If you are a bodybuilder, a pro-fitness person, or someone from an athletic background, I am sure you are always curious to know about new peptides, steroids, or supplements available in the market to boost your performance.
Quite rarely, a new product is developed after thorough research that initiates a storm in the bodybuilding and athletic community, and suddenly everyone wants to know about its prospective benefits, side effects, and its effectiveness.
One such broad class that has gained popularity is phytoecdysteroids, and in this article we will particularly talk about its sub-category called ecdysterone. Ecdysterone works to enhance your bodybuilding/athletic skills with minimal adverse effects.
Also, if you are someone who is confused about different terms, such as phytoecdysteroids, ecdysteroids, ecdysterone, ecdysone, or turkesterone, then I got you!
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What Is Ecdysterone?
Phytoecdysteroids or ecdysteroids are a group of naturally occurring hormones derived from certain plants and insects, such as quinoa and arthropods, respectively. As the name suggests, they play an important role in the process of “ecdysis” or molting in insects (1).
Ecdysone, ecdysterone, and turkesterone are the most common types of Phytoecdysteroids or ecdysteroids.
Ecdysterone, alternatively known as 20-hydroxyecdysone, is an anabolic steroid and is somewhat structurally similar to testosterone (2).
What makes ecdysterone worth researching is that it offers benefits like muscle growth, enhanced endurance, and greater strength with no typical side effects like other synthetic anabolic steroids.
How Does Ecdysterone Work?
While the exact mechanism of action followed by ecdysterone is not fully known, some research models suggest that ecdysterone works by binding with the estrogen receptor beta (Erβ) protein-coding genes (3).
Although this hypothesized pathway aligns with the ecdysterone structure, which is similar to testosterone, more research is needed to confirm this.
Because it is structurally similar to testosterone, it can be believed that ecdysterone offers hormonal effects similar to its analog.
Research also suggests that ecdysterone follows the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, which triggers metabolism, angiogenesis, and proliferation in response to specific signals.
Benefits Of Ecdysterone
A 10-week study involving 46 subjects who were administered ecdysterone experienced a significant increase in muscle mass (3). Because ecdysterone works by the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, it stimulates protein synthesis, particularly in muscle cells.
Thus, you can expect hypertrophy of muscle fibers after dosing up with ecdysterone.
It considerably reduces unwanted fat deposited in the body and can help bodybuilders shape their bodies in a desirable way (4).
One of the studies found that subjects who took ecdysterone had improved overall strength and endurance. They had reduced feelings of fatigue, and their muscle recovery was much more effective and quicker.
Because it boosts your stamina levels, it is quite advantageous for athletes and fitness freaks.
Perhaps one of the most potential benefits that ecdysterone may be offering is improved cardiometabolic parameters, such as minimizing insulin resistance and managing hyperglycemia and obesity.
One study that involved rats provided evidence that ecdysterone reduces blood glucose levels, and there was no possible fat deposition/accumulation that led to obesity and symptoms of diabetes mellitus (5).
Note that a lot of research is needed to prove ecdysterone as a cardiometabolic medication.
There is some shred of evidence that identifies ecdysterone as a potent enhancer of the immune system as well as having adaptogenic properties (6). It may help the human body to combat pathogens and also manage stress.
Is Ecdysterone Legal?
So there is good news!
It is legal to buy ecdysterone as a dietary supplement, and agencies like FDA and WADA haven’t put it in the list of banned substances.
Who Should Use Ecdysterone?
Perhaps if you are a bodybuilder and aiming to build and bulk up muscles, you should definitely take the help of this natural and safe anabolic steroid.
If you are someone who has an adequate quality of diet, and you really want an up-boost in your stamina, endurance, and energy levels, you can start cycling ecdysterone to see the effects as soon as possible.
Forms Of Ecdysterone
You can use the oral forms of ecdysterone, which are capsules. Capsules are precise according to specific dosage requirements, and there is very little chance of you skipping any dosage because the capsules can be taken anywhere.
The other common forms of ecdysterone include the powdered form. Many powdered forms of ecdysterone include cyclodextrin as a supplementary ingredient. It is said that cyclodextrin increases the bioavailability of ecdysterone and helps it to get absorbed better.
How To Use Ecdysterone?
It is important to read the instructions given on the ecdysterone supplement bottle before using it. If you are a fan of oral intake, it is fairly easy to use. All you need to do is take the capsules based on your dosage.
But if you are planning on using the powder form, then you will have to mix precisely with an adequate amount of water to experience optimal benefits.
Ecdysterone Dosage
Although there are no set dosage guidelines available yet, the data I am going to provide will be based on the clinical trials performed so far.
