RecruitingNCT07502924GGEUpdated Mar 31, 2026

Dose-Response Impact of Geranylgeraniol (GG) Supplementation on Muscle Health

An interventional study of Dietary Supplement - Placebo and Geranylgeraniol (150 mg) in Muscle Health, Muscle Strength and Body Composition, sponsored by Lindenwood University. Recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 30 Years to 60 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-03-31.

Sponsored by Lindenwood University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Basic science

Phase: Not applicable
Study type: Interventional
Enrollment: 70
Allocation: Randomized
Ages: 30 Years to 60 Years
Sex: All

Study summary

This study will evaluate the effects of daily geranylgeraniol (GG) supplementation on muscular strength, body composition, and aerobic capacity in healthy, physically active men and women. Approximately 60 participants aged 30-60 years will be enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial lasting 8 weeks.

Participants will be assigned to receive either placebo, 150 mg GG, or 300 mg GG daily. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8 and include maximal strength (1RM bench press and leg press), fat-free mass, muscular endurance, aerobic capacity (VO2peak), and circulating biomarkers related to metabolism and health.

Read the detailed description

This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial designed to examine the dose-response effects of geranylgeraniol (GG) supplementation on muscular strength, body composition, aerobic capacity, and physiological biomarkers in healthy, physically active adults.

Approximately 60 men and women aged 30-60 years will be recruited and randomized, stratified by sex, age, and baseline fat-free mass, to receive one of three interventions: placebo, 150 mg GG, or 300 mg GG daily for 8 weeks. All participants and study personnel will remain blinded to group allocation throughout the study.

Participants will complete a screening visit followed by testing visits at baseline (week 0), week 4, and week 8. Assessments will include maximal strength testing (1RM bench press and leg press), muscular endurance (repetitions to failure at a fixed percentage of 1RM), aerobic capacity (VO2peak via graded treadmill test), and body composition using a four-compartment model derived from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy.

Venous blood samples will be collected to assess coenzyme Q10, sex steroid hormones, inflammatory markers, and clinical safety parameters including complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and lipid profile. Additional outcomes include mood and quality of life assessed via validated questionnaires (POMS and SF-36), dietary intake via 4-day food logs, and fecal samples for metabolomic analysis.

The primary endpoints are changes in maximal strength (1RM leg press and bench press) and fat-free mass from baseline to week 8. Secondary endpoints include changes in muscular endurance, aerobic capacity, body composition variables, biochemical markers, and patient-reported outcomes. Safety will be monitored throughout the study via clinical labs and adverse event reporting.

Conditions studied

Muscle Health
Muscle Strength
Body Composition

Who can participate

Ages eligible: 30 Years to 60 Years
Sexes eligible: All
Accepts healthy volunteers: Yes

Inclusion criteria

Between 30 and 60 years old.
Body mass index values will range from >18.5 and \<29.9 kg/m2
Subject agrees to maintain their existing dietary patterns throughout the study period.
Subject agrees to refrain from alcohol, caffeine, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to each test day.
Is physically active, defined as at least 30 min of moderate exercise on at least 4 days a week.
Avoid consumption of pomegranate juice and avoid consumption of CoQ10, vitamin B3 and its precursors, L-carnitine, MK-4
Subject is willing and able to comply with the study protocol.
Subject has given voluntary, written, informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

BMI \<18.5 or > 29.9 kg/m2
Positive medical history and/or is currently being treated for some form of heart disease, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, renal failure, or has dialysis performed on regular intervals, Type I or Type II diabetes (determined as fasting blood glucose > 126 mg/dL), thyroid disease, liver disease or some form of clinically diagnosed hepatic impairment, immune disorder (i.e., HIV/AIDS), or neurological condition or disease.
Diagnosed with any affective disorder or other psychiatric disorder that required hospitalization in the prior year.
History of cancer (except localized skin cancer without metastases or in situ cervical cancer within 5 years prior to screening visit).
Participant has an abnormality or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract precluding swallowing (e.g., dysphagia) and digestion (e.g., known intestinal malabsorption, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis, steatorrhea)
Genetic musculoskeletal and neurologic disorder known to affect skeletal muscle metabolism
Has donated blood in past 60 days
Diagnosed with or being treated for any endocrinological disorder and/or taking hormone boosting supplements (e.g. herbs) or hormone replacement therapy (prescribed/doctor ordered or not)
Had CoQ10 supplement in past 30 days. Had steroid medication one month before starting the study
Currently prescribed for the first time a statin drugs (i.e., Lipitor, Livalo, Crestor, Zocor, etc.) and/or a hypertension medication (i.e., Beta-blockers, ACE Inhibitors, Alpha blockers, - Vasodilators, etc.) within the past 6 months or has had their dosage or medication changed within the past 6 months
Current smoker (average of > 1 pack per week within the past 3 months) or has quit within the past six months. This includes all forms of nicotine
Intake of any drugs (prescribed or over the counter) or dietary supplements that are known or are purported to impact energy expenditure or weight loss (caffeine doses \<300 mg/day is permissible)
Women with a history of hormone-related conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome
Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or lactating currently or within the past six months
Have a known sensitivity or allergy to any of the study products
History of alcohol or substance abuse in the 12 months prior to screening
Receipt or use of an investigational product in another research study within 30 days of beginning the study protocol
Has participated in other clinical trials focused on physical and muscle performance within the last year
They plan major changes in lifestyle (i.e., diet, dieting, exercise level, travel, etc.) during the study
Individuals who regularly compete as part of sanctioned athletic activities or those individuals who regularly train more than 360 minutes of exercise per week
Recent history (\<3 months) of exercise training or weight loss (> 5%)
Any condition or abnormality that, in the opinion of the investigator, would compromise the safety of the participant or the quality of the study data

