"Elephant Grass" Supplement for Muscle Strengthening: RCT Study from Taiwan Shows Results

A plant called Napiergrass (or in Hebrew "Elephant Grass", scientific name Pennisetum purpureum) grows in massive quantities in Taiwan and is mainly used as cattle feed. But in recent years, researchers have begun to study it for human use, primarily due to its antioxidant properties. Now, a new RCT (randomized controlled trial) study published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences presents promising results: Napiergrass supplement may help older adults with low muscle mass and early sarcopenia strengthen their grip strength.

What is Sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle mass and function with age. It begins as early as age 30 but intensifies after 60. About 10% of people aged 60+ suffer from it, and nearly half of those aged 80+. The consequences include:

• Increased risk of falls and fractures
• Loss of independence
• Declining metabolic function
• Premature mortality

Standard treatments are physical activity (resistance training) and a protein-rich diet. But not everyone can adhere to these, so there is a search for supplements that can help.

About the Study

A team including researchers from Taipei Medical University and other partners recruited 35 participants aged 60+ with low muscle mass and early signs of sarcopenia. They were randomly divided into two groups:

• Treatment group (17 participants): 300 mg of Napiergrass extract in a capsule, 3 times daily (total 900 mg per day)
• Control group (18 participants): Identical-looking placebo

The follow-up lasted 12 weeks. Measurements included: handgrip strength, 10-meter walk test, and additional metabolic indicators.

Main Finding: Improvement in Grip Strength in the Treatment Group

Handgrip strength is one of the most important markers of health in the elderly. It is directly linked to mortality risk, cardiovascular disease risk, and daily independence. Here is what both groups showed over the study period:

Note: In the treatment group, the increase from baseline to week 8 and week 12 was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the placebo group, there was also some increase (from 18.11 to 20.02 kg, about 1.9 kg / about 10.5%), but it was not statistically significant.

In the treatment group, this represents an increase of about 25% in grip strength from baseline over 12 weeks. It is important to understand that this is a change within the group (from its own baseline), not the difference from the placebo. Since the placebo group also improved by about 10.5% (most likely due to the placebo effect, familiarity with the measurement, and participation in the study), the net benefit of the supplement beyond the placebo is more modest than 25%. However, only the treatment group's improvement reached statistical significance.

What Didn't Work

It is important to also present what didn't work. In the 10-meter walk test (a measure of mobility function), there was no significant difference between the groups. That is, the supplement was reflected in grip strength but not in walking function. This could indicate:

• A specific effect on arm muscles (where strength was measured)
• A need for a longer treatment period to see improvement in walking
• The current dosage is insufficient for complex muscle functions

Why Napiergrass?

The researchers note that the plant extract is rich in:

• Polyphenols: Antioxidants that protect against oxidative damage
• Anthocyanins: Plant pigments with antioxidant activity

Aqueous extracts of the plant have shown the ability to scavenge free radicals in the lab. The proposed explanation for the effect is antioxidant: reducing oxidative stress in muscles, thereby allowing muscle cells to function better. It is important to note that this is a proposed mechanism. The study did not attribute the effect to flavonoids or amino acids, and a dose of 900 mg of plant extract per day is not a significant source of protein or amino acids.

Important Limitations

Before you rush to look for a Napiergrass supplement, it is important to be aware of the limitations:

• Only 35 participants. A relatively small sample size
• Only 12 weeks. Long-term effects are unknown
• Studied only in early sarcopenia and low muscle mass. It is unclear if it works in advanced sarcopenia
• The placebo group also improved (though not significantly), so the net benefit of the supplement may be smaller than the numbers initially suggest
• No data on interaction with medications
• Disclosure / Conflict of Interest: The plant extract was provided by a commercial company (Natural Keeper Enterprise Co., Ltd.), and funding came in part from a center for technological development of the pharmaceutical industry in Taiwan. The researchers declared no conflict of interest, but it is worth noting the source of the extract and funding
• Napiergrass supplements are not yet common in the US/Israel. You need to search for them

Alternatives

If Napiergrass is not available to you, there are other supplements that show a similar effect for sarcopenia:

• Creatine Monohydrate: 5 grams per day, supported by extensive research
• HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate): 3 grams per day
• Amino Acid Leucine: 2-3 grams with meals
• Vitamin D: Blood level 30+ ng/mL
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 2-3 grams per day

The Bottom Line

Napiergrass is an example of what aging research has been doing in recent years: testing traditional plants with modern scientific methods. The results are encouraging, but this is only the first step, and the placebo that improved on its own reminds us how cautious we need to be when reading the numbers. Until the evidence strengthens, the foundation remains the same: resistance training, adequate protein, and vitamin D. If you have added all of these and are still looking, Napiergrass could be a complementary supplement.