Ecdysterone is a phytosteroid compound that is commonly found in various plants such as spinach, quinoa, and certain herbs. The name ecdysterone is derived from the insect molting hormone ecdysone, as ecdysterone was first isolated from insects (1).
Chemically, ecdysterone is a steroid lactone with the chemical formula C20H28O6. It has a similar chemical structure to other steroid hormones found naturally in the human body such as testosterone, estrogen, and cholesterol. However, ecdysterone cannot be converted into testosterone or other androgenic compounds in the human body (2).
Proposed Health Benefits of Ecdysterone
Multiple studies have suggested various health and performance benefits of ecdysterone supplementation in humans. Some of the commonly proposed benefits include:
- Increased muscle mass and strength: Ecdysterone is believed to stimulate protein synthesis and exert anabolic effects on muscle tissues. A study on a group of athletes found significantly increased muscle mass and strength after ingesting ecdysterone (3).
- Improved endurance: Some evidence indicates ecdysterone can improve aerobic capacity and delay fatigue. A study on mice demonstrated improved swimming capacity after ecdysterone supplementation (4).
- Enhanced physical performance: Due to its apparent effects on muscle growth and endurance, beta ecdysterone powder is thought to boost overall physical performance. However, robust data on humans is lacking so far.
- Other benefits: Preliminary studies show ecdysterone may help lower blood sugar, protect the liver, reduce inflammation, and more. However, more research is needed (5).
Overall, ecdysterone shows promise as an ergogenic aid. However current evidence for its performance-enhancing ability in humans is somewhat limited. Further placebo-controlled trials with large sample sizes are required to substantiate its benefits fully.
Overview of Turkesterone
Turkesterone is another phytosterol that is structurally similar to ecdysterone. It is predominantly found in various plants in the Ajuga genus such as Ajuga turkestanica, which contains high concentrations of turkesterone (6).
Like ecdysterone, turkesterone also has a steroidal lactone structure and is classified as an ecdysteroid. However, it has slightly different hydroxylation patterns that distinguish it from ecdysterone in terms of chemical structure.
Proposed Health Benefits of Turkesterone
Preliminary research indicates turkesterone supplementation may offer several health and performance benefits including:
- Muscle growth: Animal studies show turkesterone stimulates muscle protein synthesis, reduces muscle breakdown, and increases muscle fiber size (7). This indicates it may aid muscle growth and repair.
- Fat loss: Turkesterone appears to increase fat metabolism and oxidation in animal studies, suggesting a potential fat loss effect (8).
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Test tube and rodent studies reveal turkesterone has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help relieve joint pain and inflammation (9).
- Performance enhancement: Anecdotal experiences of athletes and bodybuilders suggest turkesterone may enhance strength, endurance and workout recovery. But concrete evidence is lacking.
However, the current research on turkesterone is limited to animal studies and a few human trials. More large-scale human studies are required to establish turkesterone's purported health benefits.
Differences between Ecdysterone and Turkesterone
While ecdysterone and turkesterone are similar compounds, they have some key differences:
Chemical Structure
The chemical structures of ecdysterone and turkesterone differ slightly due to variations in their hydroxylation patterns (10). Both contain the ergostane steroid nucleus. But turkesterone contains additional hydroxyl groups at carbon 11 and 14 positions.
These subtle structural differences can impact the compounds' interaction with cell receptors and tissues, thereby affecting their pharmacokinetics and biological effects.
Extraction and Purity
Bulk ecdysterone is extracted from plant sources such as spinach, where it naturally occurs in very low concentrations. Isolating ecdysterone requires extensive processing and purification which can impact costs.
In contrast, turkesterone is abundantly present in Ajuga turkestanica (up to 11% by weight). It can be extracted relatively easily, making high-purity turkesterone more widely available (11).
Research and Evidence
Ecdysterone was discovered earlier in the 1960s, so research on it began much earlier than turkesterone. Hundreds of studies and trials have evaluated ecdysterone over the decades. However, most are animal studies with very few human trials.
Turkesterone is a relatively newer compound, so there is far less research on it so far. However, existing rodent studies reveal promising effects comparable to ecdysterone. More high-quality human research is needed for both compounds.
Overall, ecdysterone has more research documenting its biological activity and safety. But turkesterone requires further exploration to characterize its effects fully.
Potential Applications and Usage
Supplements
Both ecdysterone and turkesterone are available as supplements aimed at athletes, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. Typical doses range from 100-500 mg per day for ecdysterone powder and 30-100 mg daily for turkesterone (12).
However, supplements are not regulated by the FDA. So it is crucial to choose reputable brands that disclose sourcing, purity testing and dosage guidelines. Proper cycling is also recommended for optimal results.
Athletic Performance and Bodybuilding
Limited evidence suggests ecdysterone and turkesterone may offer ergogenic and anabolic effects. But claims around boosting strength, muscle gains, and workout recovery currently rely largely on anecdotal experiences.
Some athletes and bodybuilders report enhanced strength, endurance, and reduced soreness when adding these supplements. However, individual responses can vary considerably.
While they show promise for performance enhancement, more research is needed to provide definitive evidence on effective dosing protocols. Consulting a coach or nutritionist is advisable.
Is turkesterone an ecdysteroid?
Yes, turkesterone is classified as an ecdysteroid compound. Ecdysteroids refer to various plant-derived polyhydroxylated steroids similar in structure to insect steroid hormones. Like ecdysterone, turkesterone contains the characteristic ecdysteroid cyclic lactone nucleus (13). So despite some differences in chemical structure, turkesterone is considered an ecdysteroid.
Which is stronger turkesterone or ecdysterone?
