A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study of Phyllanthus Amarus in Combination with Whey Protein Isolate on Skeletal Muscle Strength in Active Males
Athletes often use dietary supplements to enhance their exercise performance. This study investigated the additive effects of Phyllanthus amarus (EB-PA) and whey protein isolate (WPI), compared to WPI alone or placebo on skeletal muscle strength in active males. A total of 121 healthy male participants, aged 20 to 35 years and engaged in moderate physical activity, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo group (Microcrystalline cellulose [MCC] capsule and maltodextrin sachet), WPI group (WPI [40 g] and MCC capsule], or EB-PA + WPI group (WPI [40 g] and EB-PA capsule [500 mg]). All participants completed resistance training twice weekly for 30 days. The primary outcome was muscle strength, assessed by 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) for the upper and lower body. Secondary outcomes included muscle endurance, muscle flexibility, muscle mass, and grip strength. At the end of study, combining the EB-PA with WPI showed significantly improved in both upper (18.02%) and lower body (17.62%) 1-RM strength compared to WPI [upper (9.24%) and lower body (9.02%)] as well as placebo [upper (4.39%) and lower body (3.39%)]. The EB-PA + WPI group achieved a 22.89% significant increase in muscle endurance compared to 11.47% increase in the WPI group. Additionally, statistically significant enhancements were observed in muscle flexibility and grip strength in the EB-PA + WPI group versus the other groups (p<0.05). Combination of EB-PA and WPI after 30 days significantly enhanced muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and grip strength in active males. This suggests the EB-PA enhances muscle strengthening effect of protein supplements. EB-PA was safe throughout the study.
