Tomatidine, analogs thereof, compositions comprising same, and uses for same

A method for promoting muscle health, normal muscle function, and/or healthy aging of muscle in skeletal muscle in an animal comprising administering to the animal a solution, dispersion, suspension or emulsion comprising not less than 0.14% by weight of a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

• wherein
• R51 is selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, and COR53;
• R53 is C1-C6 alkyl;
• Z51 is NR54;
• and
• R54 is selected from H and C1-C6 alkyl,
• or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,
• thereby promoting muscle health, normal muscle function, and/or healthy aging of muscle as measured by one or more of (1) increased muscle formation, (2) decreased muscle atrophy, (3) increased muscle hypertrophy, (4) increased exercise capacity, (5) increased muscle protein synthesis, (6) increased muscle mitochondria, (7) increased muscle force generation, (8) increased muscle strength, or (9) increased anabolic signaling in the skeletal muscle of the animal.