The Impact of Cialis (Tadalafil) on Muscle Growth
Updated: Aug 10
✔ Evidence-Based. Scientifically Reviewed.
Cialis, also known as tadalafil, is a medication mainly used for treating erectile dysfunction.
Recent studies have started to look at how tadalafil (Cialis) might help improve muscle growth and change the body's composition. It seems that tadalafil has multiple beneficial effects on muscle tissue and related pathways.
Table of Contents:
Tadalafil and Body Composition
In one study (1), 43 men with mild erectile dysfunction and/or low urinary tract symptoms (which can include symptoms like needing to pee often or urgently) were given tadalafil for two months.
They were split into two groups:
5 mg of tadalafil daily
20 mg tadalafil only when needed (on-demand)
The researchers wanted to see if there were any changes in their body shape and size, which they measured using an X-ray (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DEXA scan).
Results
The results showed that taking tadalafil every day increased the amount of lean mass (muscle) in the abdomen, but this went back to normal after stopping the medication for two months.
Effects on Endothelium
This study (1) also found that the function of the endothelium (the inner lining of the small arteries) improved.
This improvement was linked with the amount of insulin (a hormone that controls blood sugar levels) and estradiol (a type of estrogen, a female sex hormone) in the blood.
These results suggest that taking tadalafil every day can increase muscle mass in men who are not overweight, likely by increasing insulin, reducing estradiol, and improving the function of the endothelium.
Tadalafil and Muscle Cell Function
The study (1) also looked at how tadalafil might work in muscle cells in a lab setting.
They found that when these cells were exposed to increasing amounts of tadalafil, there was an increase in the amount of androgen receptor mRNA and protein after 24 and 72 hours.
Androgen receptors are involved in the action of androgens, male sex hormones.
Myogenin protein (which is involved in muscle growth) was also increased after 24 and 72 hours.
This suggests that tadalafil might have an effect on the phosphodiesterase type-5 receptor in muscle cells, which could help muscle growth.
Tadalafil and Hormones
Muscles are the main target for insulin and steroid hormones in the body.
They play a crucial role in many body processes, including:
controlling body temperature
developing secondary sexual characteristics (like body hair and muscle mass)
controlling hormone metabolism
taking up and storing glucose (sugar)
controlling energy metabolism
Steroid hormones, in particular, are important for controlling many processes in muscles, which are essential for overall muscle function and balance.
Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is an enzyme that breaks down a molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) into an inactive form. (2)
By stopping this enzyme, the level of cGMP inside cells increases, which can prolong the responses in cells that are related to cGMP.
Tadalafil, which stops PDE5, might affect how cells in muscles work and the pathways related to hormones and metabolism in these cells.
It does this by activating cell signalling linked to insulin-related metabolic pathways and changing the responses to hormones, protein breakdown, and hormone-related building up and breaking down processes during and after stress related to physical exercise.
Tadalafil and Energy Metabolism
Another study (3) looked at whether tadalafil affects energy metabolism (how the body uses energy) in muscle cells.
The results showed that tadalafil could control energy balance in mouse muscle cells, depending on how long and how much of the drug was given. This further supports the idea that tadalafil could affect muscle growth and metabolism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while tadalafil is mainly known for its role in treating erectile dysfunction, new research suggests that it might also have significant effects on musclegrowth and how the body uses energy.
However, we need more research to fully understand these effects and how they might be used in sports science and medicine.
Have You Used Tadalafil Before?
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References
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This evidence-based analysis of tadalafil (Cialis) and its effects on muscle growth features 3 references, listed below.
1. Aversa A, Fittipaldi S, Francomano D, et al. Tadalafil improves lean mass and endothelial function in nonobese men with mild ED/LUTS: in vivo and in vitro characterization. Endocrine. 2017 (Randomised Controlled Trial)
2. Antinozzi C, Greco EA, Sgrò P, Dimauro I, Aversa A, DI Luigi L. Effects of tadalafil on skeletal muscle tissue: exploring interactions and novel mechanisms of action. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino). 2023 Jun (Review)
3. Sabatini S, Sgrò P, Duranti G, Ceci R, Di Luigi L. Tadalafil alters energy metabolism in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Acta Biochim Pol. 2011
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