People have used as low as 12mg per day to as high as 500mg per day. Well, a higher dosage of ecdysterone will surely make you achieve big muscles and strong athleticism quickly, but it will be wiser to play safe.
One study involved administering its subjects with 12mg and observed a 1.5kg increase in muscle mass. Not only does this show the effectiveness of ecdysterone at low dosages but also the safety factors.
I would suggest you start low with 50mg for a month and then upgrade your dosage requirements to as high as 500mg.
Ecdysterone Cycling
Some studies safely and successfully administered the subjects with ecdysterone for 10 weeks but the general cycling duration lies somewhere between 3 to 12 weeks.
Again, my suggestions would be to start a low dosage for 4 to 5 weeks, then increase your dosage for another equal duration.
Ecdysterone Stack
Because ecdysterone is itself such a powerful compound, people generally don’t stack it with any of the other steroids.
However, many brands include cyclodextrin to increase bioavailability, as stated above.
Ecdysterone Reviews
I tried to scroll a couple of websites to know the personal experiences of people who have used ecdysterone, and here is what I found:
Trevor Mooney says,
“I’ve taken Ecdysterone in the past and I can say it definitely works. It helps with metabolism, protein synthesis, and putting on lean muscle. This stuff has no side effects and. It’s practically a miracle pill. Highly recommend it.”
Debra A says,
“Pretty good stuff”
However, some customers also had a bad experience with the ecdysterone.
Ryan says,
“Don’t waste your money on this product. I received no results and the only studies I’ve seen where results were found was in very high doses around 4 grams 3 times a day. If you can afford that experiment go for it.”
Few customers also had mixed opinions on the effects of ecdysterone.
Sudden_Volume_ says,
“I’ve been doing the same for the last two weeks getting my ecdy mainly from quinoa and I have noticed a definite increase in my stamina when I’m doing interval runs. I haven’t noticed any significant changes in strength yet but I am currently doing a maintenance phase so I’m not really trying to overload which explains this.”
Best Time To Take Ecdysterone
A lot of people recommend taking it after intense workout sessions or post-exercise. You can also take ecdysterone with your meals to experience optimal benefits.
Ecdysterone Side Effects
What’s impressive about ecdysterone is the fact that it is completely safe if used within limits. It doesn’t lead to any side effects that are typically experienced as a result of the intake of synthetic steroids.
Symptoms of kidney and liver toxicity are completely rare. Using it appropriately will help you achieve your goals of enhanced fitness regimes safely.
Where Can I Buy Ecdysterone?
It is important to make your purchases from online brands, which offer genuine steroids, supplements, or peptides.
You might face difficulty in finding Ecdysterone in any reliable stores online, and for that reason, if you know any trusted supplier, I would recommend to make the purchase.
Pricing of Ecdysterone
Normally, price value of Ecdysterone lies anywhere between $49.99-$79.99.
Because it is not sold in that widespread manner, you may find prices spikes
Ecdysterone vs. Other Compounds
Ecdysterone vs. Turkesterone
Turkesterone is just another sub-class of ecdysteroids like ecdysterone. While both stimulate protein synthesis, ecdysterone works by binding to the estrogen receptor beta (Erβ) protein-coding genes while turkesterone doesn’t.
Turkesterone mainly works by modulating the hormonal secretions of endocrine glands. Because of this, turkesterone really helps in managing blood pressure and growth patterns.
Ecdysterone vs. Steroids
Steroids work by binding to the androgenic receptors, due to which they pose a high risk of side effects which is not the case with ecdysterone.
Ecdysterone is a safe product to be used by bodybuilders and athletes with no fear of adverse side effects.
Is Ecdysterone Legit?
So, it all comes down to here.
In my opinion, it is legit!
Ecdysterone benefits bodybuilders and athletics with near to zero risk of side effects and dangers. Other synthetic steroids and SARMs offer a considerable degree of risk, such as liver toxicity, etc. But with ecdysterone, you should enjoy the benefits during your cycling duration and see results in no time!
1. Does ecdysterone increase testosterone?
Ecdysterone is similar in structure to the male hormone testosterone, but there’s no evidence that it works like testosterone in people.
2. Does ecdysterone build muscle?
Ecdysterone has been demonstrated to increase protein synthesis in skeletal muscle.
3. What does ecdysterone taste like?
The taste of this mixed with plain water is like that of a medium-strong tea.
4. Does ecdysterone decrease fat mass?
Research suggests that ecdysterone does decrease fat mass along with increasing lean muscle mass.
5. Is Ecdysterone an anabolic steroid?
Ecdysterone attracts the most attention as a natural anabolic and adaptogenic compound.
