-free lean mass. Like its cousin methoxyisoflavone, ipriflavone can do so via anabolism: increasing nitrogen retention, sparking protein synthesis, reducing protein breakdown (via cortisol inhibition), and by promoting nutrition-partitioning actions. With respect to nutrition-partitioning, studies have recorded up to 20% gains in weight from ipriflavone use, even with the same caloric intakes. According to pharmocokinetic studies, oral administration of ipriflavone is quickly metabolized in the liver.

Research has shown that ipriflavone does not exert estrogenic activity in animals or humans. On the contrary, some preliminary research indicates that ipriflavone (and methoxyisoflavone) can actually reduce estrogen levels. For these very reasons, ipriflavone has been used by European athletes for many years. These athletes have traditionally used ipriflavone during the their off-cycles (periods of steroid abstinence).

While useful as a stand-alone supplement, new research is indicating that ipriflavone could have a synergistic effect with other tribulus-based compounds such as Triboxybol™. Sports scientists at the University of Toledo compared athletes taking this combination against those taking a placebo. After 38 days, the supplement group showed greater free testosterone-to-cortisol ratios than the placebo group. This would indicate that the anti-catabolic hormone cortisol was reduced, while free testosterone levels increased. Keep in mind that free testosterone is the body's active form of the anabolic hormone.

How much should be taken? Are there side effects?

The recommended serving size of 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone so far is anywhere from 400mg to 800mg taken in a split dosage twice throughout the day (200mg - 400mg twice daily). Ipriflavone is recommended to be taken in the range of 250mg to 1250mg per day in divided doses.

Recent Studies

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