More Pumps, More Focus, 700mg Theobromine

Apollon Diet Hooligan V8 is right here, and Robik Samborsky wasn’t bluffing concerning the theobromine. It climbs from 600mg in V7 to 700mg, alongside 10g citrulline, 4,500mg nitrate salts, and roughly 600mg caffeine. Half scoop first.

L-Citrulline – 10,000mg

L-Citrulline leads Hooligan V8’s pump system. Not like arginine, which the intestine and liver break down closely, citrulline passes by largely intact and will get transformed into L-arginine, so it raises arginine ranges and nitric oxide manufacturing extra successfully than taking arginine itself.[1]

Within the Citrudose dose-ranging research, which examined single doses from 2g to 15g, plasma arginine climbed with the dose till the highest of that vary, the place the kidneys’ conversion of citrulline into arginine appeared to saturate.[2] That makes 10g a wise ceiling for one serving. For efficiency, a meta-analysis restricted to doses of a minimum of 3g discovered a small however vital profit for high-intensity energy and energy.[3]

That is additionally pure L-citrulline relatively than citrulline malate. A 2:1 citrulline malate is simply two-thirds citrulline by weight, and a important assessment flagged quality-control issues with the acknowledged ratios in some merchandise.[4] The complete scoop carries the citrulline of roughly 15g of two:1 citrulline malate, and in a six-week trial, 8g of L-citrulline per day improved upper-body repetitions to failure in resistance-trained males.[5]

Beta Alanine – 6,400mg

Beta Alanine is the rate-limiting constructing block of carnosine, a dipeptide that buffers the acid increase in your muscle mass throughout arduous units. The Worldwide Society of Sports activities Diet (ISSN) place stand concludes that 4g to 6g each day for a minimum of 4 weeks raises muscle carnosine and improves train efficiency, with tingling (paresthesia) as the one reported aspect impact.[6]

Hooligan V8’s 6.4g full scoop sits proper the place the very best knowledge lands. A 2024 meta-analysis in skilled younger males discovered vital efficiency results at 5.6g to six.4g per day,[7] and in resistance-trained males, 4 weeks at precisely 6.4g each day elevated coaching quantity by 6.5% whereas decreasing perceived effort.[8]

As a result of carnosine builds over weeks, beta-alanine rewards constant use greater than any single session. And sure, at 6.4g, you may really feel the tingles.

L-Tyrosine – 6,000mg

L-Tyrosine is the amino acid precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, the catecholamines behind drive and application. Its advantages present up primarily when stress or heavy cognitive demand briefly drains these neurotransmitters, which describes a brutal coaching session fairly properly.[9]

A fast proof evaluation of randomized trials could not make a advice on tyrosine for bodily efficiency, nevertheless it issued a weak advice in favor of tyrosine for cognitive efficiency underneath stress, since each included research on that query was constructive.[10] Extra lately, 2,000mg of tyrosine taken earlier than a stress problem that mixed a Stroop take a look at with a virtual-reality active-shooter drill considerably decreased missed responses on the Stroop take a look at in comparison with placebo.[11]

Hooligan V8’s full scoop triples that 2g dose. Tyrosine’s job right here is maintaining your head within the session relatively than including weight to the bar, and at 6g, it is dosed to try this job properly.

Taurine – 3,000mg

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid concentrated in skeletal muscle. A 2025 meta-analysis of 23 randomized trials discovered {that a} single taurine dose produced small-to-moderate enhancements in train efficiency, with advantages throughout endurance, energy and energy, and agility duties, and no clear dose-response inside the widespread 1g to 6g vary.[12] The authors rated the knowledge of that proof as low, so taurine is a supporting participant right here.

Its pairing with caffeine is the place issues get fascinating. In elite boxers, combining 3g of taurine with 6mg/kg of caffeine improved Wingate energy output versus placebo, together with post-fatigue agility, stability, and response time, and the researchers concluded the mixture labored higher than both ingredient alone.[13] That is the identical 3g of taurine present in a full scoop, alongside a caffeine dose in the identical neighborhood as V8’s for a heavier lifter.

Betaine Anhydrous – 3,000mg

Betaine Anhydrous, also referred to as trimethylglycine, is a methyl donor and osmolyte, that means it helps cells maintain their water stability underneath bodily stress. A 2024 systematic assessment and meta-analysis of 17 research discovered that taking betaine for a minimum of seven days considerably improved maximal energy, primarily within the decrease physique, and confirmed potential for bettering vertical leap.[14]

A lot of that analysis used round 2.5g per day, together with a six-week trial wherein 2.5g each day improved physique composition and bench press work capability in skilled males.[15] Hooligan V8’s 3g full scoop clears that mark by itself, and the betaine nitrate under provides much more betaine on high.

