Home Ingredients Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract)
EnergyAthletic PerformanceLongevityLiver Health

Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract)

Quercus robur
Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Robuvit® (Horphag Research) is a standardized extract from the heartwood of French oak (Quercus robur) trees grown in specific French forests, rich in roburins — unique ellagitannins found almost exclusively in oak wood and wine barrel-aged beverages. Roburins are converted by gut bacteria to urolithins (the same metabolites produced from pomegranate), and directly support mitochondrial biogenesis, reduce fatigue, and improve athletic endurance through complementary antioxidant and energy metabolism mechanisms. With 5 human clinical trials across fatigue, sports performance, and liver health applications.

Studied Dose 300 mg/day Robuvit®; fatigue studies use 300 mg/day; athletic performance: 300 mg/day for 4 weeks minimum; effects accumulate over 4–8 weeks
Active Compound Roburins A–E (oak ellagitannins), vescalagine, and castalagin — Robuvit® by Horphag Research (standardized Quercus robur heartwood extract, ≥20% ellagitannins)

Benefits

Chronic fatigue reduction

A 6-week RCT in adults with unexplained chronic fatigue showed Robuvit® 300 mg/day produced significant improvements in energy levels, reduced fatigue scores, improved sleep quality, and better daytime functioning vs. placebo. These improvements are attributed to mitochondrial biogenesis enhancement and antioxidant protection of mitochondria from oxidative fatigue.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Athletic endurance and performance

Robuvit® supplementation (300 mg/day for 4 weeks) significantly improved performance in long-distance triathletes and runners, reducing post-race fatigue, improving recovery, and increasing time-to-exhaustion in subsequent testing. The urolithin-mediated mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis mechanisms explain sustained performance improvements.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Liver health and hepatoprotection

Robuvit® has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in clinical studies, reducing liver enzyme elevations (ALT, AST), improving liver function markers, and reducing oxidative stress in hepatic tissue. These liver-protective effects reflect the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of oak ellagitannins in liver cells.

Supported by Trial 1

Antioxidant and mitophagy activation

Like pomegranate-derived urolithins, oak-derived urolithins activate mitophagy — the selective autophagy of damaged mitochondria that maintains mitochondrial quality. This cellular housekeeping mechanism improves the overall health of the mitochondrial pool, enhancing energy production efficiency and reducing the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria associated with aging.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Urolithin production via robur ellagitannin metabolism

Gut bacteria convert robur ellagitannins (roburins, vescalagine) to urolithins through sequential demethylation and lactonization reactions. Urolithin A — the primary bioactive metabolite — activates mitophagy via PINK1/Parkin pathway and induces mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1α, improving mitochondrial quality and energy production capacity.

2

Mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1α

Robuvit® and its urolithin metabolites activate PGC-1α — the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis — increasing mitochondrial density in muscle, liver, and brain tissue. More mitochondria per cell means greater ATP production capacity, improved fat oxidation, and enhanced aerobic energy metabolism.

3

NF-κB and oxidative stress reduction in liver and muscle

Oak ellagitannins and their metabolites inhibit NF-κB activation in liver and muscle tissue, reducing inflammatory cytokine production and protecting cells from exercise-induced and toxic oxidative damage. This anti-inflammatory activity underlies both the liver-protective and exercise-recovery benefits of Robuvit®.

Clinical trials

1
Robuvit® for Chronic Fatigue — RCT
PubMed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Robuvit® (300 mg/day French oak wood extract) vs placebo in 70 adults with unexplained chronic fatigue for 8 weeks. (Belcaro et al. 2014)

70 adults with chronic fatigue.

Robuvit® reduced fatigue scores (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory), improved energy levels, enhanced sleep quality vs placebo. Industry-funded (Horphag Research, makers of Pycnogenol®). Effect sizes modest.

2
Robuvit® for Triathlon Recovery — RCT
PubMed

Randomized study of Robuvit® (300 mg/day) vs placebo in long-distance triathlon competitors for 4 weeks before and during competition. (Vinciguerra et al. 2014)

Long-distance triathletes.

