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SUPPLEMENT_SCHOLAR
evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

(−)-Epicatechin

Cocoa flavanol for follistatin/myostatin.

Muscle GrowthCardiovascular Health

Overview

Cocoa flavanol for follistatin/myostatin.

Natural sources
    Common forms

      Mechanism of action

      Inhibits myostatin; activates NO.

      Pathways

        Effects on the body

        Organ system effects

        Evidence-based benefits

        Improves muscle function

        Moderate evidence

        Potential side effects

        Common
        • · GI upset
        Rare
          Serious

            Drug interactions

            No notable interactions reported.

            Supplement interactions

            Pairs well with

            None listed.

            Avoid combining with

            No specific avoidances listed.

            Dosing & bioavailability

            Typical dose
            150 mg

            Where to buy

            Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

            Compound
            (−)-Epicatec…
            Amazon
            Wide selection · fast shipping
            Compound
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            iHerb
            Global delivery · curated brands
            Compound
            (−)-Epicatec…
            Thorne
            Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

            Scientific evidence (8)

            RCTFood Funct · 2014

            Epicatechin and muscle

            Gutierrez-Salmean G, et al.

            6 elderly

            Key findings

            Improved hand grip strength.

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: (−)-Epicatechin — Improves muscle function

            Live PubMed search

            Live results for "(−)-Epicatechin Improves muscle function" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

            Key findings

            Opens current human and preclinical literature matching (−)-Epicatechin and "Improves muscle function". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: (−)-Epicatechin — randomized controlled trial

            Live PubMed search

            Live results for "(−)-Epicatechin randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

            Key findings

            Opens current human and preclinical literature matching (−)-Epicatechin and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: (−)-Epicatechin — meta-analysis

            Live PubMed search

            Live results for "(−)-Epicatechin meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

            Key findings

            Opens current human and preclinical literature matching (−)-Epicatechin and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: (−)-Epicatechin — pharmacokinetics

            Live PubMed search

            Live results for "(−)-Epicatechin pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

            Key findings

            Opens current human and preclinical literature matching (−)-Epicatechin and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: (−)-Epicatechin — safety adverse events

            Live PubMed search

            Live results for "(−)-Epicatechin safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

            Key findings

            Opens current human and preclinical literature matching (−)-Epicatechin and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

            Open study
            Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

            PubMed: (−)-Epicatechin — dose response

            Live PubMed search

            Live results for "(−)-Epicatechin dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

            Key findings

            Opens current human and preclinical literature matching (−)-Epicatechin and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

            Open study
            Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

            Google Scholar: (−)-Epicatechin — clinical evidence

            Live Scholar search

            Cross-database citation index for (−)-Epicatechin as it relates to "clinical evidence".

            Key findings

            Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

            Open study
            Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.