Alternative drugs that boost red blood cells production
There is a large number of natural substances producing the effect similar to erythropoietin (EPO), however not so powerful. Due to worldwide screening of bioactive matters, the list of EPO mimicking substances is growing every day. In this article we will discuss the most famous ones.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a well-known plant,which belongs to the class of adaptogens. Since ancient time it helped people to overcome stress and fatigue. In numerous experiments it was shown, that its major biologically active substance, salidroside, can increase the natural EPO production.
Rhodiola also contains other bioactive substances, which can help athletes to increase endurance and to resist physical exhaustion.
Arachidonic acid
Arachidonic acid is a natural molecule, which plays numerous roles in the body. Probably the most important role is that it becomes precursor of eicosanoids, a class of signaling molecules involved in different biological functions.
One of them is induction of EPO production and phospholipase activation of erythroid progenitor cells. Besides, it turned out that Arachidonic acid improves immunity and has anabolic (muscle building) effect, which is also important for athletes.
Cobalt
In different experiments scientists revealed that cobalt, a naturally occurring element and necessary component of vitamin B12, increases production of red blood cells and enhances the growth of new blood vessels. All these factors lead to better saturation of muscles with oxygen, and accordingly improves endurance.
The exact mechanism of action is yet to be discovered, however scientists suggest that cobalt affects interaction of transcription factors with erythropoietin gene, thus making transcription from this gene more efficient.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a plant, which also belongs to adaptogens. The supplements of Echinacea increase the levels of EPO, interleukin-3 and other growth factors inducing red blood cells production. As a result, it increases maximal oxygen consumption, and accordingly endurance of an athlete. Besides Echinacea produces beneficial effect on immune system.
Niacin
Niacin (or nicotinic acid) is a vital vitamin,which performs different functions in the body, including creation of coenzymes NAD and NADP. It has the ability to dilate blood vessels. In this way it improves blood circulation, and facilitates the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles, which also increases endurance.
Nitric oxide (NO) and NO-boosting agents
Nitric oxide is an important signaling molecule of an organism. Its functions include signaling between nerve cells, signaling between immune cells, and dilation of blood vessels. As we said above, dilation of blood vessels improves blood circulation and facilitates delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles.
Therefore, simultaneous intake of EPO and NO-boosting agents can reinforce the effect of exogenous (or endogenous) erythropoietin. Here is the list of NO-boosting agents:
- Arginine
- Citrulline
- Folate
- Gynostemma pentaphyllum
- Methyltetrahydrofolate
- Norvaline etc.
Portulaca Oleracea
This plant contains different flavones, which can increase EPO production, as well as speed up formation of hemoglobin
Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin B-12
These vitamins are essential for red blood cell production. Their deficiency may lead to certain health problems, including reduced amount of erythrocytes and muscle weakness.