Ekdysteron – how does it affect strength and muscle growth?

Ekdysteron has been successfully used in bodybuilding circles for several years. Many athletes praise its effects and its apparent effectiveness, regardless of gender. What exactly is the anabolic effect of ekdysteron, and why is it used by both less and more experienced athletes? What is worth knowing about its effects and potential side effects of supplementation?

Ecdysterone – what is it?

Ecdysterone, also known as ecdysterone, plant steroid or 20-hydroxyecdysone, is a steroid hormone belonging to the group of ecdysteroids (ecdysteroid hormones). Some plants, such as Cyanotis arachnoidea, from which extracts containing ecdysterone are derived, and animals undergoing moulting processes produce natural reserves of the compound in their bodies.

In the plant world, ecdysterone is a secondary substance whose function is to effectively deter potential predators. Animals use it in the moulting process and in reproductive activities. Mammals do not produce ecdysterone, although small amounts are consumed with certain plant foods.

Ecdysterone has a similar chemical structure to testosterone, vitamin D and cholesterol. It is not considered a doping agent, and in small doses it can be found in completely natural foods. This substance also belongs to the so-called natural anabolics, i.e. dietary supplements that have the ability to increase or stimulate metabolic cascades produced in our body, improving athletic performance and muscle mass.

Ecdysterone dietary supplement – how does it affect the human body?

Ecdysterone is considered a natural anabolic agent due to the potential benefits associated with its use. The main property for which ecdysterone is famous is its ability to promote muscle mass growth. This is because it visibly increases the metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids and protein synthesis, while improving the physical performance of the human body.

In mammals, including humans, ecdysterone acts through an agonistic pathway with beta-type oestrogen receptors, which are responsible for the anabolic effect. The substance also exhibits a non-genomic response that activates a receptor found in G-type proteins. These proteins are responsible for initiating a series of successive reactions that ultimately increase protein synthesis.

Ecdysterone and testosterone – are there any noticeable differences between them?

Testosterone is an extremely important hormone in the human body. It influences muscle growth, improves bone strength and stimulates the body to action. What is more, its effects go beyond anabolic functions, also affecting the functioning of the reproductive system. For this reason, many athletes are closely watching the possibility of supplementing with ecdysterone as a means of supporting testosterone synthesis. Is this true?

The chemical composition of ecdysterone resembles that of testosterone, although its action profile is significantly different. Compared to natural testosterone, it does not affect the human body's endocrine system, making it a less invasive agent than synthetic testosterone derivatives, which are successfully used in the world of sport.

So can ecdysterone successfully replace testosterone or stimulate its synthesis? As it turns out, no. Compared to other compounds that are chemically similar to testosterone, ecdysterone does not bind to the receptors that influence its synthesis and action. Despite this, in a sense, ecdysterone seems to mimic the action of testosterone in the body, although further research is needed to determine its exact mechanism of action.

Ecdysterone – what does scientific research say about it?

The most well-known medical databases provide access to studies examining the use of ecdysterone and its possible effects on health. Unfortunately, most of these studies were conducted in vitro on live animals.

However, some studies have observed that ecdysterone supplementation in humans appears to improve athletic performance without significant side effects on liver and kidney health.

In addition to the above, scientific studies on ecdysterone note its potential benefits, including:

No aromatisation to oestrogenic compounds –

• Compared to excessive doses of testosterone derivatives used as anabolic agents, ecdysterone does not affect the aromatisation process in oestrogen, thus eliminating problems such as gynaecomastia;

It is safe for the liver –

• In many cases, the use of anabolics affects liver health. Ecdysterone does not cause this problem;

It does not cause testicular atrophy –

• This problem results from the external supply of testosterone, which blocks its production by the testicles. When the supply of steroids ceases, the testicles are unable to produce the optimal amount of testosterone again, which causes the aforementioned testicular atrophy;

Does not cause hormonal changes –

• The use of ecdysterone does not affect the hormonal balance in the body, so it does not pose any hormonal risks.

Ecdysterone – what effects can be expected during supplementation?