Arginine Nitrate (as NO3-T®) – 2,500mg

Within the patented Arginine Nitrate ingredient, we’ve got some L-arginine (so as to add to the L-citrulline above) nevertheless it’s actually the nitrate aspect that feeds the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway, wherein oral micro organism convert nitrate into nitrite that the physique can flip into nitric oxide, a route that does not depend upon the basic arginine-to-NO enzymes.[16]

The efficiency knowledge is strongest for nitrate typically. A 2025 umbrella assessment masking 20 meta-analyses discovered enhancements in muscular endurance, time to exhaustion, and peak energy, with time-to-exhaustion features extra pronounced at 6mmol (372mg) of nitrate per day or extra and with protocols longer than three days.[17] In resistance-trained adults, a pre-workout drink with 1.3g of arginine nitrate (alongside caffeine and beta-alanine) improved some leg press and whole lifting quantity measures, though that design cannot isolate the nitrate’s contribution.[18]

Hooligan V8 practically doubles that arginine nitrate dose earlier than even counting its second nitrate:

Betaine Nitrate (as NO3-T®) – 2,000mg

Betaine Nitrate is the second patented nitrate salt on the label, pairing nitrate with the identical betaine lined above. That provides it two jobs without delay: including to Hooligan V8’s nitrate load and topping up its betaine. We’re not conscious of human trials on betaine nitrate itself, so its case rests on these two well-studied halves.

Collectively, the 2 nitrate salts whole 4,500mg. That is the load of the salts relatively than pure nitrate, nevertheless it’s nonetheless fairly a heavy nitrate load by any measure. It is also a quantity with a backstory instructed on Episode #211, the place Robik requested if he may use 4,500mg of arginine nitrate in a limited-edition components and received barely talked all the way down to 4,200mg. V8 reaches 4,500mg by splitting it throughout two salts.

The consequence? MASSIVE nitrate pumps incoming!!

Alpha GPC 50% (as GPCgold™) – 800mg

Apollon Diet Extra time V6 is right here, and it does not pull punches. The rebuilt components runs a dual-PEA stack (ThinFen + NeuroPEA), 700mg theobromine, and ~500mg caffeine. Noopept’s gone. Begin at 4 caps, as a result of this one will get you wired.

Alpha GPC (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) provides choline that the physique makes use of to construct acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter tied to each cognition and neuromuscular perform. At 800mg of the 50% GPCgold™ materials, a full scoop provides roughly 400mg of precise alpha-GPC, touchdown between the doses utilized in probably the most related research.

In resistance-trained males, single doses of 315mg and 630mg each improved Stroop take a look at scores versus placebo.[19] On the efficiency aspect, 600mg taken 90 minutes earlier than squats produced 14% larger peak bench press throw power than placebo in a small crossover research.[20]

Because of this Apollon goes greater right here, boosting acetylcholine once you want it most (after exhausting actions).

Theobromine – 700mg

Theobromine is one in all V8’s up to date headline substances. You merely do not see doses like this till you be part of the Apollon household. Theobromine is caffeine’s cocoa cousin (3,7-dimethylxanthine), a methylxanthine that blocks adenosine receptors and inhibits phosphodiesterase enzymes, though its results differ from caffeine’s in vital methods.[21]

Robik calls it very underrated. He instructed us {that a} take a look at run of a heavier theobromine dose along with his producer went over extraordinarily properly, which is what put 600mg into V7 within the first place. V8 now carries 700mg, the identical quantity Apollon makes use of in its stimulant nootropic, Extra time V6 (and no, the 2 aren’t meant to be taken collectively).

The closest dose match within the analysis is a research that used precisely 700mg, and it discovered theobromine and caffeine working otherwise. In 24 wholesome girls, 700mg of theobromine lowered blood stress an hour after dosing whereas 120mg of caffeine raised it, and the mixture produced caffeine-like temper results with no internet change in blood stress. Theobromine alone additionally decreased self-rated calmness at three hours, and the researchers steered its results are extra peripheral than caffeine’s brain-driven alertness.[22]

Apollon Diet is again with CreaSmash — the primary complement that includes CreaSol SSAT! Analysis reveals 28% larger energy features and 51% higher endurance vs creatine alone. In the event you’re severe about your coaching, this might be the creatine improve you’ve got been ready for.

The bigger doses have analysis, too. In an 80-person trial, 250mg of theobromine produced restricted subjective results, whereas 500mg and 1,000mg introduced destructive temper results and dose-dependent will increase in coronary heart price.[23] We have not seen analysis testing 700mg of theobromine alongside roughly 600mg of caffeine, which is another reason Hooligan V8 belongs in skilled arms.

Himalayan Pink Salt – 500mg

Himalayan Pink Salt gives the sodium on V8’s panel, 200mg per full scoop (the panel additionally lists 50mg of potassium). Sodium is the primary electrolyte misplaced in sweat, and people losses fluctuate extensively from one individual to the following.[24] Beginning classes properly hydrated, then consuming to restrict water and salt deficits, is the muse of any hydration plan,[25] and the 200mg here’s a modest contribution to that plan relatively than a alternative for meals and fluids.