Study design

Phase: Not applicable
Primary purpose: Basic science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel assignment
Masking: Quadruple (Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment: 70 participants (estimated)

Study arms

Placebo comparator
Placebo Comparator
Participants will ingest a placebo consisting of olive oil daily for 8 weeks. The supplement will be consumed with approximately 8 ounces of water at a consistent time each day.
Dietary Supplement: Dietary Supplement - Placebo
Active comparator
150 mg Geranylgeraniol
Participants will ingest 150 mg of geranylgeraniol (GG) daily for 8 weeks. The supplement will be consumed with approximately 8 ounces of water at a consistent time each day.
Dietary Supplement: Geranylgeraniol (150 mg)
Active comparator
300 mg Geranylgeraniol
Participants will ingest 300 mg of geranylgeraniol (GG) daily for 8 weeks. The supplement will be consumed with approximately 8 ounces of water at a consistent time each day.
Dietary Supplement: Geranylgeraniol (300 mg)

Interventions

Dietary supplementDietary Supplement - Placebo
Participants will ingest a placebo consisting of olive oil daily for 8 weeks. The supplement will be consumed with approximately 8 ounces of water at a consistent time each day.
Dietary supplementGeranylgeraniol (150 mg)
Participants will ingest 150 mg of geranylgeraniol (GG) daily for 8 weeks. The supplement will be consumed with approximately 8 ounces of water at a consistent time each day.
Dietary supplementGeranylgeraniol (300 mg)
Participants will ingest 300 mg of geranylgeraniol (GG) daily for 8 weeks. The supplement will be consumed with approximately 8 ounces of water at a consistent time each day.

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

Leg Press One-Repetition Maximum (1RM)
Maximal lower-body strength will be assessed as leg press one-repetition maximum (1RM), defined as the greatest load that can be lifted for one complete repetition using proper technique.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Bench Press One-Repetition Maximum (1RM)
Maximal upper-body strength will be assessed as bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM), defined as the greatest load that can be lifted for one complete repetition using proper technique.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Fat-Free Mass
Fat-free mass will be assessed using a four-compartment body composition model derived from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS).
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8

Secondary outcomes

Leg Press Muscular Endurance
Lower-body muscular endurance will be assessed as the number of repetitions completed to failure on the leg press using a load corresponding to 80% of the participant's baseline leg press 1RM.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Bench Press Muscular Endurance
Upper-body muscular endurance will be assessed as the number of repetitions completed to failure on the bench press using a load corresponding to 80% of the participant's baseline bench press 1RM.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Peak Oxygen Consumption (VO2peak)
Aerobic capacity will be assessed as peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) during a graded treadmill exercise test.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Fat Mass
Fat mass will be assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS).
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Percent Body Fat
Percent body fat will be assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS).
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Total Body Water
Total body water will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS).
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Intracellular Water
Intracellular water will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS).
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Extracellular Water
Extracellular water will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS).
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Concentration
Plasma coenzyme Q10 concentration will be assessed from venous blood samples.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Serum Testosterone Concentration
Serum testosterone concentration will be assessed from venous blood samples.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Serum Estrogen Concentration
Serum estrogen concentration will be assessed from venous blood samples.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Serum Progesterone Concentration
Serum progesterone concentration will be assessed from venous blood samples.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Profile of Mood States (POMS) Score
Mood state will be assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
RAND SF-36 Score
Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the RAND SF-36 questionnaire.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Fecal Metabolomic Profile
Fecal metabolomic outcomes will be assessed from self-collected stool samples.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8

Other outcomes

Resting Heart Rate
Resting heart rate will be assessed under standardized resting conditions.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8
Resting Blood Pressure
Resting blood pressure will be assessed under standardized resting conditions.
Time frame: Change from baseline (Week 0) to Week 8

Study locations

1 of 1 sites recruiting

Lindenwood University Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory
Saint Charles, Missouri 63301, United States
- Anthony M Hagele, MS · Contact · ahagele@lindenwood.edu · 636-949-4785
- Joesi M Morey, MS · Contact · jmorey@lindenwood.edu
Recruiting

Registry details

Key details

Study ID: NCT07502924
Lead sponsor: Lindenwood University
Responsible party: Sponsor
First posted: Mar 31, 2026
Start date: Mar 3, 2025
Primary completion: Aug 1, 2026 (estimated)
Completion: Aug 1, 2026 (estimated)
Last update: Mar 31, 2026

Study contacts

Anthony M Hagele, MS

Contact

ahagele@lindenwood.edu

6369494785

Joesi M Morey, MS

Contact

jmorey@lindenwood.edu

6168266008

Chad M Kerksick, PhD

principal investigator · Lindenwood University

Oversight

Data monitoring committee: No
FDA-regulated drug: No
FDA-regulated device: No

View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Interested in this study?

Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.

Contact study team

Follow this study

Get an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.

Discussion

Questions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.

Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.

Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.

Other studies from this sponsor

Lindenwood University

Start the discussion