January 2, 2020

Ecdysteroids - the natural plant steroid

Ecdysteroide – das natürliche Pflanzensteroid

Ecdysteroids have been used by natural athletes for quite some time, but still few people know about these substances.

The fact is that this could be one of the best natural substances you will read about and well worth the money. Some athletes will turn to these substances because they don't want to take the risk of using illegal performance enhancing substances, or they don't agree with their ethics. Others are not keen on the suppression of endogenous hormone production associated with steroids and SARMs.

I believe that plant steroids have a right to exist and that their effects have never been scientifically disproven. Sure, most plant steroids will work to some degree and may generate a good pump, but it's hard to compare them to testo boosters like D-aspartic acid. One could argue that they are substantially effective at higher doses, but there is not yet much research that has looked at their effects.

Ecdysterone, which is also known as 20-hydroxyecdysone, is one of the most well-known members of the ecdysteroid family. In this article we will look at the benefits, possible side effects and best uses of this compound.

Other names for ecdysterone include 20-hydroxyecdysone, 20-hydroxy-beta-ecdysterone, alfa-ecdysone, 20-hydroxy-ecdysterone, beta-ecdysone, beta ecdysterone, commisterone, ecdisten, ecdysone, ecdysterone, isoinocosterone, suma, hydroxyecdysterone, ecdysterona.

What is ecdysterone?

Ecdysterone is a natural substance known as an ecdysteroid hormone. This steroid is a plant derivative that is produced by plants such as Tonningia and appears to prevent insects from reproducing. This steroid binds to the ecdysone receptor and is a popular compound for enhancing physical performance. Ecdysterone is a phytochemical that is also found in herbs.

How does ecdysterone work?

Ecdysterone binds to the ecdysone receptor, which leads to the activation of other genes that turn on chromosomes (1).

Ecdysterone can increase muscle endurance and the number of repetitions during exercise, as well as muscle hypertrophy, which leads to the formation of new muscle cells (2). Some studies have concluded that ecdysterone can induce hypertrophy similar to anabolic steroids or SARMs.

The history of ecdysterone?

Ecdysterone was discovered in 1976 by Russian scientists who found that this compound had anabolic activity during scientific research. The initial studies date back to the seventies of the last century and were not continued on a larger scale later on.

Ecdysterone, also known as 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), is synthesized from dietary cholesterol and insect glands. Initial research has shown that ecdysterone regulates gene translation in neural stem cells.

What are the benefits of ecdysterone?

Experiments and some studies have shown increased lean muscle mass gain, maintenance of an anabolic state and increased protein synthesis. Ecdysterone could also improve body composition. It is said to increase anabolic activity and keep muscles hard and dry. Ecdysterone is also said to help combat high blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol levels.

What are the side effects of ecdysterone?

There are no clearly defined side effects of ecdysterone. It has not been studied enough to know what side effects are possible, but it is generally considered safe and harmless.

Conclusion

This compound was first studied decades ago, but has been more of a shadowy existence since then. I have used this compound before in low doses and it initiates muscle hypertrophy and a better pump in the gym. Ecdysterone might be a supplement you can consider using if you want to stay natural and avoid banned performance enhancing compounds.

It's also worth noting that ecdysterone potentially has far fewer side effects than SARMs or anabolic steroids and could be a good alternative if you want to avoid suppressing your body's own hormone production.

FAQ

How should ecdysterone be dosed?

In one study, dosages in the range of 5 mg per kilogram of body weight were used, which also corresponds to the dosage generally used. According to various sources, a dosage of more than 1000 mg per day is not recommended.

What is the legal status of ecdysterone?

The sale and possession of ecdysterone is legal in most countries. However, as history has shown, the legal classification of potentially performance-enhancing compounds can change at any time.

In what dosage forms is ecdysterone available?

At the moment, ecdysterone is primarily available in capsule and powder form. However, as studies have shown that this compound is also effective in injectable form, it cannot be ruled out that ecdysterone may also be available as a solution for injection in the future.

Can women use ecdysterone?

Ecdysterone appears to be safe and harmless for women at lower doses, although there are few studies on the subject. Tribulus may be a better option. It is best for women with unstable hormone levels to avoid using ecdysterone.

Can ecdysterone be microdosed?

There is no reason to use microdoses of plant steroids. These compounds will show their best effect if the recommended dosages are adhered to.

What is the half-life of ecdysterone?

According to initial studies, the half-life of ecdysterone in the body should be around 9 hours.

Can athletes use ecdysterone?

At this time, ecdysterone is not on any known list of banned performance enhancing compounds including WADA and USADA. However, this may change at any time and should be researched before using this compound.

Can ecdysterone affect the liver or kidneys?

It is too early to say definitively, but some studies suggest that ecdysterone does not affect liver enzyme levels (3).

Can ecdysterone be combined with other supplements?

Yes, ecdysterone is often combined with SARMs or other compounds to lose fat and build muscle.

Is a withdrawal phase necessary with ecdysterone?

Unlike SARMs and anabolic steroids, ecdysterone does not require a withdrawal phase, as this compound does not interfere with the body's own hormone production.

Is ecdysterone a steroid?

Ecdysterone is a natural plant steroid and not a synthetic steroid.

Interesting fact:

In the 1980s, it was suspected that the most active phytoecdysteroid - ecdysterone - was used by Russian Olympic athletes (4).

References

https://goddamfitness.com/2019/07/10/ecdysteroids-the-natural-plant-steroid/

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