Effects of <i>Astragalus membranaceus</i> and <i>Panax notoginseng</i> Saponins Extract on the Pharmacokinetics of Whey Protein Absorption, Intestinal Permeability, and Muscle Function: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Whether saponins aid in whey protein supplementation remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of Astragalus and Panax saponins (APS) on whey protein absorption, intestinal permeability, and muscle function in healthy adults across different age groups.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was conducted with 30 healthy participants equally stratified into three age groups (18-25, 26-59, and 60-80 years), over two phases: a single-dose trial to measure immediate amino acid absorption from whey protein and a 4-week phase combining daily supplementation with resistance training to assess long-term effects on amino acid absorption kinetics, muscle function, and gut health.

Results

Immediate A

SUBMITTER: Zhuang SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12899613 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature