What is Ecdysterone?
Ecdysterone, otherwise called beta-ecdysterone or 20-hydroxyecdysone. It has a place with a gathering of chemicals called ecdysteroids, which are essentially tracked down in bugs and certain plants. Ecdysterone has gained attention for its potential health benefits and its relationship with Cyanotis arachnoides extract.
Cyanotis arachnoides, commonly known as the "spiderwort plant," is a plant species that contains high levels of ecdysterone in its roots. The extract derived from this plant is often standardized to contain a specific concentration of ecdysterone. This extract has become popular as a dietary supplement due to its purported anabolic, adaptogenic, and performance-enhancing properties.
Definition and Sources
Ecdysterone, also known as 20-Hydroxyecdysone or 20E, is a phytosteroid - a steroid compound that naturally occurs in plants [1]. It’s considered a novel dietary ingredient extracted from herbs.
Ecdysterone was first discovered in insects and gets its name from “ecdysis”, the process of molting. It helps regulate insect metamorphosis and development [2].
It’s also found in various plant species, including spinach, quinoa, and some medicinal herbs. The most common botanical source used for supplement production is Cyanotis arachnoidea and Cyanotis vaga plants native to India and China [3].
The roots and aerial parts of these plants contain relatively high levels of ecdysterone and are used to extract and purify ecdysterone for commercial use.
Chemical Structure and Properties
Chemically, 20 hydroxy ecdysterone is classed as a phytoecdysteroid - meaning a plant-derived ecdysteroid compound. Ecdysteroids are steroid hormones that control moulting and metamorphosis in arthropods [4].
The core structure of ecdysterone consists of four fused hydrocarbon rings, similar to cholesterol. But ecdysterone also contains ketone and hydroxyl groups that allow its classification as a phytosteroid [5].
Unlike anabolic steroids derived from testosterone, ecdysterone does not have the typical “steroid-like” chemical structure. However, it does have some structural similarities that contribute to its biological effects.
In terms of properties, beta ecdysterone is considered relatively safe at recommended doses. But quality and purity should be verified, as data on safety is limited [6].
What Does Ecdysterone Do for The Body?
Although research is still emerging, studies suggest ecdysterone powder may have beneficial effects including:
- Increasing protein synthesis - In cell and animal studies, ecdysterone demonstrates anabolic properties by activating muscle protein synthesis [7]. This is linked to its ability to increase nitric oxide production which improves muscle cell growth [8].
- Boosting ATP content - Ecdysterone may increase production of ATP, the key energy molecule in cells. This may translate to more cellular energy [9].
- Reducing fatigue - Some research indicates ecdysterone can lower markers of fatigue and accelerate recovery following exercise [10].
- Modulating hormones - Ecdysterone may help balance hormones like estradiol and testosterone that regulate muscle growth and metabolism [11].
- Decreasing fat mass - Animal studies note ecdysterone may reduce body fat percentage while increasing lean muscle [12]. This may be due to changes in fat cell genes.
However, the current research is limited to cell studies and animal models. More investigation is needed to confirm effects in humans. Talk to your doctor before using ecdysterone supplements.
Is Ecdysterone a Steroid?
While classified as a phytosteroid, ecdysterone is not considered a true “anabolic steroid” like testosterone or synthetic derivatives. This is because unlike traditional steroids, it does not act on androgen receptors that influence the development of male sex characteristics [13].
However, beta ecdysterone does interact with estrogen receptors which may contribute to its effects on muscle gain, energy metabolism, and hormone balance [14]. So despite not being a classic steroidal androgen, it does have steroid-like activity.
Is Ecdysterone Better Than Steroids?
Ecdysterone is sometimes marketed as a “natural and safe” alternative to anabolic steroids. And early studies in animals and cells suggest it may help increase muscle mass and strength.
However, claims that ecdysterone is as potent or better than steroids lack sufficient evidence in humans. More research is needed before such comparisons can be made.
The main advantage ecdysterone currently has over steroids is its lower risk profile. When used appropriately, phytosterols like ecdysterone are not associated with the typical harsh side effects of anabolic steroids [15].
But for both performance enhancement and side effect risks, steroid drugs are still likely more powerful than ecdysterone based on current data. Much more investigation is required.
