Muscle & Fitness logo Muscle & Fitness

  • Workouts

    Workouts

    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
    Find Exercises Targeting…
    • Abs and Core Exercises
    • Arm Exercises
    • Back Exercises
    • Chest Exercises
    • Leg Exercises
    • Shoulder Exercises
  • Nutrition

    Nutrition

    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
    Person ordering from a one of the healthiest fast-food orders from the drive thru
    Healthy Eating

    The Healthiest Fast-Food Orders, According to a Dietitian

    Female eating an apple while pushing away a plate of unhealthy foods.
    Healthy Eating

    Carb Restriction is Superior to Calorie Counting, Says Science

    Meal plans that encourage high protien intake
    Healthy Eating

    10 Easy Ways to Increase Your Protein Every Day

    Healthy young attractive fit female showing her eating skill to get fit
    Healthy Eating

    Level Up Your Eating Skills To Help Improve Fat Loss

  • Athletes & Celebrities

    Athletes & Celebrities

    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
    Jon Pardi
    Athletes & Celebrities

    How Conditioning Keeps Jon Pardi Concert Ready

    Former fire fighter Sam Tejada wearing a grey suit
    Pro Tips

    Sam Tejada Is Bringing Wellness To The World

    Female staying mindful while listening to Headspace's mindful audible track
    Interviews

    How to Combine Mindfulness With Walking for a Fit Mind and Body

    Strongman Eddie Williams carrying massive weights at the 2024 World’s Strongest Man contest
    Pro Tips

    Strongman Eddie Williams Has a Take on 'Warriors' vs. 'Weaklings'

  • Features

    Features

    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
    Eddie Hall tells his side of the the viral road rage incident in front of his house
    News

    Eddie Hall Speaks After Almost Brawling Outside His Home

    image1 (2)
    From our Partners

    Vykee Nutrition Addresses Industry Challenges with Commitment to Quality...

    Inno Shroom_Lifestyle Shot 1
    From our Partners

    Inno Supps Inno Shroom Review – Why High Achievers Swear by This Mushroo...

    Liven
    From our Partners

    The Liven App Review: How to Pump Yourself Up and Boost Your Emotional S...

  • Anti-Aging

    Anti-Aging

    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
    A group of young adventurers using travel and outdoor adventures to keep health and fit
    Wellness

    Traveling and Adventuring: Your Path to Staying Young, Fit, and Healthy

    Medical professional examining a xray of the knee due to popping joints
    Wellness

    Are Your Joints 'Popping'? This Is What It could Be

    Female Massaging Her Feet And Doing Shin Splint Stretches for good foot health
    Recovery

    Here's Why Your Feet May Be Halting Your Training Gains

    Elderly couple looking to become a super ager performing an ab rollout workout with a trainer
    Anti-Aging

    What are 'Super Agers' and How Can You Become One?

  • Flex

    Flex

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
    United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Joshua Alvord performing a behind the neck squat
    Pro Tips

    This Air Force Honor Guard Member Takes Being Fit To Serve Seriously

    Bodybuilders and Mr. Olympia rivals Derek Lunsford and Samson Duada showdown at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro
    News

    Derek vs. Samson 2025 Olympia Showdown Heats Up

    Phil Heath interview about what was said to Nick Walker after the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro
    News

    What Did Phil Heath Tell Nick Walker After the Pittsburgh Pro?

    Regan Grimes' Shoulder and Chest Workout training before the 2025 New York Pro Bodybuilding Contest
    Training

    Regan Grimes Ultimate Chest and Shoulder Workout

  • Hers

    Hers

    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
    Lamborghini female race car driver Lindsay Brewer's full body workout and showing her muscular arms
    Hers Workouts

    Lindsay Brewer’s Full Throttle, Full-Body Workout

    Healthy vegetables and fruits incorporated in the PCOS diet for women
    Hers Nutrition

    The PCOS Diet For Beginners: Is It Right for You?

