Turkesterone – how does it affect muscle mass development and health?

The use of dietary supplements is one of the daily basics of maintaining athletic performance and a healthy physique for millions of people. One such supplement that is becoming increasingly popular among bodybuilders and athletes is Turkesterone, a type of natural steroid compound that is associated with increased strength, accelerated fat burning, muscle mass building and greater energy. What is worth knowing about Turkesterone, and what benefits can be gained from supplementing with it?

Ajuga turkestanica (Turkesterone) – what is worth knowing about the plant and its active compound?

Turkesterone is a natural derivative of human hormones found in many plant species, including Ajuga Turkestanica. This plant is particularly widespread in traditional Eastern medicine as an effective treatment for cardiovascular disease, rheumatism and diabetes. It is mainly found in Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

Ecdysteroids, including Turkesterone extracted from Ajuga Turkestanica, can be compared in their action to the natural human hormone testosterone due to their similar ability to induce muscle growth and mass. Ecdysteroids are naturally occurring steroid hormones found in plants and certain animal species, such as arthropods and insects.

Despite this, ecdysteroids do not bind to androgen receptors, thus avoiding the unpleasant side effects of conventional steroids, such as gynaecomastia and hair loss.

Turkesterone – how does it affect the body?

Turkesterone is a powerful growth hormone (HGH) regulator. It promotes muscle cell growth by increasing protein synthesis in the body. It also helps reduce body fat and improves the endurance and physical performance of the entire body.

What is more, Turkesterone seems to increase insulin levels in the body, thus leading to better absorption of nutrients by muscle cells. This means that it directly increases energy levels and promotes faster muscle regeneration after a successful workout.

Turkesterone also has antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is also known for its brain-boosting and bone-strengthening properties.

The above effects of turkesterone are largely due to its similar structure to testosterone. The compound therefore has strong anabolic and adaptogenic effects, positively influencing both athletic performance and the growth of strength and muscle mass.

Turkesterone – what effects can you expect?

Turkesterone, as a substance of organic origin, has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its origin, as well as its unique, relatively safe effects and many beneficial properties. What effects can be expected from using Turkesterone after starting supplementation?

• Increased muscle mass and strength – the substance stimulates muscle growth by increasing protein synthesis in the body. It also helps to reduce body fat and improve endurance and performance. It also acts as a natural anabolic agent and stimulates protein synthesis, leading to faster recovery and more effective muscle building;
• Improves endurance – in addition to increasing muscle mass, Turkesterone also improves endurance. It supports the body during intense exercise, such as endurance training or competitive sports;
• Reduces cortisol secretion – another effect of Turkesterone is its visible ability to lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that puts the body into a catabolic state, during which muscle tissue breaks down and fat tissue accumulates. High cortisol levels negatively affect muscle building and regeneration. Turkesterone reduces the secretion of this hormone, promoting the body's entry into an anabolic state, which is helpful in building muscle;
• Stimulates testosterone production – it has been shown that Turkesterone naturally increases testosterone production without the undesirable side effects of synthetic testosterone equivalents;
• Reduces stress and fatigue – the substance helps to reduce oxidative stress at the cellular level, as well as mental stress;
• Promotes cardiovascular health – Turkesterone can help to significantly lower cholesterol levels in the body and improve cardiovascular health. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels and increase insulin levels in the body. It also reduces the risk of developing potential cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood pressure, improving circulation and reducing free levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL);
• It has anti-inflammatory properties – inflammation is the body's natural response to injury and infection. However, when this condition becomes chronic, the body is at risk of a decrease in immune system activity. This exposes us to many diseases, including cancerous changes. Turkesterone has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body;
• Improves cognitive function – Turkesterone also has a noticeable effect on improving cognitive function. By accelerating blood circulation in the brain, it supplies it with vital oxygen, oxygenating it and thus stimulating our concentration and cognitive abilities, such as memory and learning.

Turkesterone – is it a steroid?

Ecdysteroids are naturally occurring steroids that have a similar chemical structure to androgens, including testosterone found in the human body. This means that they can have the same effect on promoting muscle growth and improving health as testosterone.

Does this mean that Turkesterone is a steroid? No, because Turkesterone is not a synthetic anabolic agent. What's more, it does not bind to the same androgen receptors in the body as conventional steroids. Turkesterone is also not considered a synthetic substance.

Turkesterone – how to dose?

The suggested dose of Turkesterone varies depending on age, health and other individual characteristics. The initial dose is usually around 200 milligrams per day, divided into two portions. Over time, it can be increased to 500 milligrams per day.

The recommended duration of Turkesterone use is usually 8 to 12 weeks. After this period, it is recommended to take a break of about 4 weeks. Unlike steroids, Turkesterone does not cause rapid dependence or addiction.

Ajuga turkestanica – potential side effects

To date, no clinically visible hormonal imbalances or serious effects of using Turkesterone have been observed. Based on the results of numerous clinical studies, it can be suggested that the compound is a safer alternative to anabolic steroids.

In any case, some individuals may be predisposed to the following side effects:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Changes in appetite

To prevent them, it is recommended to take the doses suggested by the supplement manufacturer. Furthermore, Turkesterone should be taken with a meal.

Turkesterone – opinions about the supplement

Turkesterone is known in the sports community as a natural testosterone booster. Users praise its effectiveness and the speed with which the effects of supplementation are achieved, as well as its high safety profile and lack of visible side effects.

People struggling with low testosterone levels confirm that after a few weeks of supplementation, Turkesterone improved the level of free testosterone in the blood, while regulating fat burning and increasing sexual activity.

Bibliography

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

‘Effects of Methoxyisoflavone, Ecdysterone, and Sulfo-Polysaccharide Supplementation on Training Adaptations in Resistance-Trained Males’ – C. D. Wilborn et al., scientific journal Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Taylor & Francis, 2006.

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

‘Isolation of turkesterone from the epigeal part of Ajuga turkestanica and its anabolic activity’ – A. U. Mamatkhanov, M. R. Yakubova, V. N. Syrov, scientific journal Chemistry of Natural Compounds, Springer, 1998.

‘Synthesis and biological activities of turkesterone 11alpha-acyl derivatives’ – L. Dinan et al., scientific journal Journal of Insect Science, Oxford Academic, 2003. ‘The minor ecdysteroids from Ajuga turkestanica’ – L. Guibout et al., scientific journal Phytochemical analysis, Wiley, 2015.