Effects of Asparagus-Derived 20-Hydroxyecdysone Supplementation on Fat Oxidation and Insulin Sensitivity in Resistance-Trained Males.

20E supplementation resulted in significant reductions in regional body fat in arm, leg, and abdominal areas.

• Twenty healthy males were randomly assigned in a double-blind design to receive either placebo (PLA; n=10) or 30 mg/d of 20E (n=10) for 12 weeks.
• Arm fat reduction was significant within the 20E group (p<0.01), leg fat reduction was significant (p<0.05), and abdominal fat reduction was significant (p<0.05).
• Arm fat reduction in the 20E group was significantly greater than in the PLA group (p<0.05).
• All participants performed supervised resistance training three times per week during the 12-week intervention.

Fat oxidation increased at rest and during exercise in the 20E supplementation group.

• Fat oxidation increases were significant within the 20E group at rest and during exercise (p<0.01).
• Between-group differences in fat oxidation were evident only at 40% of V̇O2peak (p<0.05).
• Substrate utilization was assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
• The 20E was derived from Asparagus officinalis extract and administered at 30 mg/d.

20E supplementation was associated with favorable changes in insulin sensitivity markers, including reductions in fasting insulin and plasma free fatty acids and an increase in QUICKI.

• Fasting insulin was significantly reduced in the 20E group (p<0.01).
• Plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) were significantly reduced in the 20E group (p<0.05).
• The quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) increased significantly in the 20E group (p<0.01).
• Assessments included fasting glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, and QUICKI conducted at baseline and post-intervention.

The study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled design with supervised resistance training in young healthy males.

• Twenty healthy males were randomly assigned to either placebo (n=10) or 30 mg/d 20E (n=10).
• Intervention duration was 12 weeks with supervised resistance training three times per week.
• Assessments included body composition, substrate utilization, fasting glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, and QUICKI.
• 20E was derived specifically from Asparagus officinalis extract.