Made from the French oak wood extract, Robuvit has been linked to minimizing everything from chronic fatigue syndrome to improving the recovery of triathletes post workout. It may even affect circadian rhythms, including clock gene expression, at least in mice.
Energy production
Robuvit is produced from the Quercus robur (QR) species grown in the forest of the Massif Central region in Central France.
Sébastien Bornet, vice president of global sales and marketing at Horphag Research, which produces Robuvit, said it took the company over five years to bring the product to market to ensure the research, patents and safety data were first established.
The oak wood’s unique compounds, roburins and other flavonoids, give Robuvit its activity, according to Horphag. The ingredient is comprised of approximately 40% polyphenols while the mechanism of action centers on the cellular protein factories known as ribosomes. The recommended dose of the supplement is 100 mg to 300 mg per day.
“What surprised us most during research on Robuvit was its ability to enhance cellular energy production by boosting ATP synthesis in mitochondria and ribosomal activity,” said Franziska Weichmann, manager of scientific communications and product development at Horphag Research. “Subjects supplemented with Robuvit demonstrated improved capacity to manage fatigue, energy loss and stressful situations.”
Interestingly, urolithins A, B and C have been identified as Robuvit’s gut metabolites as they are produced by gut microbiota from the ingredient’s polyphenols, she noted.
“These versatile compounds have been found to play an important role in mediating Robuvit’s significant health benefits,” Weichmann said.
When it comes to increasing energy, research shows that G3 Sports drink with Robuvit can effectively increase exercise performance and speed recovery post workout in highly trained athletes within two weeks of taking the supplement. In another study which appeared in the journal Minerva Cardioangiologica, triathletes in the experimental group reduced their time by greater than 10% as compared to the control group after consuming Robuvit for two weeks.
“This combined action of the metabolites of QR against several inflammatory molecules and the protein-destroying matrix metalloproteases may explain the fast relief from fatigue, muscular pain and generally post effort pain in most subjects after triathlon,” the researchers wrote. “Also, the improved hepatic function may play a significant role—when hydration is adequate— in the clearance of several post-effort metabolites accumulated in the muscular system and in the body.”
Post-mastectomy lymphedema
Studies indicate Robuvit can help reduce edema. In a study of 32 women following mastectomy due to breast cancer, the ingredient reduced initial limb volume post surgery by 20% compared to control. The experimental group had consumed Robuvit for one month.
“In early stages of lymphedema, Robuvit supplementation seems to be effective in controlling symptoms and reducing dimensions of the edema, thus improving the disabilities," the researchers wrote. “Later stages of lymphedema seem to be more difficult to manage, and may require surgery or more invasive treatments.”
Horphag Research supported additional examination of Robuvit’s use for edema. A 2020 paper in Minerva Cardioangiologica explained that diffuse, minimal lymphatic “retention” (DMLR) is common in 20% of healthy women but can be more frequent in perimenopausal women. After four weeks of Robuvit supplementation, the women studied showed notable decrease in edema.
“Generally, in areas with higher level of edema, the decrease was significantly larger (P<0.05) than in more proximal ultrasound measurement sites, where the edema/retention level is generally lower,” the researchers explained.
Cardiovascular health
Robuvit may show promise in patients with mild, stable heart failure. A 12-week study in 2020 demonstrated supplementation decreased fatigue and increased walking distance among participants. Further physical improvements appeared at three to six months after supplementation.
“Another metabolite found in blood after Robuvit intake, urolithin B, was shown to be a regulator of skeletal muscle mass by increasing protein synthesis, inducing muscle growth, increasing metabolism and energy expenditure,” the study’s authors indicated.
Supplementation might also improve microcirculation and lymphatic drainage, as well as renal microcirculation and function for these patients. Additionally, Robuvit may prevent the accumulation of fluids and leaked proteins in the interstitial compartments also controlling peripheral edema.
“Over the past decade, we’ve learned that Robuvit’s benefits extend far beyond its initial promise,” said Carolina Burki, director of product development at Horphag Research.
“Clinical research has consistently shown its versatility in addressing energy, recovery, detoxification and oxidative stress. Taking the time to build the science behind the ingredient has been invaluable—investing in robust research not only provided solid evidence of its efficacy but also ensured a strong reputation and trust among our customers and consumers.”
