VALORIS - MUSCLE GROWTH & STRENGTH FORMULA

Turkesterone is an ecdysteroid — a class of plant-derived phytohormones structurally related to insect moulting hormones — extracted primarily from Ajuga turkestanica. Unlike anabolic steroids, turkesterone does not bind to androgen receptors and produces no androgenic side effects. Instead, it promotes muscle protein synthesis through a distinct pathway involving mRNA translation and ribosomal activity, making it a uniquely safe and effective anabolic agent for athletes and high-performance individuals.

1. NON-ANDROGENIC PROTEIN SYNTHESIS VIA mRNA/RIBOSOMAL PATHWAYTurkesterone stimulates muscle protein synthesis by enhancing the efficiency of mRNA translation at the ribosomal level — accelerating the rate at which ribosomes read mRNA templates and produce functional contractile proteins. This mechanism is independent of androgen receptor signalling, meaning turkesterone delivers anabolic benefits without the hormonal side effects, HPTA suppression, or regulatory concerns associated with androgenic compounds.
2. ANTI-CATABOLIC ACTIVITYTurkesterone reduces muscle protein breakdown by inhibiting the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway — the primary cellular mechanism by which damaged or excess muscle proteins are degraded. By slowing this catabolic process, turkesterone shifts the muscle protein balance towards net accretion, preserving lean mass during periods of caloric restriction, high training volume, or physiological stress.
3. CELLULAR PERFORMANCE ADAPTATIONBeyond direct anabolic and anti-catabolic effects, turkesterone promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and supports cellular energy metabolism in muscle tissue. This adaptation improves the energy efficiency of muscular contraction, supports recovery capacity, and enhances the structural adaptations to resistance training over time.

• Promotes muscle protein synthesis without androgenic receptor binding
• Anti-catabolic: preserves lean mass under stress and caloric deficit
• Supports mitochondrial biogenesis for improved cellular energy efficiency
• No hormonal side effects or HPTA suppression
• Enhances training adaptation and recovery capacity

• Ecdysteroids as Non-conventional Anabolic Agents: Structure and Binding PropertiesView study ↗
• Turkesterone and Ecdysterone: Effects on Protein Metabolism and Muscle PerformanceView study ↗
• Anabolic Effects of Ecdysterone and Related Compounds: A Systematic ReviewView study ↗

Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in the waxy coating of many edible plants including apple peel, rosemary, and holy basil. In muscle biology, ursolic acid has emerged as a compound of significant interest for its ability to simultaneously activate anabolic signalling pathways and suppress the catabolic ubiquitin ligases responsible for muscle protein breakdown. Its multi-mechanism action makes it one of the most well-characterised natural anabolic compounds in the scientific literature.

1. IGF-1 → Akt/mTOR MUSCLE PROTEIN SYNTHESISUrsolic acid activates the IGF-1 receptor and downstream PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling cascade — the central anabolic pathway governing muscle protein synthesis. mTORC1 activation phosphorylates S6K1 and 4E-BP1, directly stimulating ribosomal protein synthesis and increasing the rate at which muscle cells build new contractile proteins in response to training stimuli.
2. MuRF-1 & ATROGIN-1 SUPPRESSIONUrsolic acid downregulates the expression of MuRF-1 (Muscle Ring Finger Protein-1) and Atrogin-1 (MAFbx) — the two primary ubiquitin E3 ligases that mark muscle proteins for proteasomal degradation. Suppression of these ligases directly inhibits muscle atrophy, preserving lean mass during periods of disuse, caloric deficit, or systemic stress.
3. NF-κB INHIBITION & INSULIN SENSITIVITYUrsolic acid inhibits NF-κB signalling, reducing systemic and local muscle inflammation that would otherwise impair recovery and anabolic signalling. Additionally, ursolic acid improves insulin sensitivity in muscle tissue — enhancing GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake, which improves nutrient partitioning and the anabolic response to post-exercise nutrition.

