Gencor’s ActivAMP® Demonstrates a 4% Increase in Aerobic Performance

January 24, 2024 – AUSTIN, Texas – Gencor has announced the publication of its latest human clinical trial¹ exploring how the novel Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract, branded ActivAMP®, improves aerobic athletic performance. The study also conducted a deep exploration of its proposed mechanism of action, namely the activation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase).

The activation of AMPK, which also occurs during exercise, helps promote energy availability for muscular contraction. Preclinical research on ActivAMP® demonstrated that the extract improved the uptake of glucose in muscle tissue² and promote the utilization of fat as energy³.

The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a crossover design found that healthy young men consuming 450mg/day of ActivAMP® for four weeks completed a 20-kilometer time performance on a cycle ergometer approximately 4% faster than the placebo. Furthermore, muscle biopsies revealed a significantly greater oxygen flux in muscle tissue at rest compared to the placebo, suggesting improved mitochondrial function. This may be explained by the fact that only the ActivAMP® treatment condition saw a significant increase in phosphorylation (or activation) of AMPK after exercise.

“The AMPK activation, also known as the ‘master metabolic regulator,’ is a significant finding in this study,” said R.V. Venkatesh, Co-founder and Managing Director at Gencor. “This increase in phosphorylation elaborates on previous research that shows improvements in metabolic health and exercise performance. This is also the first study conducted in the nutraceutical industry to demonstrate the activation of AMPK in a human trial through muscle biopsy. We are thrilled with the study results and will continue investigating how this botanical can further support sports and active nutrition.”

Gencor and its partner BTC provide ActivAMP®, a Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract. The ingredient has also shown great support for weight management in male and female participants⁴.

To review the published clinical data and for more information on ActivAMP®, visit https://activamp.com/ or GencorPacific.com.

1. Nayyar, D., Yan, X., Xu, G., Shi, M., Garnham, A. P., Mathai, M. L., & McAinch, A. J. (2023). Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Increases Exercise Performance and Alters Mitochondrial Respiration and AMPK in Healthy Males. Nutrients, 15(22), 4721.
2. Kim, Y. H., Kim, S. M., Lee, J. K., Jo, S. K., Kim, H. J., Cha, K. M., Lim, C. Y., Moon, J. M., Kim, T.Y., & Kim, E.J, (2019). The efficacy of Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract in anti-obesity therapy. Records of Natural Products, 14(2), 116-128.
3. Lee, H. S., Lim, S. M., Jung, J. I., Kim, S. M., Lee, J. K., Kim, Y. H., … & Kim, E. J. (2019). Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract ameliorates high-fat diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6N mice by upregulating SIRT1. Nutrients, 11(10), 2475.
4. Rao A, Clayton P, Briskey D. The effect of an orally-dosed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (ActivAMP®) on body composition in overweight, adult men and women: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2022 Jun;35(3):583-589. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12936. Epub 2021 Aug 9. PMID: 34323337; PMCID: PMC9291581.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This ingredient is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This material is educational in nature and is not intended to serve as regulatory and/or legal advice.