Dark chocolate compound may rescue muscle energy from statins
NCT ID NCT02490527
First seen Jul 31, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026
Summary
This trial tests whether epicatechin, a compound naturally found in dark chocolate, can counteract the muscle-related side effects caused by statins, a common cholesterol-lowering medication. Participants with statin intolerance will receive epicatechin or a placebo, and researchers will measure changes in exercise capacity and muscle energy production. The goal is to see if epicatechin can improve mitochondrial function and reduce the fatigue and weakness that some people experience with statins.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Pure epicatechin capsules (50mg), a compound found in dark chocolate
- What this could lead to
- If epicatechin helps, it could offer a way to ease muscle-related side effects of statins, potentially helping people stick with cholesterol-lowering treatment.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small early-stage trial, so results may not apply broadly. Epicatechin might not reverse statin-induced muscle issues, and its long-term safety is not yet established.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, California, 92093, United States