• Activates mTOR/Akt anabolic signalling for muscle protein synthesis
• Suppresses MuRF-1 and Atrogin-1 to prevent muscle protein breakdown
• Anti-inflammatory via NF-κB inhibition for faster recovery
• Improves insulin sensitivity and post-exercise nutrient uptake
• Multi-mechanism anabolic and anti-catabolic profile

• Ursolic Acid Stimulates mTOR Signalling and Inhibits Skeletal Muscle AtrophyView study ↗
• Ursolic Acid Increases Skeletal Muscle and Brown Fat via mTOR and Akt SignallingView study ↗
• Ursolic Acid Attenuates Muscle Atrophy Through MuRF-1 and Atrogin-1 SuppressionView study ↗

Urolithin B is a gut microbiome-derived metabolite produced from ellagitannins found in pomegranates and walnuts. As a bioactive molecule, urolithin B has demonstrated direct anabolic and anti-catabolic effects in skeletal muscle, with a mechanism profile that is complementary to both ursolic acid and turkesterone. Its ability to enhance sensitivity to anabolic signals while simultaneously suppressing catabolic pathways makes it a strategically important component of a muscle performance formula.

1. MuRF-1 & ATROGIN-1 ANTI-CATABOLIC INHIBITIONUrolithin B potently suppresses expression of MuRF-1 and Atrogin-1 in skeletal muscle — the E3 ubiquitin ligases that target muscle proteins for proteasomal degradation. In vitro studies have shown urolithin B to be among the most potent natural inhibitors of these atrophy-related ligases, making it a critical component of the anti-catabolic layer of this formula.
2. mTOR PATHWAY ACTIVATIONUrolithin B promotes mTOR signalling in muscle cells, supporting the anabolic cascades that drive protein synthesis and hypertrophic adaptation to resistance training. This activation complements the IGF-1/Akt/mTOR pathway stimulated by ursolic acid, providing a parallel route to enhanced ribosomal protein synthesis.
3. ANABOLIC SIGNAL SENSITIVITY ENHANCEMENTUrolithin B improves the responsiveness of muscle cells to key anabolic hormones and growth factors, including insulin and IGF-1, by optimising downstream receptor sensitivity. This sensitising effect means that the same anabolic stimulus produces a greater muscle protein synthesis response — amplifying the hypertrophic signal from training and nutrition.

• Potently suppresses MuRF-1 and Atrogin-1 to prevent muscle breakdown
• Activates mTOR for anabolic protein synthesis
• Enhances sensitivity to insulin and IGF-1 anabolic signals
• Complementary anti-catabolic mechanism to ursolic acid
• Supports preservation of lean mass during caloric restriction

• Urolithin B, a Gut Microbiota Metabolite, Promotes Anabolic Muscle Effects and Inhibits AtrophyView study ↗
• Urolithin B Inhibits Muscle Atrophy by Attenuating MuRF-1 and Atrogin-1 in an In Vitro ModelView study ↗
• Urolithins: Nature-Derived Bioavailable Modulators of Gut Health and Skeletal Muscle FunctionView study ↗

(-)-Epicatechin is a flavanol found in high concentrations in dark cacao and green tea. It has attracted significant scientific interest for its unique ability to inhibit myostatin — a powerful endogenous inhibitor of muscle growth — while simultaneously increasing follistatin, which promotes muscle development. Combined with its vasodilatory and mitochondrial biogenesis effects, epicatechin provides a multi-system anabolic and performance-enhancing profile that is unmatched among plant-derived compounds.

1. MYOSTATIN INHIBITION & FOLLISTATIN INCREASEEpicatechin reduces circulating and intramuscular myostatin — a member of the TGF-β family that acts as a potent brake on muscle hypertrophy. Simultaneously, epicatechin increases follistatin, the endogenous myostatin antagonist that promotes muscle fibre growth. Reducing myostatin and increasing follistatin shifts the growth/inhibition balance decisively in favour of hypertrophic adaptation, allowing greater muscle development from the same training stimulus.
2. NITRIC OXIDE PRODUCTION & VASODILATIONEpicatechin stimulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), increasing NO production and promoting vasodilation of skeletal muscle vasculature. This improves blood flow, oxygen delivery, and nutrient perfusion to active muscle tissue — supporting both performance during training and nutrient delivery during recovery.
3. MITOCHONDRIAL BIOGENESISEpicatechin activates PGC-1α signalling to promote mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle, increasing the density of mitochondria within muscle fibres. More mitochondria per fibre means greater oxidative capacity, improved fatigue resistance, and faster recovery — critical adaptations for high-volume training athletes.

