Review: Controlled Labs Purple Wraath – Essential Amino Acid Supplement

Posted By elissa on Nov 25, 2007 | 0 comments

The label for Controlled Labs’ “Purple Wraath” describes it as an “Ergogenic Essential Amino Acid Matrix.”

This is a fairly accurate assessment of the formula, which provides all the known essential amino acids (except for tryptophan), along with other compounds intended to enhance athletic performance and recovery.

“Discover the “Holy Grail” of bodybuilding and athletic performance enhancement: maximizing lean gains and fat loss while enhancing recovery and increasing strength, endurance, and energy.”

Ok, “Holy Grail” is a little over-the-top, perhaps, but Purple Wraath seems to be a fairly well-designed supplement. There is some scientific backing for the majority of the ingredients, and relatively few that appear to be “label decoration.”

The ingredients are divided into two proprietary blends, cutely named “PurplEAA Complex™,” and “PurplEndurance Complex™.” Let’s take a closer look at each one.

The PurplEAA Complex consists of 7000 mg (7 g) of a mixture of L-leucine, L-valine, L-isoleucine, L-lysine, L-arginine, L-histidine, L-threonine, L-methionine and L-phenylalanine. It’s based on research looking at the impact of amino acids on muscle protein synthesis (MPS) following resistance training.

Most bodybuilders know that training provides a unique stimulus for MPS, which can be kicked into high gear if the right nutrients are provided. This is the rationale behind various pre- and post-workout formulas based on protein and/or protein hydrolysates—which are sources of the needed amino acids.

The PurplEAA Complex differs in that only a limited number of free amino acids are provided. This may come as a surprise, if you’re accustomed to thinking “more is better” when it comes to protein and/or amino acid intake. It’s been confirmed, however, that neither large doses, nor a full spectrum of amino acids are needed to stimulate post-workout MPS—smaller amounts of the essential amino acids (EAAs) are quite sufficient.

There are 20 amino acids used to make up all the proteins present in the human body—including skeletal muscle proteins. These are divided into two groups: essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids are those that cannot be synthesized by the body, and must be consumed in the diet.

Research has demonstrated that as little as 6 grams of EAAs can elicit a significant anabolic response when consumed before or after resistance exercise. Thus, the 7 grams of EAAs provided by the PurplEAA Complex is in line with the science. It’s not a lot, but it doesn’t need to be.

The PurplEndurance Complex consists of beta alanine, citrulline malate, betaine, ginger and L-norvaline. Of this group, beta-alanine is probably the most interesting, and useful ingredient. Beta-alanine is one-half of the naturally-occurring dipeptide carnosine (beta-alanyl-l-histidine), which—among other functions—helps to buffer hydrogen ions produced during intense muscular contractions. As Paul explained in his review of iSatori’s H+Blocker:

“…carnosine is stored in muscle tissues, and one of its jobs is to neutralize the hydrogen ions which are the by-product of anaerobic glycolysis. This is the process by which the body creates energy without the presence of oxygen. When you lift weights, you require dramatic amounts of energy for those explosive, powerful movements. This energy is generated by anaerobic glycolysis, since the energy requirements are too extreme to be met by aerobic means.

As contractions continue, hydrogen ions build up in the muscle, lowering its pH level, and thus increasing its acidity. This is known as muscular acidosis — and its the reason for the increasing burn and the increased weakness you feel as you progress farther into the reps of your chosen exercise.”

Beta-alanine supplementation has been shown to increase storage of muscle carnosine, reduce muscular fatigue, and improve high intensity athletic performance.

If all this isn’t enough, Purple Wraath is also carb-free—another “plus” in my book. I prefer workout supplements that aren’t bulked out with a lot of sugar or maltodextrin. That way, I don’t end up paying inflated prices for dirt-cheap carbohydrates. I can always add my own, if I want them.

Thus, Purple Wraath seems to have a lot going for it. There are a few caveats, however.

The first is that proprietary blends are used. As Paul notes in another review:

“I’m not a huge fan of “proprietary blends,” since they disguise the true amount of each ingredient in the formula. This, of course, makes it difficult to accurately assess the product for efficacy.

So, while we know the precise composition of the EAA formula used in the studies, we don’t know how the PurplEAA Complex compares to it. The amounts/ratios of EAAs might be the same, similar, or completely different. We can expect that the complex will provide some boost to MPS, but the results may not be identical.

It should also be noted that consuming free-form amino acids isn’t the only way to stimulate a post-exercise increase in MPS: high quality food proteins such as whey and casein will also work.

Unfortunately, we don’t know which form of supplementation is best.

Free-form amino acids will certainly be absorbed and utilized faster than intact proteins—which must be digested first. Does this translate into larger gains or better recovery, though? We just don’t know.

In addition, the PurplEndurance Complex offers little beyond the beta-alanine. The evidence for each of the other ingredients is tentative and based on larger doses than supplied in the blend. Thus, while “Purple Wraath” is composed of mostly useful ingredients, it isn’t 100%.

I gave Purple Wraath a try, using one scoop each for pre- and post-workout. It comes in only one flavor: “Juicy Grape”—which tastes more like cyanide-flavored Kool Aid. Furthermore, the hydrophobic amino acids do not dissolve well, so it has a somewhat gritty texture. I’ve had worse, however, and it wasn’t too hard to get used to. I could feel the characteristic “tingle” from the beta-alanine within 10–15 minutes of taking it. Some people find this aspect annoying, but it didn’t bother me, or interfere with my workout.

While using Purple Wraath, I experienced increases in several key lifts and mild improvement in post-workout recovery. This mirrors various user comments I’ve seen on other boards, which are generally positive for strength gains and recovery…if not for the taste or texture.

Overall, Purple Wraath could be a useful “all-in-one” product for anyone wanting to supplement with essential amino acids and beta-alanine. It’s not the type of supplement that provides dramatic results, but can nonetheless be effective with regular use.

Purple Wraath is available at BodyBuilding.com,
our recommended online retailer!