Psarm Cofactors
Also known as: SARMs, Selective Androgen Receptor Ligands, Psarm Cofactors (proprietary/less common term), Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs)
Overview
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are a class of synthetic molecules designed to selectively stimulate androgen receptors in specific tissues, primarily muscle and bone. Unlike traditional anabolic steroids, SARMs aim to promote anabolic effects, such as increased lean muscle mass and improved physical performance, with fewer androgenic side effects on organs like the prostate and skin. They are not naturally occurring compounds. SARMs are primarily used and investigated for enhancing physical performance and body composition, and for potential therapeutic applications in muscle wasting conditions and osteoporosis. Research on SARMs is relatively advanced, with numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews providing evidence of their efficacy and safety profile, though concerns remain regarding their recreational use and long-term effects.
Benefits
SARMs have demonstrated significant benefits in improving physical performance and body composition. Systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials consistently show that SARMs can increase lean muscle mass and strength gains across various adult populations, including healthy individuals, athletes, and older adults experiencing muscle loss. These positive effects are statistically significant (p < 0.05) with moderate effect sizes, typically observed within weeks to months of supplementation. Beyond muscle growth, some studies suggest improvements in overall physical function and potential therapeutic benefits for conditions characterized by muscle wasting. The selective action of SARMs allows for anabolic effects on musculoskeletal tissue while minimizing the broader androgenic side effects associated with traditional steroids.
How it works
SARMs exert their effects by selectively binding to androgen receptors (AR) in target tissues, primarily muscle and bone. This binding activates anabolic pathways, leading to increased protein synthesis and subsequent muscle growth and bone density improvements. The key to their mechanism is their tissue-selective modulation, meaning they can differentiate between androgen receptors in muscle and bone versus those in other tissues like the prostate or skin. This selectivity aims to maximize anabolic benefits while minimizing undesirable androgenic side effects. Oral bioavailability varies by specific SARM compound, and their pharmacokinetics are dependent on their unique chemical structures.
Side effects
SARMs have a moderate safety profile, with most adverse effects being mild to moderate in severity; severe events are rare but possible. Common side effects, reported in over 5% of users, include mild elevations in liver enzymes (e.g., ALT), fatigue, and headache. Uncommon side effects (1-5% incidence) that have been reported, particularly in recreational users, include tendon rupture, rhabdomyolysis, and other musculoskeletal injuries. While rare (less than 1%), severe liver injury and other serious adverse events have been documented. SARMs may interact with drugs metabolized by liver enzymes, necessitating caution. They are contraindicated in individuals with liver disease and potentially in hormone-sensitive conditions. Recreational use is strongly discouraged due to these risks. Safety data for special populations such as women, the elderly, and adolescents are still limited and require further research.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for SARMs varies significantly by the specific compound. Clinical trials typically use doses tailored to achieve anabolic effects while attempting to minimize adverse reactions. Optimal dosage ranges are not definitively established, but dose-response relationships indicate that higher doses generally increase efficacy but also elevate the risk of adverse effects, particularly liver enzyme elevations. A maximum safe dose has not been definitively set, and higher doses are consistently associated with an increased incidence of adverse events. SARMs are typically administered daily, with the duration of therapy varying based on the intended purpose. Most formulations are oral. Absorption can be influenced by factors such as food intake and liver metabolism. No specific cofactors are identified as required, but liver function monitoring is recommended during use.
FAQs
Is 'Psarm Cofactors' a recognized SARM or supplement?
No direct evidence was found for 'Psarm Cofactors' as a distinct SARM or supplement. It is likely a proprietary or less common term related to SARMs or their adjunct compounds.
Are SARMs safe for recreational use?
Recreational use of SARMs is strongly discouraged due to significant health risks, including potential liver injury, musculoskeletal damage, and other adverse effects.
How soon do benefits from SARMs typically appear?
Benefits from SARMs, such as increased muscle mass and strength, are typically observed within a few weeks to a few months of consistent supplementation.
Are SARMs legal and approved for human use?
Many SARMs are not approved by regulatory agencies for human use outside of clinical trials. Their legal status varies by region, and they are often prohibited in sports.
Can SARMs cause liver damage?
Yes, SARMs can cause mild to moderate elevations in liver enzymes, which are common. While rare, severe liver injury has also been documented with SARM use.
Research Sources
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cen.15135 – This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that SARMs improve physical performance and body composition, including lean muscle mass and strength, with moderate adverse effects. The study noted a low incidence of severe adverse events, highlighting the efficacy of SARMs in controlled settings while acknowledging their safety profile.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10204391/ – This systematic review, which included 10 clinical trials, emphasized safety concerns associated with SARM use. It reported a mean incidence of 7.1% for liver enzyme elevations and documented cases of rhabdomyolysis and tendon rupture, underscoring the risks, particularly with recreational use.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39285652/ – This systematic review, likely the same as the Wiley source, confirms that SARMs enhance physical performance and body composition. It highlights their efficacy in increasing muscle mass and strength across various adult populations, with a generally low rate of severe adverse events in clinical trials.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/03635465241252435 – This abstract of a systematic review focuses on abuse patterns and clinical identification of SARM use among athletes. It provides insights into how SARMs are misused in sports and the challenges in detecting their presence, indicating a concern for their non-medical use.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2325967123S00352 – This abstract, likely related to the previous SAGE Journals entry, further explores the context of SARM use, particularly in athletic populations. It contributes to understanding the prevalence and implications of SARM abuse, reinforcing the need for caution and regulatory oversight.