• Reduces myostatin to remove a primary brake on muscle hypertrophy
• Increases follistatin to amplify the pro-growth anabolic environment
• Increases nitric oxide for improved blood flow and nutrient delivery
• Promotes mitochondrial biogenesis for greater endurance capacity
• Multi-mechanism: myostatin, vasodilation, and mitochondrial adaptation

• Epicatechin Reduces Myostatin and Increases Follistatin in Aged Skeletal MuscleView study ↗
• Epicatechin Increases Mitochondrial Capacity and Reduces Fatigue in ExerciseView study ↗
• (-)-Epicatechin Improves Skeletal Muscle Strength and Endurance in MiceView study ↗

Resveratrol is a stilbene polyphenol produced by plants in response to stress, found in grape skin, Japanese knotweed, and red wine. It is one of the most studied longevity compounds in science, with extensive research demonstrating its activation of sirtuins — NAD+-dependent deacetylases that regulate cellular longevity, metabolic efficiency, and stress resistance. In the context of physical performance, resveratrol's SIRT1 and AMPK activation produce meaningful improvements in mitochondrial function, recovery, and long-term metabolic health.

1. SIRT1 ACTIVATIONResveratrol is a direct activator of SIRT1 — a NAD+-dependent deacetylase that serves as a master regulator of cellular longevity, metabolic adaptation, and stress response. SIRT1 activation deacetylates and activates PGC-1α, driving mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation efficiency. This produces metabolic improvements at the cellular level that translate directly into greater training capacity and recovery resilience.
2. AMPK/PGC-1α MITOCHONDRIAL BIOGENESISResveratrol also activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the cellular energy sensor that responds to energetic demand. AMPK activation triggers PGC-1α-driven mitochondrial biogenesis, increasing the number and efficiency of mitochondria in muscle fibres. This adaptation produces a measurable shift in the muscle fibre oxidative phenotype — favouring fatigue-resistant, metabolically efficient fibres.
3. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY RECOVERYResveratrol suppresses NF-κB signalling and reduces production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2) generated by exercise-induced muscle damage. This anti-inflammatory action accelerates recovery between sessions, reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and supports the tissue repair process that drives hypertrophy.

• Activates SIRT1 for longevity, metabolic efficiency, and stress adaptation
• Promotes mitochondrial biogenesis via AMPK/PGC-1α pathway
• Reduces inflammation and accelerates post-training recovery
• Improves fatty acid oxidation and metabolic flexibility
• One of the most extensively researched longevity and performance compounds

• Resveratrol Improves Mitochondrial Function and Protects Against Metabolic Disease via SIRT1 and PGC-1αView study ↗
• Resveratrol Supplementation Improves Metabolic Parameters in Physically Active MenView study ↗
• SIRT1 Activation by Resveratrol: Mechanisms and Effects on Skeletal MuscleView study ↗

Dihydromyricetin (DHM), also known as ampelopsin, is a dihydroflavonol compound extracted primarily from the Japanese raisin tree (Hovenia dulcis) and Ampelopsis grossedentata. DHM has two complementary and highly relevant mechanisms for performance athletes: potent anti-inflammatory activity that accelerates training recovery, and GABA-A receptor modulation that supports deep, restorative sleep — the period during which the majority of growth hormone secretion and muscle repair occurs.

1. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY TRAINING RECOVERYDHM suppresses NF-κB-driven inflammatory signalling and reduces production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α — the primary pro-inflammatory cytokines that drive exercise-induced muscle damage and delay recovery. By attenuating this inflammatory cascade, DHM shortens the recovery window between high-intensity training sessions and supports faster restoration of force output and neuromuscular function.
2. GABA-A MODULATION FOR RECOVERY & SLEEPDHM acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, enhancing GABAergic inhibitory tone in the CNS without the dependency or tolerance risks of pharmaceutical sedatives. This promotes relaxation, reduces post-training CNS arousal, and supports sleep onset and depth. Deep, restorative sleep is the primary context in which growth hormone is secreted, protein synthesis peaks, and muscle repair processes occur — making sleep quality a direct performance variable.

