Materials derived from Nelumbo are administered orally to humans or animals for the purpose of enhancing creatine transport into skeletal tissue and for purposes of enhancing lean body mass. Enhancing creatine transport through improved insulin signaling is a new method of depositing creatine and enhancing lean body mass. Such administration is also used for enhancing athletic performance and controlling bodyweight and body fat levels. More specifically, such administration is used for the purpose of enhancing creatine transport into excitable tissues such as skeletal muscle. The material is administered as extracts of Nelumbo and administered in a variety of ways including capsules, tablets, powdered beverages, bars, gels or drinks.