Research has been published illustrating the mechanisms of action that allow French Oak Wood extract, Robuvit, to effectively work at a cellular level. A review article published in the Journal of Medicinal Food builds on the catalog previously of released research to provide an overview of Robuvit’s composition, bioavailability and mechanisms of action. 

“Understanding these core mechanisms of action of Robuvit is an exciting step toward showing how this powerful antioxidant works and realizing the breadth of benefits it can offer,” said Franziska Weichmann, Manager of Scientific Communications and Product Development at Horphag Research. “Our team is eager to continue exploring new categories of research that expand upon these findings.” 

Robuvit is derived from the Quercus robur species of oak, using a water extraction method. It’s a blend of antioxidants, ellagitannins, and a source of roburins, bioflavonoids found in Quercus robur species. 

“As a company grounded in science, our team has dedicated years of research to learning about the science behind Robuvit to fully understand the extent of its benefits,” said Victor Ferrari, CEO of Horphag Research. “Peer-reviewed, published science to back up a product is essential to ensure its self-affirmed status of generally recognised as safe (GRAS), efficacy and quality that translate to success in the marketplace.” 

The extract impacts the mitochondria through its metabolite, Urolithin A, which is an activator of mitophagy, a process in which mitochondria are rejuvenated. As we age, mitochondria may become less efficient, resulting in reduced energy, and lower physical and mental performances. Robuvit supplementation leads to Urolithin A generation in the body and mitochondria are assembled to provide energy naturally. 

Another metabolite of the extract, Urolithin B, is shown to support healthy muscle growth and protein synthesis by mimicking the effect of testosterone. This process results in non-hormonal enhancement of muscular mass. 

Its been shown to increase expression of ribosomal genes, leading to the improved translation of proteins. This process increases energy generation efficiency, which is thought to enhance endurance, performance and faster recovery. 

It also reduces oxidative stress by increasing the antioxidant capacity of blood plasma. This process is, according to the review, attributed to Robuvit’s ability to decrease serum levels of advanced protein oxidation products and lipid peroxides, while also stimulating the presence of plasma antioxidant enzymes in the body. 

Evidence in a peer-reviewed study published in 2020 discovered subjects who supplemented with Robuvit over the four-week period reported a 55% increase in energy and 75% improvement in activity level. Additionally, a 2015 study of healthy individuals published in Phytotherapy Research showed that general fatigue sufferers who supplemented daily with Robuvit reported feeling more energy and fewer symptoms in as little as four weeks. 

The extract has also shown potential to improve sports performance. A 2015 study published in Minerva Cardioangiologia evaluated the effects of Robuvit on performance and endurance in triathletes over a two-week triathlon training period. Athletes in the study reported heightened endurance and needed less recovery time between training after supplementation with Robuvit.