Caffeine Anhydrous – 450mg (of 600mg whole caffeine)

Caffeine Anhydrous is the core of Hooligan’s identification. The ISSN’s 2021 place stand concludes that caffeine persistently improves train efficiency at 3mg/kg to 6mg/kg of physique weight, with small-to-moderate advantages for muscular endurance, energy, sprinting, and leaping, whereas very excessive doses round 9mg/kg convey a excessive incidence of unwanted side effects and do not seem essential for the efficiency impact.[26] For energy particularly, a meta-analysis discovered small however vital enhancements in maximal energy and energy.[27]

Counting the Infinergy® under, a full scoop delivers roughly 600mg of caffeine. For a 220-pound (100kg) lifter, that is 6mg/kg, the highest of the ISSN’s persistently efficient vary. For a 165-pound (75kg) lifter, it is 8mg/kg, which is closing in on probably-too-much territory. The half scoop’s roughly 300mg works out to 3mg/kg to 4mg/kg for lifters in that weight vary, squarely contained in the analysis window.

Zero stimulants. Ten grams of citrulline. Apollon Diet Naked Knuckle V6 sits on the analysis ceiling on practically each ingredient, plus 508mg VasoDrive-AP for a pump pathway most non-stims skip.

For perspective, a big security assessment helps as much as 400mg per day as an consumption not related to overt opposed results in wholesome adults,[28] and 400mg taken even six hours earlier than mattress considerably disrupted sleep.[29] A full scoop of V8 clears that each day determine by itself, so plan your day (and your bedtime) round it.

Di-Caffeine Malate (as Infinergy®) – 200mg (Yielding 150mg of 600mg whole)

Di-Caffeine Malate, bought as Infinergy®, is caffeine ionically bonded to malic acid. Because the “di” implies, it pairs two caffeine molecules with every malate, which works out to roughly three-quarters caffeine by weight. Meaning the 200mg right here provides roughly 150mg of caffeine to the 450mg above. Apollon does not print a mixed whole on the label, however that math is how a full scoop lands round 600mg.

Its developer pitches it as a supply of vitality and focus, however we’ve not seen printed human trials evaluating it straight with caffeine anhydrous. Deal with it as a part of V8’s caffeine whole relatively than as a unique sort of stimulant.

Senactiv® (Panax Notoginseng (Root) and Rosa roxburghii (Recent Fruit)) – 100mg

Senactiv® is NuLiv Science’s mixture of Panax notoginseng root and Rosa roxburghii fruit extracts, with ginsenoside Rg1 as its key marker compound. NuLiv’s human analysis focuses on what Rg1 does inside muscle throughout and after arduous coaching. In a crossover trial, 5mg of Rg1 taken the evening earlier than and an hour earlier than biking elevated time to exhaustion at 80% VO2max by about 20% and enhanced glycogen replenishment afterward.[30] In skilled males performing squats, Rg1 lowered perceived exertion and additional decreased expression of p16INK4a, a marker of ageing (senescent) cells, in muscle tissue 24 hours later.[31]

These trials used remoted Rg1 relatively than the whole Senactiv® mix, so that they describe the ingredient’s lead compound relatively than this actual materials. NuLiv’s commonplace serving is 50mg, and V8 doubles it, matching the 100mg ground Robik described on our podcast.

AstraGin® (Panax Notoginseng (Root) and Astragalus Membranaceus (Root)) – 50mg

Most collagen dietary supplements cease at one ingredient. Apollon Diet Collagen stacks 5 round a 15g marine base, masking exogenous provide, endogenous manufacturing, enzymatic safety, and joint assist in a single scoop.

AstraGin®, additionally from NuLiv Science, combines Astragalus membranaceus and Panax notoginseng root extracts to assist nutrient absorption. In wholesome adults taking 5g of arginine, including AstraGin elevated arginine’s space underneath the curve by 17.3% and the arginine-to-ADMA ratio by 167%, together with larger urinary nitrate and cGMP, markers tied to nitric oxide manufacturing.[32]

That is useful in a components constructed on arginine nitrate and 10g of citrulline, and a 2026 pilot research discovered it additionally elevated amino acid absorption from whey protein.[33]

Huperzine A – 400mcg

Huperzine A is an alkaloid from the membership moss Huperzia serrata that inhibits acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. So whereas alpha-GPC provides to the acetylcholine provide, huperzine A slows its breakdown. In rats, it produced long-lasting inhibition of mind acetylcholinesterase (as much as six hours), with the most important acetylcholine will increase within the frontal and parietal cortex,[34] and repeated oral dosing saved elevating prefrontal and hippocampal acetylcholine with no lack of impact after 30 days.[35]

Most of that work comes from animal fashions and non-athletic populations, so huperzine A performs a supporting position in V8, backing up the alpha-GPC on the main focus aspect.

Robert “Robik” Samborsky, founding father of Apollon Diet and proprietor of the legendary Apollon Gymnasium in Edison, NJ, shares his full origin story from Soviet-era Ukraine by Muay Thai title fights in Thailand to constructing one of the trusted hardcore complement manufacturers within the business on Episode #211 of the PricePlow Podcast.