Also known as: 5-methyl-7-methoxyisoflavone, Methoxy, Ipriflavone analogue
Muscle & RecoveryEarly evidence
A 1970s patent compound sold as a non-hormonal anabolic since the 1990s. The one controlled trial found nothing, and it remains on shelves regardless.
Typical dose
400.0–800.0 mg per day
Split across two daily doses, where used
What it is
Methoxyisoflavone is a synthetic isoflavone, part of a family of compounds patented in Hungary in the 1970s and investigated for effects on bone and protein metabolism.
It entered the supplement market in the late 1990s as a non-hormonal anabolic, marketed on the strength of the patent language rather than on published trials.
That distinction is worth understanding generally. A patent describes what an inventor claims an invention does; it is not evidence that it does it, and no trial is required to obtain one.
How it works
The proposed mechanism is improved nitrogen retention and protein utilisation without acting on androgen receptors, which is the basis for the non-hormonal anabolic framing.
Related isoflavones have documented effects on bone metabolism, which is where the original research interest lay.
How any of this would translate into muscle growth in a training adult has never been worked out in detail, and the mechanism remains largely asserted.
What the evidence shows
The one controlled trial of relevance gave methoxyisoflavone to resistance-trained men over eight weeks and found no significant effect on body composition, strength or hormonal markers compared with placebo.
That study was published in the early 2000s and nothing since has changed the picture.
The claims that keep it on the market trace back to patent documents from the 1970s. This is a useful illustration of how long an ingredient can persist on marketing alone once it has a foothold.
Dosing
Products typically suggest 400 to 800 mg daily, split across two doses. The trial that found no effect used 800 mg daily.
If muscle gain is the goal, the things with actual evidence behind them are adequate protein, creatine monohydrate, progressive training and sufficient sleep. Those are unglamorous and they work.
This entry exists because the ingredient still appears on shelves and people search for it. Knowing that a controlled trial found nothing is more useful than another page repeating the patent language.
At a glance
Common forms
5-methyl-7-methoxyisoflavone, Within older muscle-building formulas
Half-life / duration
Not well characterised
Timing
Split across two daily doses, where used
Competition status
Permitted — not on the WADA Prohibited List
Category
Muscle & Recovery
Safety and side effects
Methoxyisoflavone was well tolerated in the trial conducted, with no significant adverse effects or unfavourable changes in blood markers reported.
Safety data is limited to that small study and long-term data does not exist.
As an isoflavone it may have weak hormonal activity, so speak to your doctor before use if your hormones are being monitored or managed, or if you take regular medication.
Who should avoid it
Speak to your doctor before use if your hormones are being monitored or managed, given weak isoflavone activity, or if you take regular medication. Safety data is limited to one small study and long-term data does not exist. Not established in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Not suitable for under-18s.
This entry is provided for information only. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical supervision.