The dietary supplement ecdysterone is particularly used by strength athletes because it helps them increase muscle mass and improve physical performance. However, it should be emphasised that a dietary supplement containing ecdysterone alone is not enough to achieve visible muscle mass growth. A balanced diet and an appropriate exercise programme are also necessary. However, it can be noted that ecdysterone supplementation has the following effects when used regularly:

• It stimulates metabolism, accelerating processes throughout the body;
• It helps improve the functioning of certain organs, especially the brain and liver;

• Increases protein synthesis and improves nerve function;

• Has a beneficial effect on the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen in the blood;

• Stabilises blood sugar levels;

• Helps redirect nutrients directly to the muscles, stimulating hypertrophy;

• May help control blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels;

• Has a mild analgesic and antioxidant effect on the body, protecting cells from ageing;

• Helps keep skin in good condition by improving keratinisation, promoting cell differentiation and preventing acne.

Ecdysterone – what is its reputation in the world of sport?

Although research into the effectiveness of ecdysterone is still in its infancy, many athletes praise the substance for its noticeable anabolic effect on the human body. Strength athletes confirm, for example, the effectiveness of the substance in building muscle and increasing strength, also noting its significant regenerative factor, which enables faster recovery after intense training or other physical exertion.

Due to its numerous effects on strength and muscle growth, ecdysterone is particularly popular among those seeking a legal anabolic agent. According to users, the greatest effectiveness is achieved when combined with a protein supplement.

Ecdysterone – how to use and dosage

The toxicity level of ecdysterone is very low. Toxicological tests have shown that in order for the dietary supplement ecdysterone to become toxic, a dose of approximately 6400 mg/kg of body weight would have to be taken. In other words, an overdose of ecdysterone is physically impossible.

The recommended daily dose is approximately 80-120 mg and increases to 400-600 mg for bodybuilders who want to achieve maximum muscle growth. Ecdysterone should be taken with high-protein meals or a protein shake.

Ecdysterone is not classified as an androgen, so it is not necessary to interrupt supplementation during a cycle. Nevertheless, most athletes take a four-week break after 6 to 12 weeks of supplementation.

Dietary supplement containing ecdysterone – potential side effects and disadvantages of use

To date, studies on the efficacy and dynamics of ecdysterone have not shown any negative effects of the compound on the human body. In any case, it is not recommended to abuse ecdysterone when taking it as a dietary supplement.

Therefore, do not exceed the maximum recommended dose, and before use, consult a specialist who can advise you on the appropriateness of taking this compound in order to avoid any complications.

Bibliography

‘Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agents: performance enhancement by ecdysterone supplementation in humans’ – E. Isenmann et al., scientific journal Archives of Toxicology, Springer, 2019.

‘Ecdysteroids: A novel class of anabolic agents?’ – M. K. Parr et al., scientific journal Biology of Sport, PWN, 2015.

‘Effect of Ecdysterone on the Hepatic Transcriptome and Lipid Metabolism in Lean and Obese Zucker Rats’ – M. J. Marschall et al., scientific journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 2021.

‘Immunomodulating and antistress activity of ecdysterone and turkesterone under immobilisation-induced stress conditions in mice’ – G. A. Shakhmurova, V. N. Syrov, Z. A. Khushbaktova, Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal, Springer, 2010.

‘Phytoecdysteroids and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids - Structure and Effects on Humans’ – M. Bathori et al., scientific journal Current Medicinal Chemistry, Bentham, 2008.

Phytoecdysteroids Increase Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle Cells – J. Gorelick-Fieldman et al., Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, ACS, 2008.

‘Urinary Elimination of Ecdysterone and Its Metabolites Following a Single-Dose Administration in Humans’ – G. Ambrosio et al., scientific journal Metabolites, MDPI, 2021.

‘β-Ecdysterone Enhanced Bone Regeneration Through the BMP-2/SMAD/RUNX2/Osterix Signalling Pathway’ – C-P. Yan et al., scientific journal Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Frontiers, 2022.