The effects of ergogenic compounds on myogenic satellite cells.

Purpose: A series of studies were conducted in which compounds commonly shown to be ergogenic aids for strength athletes if taken orally were evaluated for their ability to directly induce postnatal muscle stem cell proliferation or differentiation/fusion in vitro.

Methods: Compounds tested were creatine monohydrate, creatine pyruvate, L-glutamine, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, Ma Huang (Ephedra sinensis) extract, and Zhi Shi (Citrus aurantium) extract. Dulbecco's modified eagle medium, supplemented with minimal levels of serum and antibiotics, was used as the initial vehicle for the test compounds.