    Doctor using technology to biohack his patients at the Health Optimization Summit
    Hers Features

    This Summit is Adding a Woman's Touch to Biohacking

    Sydnee Falkner
    Muscle & Fitness Hers

    Sydnee Falkner Is Making the Most of Her 'Million Dollar' Moment

  • Olympia

    Olympia

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
    Caesar Bacarella performing a dumbbell workout with biceps curls
    Pro Tips

    Caesar Bacarella Is Building a Fitness Empire at Full Speed

    Olympia-2019-Whiteny-Jones-Press-Conference
    Interviews

    Whitney Jones Can Break, But Can Never Be Broken

    IFBB Wellness Pro Yarishna Ayala
    Interviews

    Yarishna Ayala Shares Advice for Future Wellness Division Competitors

    2021 Mr. Olympia Top 3 winners Brandon Curry, Big Ramy, Hadi Choopin
    News

    BIG RAMY WINS THE 2021 OLYMPIA!

Subscribe to YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Accessibility Statement Do Not Sell
  • Workouts
    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
  • Nutrition
    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
  • Features
    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
  • Anti-Aging
    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
  • Flex
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
  • Hers
    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
  • Olympia
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
  • Resources & Highlights
    • Topics
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Do Not Sell

Stay Connected

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest
Open menu button
Open search bar button
×

Search M&F

Featured Articles
Lean Muscle
Healthy Eating

28-Days-to-Lean Meal Plan

With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just 28 days.

Read article
Kate Upton Attends the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Women

The 20 Hottest Female Celebrities

Talented stars, killer physiques.

Read article
Bench press record holder Bill Gillespie breaking the world record at age 62
Pro Tips

The 'Dos' and 'Don’ts' of Bill Gillespie’s Record-Breaking Bench Press

At age 62, "Big Bill" shares his wisdom to dominate one of the ultimate strength marks.

Read article
The 50 Best Female Fitness Influencers on Instagram
Girls

The 50 Best Fitness Influencers on Instagram

Follow these fit women we're crushing on for inspiration, workout ideas, and motivation.

Read article
News

5 Alleged ‘Synthol Freaks’ Who Went Too Far

These "bodybuilders" decided to take the worst shortcut imaginable.

by M&F Editors
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
5 Alleged 'Synthol Freaks' Who Went Too Far
View Gallery

5 Alleged ‘Synthol Freaks’ Who Went Too Far

Close gallery popup button
1 OF 6

1 of 6

5 Alleged 'Synthol Freaks' Who Went Too Far

Synth-A-Sized

Synthol, a site enhancement oil (SEO), is a chemical that some “bodybuilders” use in order to make muscles appear enormous. It is composed of 85 percent oil, 7.5 percent benzyl alcohol, and 7.5 percent lidocane—which makes up 100% of the reason why you should never use the stuff. Synthol abuse can turn muscle into rock, potentially leading to amputations. Yet, some guys will do whatever it takes to achieve a monstrous look.Do these guys even lift? Maybe a little, but the injections far outweigh their gains.

2 of 6

Arlindo

Arlindo De Souza

Brazilian “Bodybuilder” Arlindo de Souza, 43, has 29-inch biceps—the largest in Brazil. One might think he could lift a truck with arms this size, but they’re merely a product of synthol injections, admits de Souza. Unsurprisingly, he’s no stronger now than he was before he started injecting. The only thing he’s gained from it is being known as a freak-show in his home town.

3 of 6

Moustafa Ismail

Moustafa Ismail

Moustafa Ismail’s biceps are even bigger than Arlindo de Souza’s, measuring in at a staggering 31 inches. He actually holds the 2012 Guinness World Record for his size—a distinction that has come under intense scrutiny and has been challenged by our own editor-in-chief, Shawn Perine. 

4 of 6

5 Alleged 'Synthol Freaks' Who Went Too Far

Romario Dos Santos Alves

25-year-old Brazilian Romario Dos Santos Alves is one of the most infamous synthol abusers. His arms are 25 inches in girth, but according to his doctor, they’ve completely turned to rock. “I remember the doctor told me that they would need to amputate both arms—they said everything in there, all my muscles, were rock,” Alves said in an interview with Daily Mail. He also exclaims how addictive the substance is, and discourages others from using it.It looks like he’s realized his mistakes a little too late.

5 of 6

Gregg Valentino_0

Gregg Valentino

T-Nation onced dubbed Gregg Valentino “The Most Hated Man in Bodybuilding.” An alleged user of synthol, Valentino denies all accusations.”I don’t take synthol. I was taking propionate and Equipoise into the muscle itself. Synthol just works one way: it stretches the fascia. With Equipoise and propionate you get the double whammy. You get the stretch from the oil plus you get the localized growth from the drugs themselves.”

