When you hear “French oak wood,” you likely think of wine barrels, luxury furniture or elegant flooring. The Quercus robur tree that the wood comes from is known for its dense, strong and richly grained wood that is prized in various industries. But did you know that French oak extract also offers significant health benefits? From boosting energy levels and fighting fatigue to supporting detoxification and improving sports performance, this botanical is making a name for itself in the health industry as well.
What Makes French Oak Wood Special?
The real magic of French oak wood lies beneath the surface—in its unique chemical composition, particularly its richness in roburins. Roburins are a class of flavonoids unique to oak. Additionally, gallic acid, ellagic acid, vescalagin and castalagin are beneficial compounds found in French oak bark. Robuvit® is a patented and standardized French oak wood extract rich in these antioxidants. Because French oak wood contains high levels of antioxidants, it plays a significant role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. Clinical studies show that French oak wood also improves both blood and plasma antioxidant capacity.
3 Key Health Benefits
French oak wood extract is metabolized by the body into urolithins A, B and C—each offering unique properties and benefits. In fact, studies show that internal urolithin production from taking French oak increases over time, with a significant increase in as little as 4 weeks, and even more of an increase the longer it is taken. Beyond metabolizing into these three urolithins, French oak wood works in the body via numerous mechanisms of action. Below are 3 health applications of this extract, along with mechanisms of action and supporting clinical studies.
1. Energy Level Management
The most notable benefits of French oak extract are its ability to combat fatigue and improve energy levels. It does this by increasing synthesis of ribosomes which are the cornerstone of cellular growth, and by metabolizing elagic acid into urolithin A.
This in turn rejuvenates mitochondria—the powerhouse of cells—leading to more efficient energy production. French oak also increases mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase expression, stimulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. What’s more, it supports and maintains optimal cellular function by stimulating mitophagy, the body’s process of removing damaged mitochondria to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction.
These mechanisms are especially beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic fatigue or those looking for a natural, caffeine-free way to boost their vitality. In a clinical trial of individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome, Robuvit French oak wood showed significant improvement in muscle and joint discomfort, short term memory, weakness and exhaustion, sleep, and armpit and neck lymph node tenderness. An additional study of healthy volunteers showed a decrease in feelings of drowsiness, sleepiness and tiredness among those taking French oak wood.
2. Liver Health
French oak wood extract supports multiple facets of liver health. The antioxidant properties of French oak help protect the liver from oxidative damage and regenerate liver cells, making it valuable for the liver’s natural detoxification processes.
Clinical studies show that Robuvit French oak helps to normalize elevated liver enzymes and normalize decreased albumin levels by improving mitochondrial function in the liver, improving plasma homocysteine and enhancing ribosome genesis. Additionally, French oak has indicated positive changes in hangover complications such as fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, headache, thirst, weakness and stomach discomfort.
3. Sports Performance
French oak wood helps to increase muscle protein synthesis by metabolizing urolithin B, supporting overall sports performance. In a clinical study, Robuvit French oak wood was shown to improve running time by 12%, cycling time by 9% and swimming time by 15%. Additionally, French oak may accelerate and reduce post-performance muscle recovery and discomfort.
While French oak wood has been utilized for centuries for wine barrels and furniture, modern science has allowed researchers to tap into its many health benefits, particularly for mitochondrial energy support, liver health and sports performance. This multi-action extract has displayed impressive results in these categories thanks to its unique chemical composition. As with any supplement, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional prior to incorporating French oak wood into a wellness routine.
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