Epicatechin is one of the more exciting ingredients in PUMP, a naturally occurring plant compound with genuine research behind its role in supporting muscle growth signalling. Here's what it is and how it fits into the formula.
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What Is Epicatechin?
Epicatechin is a flavanol, a naturally occurring plant compound, found in cocoa, green tea, and certain fruits. It's one of the main reasons dark chocolate gets talked about as having benefits beyond a treat, and in recent years it's picked up specific interest in strength and sports nutrition circles for a different reason: research suggesting it may influence myostatin, a protein that puts a natural brake on muscle growth. It's included in PUMP at 300mg per serving.
Epicatechin And Myostatin
Myostatin is a protein the body produces to limit how much muscle tissue grows, effectively a built-in ceiling. Animals and humans with naturally low myostatin levels tend to carry noticeably more muscle mass, which is what made this ingredient interesting in the first place. A proof-of-concept study looked at exactly this.1 In mice, two weeks of epicatechin produced an 18% reduction in myostatin and a 30% increase in follistatin (a protein that counteracts myostatin) in older animals. In a small human trial, participants taking 150mg daily showed improved myostatin-to-follistatin ratios (follistatin up 49.2%, myostatin down 16.6%), alongside a 7% increase in hand grip strength, an encouraging early signal for a compound that's easy to include in a formula at a meaningful dose.
Why It's In PUMP
PUMP includes 300mg of epicatechin per serving, double the dose used in the human research above. It sits alongside L-Citrulline, Pine Bark Extract, and AstraGin®, ingredients aimed at blood flow and nutrient delivery, epicatechin is the ingredient in the formula aimed at the longer-term training adaptation side, working through a genuinely interesting mechanism with real science behind it.
Epicatechin FAQs
Eddie's take: "I like ingredients that are doing a specific job for a specific reason. Epicatechin's role in muscle growth signalling is exactly that kind of science-first addition, not just something added for the label."
Beast PUMP
PUMP Stimulant Free Pre-Workout
30 Servings£34.99
Maximum pump. Zero stimulants.
Beast Pharm PUMP is built around 8g of pure L-Citrulline per serving, the premium form of citrulline for maximum nitric oxide production and one of the highest doses in any pre-workout on the market.† Alongside Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Epicatechin, CellFlo6™, Pine Bark Extract, and AstraGin® for absorption.
No caffeine. No crash. No compromise on the pump.
Most stim-free pre-workouts are just underdosed citrulline and a prayer. PUMP is the real thing: built for evening training, stimulant-free days, or anyone who knows the pump is driven by blood flow, not caffeine.
Developed and approved by Eddie Hall, World's Strongest Man.
†L-Citrulline at 8g per serving supports nitric oxide production and blood flow to working muscles.
Directions
Mix 1 scoop (15g) with 250ml to 350ml ofwater.
Consume approximately 20-30 minutes prior to workout.
Do not consume more one serving in any 24 hour period.
Ingredients
L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Epicatechin, Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinesis) (as CellFlo6™), Pine Bark Extract, Astragalus membranaceus Extract (root) & Panax notoginseng Extract (root) (as AstraGin®), Flavouring, Citric Acid, Anti-caking agent (Aerosil®, Sipernat®), Sweetener (Sucralose).
NET WT. 450g. No artificial colours.
Warnings
Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Allergens
Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
References
- Gutiérrez-Salmeán, G., Ciaraldi, T. P., Nogueira, L., Barboza, J., Taub, P. R., Hogan, M. C., Henry, R. R., Meaney, E., Villarreal, F., Ceballos, G., & Ramírez-Sánchez, I. (2014). Effects of (-)-epicatechin on molecular modulators of skeletal muscle growth and differentiation. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. PMID: 24314870.
This article is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have an existing health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are under 18, or are sensitive to stimulants.