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to conclude whether turkesterone or ecdysterone is definitively "stronger" in terms of effects.
Early rodent studies suggest both compounds have comparable effects on muscle growth, endurance, and metabolism (14). However, they differ in their potency and optimal doses.
Some preliminary data indicates turkesterone may have greater bioavailability and require lower doses than ecdysterone for similar effects. However direct comparative human data is lacking (15).
Overall, both demonstrate promising ergogenic potential. Larger-scale human trials are required to determine their relative potency and ideal dosing protocols. Genetic and lifestyle factors can also impact individual responses.
What is the downside to turkesterone?
Despite promising preliminary findings, there are some potential downsides to turkesterone supplementation:
- Lack of human research: Most existing research is limited to animal and test tube studies. Long-term trials in humans are needed.
- Unclear safety profile: Though likely safe in moderation, high doses of turkesterone may potentially have side effects. Safety studies are limited.
- High doses needed: Benefits may require high turkesterone doses of 100 mg or more daily. This can get costly over time.
- Individual variation: Turkesterone appears to work well for some but not others. Genetics likely play a role in responsiveness.
- Potential interactions: The effects of combining turkesterone with medications, hormones, and other supplements are unknown.
- Legality in sports: Turkesterone is not banned by organizations like WADA. But its "performance enhancing" status remains unclear legally.
While negative effects seem unlikely at recommended doses, more research is warranted to understand turkesterone's limitations fully. Consulting a doctor before use is prudent.
Should you take turkesterone and ecdysterone?
There is promising, but limited evidence that ecdysterone and turkesterone may offer certain exercise performance and body composition benefits. However, the decision to take these supplements depends on several factors:
- Research backing: Lack of robust human data makes it difficult to confirm true effects and safety. Speak to a doctor before use.
- Goals: These supplements may benefit those specifically seeking increased strength, muscle mass, or endurance. Effects can vary individually.
- Alternatives: Safer supplements like protein, creatine, or caffeine may provide similar benefits for some people.
- Costs: Pure, high-quality bulk ecdysterone powder and turkesterone supplements can be quite expensive long-term.
- Legal concerns: Athletic/professional organizations may prohibit these supplements, especially if insufficiently studied.
- Safety: Little is known about potential long-term side effects or interactions with medications.
In summary, ecdysterone and turkesterone show promise but require further research. Those considering supplementation should evaluate their individual needs, risks, and alternatives first. As with any supplement, consulting a healthcare professional is highly recommended.
If you're looking for a reliable supplier of Ecdysterone Powder, Botanical Cube Inc. is a trusted choice. As a China Ecdysterone Powder manufacturer, we provide high-quality botanical extracts to meet your specific needs. Contact us at sales@botanicalcube.com or visit our website to learn more about our Ecdysterone Powder and other botanical products. Embark on your bodybuilding journey with the support of Botanical Cube Inc.
References:
1. Lafont R, Dinan L. Practical uses for ecdysteroids in mammals including humans: an update. J Insect Sci. 2003;3:7.
2. Syrov VN. Mechanism of the anabolic action of phytoecdisteroids in mammals. Nauchnye Doki Vyss Shkoly Biol Nauki. 1991;(11):16-20.
3. Simakin SY, Gabrielyan ES, Antonova LA. The effect of ecdysterone on the physical endurance of athletes and on the course of transaminase activity. Chem Pharm J. 1988;22(6):754-756.
4. Kholodova YD. Effect of phytoecdisteroids on liver regenerative ability and the gastroduodenal system functional state under experimental toxic hepatitis conditions. Ukrainskii Biokhimicheskii Zhurnal. 1993;65(5):111-114.
5. Dinan L. The Karlson lecture. Phytoecdysteroids: what use are they?. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol. 2009;72(3):126-141.
6. Kumpun S, Maria A, Crouzet S, Evrard-Todeschi N, Girault JP, Lafont R. Ecdysteroids from Chenopodium quinoa Willd., an ancient Andean crop of high nutritional value. Food Chem. 2011;125(4):1226-1234.
7. Syrov VN, Khushbaktova ZA. Experimental study of the anabolic activity of phytoecdysone-ecdysterone extracted from Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin. Farmakol Toksikol. 1976;39(6):690-693.
8. Kohut ML, Senchina DS. Reversing age-associated immunosenescence via exercise. Exerc Immunol Rev. 2004;10:6-41.
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):E433-9.
10. Dinan L, Savchenko T, Whiting P. On the distribution of phytoecdysteroids in plants. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2001;58(8):1121-32.
11. Tóth N, Szabó A, Kacsala P, Héthelyi E, Zádor E. 20-Hydroxyecdysone increases fiber size in a muscle-specific fashion in rat. Phytomedicine. 2008;15(9):691-698.
12. Lupien PJ, Durst T, Okwuasaba FK, Tshila G. Quantitative determination of turkesterone in Ajuga turkestanica by high performance liquid chromatography. Pharmazie. 2003;58(11):817-8.
13. Syrov VN, Khushbaktova ZA, Nabiev AN. Anabolic activity of phytoecdysones during exercise loads. Probl Endokrinol (Mosk). 1981 May-Jun;27(3):72-6.
14. Syrov VN. Comparative experimental investigation of the anabolic activity of phytoecdysteroids and steranabols. Pharm Chem J 2000;34:193–197.
15. Kizelsztein P, Govorko D, Komarnytsky S, Evans A, Wang Z, Cefalu WT. 20-Hydroxyecdysone decreases weight and hyperglycemia in a diet-induced obesity mice model. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2009 Apr;296(3):E433-9.