Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT06110260

Pharmacokinetic Effect of AstraGin on Whey Protein Absorption and Muscle Function in Healthy Subjects

This study gave healthy people supplements with ginseng and astragalus saponin extracts (AstraGin), combined with whey protein, to explore whether it can promote amino acid absorption and thereby enhance protein nutritional status and muscle function.

This trial is a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial, and the research subjects are adult healthy subjects.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Age range

20 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Chung Shan Medical University

Taichung, Taiwan

About this study

A randomized-double blind, crossover human trial. 30 healthy adults, subdivided into two groups, are randomized into treatments and placebo groups to ensure equally balanced randomization and comparability, considering factors including age, sex, and diet.

(2) The 1st round: Before each study day, all subjects took a 50 mg AstraGin/placebo (maltodextrin) capsule at 9 p.m. and began fasting for 12 hours, except for a small amount of water the night before the experiment. On each study day, all subjects collected their first blood sample at 9 a.m. from the median cubital vein using the indwelling catheter method. After the first blood collection, all subjects took 50 mg AstraGin/placebo and 35 g of whey protein with 250 mL water.

(3) Additional blood samples were collected at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min to analyze the plasma concentration of amino acids.

(5) The washout period is seven days, during which the subjects maintain a stable lifestyle and dietary habits. The 2nd round: All subjects take a 50 mg Placebo/AstraGin capsule and conduct the procedure (same as the 1st round)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthy adults and aged 20-65 years.
  • Subject has provided written informed consent to participate in the study.
  • The subject is willing and able to comply with the study.

Exclusion criteria

  • The subject is participating in another clinical trial thirty days prior to enrollment.
  • Subject allergy to milk proteins
  • Subject has diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, liver or kidney disease, current infections, and smoking were exclusion criteria.
  • Subject has any medical condition or uses any medication, nutritional product, amino acids supplement, or program which might interfere with the conduct of the study or place the subject at risk.
  • Subjects lost to follow-up, non-compliance, and concomitant medication.

Treatment and study plan

AstraGin (Ginseng and Astragalus Saponin Extract)

Dietary Supplement

In this study, we are investigating the effects of AstraGin on healthy adults. The testing sample is orally administrated to subjects with 35g whey protein + AstraGin. After intervention, a 180-min kinetics study of plasma amino acids was conducted.

Placebo

Dietary Supplement

In this study, we are investigating the effects of AstraGin on healthy adults. The testing sample is orally administrated to subjects with 35g whey protein + Placebo. After intervention, a 180-min kinetics study of plasma amino acids was conducted.

Primary outcomes

  1. The AUC of BCAA in human plasma

    Time frame: 3 hr

    Pharmacokinetic ( 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Plasma TAC Test

    Time frame: 4weeks、12weeks

  2. Grip Strength

    Time frame: 4weeks、12weeks

    Handgrip strength is assessed using a hand dynamometer to evaluate muscle strength

  3. Muscle Mass-DXA

    Time frame: 4weeks、12weeks

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Chung Shan Medical University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Pharmacokinetic Effect of AstraGin on Whey Protein Absorption and Muscle Function in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-blind, Crossover Trial.

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Oct 31, 2023
Registry last updated
Dec 18, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.