Synonyms: 7-isopropoxyisoflavone, 7-isopropoxy-isoflavone
Possible uses, recommended dosage based on available research, and scientific support for use (scale of 0-10):
- Athletic performance - 4
- Most side effects rarely occur at an incidence higher than placebo.
- May decrease lymphocyte count. Regular lymphocyte measurements should be taken while taking this supplement.
- May inhibit the metabolization of some drugs, such as theophylline.
5-methyl-7-methoxyisoflavone overview
Synonyms: 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone, sometimes referred to as "methoxy"
Side effects
- This substance has not been studied enough to know the risks and side effect profile.
Background
Ipriflavone (7-isopropoxyisoflavone) is a synthetic derivative of the phytoestrogen daidzen [1], and 5-methyl-7-methoxyisoflavone ("methoxy") is a derivative of ipriflavone. The existing research indicates that their pharmacological properties are similar, although methoxy is more potent.
The estrogenic effects of some isoflavones were first discovered in the 30's, when estrogenic effects were observed in animals feeding on plants rich in these substances. However, these compounds often had beneficial properties, or were estrogenic in some tissues but not others. This eventually lead to research of synthetic derivatives of these compounds in an attempt to find compounds that had beneficial effects but without estrogenic properties. One of the compounds that came out on top was ipriflavone, which caused weight gain in experimental animals and had a calcium-retaining effect in in vitro studies, but was devoid of estrogenic activity.
Derivatives of ipriflavone have also been researched. A patent from 1979 describes a set of derivatives that were more potent, including 5-methyl-7-methoxyisoflavone [3]. There is very little information on this compound, so this article will primarily discuss the effects of ipriflavone.
Ipriflavone
In humans, over 60 studies have been conducted on the effect ipriflavone has on bone mineral density (primarily in post-menopausal women), many of them double-blind and placebo-controlled [6]. Most of the research has taken place in Italy, Hungary, and Japan [7].
The mechanisms of action of ipriflavone are not yet well-established, but many possibilities have been identified. Ipriflavone is rapidly metabolized, and most of its effects are assumed to be due to the metabolites. It metabolizes into daidzein, a phytoestrogen, at about a 10% rate, and some of the effects are presumed to be due to this metabolite [8]. Ipriflavone does not interact directly with estrogen receptors, but unique binding sites for ipriflavone have been identified [6], and it is presumable that some of its metabolites may bind to this site. In vitro, ipriflavone increases intestinal calcium transport, and this may contribute to its activity [9]. It is likely that the effects of ipriflavone are due to a combination of factors.
Dosage and side effects
Ipriflavone is generally well tolerated and free of side effects. As of 1997, 2,769 patients had been treated with ipriflavone in clinical studies with an incidence of adverse reactions of 14.5% vs. 16.1% with placebo. The primary reported side effect was gastrointestinal discomfort, but the fact that reports of side effects were greater in the placebo group indicates that this is probably not due to the ipriflavone. The fact that calcium was usually included in both placebo and treatment groups is a more probable reason for the effect [6]. Animal studies also indicate that ipriflavone is safe with long-term administration [12]. However, there are two potentially serious concerns. First, ipriflavone may inhibit some cytochrome P450 enzymes, and consequently may reduce the metabolization of some drugs, such as theophylline [13]. Secondly, one study found that in a small portion of treated subjects, lymphocyte (a type of immune cell) concentrations decreased, and took a while to recover after discontinuation of therapy. There were no differences in terms of infections and adverse events in this group, but this is still a reason for caution [4].
Since there is little research on 5-methyl-7-methoxyisoflavone, the safety and side effect profile, other than what was previously mentioned from the patent application, is largely unknown.
For ipriflavone, the dose used in most clinical trials has been 600 mg daily (200 mg three times daily), and this dosage should be lowered in those with kidney disorders. It is also normally taken with a calcium supplement. Many users of methoxy and ipriflavone for body composition/aesthetic purposes feel they get the best results with 1-2 grams daily.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this article, please email dvdtlsn@bulknutrition.com.
No part of this article may be reproduced in any form without the permission of David Tolson or Mike McCandless.