Safety, Dosage, and Considerations
Ecdysterone supplements are usually well-tolerated by healthy adults at recommended doses such as 200-500 mg per day. The long-term safety past 6 months has not been established. Potential side effects may include mild gastrointestinal distress [16].
Those with prior health conditions should consult a doctor before use. 20 Hydroxy Ecdysterone should also be avoided by pregnant or nursing women due to inadequate safety data.
Given its emerging popularity in fitness circles, large-scale human studies on ecdysterone are warranted. But so far, it shows promise as a natural performance-enhancing supplement with a lower side effect profile compared to anabolic steroids.
In conclusion, ecdysterone is a phytosteroid compound found in insects and certain plants. It has potential health benefits and is often extracted from the Cyanotis arachnoides plant. Although research is still ongoing, studies suggest that ecdysterone powder may have anabolic and performance-enhancing effects, such as increasing protein synthesis, boosting ATP content, reducing fatigue, and modulating hormones. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans. Unlike traditional anabolic steroids, ecdysterone does not act on androgen receptors but interacts with estrogen receptors. While it is marketed as a natural and safe alternative to steroids, it does not have sufficient evidence to support claims of being as potent or better than steroids. Ecdysterone supplements are generally well-tolerated at recommended doses, but long-term safety and side effects require further investigation.
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References:
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2. Lafont R, Dinan L. Practical uses for ecdysteroids in mammals including humans: an update. J Insect Sci. 2003;3:7. Published 2003 Mar 12. doi:10.1093/jis/3.1.7
3. Syrov VN, Khushbaktova ZA. [Experimental study of the anabolic activity of phytoecdysone-ecdysterone isolated from Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin]. Farmakol Toksikol. 1976;39(6):690-693.
4. Dinan L, Lafont R. Effects and applications of arthropod steroid hormones (ecdysteroids) in mammals. J Endocrinol. 2006;191(1):1-8. doi:10.1677/joe.1.06859
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6. Ost M, Tamourzadeh Sangari M, Costa D, et al. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism of oral 20-hydroxyecdysone in healthy men: an open-label phase I dose-escalation study. AAPS J. 2021;23(4):76.
7. Sepehr S, Komatsu T, Zheng L, et al. Phytoecdysteroid increases protein synthesis by regulating translation initiation factors in skeletal muscle cells. J Agric Food Chem. 2018;66(3):686-695. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b05429
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9. Kizelsztein P, Govorko D, Komarnytsky S, et al. 20-Hydroxyecdysone decreases weight and hyperglycemia in a diet-induced obesity mice model. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2009;296(3):E433-E439. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.91004.2008
10. Azizov AP. Effects of eleutherococcus, elton, leuzea, and ecdysterone on the physical work capacity of humans [in Russian] Mezhdunarodnyĭ Biologicheskiĭ Kongress, Sessiia Problemy Biologicheskoĭ Aktivnosti Khimicheskikh Soedineniĭ. Moscow, 1981 Abstracts 2nd;256.
11. Simakin SY. The Combined Use of Ecdisten and the Product 'Bodrost' during Training in Cyclical Types of Sport. Scientific Sports Bulletin. 1988;(2):39-45
12. Chermnykh NS, Shimanovskiĭ NL, Shutko GV, Syrov VN. The action of methandrostenolone and ecdysterone on the physical endurance of animals and on protein metabolism in the skeletal muscles. Farmakol Toksikol. 1988;51(6):57-60.
13. Dinan L, Lafont R. Effects and applications of arthropod steroid hormones (ecdysteroids) in mammals. J Endocrinol. 2006;191(1):1-8. doi:10.1677/joe.1.06859
14. Gorelick-Feldman J, Cohick W, Raskin I. Ecdysteroids elicit a rapid Ca2+ flux leading to Akt activation and increased protein synthesis in skeletal muscle cells. Steroids. 2010;75(10):632-637. doi:10.1016/j.steroids.2010.03.008
15. Ost M, Tamourzadeh Sangari M, Costa D, et al. Safety, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism of oral 20-hydroxyecdysone in healthy men: an open-label phase I dose-escalation study. AAPS J. 2021;23(4):76.
16. Simakin SYa. The Combined Use of Ecdisten and the Product ‘Bodrost’ during Training in Cyclical Types of Sport. Scientific Sports Bulletin. 1988;(2):39–45