Robuvit® reduced post-race fatigue scores, improved recovery metrics, enhanced time-to-exhaustion. Industry-funded.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well tolerated at 300 mg/day in all clinical studies
Mild GI discomfort possible in sensitive individuals
Oak wood derived — not a common allergen; suitable for most dietary restrictions

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants (warfarin) — ellagitannins may mildly affect coagulation; monitor INR
Immunosuppressants — immunomodulatory effects; theoretical interaction in transplant patients
No significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions established at standard supplemental dose

More Energy Ingredients

Energy
Caffeine
Caffeine, a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and other plants, is commonly suppleme…
Cognitive
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin commonly supplemented as…
Energy
Iron
Iron is an essential trace mineral and a central component of hemoglobin, enabling red blo…
Hydration
Glucose / Dextrose
Glucose (also called dextrose in its pure crystalline form) is the body's primary fuel sug…

Explore Other Ingredients

Sleep Health
Valerian Root
Valerian root is one of the most widely used herbal sleep aids in Western medicine, with a…
Cognitive
PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone)
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a redox-active coenzyme and potent antioxidant naturally…
Cognitive
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb from arctic and mountainous regions of Europe and As…

Frequently asked questions about Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract)

What is Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract)?

Robuvit® (Horphag Research) is a standardized extract from the heartwood of French oak (Quercus robur) trees grown in specific French forests, rich in roburins — unique ellagitannins found almost exclusively in oak wood and wine barrel-aged beverages.

What does Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract) do?

Gut bacteria convert robur ellagitannins (roburins, vescalagine) to urolithins through sequential demethylation and lactonization reactions. In clinical research, Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract) has been studied for chronic fatigue reduction, athletic endurance and performance, liver health and hepatoprotection.

Who should take Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract)?

Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract) may be most relevant for people interested in energy, athletic performance, longevity. It has been clinically studied for chronic fatigue reduction, athletic endurance and performance, liver health and hepatoprotection. As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have medical conditions or take prescription medications.

How long does Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract) take to work?

Most clinical trial effects appear over weeks of consistent use; individual response varies. Acute or same-day effects (where applicable) typically appear within hours, but most cumulative benefits — particularly those affecting biomarkers, mood, sleep quality, or chronic symptoms — require 4-12 weeks of regular use to fully assess. If you don't notice benefit after 12 weeks at the appropriate dose, it may not be your responder.

When is the best time to take Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract)?

For performance or energy goals, Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract) is typically taken 30-60 minutes before exercise or in the morning. Some people take it with food to reduce GI sensitivity; others prefer empty-stomach timing for faster absorption. Always check product labeling and follow personalized guidance from your healthcare provider.

Is Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract) worth taking?

Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract) has moderate clinical evidence (Evidence Level 3/5 on NutraSmarts) — meaningful trial support exists, though results are less consistent than top-tier ingredients. Whether it's worth taking depends on your specific goals, what you've already tried, your budget, and your overall supplement strategy. The honest framing: no supplement is essential for most people, and lifestyle factors (sleep, exercise, diet, stress management) typically produce larger effects than any single supplement. Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract) is most worth trying if its evidence-supported uses align with your specific goals.

What is the recommended dosage of Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract)?

The clinically studied dose for Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract) is 300 mg/day Robuvit®; fatigue studies use 300 mg/day; athletic performance: 300 mg/day for 4 weeks minimum; effects accumulate over 4–8 weeks. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract) used for?

Robuvit® (French Oak Wood Extract) is studied for chronic fatigue reduction, athletic endurance and performance, liver health and hepatoprotection. A 6-week RCT in adults with unexplained chronic fatigue showed Robuvit® 300 mg/day produced significant improvements in energy levels, reduced fatigue scores, improved sleep quality, and better daytime functioning vs. placebo.