• Reduces post-training inflammation for faster recovery between sessions
• Modulates GABA-A receptors to improve sleep onset and depth
• Supports growth hormone secretion during deep sleep phases
• Attenuates DOMS and restores neuromuscular function more rapidly
• Dual mechanism: daytime recovery support and nighttime restoration

• Dihydromyricetin Ameliorates Inflammatory Injury and Suppresses NF-κB ActivationView study ↗
• Dihydromyricetin as a Novel GABA-A Receptor Positive ModulatorView study ↗
• Dihydromyricetin (Ampelopsin) Reduces Physical Fatigue and Improves Exercise PerformanceView study ↗

Schisandrin A and Schisandrin C are the primary bioactive lignans of Schisandra chinensis (Five-Flavour Berry), an adaptogenic fruit with a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for athletic endurance, stress resilience, and liver protection. In performance science, these lignans have been studied for their ability to drive mitochondrial biogenesis through AMPK/PGC-1α and to powerfully upregulate the body's endogenous antioxidant defence systems — particularly glutathione and ROS-neutralising enzymes.

1. AMPK/PGC-1α MITOCHONDRIAL BIOGENESISSchisandrin A activates AMPK, which triggers PGC-1α — the master transcriptional co-activator of mitochondrial biogenesis. This cascade drives the synthesis of new mitochondria in muscle fibres, increasing oxidative capacity and improving the muscle's ability to generate ATP through aerobic pathways. The result is improved endurance, reduced fatigue, and greater adaptation to sustained physical output.
2. GLUTATHIONE, GPx & SOD ACTIVATIONBoth schisandrin A and C robustly upregulate glutathione synthesis and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) — the two primary enzymatic antioxidant defence systems in human cells. By amplifying these endogenous antioxidant systems, schisandrin provides superior and sustained ROS neutralisation compared to exogenous antioxidants alone. This reduces oxidative muscle damage from exercise and supports faster cellular repair.

• Drives mitochondrial biogenesis via AMPK/PGC-1α for endurance gains
• Powerfully upregulates glutathione, GPx, and SOD antioxidant defences
• Reduces exercise-induced oxidative muscle damage
• Supports cellular repair and adaptation to high training volumes
• Adaptogenic: enhances stress resilience at the mitochondrial and cellular level

• Schisandrin B Activates the Nrf2/ARE Antioxidant Pathway and Modulates Mitochondrial FunctionView study ↗
• Schisandra chinensis Lignans Enhance Antioxidant Defences and Protect Against Exercise-Induced Oxidative StressView study ↗
• Schisandrin A Improves Exercise Tolerance and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in RodentsView study ↗

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a phenolic alcohol derived from olive oil and olive leaves, and is recognised as one of the most potent natural antioxidants known to science — surpassing vitamins C and E in radical-scavenging activity on a per-molecule basis. In the context of performance and longevity, HT's primary relevance is its exceptional ROS neutralisation capacity, its regulation of inflammatory gene expression, and its protective effects on mitochondrial membrane integrity and function — directly supporting both recovery and long-term cellular health.

1. SUPERIOR ROS RADICAL SCAVENGINGHydroxytyrosol neutralises a broad spectrum of reactive oxygen species — including hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions, and lipid peroxyl radicals — with greater potency per molecule than most well-known antioxidants. This direct radical scavenging protects cellular membranes, mitochondrial DNA, and contractile proteins from oxidative damage generated by high-intensity exercise.
2. INFLAMMATORY PATHWAY REGULATIONHT modulates NF-κB and AP-1 transcriptional activity, reducing systemic and local production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. This anti-inflammatory regulation contributes to faster post-exercise recovery and protects against the chronic low-grade inflammation that underlies premature cellular ageing and metabolic dysfunction.
3. MITOCHONDRIAL & CELLULAR PROTECTIONHydroxytyrosol is a potent activator of SIRT1 and Nrf2 — the two master regulatory proteins governing mitochondrial biogenesis and cellular antioxidant defence, respectively. By activating these pathways, HT promotes mitochondrial renewal, protects mitochondrial membrane potential, and supports the cellular mechanisms underlying longevity — making it a meaningful anti-ageing compound alongside its acute performance benefits.

