There has been a lot of buzz and attention surrounding ecdysterone supplements in the bodybuilding and fitness community. Bodybuilders have long shared secrets regarding their strength, size, and what supplements they swear by – some legal and some, well, not so much. It’s evident that one of the main reasons why the popularity and usage of ecdysterone have increased over the years is because of studies and claims that loyal users swear by: the ability to help build/increase lean muscle mass and the lack of adverse side effects. Beta Ecdysterone is also a completely legal supplement.
Ecdysterone
So let’s dive into it and discuss what the hype of this supplement is all about and why it has gained more attention in recent years.
What is ecdysterone? To fully understand what ecdysterone is, we have to begin with the science, where it comes from, and the role it naturally plays in other living organisms.
Ecdysterone belongs to a class of compounds called ecdysteroids, which have a very similar structure to testosterone. Even though there are similarities and differences, it’s important to note that there is not enough evidence to suggest that ecdysterone, on its own, actually increases testosterone levels within your body. This means that regular use of a supplement like ecdysterone can be taken by bodybuilders or fitness gurus who wish to increase muscle mass without the side effects that are common in traditional or illegal usage of steroids.
Ecdysterone is the most common hormone from ecdysteroids. It is a naturally occurring hormone that plays a significant growth and reproduction role in insects, marine life, and plants. In arthropods such as shellfish, insects, and spiders, ecdysteroids help them to “molt” or shed their exoskeleton during a metamorphic state. When ecdysterone is produced by plants – as a phytoecdysteroid – it acts as a defense mechanism to help protect and deter the plants from insects or other pests.
Beyond being a naturally occurring hormone in various organisms, the actual extract is used to make Ecdysterone supplements. As mentioned previously, Ecdysterone is so prevalent in bodybuilding because it is a potent and natural compound, which makes it a safer alternative to illegal or synthetic steroids with little to no side effects.
are often marketed or packaged as other names, even if they contain the exact amount of ecdysterone. If you are looking for these supplements and want to expand your search, try searching for beta-ecdysterone or 20-hydroxyecdysone (there are many others, but these tend to be the most well-known and researched).
How does Ecdysterone work?
So why is this hormone considered a natural anabolic, and how exactly does it work on a similar level as other steroids? According to studies, ecdysteroids do not actually bind to specific steroid receptors. Instead, they are likely to impact and possibly have the same effect on the “signal transduction pathways” as traditional or synthetic anabolic steroids. This is the primary reason why the supplement is often referred to as a natural anabolic or even a “plant steroid”.
When it comes to building muscle mass, additional studies show the relation between ecdysterone and the significant ability to increase muscle hypertrophy both in vitro and in vivo. If you are unfamiliar with these terms, “In vivo” refers to the research or work that is done within (or with) a living organism. Whereas, “In vitro” is simply the opposite; it’s used to describe and show work or research that is done outside of the living organism.
Ecdysterone Benefits
There are many supposed benefits of ecdysterone supplements that coincide with building muscle mass. According to one study, ecdysterone may increase protein synthesis. When individuals have a higher protein synthesis, this can lead to a quicker recovery for muscles as well as faster muscle mass.
The anabolic potency of ecdysterone actually shows a higher anabolic effect than SARMs, Dianabol, and Dienedione – compounds that have always been thought of as necessities or “the baseline” when it comes to building muscle mass and strength.
Additional research may be required for human subjects, but ecdysterone has been proven to help lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol as well as improve kidney, lung, and liver function. If this can be proven long-term, the benefits of ecdysterone will go beyond the bodybuilding community, but for now, the supplement is mainly marketed as a natural anabolic supplement for “gains”.
One of the main benefits cannot be emphasized enough, but these supplements are one hundred percent legal. There are many researchers and scientists who believe that further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of the supplement.