6 of 6

Synthol pecs guy

‘Valdir’

We don’t know much about Valdir, except that he’s from Portugal and he probably takes the cake for freakishly augmented muscles. You can see some (graphic) video of him here.

Back to intro

Synth-A-Sized

Synthol, a site enhancement oil (SEO), is a chemical that some “bodybuilders” use in order to make muscles appear enormous. It is composed of 85 percent oil, 7.5 percent benzyl alcohol, and 7.5 percent lidocane—which makes up 100% of the reason why you should never use the stuff. Synthol abuse can turn muscle into rock, potentially leading to amputations. Yet, some guys will do whatever it takes to achieve a monstrous look.

Do these guys even lift? Maybe a little, but the injections far outweigh their gains.

Arlindo De Souza

Brazilian “Bodybuilder” Arlindo de Souza, 43, has 29-inch biceps—the largest in Brazil. One might think he could lift a truck with arms this size, but they’re merely a product of synthol injections, admits de Souza. Unsurprisingly, he’s no stronger now than he was before he started injecting. The only thing he’s gained from it is being known as a freak-show in his home town.

Moustafa Ismail

Moustafa Ismail’s biceps are even bigger than Arlindo de Souza’s, measuring in at a staggering 31 inches. He actually holds the 2012 Guinness World Record for his size—a distinction that has come under intense scrutiny and has been challenged by our own editor-in-chief, Shawn Perine. 

Romario Dos Santos Alves

25-year-old Brazilian Romario Dos Santos Alves is one of the most infamous synthol abusers. His arms are 25 inches in girth, but according to his doctor, they’ve completely turned to rock. 

“I remember the doctor told me that they would need to amputate both arms—they said everything in there, all my muscles, were rock,” Alves said in an interview with Daily Mail. He also exclaims how addictive the substance is, and discourages others from using it.

It looks like he’s realized his mistakes a little too late.

Gregg Valentino

T-Nation onced dubbed Gregg Valentino “The Most Hated Man in Bodybuilding.” An alleged user of synthol, Valentino denies all accusations.

“I don’t take synthol. I was taking propionate and Equipoise into the muscle itself. Synthol just works one way: it stretches the fascia. With Equipoise and propionate you get the double whammy. You get the stretch from the oil plus you get the localized growth from the drugs themselves.”

'Valdir'

We don’t know much about Valdir, except that he’s from Portugal and he probably takes the cake for freakishly augmented muscles. You can see some (graphic) video of him here.

Author picture
Written by M&F Editors
Also by M&F Editors
Legendary Bodybuilder Robbie Robinson passes away at 78
News

News of Bodybuilding Legend Robby Robinson's Death False

Lenda Murray-Barbell Curls
From our Partners

Why Nitric Oxide is a Game-Changer for Both Athletes and Everyday Health...

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Muscle & Fitness logo

Follow us

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

More news

Bodybuilders and Mr. Olympia rivals Derek Lunsford and Samson Duada showdown at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro
News

Derek vs. Samson 2025 Olympia Showdown Heats Up

The 2023 and 2024 champs are on a collision course following the Pittsburgh Pro.

Read article
Phil Heath interview about what was said to Nick Walker after the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro
News

What Did Phil Heath Tell Nick Walker After the Pittsburgh Pro?

The "Mutant" finished second to Derek Lunsford after a tiebreaker round this past weekend.

Read article
TMP 230
News

Does Nick Walker ‘Pose’ a Threat to Derek Lunsford?

"The Menace Podcast" discussed the return of The Mutant at the Pittsburgh Pro.

Read article
All News
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Flexonline
  4. /
  5. News
  6. /
  7. 5 Alleged ‘Synthol Freaks’ Who Went Too Far
Muscle & Fitness logo
  • Workouts
  • Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
  • Features
  • Recipes
  • Topics
  • Videos
  • Exercise Videos
  • Podcasts
  • RSS Feed
  • Buy Olympia Tickets
  • Archives
  • Sitemap
Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

JW Media, LLC

Copyright 2025 JW Media, LLC, parent company of Muscle & Fitness. All rights reserved.

Contact Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Do Not Sell Accessibility Statement