• Exceptional ROS radical-scavenging activity — superior to vitamins C and E
• Reduces inflammatory cytokines for faster recovery
• Activates SIRT1 and Nrf2 for mitochondrial and longevity signalling
• Protects mitochondrial membrane integrity under oxidative stress
• Supports both acute recovery and long-term cellular health

• Hydroxytyrosol: A Review of Its Bioavailability and Biological Mechanisms of ActionView study ↗
• Hydroxytyrosol Reduces Oxidative Stress and Improves Mitochondrial FunctionView study ↗
• Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Hydroxytyrosol: A ReviewView study ↗

Myricetin is a polyphenolic flavonol found in berries, grapes, and a range of medicinal herbs. It has garnered scientific interest for its ability to improve glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle — specifically by promoting GLUT4 translocation to the cell surface, which is the primary mechanism by which muscle cells absorb glucose in response to insulin or exercise. This glucose uptake enhancement, combined with antioxidant activity and mitochondrial support, positions myricetin as a targeted nutrient partitioning and metabolic efficiency compound.

1. GLUT4 TRANSLOCATION & INSULIN SENSITIVITYMyricetin promotes the translocation of GLUT4 glucose transporters to the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle cells — the essential step that allows muscle cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream. By enhancing both insulin-stimulated and exercise-stimulated GLUT4 translocation, myricetin improves nutrient partitioning: more glucose enters muscle tissue for glycogen synthesis and energy production, less remains circulating or is diverted to adipose storage.
2. ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITYMyricetin is a potent radical scavenger with particular efficacy against superoxide radicals and lipid peroxidation in muscle and liver tissue. This antioxidant activity reduces oxidative damage from exercise and complements the broader antioxidant stack within this formula — collectively reducing training-induced oxidative burden and supporting faster cellular repair.
3. MITOCHONDRIAL EFFICIENCYMyricetin supports mitochondrial respiratory chain function and enhances the efficiency of electron transport — the process by which ATP is generated from glucose and fatty acid oxidation. Improved mitochondrial efficiency means greater ATP output per substrate molecule, supporting both sustained endurance performance and recovery metabolism.

• Enhances GLUT4 translocation for improved muscle glucose uptake
• Improves insulin sensitivity and nutrient partitioning to muscle
• Antioxidant protection against exercise-induced oxidative damage
• Supports mitochondrial efficiency and ATP generation
• Promotes glycogen synthesis and recovery fuel replenishment

• Myricetin Stimulates GLUT4 Translocation and Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Skeletal MuscleView study ↗
• Myricetin: A Review of Its Antidiabetic and Metabolic EffectsView study ↗
• Flavonol Myricetin Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Improves Mitochondrial FunctionView study ↗

Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is an Australian native plant with the highest known concentration of citral — a monoterpene aldehyde responsible for its powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties. In the context of a performance formula, lemon myrtle's primary relevance is its ability to modulate gut-level inflammation, support the integrity of the gastrointestinal environment, and enhance nutrient absorption — ensuring that the other active compounds in this formula are optimally bioavailable and utilised.

1. CITRAL-MEDIATED INFLAMMATORY MODULATIONCitral inhibits NF-κB and COX-2 pathways, reducing local inflammatory cytokine production in gastrointestinal and systemic tissue. This anti-inflammatory activity contributes to recovery support and reduces inflammatory load that would otherwise compete with anabolic signalling. Citral also modulates PPAR-γ — a nuclear receptor involved in metabolic regulation and anti-inflammatory gene expression.
2. ANTIMICROBIAL & GUT HEALTH SUPPORTLemon myrtle has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against gut pathogens, supporting a healthier gut microbiome composition. A healthier gut microbiome is associated with improved intestinal barrier function, reduced systemic endotoxin exposure, and better absorption of nutrients — all of which directly support both performance and recovery.
3. NUTRIENT ABSORPTION ENHANCEMENTBy supporting intestinal epithelial integrity and reducing gut inflammation, lemon myrtle creates a more favourable environment for nutrient absorption. This is particularly relevant in a high-bioactive formula: improving the absorption of co-ingested compounds — including the plant polyphenols and triterpenoids in this formula — amplifies the overall efficacy of the stack.

• Modulates gut inflammation via citral/NF-κB/COX-2 inhibition
• Supports healthy gut microbiome and intestinal barrier function
• Improves bioavailability and absorption of co-ingested compounds
• Antimicrobial activity against common gut pathogens
• Systemic anti-inflammatory contribution to recovery

• Antibacterial Activity of Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) Essential OilView study ↗
• Citral Inhibits Inflammation via NF-κB and COX-2 SuppressionView study ↗
• Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Backhousia citriodora ExtractsView study ↗