Total Ecdysteroids
Also known as: Ecdysterone, 20-OHE, turkesterone, Phytoecdysteroids, 20-hydroxyecdysone
Overview
Ecdysteroids are a class of polyhydroxylated steroids, originally identified in arthropods but also found in various plants such as *Rhaponticum carthamoides*, *Ajuga turkestanica*, spinach (*Spinacia oleracea*), and quinoa (*Chenopodium quinoa*). The most studied compound in this class is 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-OHE), with turkesterone being another notable ecdysteroid. They are consumed as dietary supplements, often marketed as natural anabolic agents or performance enhancers, due to their purported ability to promote muscle growth, enhance athletic performance, and accelerate recovery from muscle damage. Ecdysteroids are structurally distinct from mammalian steroids and are believed to exert anabolic effects without typical androgenic side effects, as they do not bind to androgen receptors. While research includes in vitro, animal studies, and some human trials, the evidence is emerging and not yet definitive, with a need for more large-scale, high-quality clinical trials to confirm their efficacy and optimal usage.
Benefits
Ecdysteroids, particularly 20-hydroxyecdysone, show promising effects primarily in muscle recovery and anabolic processes. In animal models, 20-OHE supplementation has been shown to fully restore skeletal muscle function within 7 days after eccentric contraction-induced damage in both adult and old mice, demonstrating statistically significant recovery (p < 0.001). This suggests a strong potential for accelerating recovery from muscle injury. Ecdysteroids also promote protein synthesis and muscle growth in animal models, with some limited human data suggesting improvements in lean mass and strength, although the effect sizes vary and require further validation through more robust human trials. While potential anti-fatigue and adaptogenic effects have been suggested, these lack strong clinical confirmation. The benefits have been observed in both adult and aged animal models, but human data specifically on elderly populations are currently lacking. The time course for muscle recovery benefits in animal models is relatively rapid, observed within 7 days post-injury.
How it works
Ecdysteroids appear to stimulate protein synthesis primarily by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which is a key regulator of cell growth and metabolism. This activation leads to increased muscle anabolism. Unlike traditional anabolic steroids, ecdysteroids do not directly bind to androgen receptors, meaning they are considered non-hormonal in humans and are not associated with typical androgenic side effects. Their mechanism of action likely involves non-genomic pathways that enhance protein synthesis within skeletal muscle tissue. While primarily affecting muscle, ecdysteroids may also influence broader metabolic and recovery processes within the body. Oral bioavailability varies, but 20-OHE and its metabolites have been detected in human plasma after ingestion, confirming absorption.
Side effects
Ecdysteroids are generally considered to have a favorable safety profile with low toxicity based on animal and limited human studies. No significant common, uncommon, or rare adverse effects have been consistently reported in the available research. However, due to the limited scope and number of human clinical trials, the full spectrum of potential side effects is not yet well-documented. There are no well-characterized drug interactions, but caution is advised due to the scarcity of data. Contraindications are not formally established; however, pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid use until more comprehensive research is available. Safety in children and individuals with chronic diseases has also not been established, warranting caution in these special populations. While 20-OHE is monitored by WADA due to its potential performance-enhancing effects, it does not typically produce the hormonal side effects associated with androgenic steroids.
Dosage
Human dosing for ecdysteroids is not yet standardized, and supplement content can vary widely. Animal studies have used doses that, when extrapolated to humans, approximate 20-50 mg/day of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-OHE). In human studies conducted to assess detection and metabolism, doses of 20-50 mg of 20-OHE have been administered. A clear minimum effective dose for humans has not been definitively established, nor has a maximum safe dose, although high doses in studies have not reported toxicity. The optimal dosage range is still under investigation, and recommendations may vary depending on the intended use, such as muscle recovery versus performance enhancement. There is no consensus on optimal timing for administration. Ecdysteroids are available as pure 20-OHE or as plant extracts standardized for ecdysteroid content. The absorption and bioavailability can be influenced by the specific formulation, and further research is needed in this area. No specific cofactors are known to be required for their efficacy.
FAQs
Is Total Ecdysteroids safe?
Current evidence suggests a favorable safety profile with low toxicity, but human data are limited, and more research is needed to fully assess long-term safety.
Does it enhance muscle growth?
Animal data strongly support anabolic effects and muscle growth. Human evidence is promising but remains inconclusive, requiring larger, well-designed clinical trials for confirmation.
How quickly does it work?
In animal models, muscle recovery effects have been observed within 7 days post-injury. Human timelines for benefits are not yet clearly established.
Are there hormonal side effects?
Ecdysteroids do not bind to androgen receptors and are not associated with the typical hormonal side effects seen with traditional anabolic steroids.
Can it be detected in doping tests?
Yes, 20-hydroxyecdysone is monitored by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to its potential for performance enhancement.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11085066/ – This systematic review of 115 papers on ecdysterone and turkesterone concluded that ecdysteroids show promising anabolic and adaptogenic effects. While it highlighted the potential, it also emphasized the need for more human clinical trials to solidify the evidence, noting the heterogeneity in existing study designs.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9291035/ – This analytical study investigated the content of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-OHE) in various supplements and its metabolism in both humans and mice. It revealed significant variability in 20-OHE content across supplements and confirmed that 20-OHE is absorbed and metabolized in humans after ingestion of typical doses.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/rehabilitation-sciences/articles/10.3389/fresc.2021.757789/full – This randomized controlled animal trial assessed the effect of 20-OHE on muscle recovery following injury in adult and old mice. The study found that 20-OHE supplementation led to a complete and statistically significant recovery of muscle function within 7 days post-injury, demonstrating its potential for accelerating muscle repair.
