ReDaxin red sorghum extract shown to support muscle strength recovery, study shows

Supplementation with a red sorghum extract can help increase muscle recovery after exercise, according to a recently published peer-reviewed study¹. As explained in the study, eccentric muscle actions during training can lead to short-term muscle loss, pain, and soreness. To support the improvement of muscle recovery in these situations, interest in polyphenol supplementation has grown, due to these phytochemicals containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How polyphenols support muscle recovery

A recently identified variation of red sorghum has been demonstrated to contain a high concentration of polyphenols. A bicolor extract derived from this red sorghum, marketed as ReDaxin by RedLeaf Biologics, was tested for anti-inflammatory effects on muscle strength and recovery after eccentric exercise, and to establish a minimum effective dose. This extract, in particular, contains high levels of the polyphenol class 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, which are supposed to support antioxidant levels, immune health, and cellular defense pathways. The recent study testing these effects, “Polyphenol-Rich Sorghum Bicolor Extract Enhances Strength Recovery After Eccentric Exercise,” was published in Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in August 2025.

Clinical trial on ReDaxin for muscle recovery

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 29 male participants between the ages of 18-33 were given capsules of a low or high daily dose ReDaxin, or a placebo (PL), for 17-18 days. The low dose of the supplement, given to 10 participants, was 250 mg per day, and the high dose was 500 mg per day, given to nine participants. Eccentric exercise was performed at the two-week mark in the trial period. Measurements were taken at baseline for unilateral forearm flexion strength, muscle thickness (MT), pain pressure threshold (PPT), perceived recovery, and pain ratings. These measurements were also taken at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the eccentric exercise.

Study results: changes in strength and pain

• An initial strength loss of 18-25% from baseline was seen after 24 hours, though strength increased in the high dose group from 24-48 hours and in the low dose group from 24-72 hours, while strength in the placebo group remained unchanged during the same time period
• All groups showed decreases in pain ratings and increases in recovery by 72 hours compared to the 24- and 48-hour time points
• MT and PPT did not show any changes

Applications for athletes and sports nutrition

“Supplementation with a high- and low-dose polyphenol-rich sorghum bicolor extract increased recovery of muscular strength at faster rates than PL after eccentric exercise but had no meaningful effect on muscle swelling, perceived pain, or recovery,” the researchers concluded.

Overall, the supplementation from ReDaxin was demonstrated to be beneficial for performance. “A polyphenol-rich supplement may enhance performance in subsequent exercise sessions and promote increased training volume,” researchers added. Specifically, the supplementation could benefit those in tournament or track meet scenarios, it noted, which require potentially damaging bouts of exercise in a short period. It could also support improved performance and training volume in subsequent training sessions.

Future potential for functional foods and beverages

“The new clinical study is a major milestone for the sports nutrition industry,” stated Jordan Wood, co-founder and CEO of RedLeaf Biologics, in a September 18 press release.² “We have peer-reviewed clinical data confirming that a U.S.-grown botanical can accelerate strength recovery and reduce soreness after exercise. ReDaxin represents the perfect marriage of gold standard science and American agriculture.” At the press release notes, the sorghum is non-GMO, and RedLeaf Biologics oversees the full supply chain of the product.

Additionally, ReDaxin is water soluble and available for formulation in capsules, ready-to-drink, powders and dry mixes, bars, gummies, and other functional food and beverages.

RedLeaf Biologics will be present to discuss the results from this study at Booth #4345 at SupplySide Global, taking place October 27-30, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

References

1. Mitchinson, CJ.; Kwak, M.; Succi, PJ.; Benitez, B.; Bergstrom, HC. Polyphenol-Rich Sorghum Bicolor Extract Enhances Strength Recovery After Eccentric Exercise Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 2025. 39(8). p e951-e959.DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005144
2. RedLeaf Biologics. RedLeaf Biologics Announces Breakthrough Clinical Study Demonstrating Accelerated Muscle Recovery Benefits of ReDaxin™. September 2025. (accessed 2025-09-22).