α-Cyclodextrin enhances myoblast fusion and muscle differentiation by the release of IL-4

► Cyclodextrins have the ability to solubilize lipids. ► We analyzed the effects of α-cyclodextrin during myogenesis. ► α-Cyclodextrin enhances myoblast fusion and the expression of myogenin. ► α-Cyclodextrin induces myogenic differentiation by the release of IL-4.