Turkesterone: The Trendy Supplement
When you step into the world of fitness and health, especially as a nutrition specialist, one topic almost always comes with a major warning label: supplements. Why the caution? Because while many promise incredible results in theory, concrete scientific evidence to back their efficacy often remains elusive.
Today, we’re diving into a specific supplement that has garnered significant buzz in the bodybuilding community: Turkesterone. This compound first piqued interest back in the 1980s, when Russian Olympic bodybuilders were suspected of using it for doping purposes. The name itself might sound familiar, perhaps reminding you of testosterone – and you’d be on the right track! Turkesterone is essentially the plant and insect equivalent of this powerful human hormone.
What Is Turkesterone?
Turkesterone is a specific phytoecdysteroid, a type of steroid hormone found naturally in insects and certain plant species. These compounds are believed to help with predator deterrence and regulating reproduction in their natural environments.
Primarily, Turkesterone is found in the plant Ajuga turkestanica. It’s important to note, however, that it’s just one of several phytoecdysteroids in this plant. Another prominent compound derived from Ajuga turkestanica is Ecdysterone, also known as “20HE.” Many supplements marketed as Turkesterone often contain both compounds.
Initially, these phytoecdysteroids were explored for their potential in developing safer insecticides, as they were quickly discovered not to be toxic to mammals. Interestingly, these compounds exist in foods commonly found in mammalian diets, such as spinach. Later research, however, hinted at potential medical applications, including helping with comorbidities and regulating gene expression.
How Does it Work?
Examining the chemical structures of phytoecdysteroids like Turkesterone and human testosterone reveals striking similarities. This resemblance is primarily because Turkesterone is synthesized by plants from cholesterol – a familiar backbone for steroid hormones in humans too!
Regarding gene expression, studies suggest that phytoecdysteroids do not directly bind to steroid receptors in humans or alter natural hormone production. Instead, they appear to influence signal pathways, particularly those related to protein synthesis. This led to the fascinating postulate that phytoecdysteroids could serve as an effective, safer alternative to anabolic steroids, potentially avoiding common side effects like acne, gynecomastia, aggressive behavior, and high blood pressure.
While specific data on Turkesterone itself is limited, more research exists on other phytoecdysteroids, such as Ecdysterone. This existing research often forms the foundational framework for the potential uses of Turkesterone.
Study Sessions: What the Research Says
Let’s delve into some studies that have explored the effects of Ecdysterone on muscle growth and strength, as these provide crucial insights into the potential of Turkesterone benefits.
One notable study involving rats investigated the effects of Ecdysterone on calf muscle size. Rats were administered 5mg/kg body weight of Ecdysterone, alongside two other anabolic steroids and a placebo, for 21 days. To simulate athletic activity, rats underwent various exercise tests. The results were compelling: Ecdysterone significantly increased muscle fiber size more than the other two anabolic steroids tested!
In 2019, a human study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Ecdysterone on strength parameters in male collegiate weightlifters. Comparing individuals taking a placebo to those receiving two different doses of Ecdysterone, the study found that the Ecdysterone groups experienced significant improvements in their 1-rep maximum for both back squat and bench press.
Numerous other studies have been conducted on mice, sheep, and pigs. A 1975 study, for instance, indicated that Turkesterone stimulated growth in rats. Similarly, studies in 1968 and 2000 found that Ecdysteroids stimulated protein synthesis in mouse liver and various mouse organs. Beyond muscle-building potential, other observed Turkesterone benefits and those of related compounds include a reduction in blood glucose levels, healing of cardiovascular and liver tissues, and improvements in immune defense systems.
Regarding gene expression, studies suggest that phytoecdysteroids do not directly bind to steroid receptors in humans or alter natural hormone production. Instead, they appear to influence signal pathways, particularly those related to protein synthesis. This led to the fascinating postulate that phytoecdysteroids could serve as an effective, safer alternative to anabolic steroids, potentially avoiding common side effects like acne, gynecomastia, aggressive behavior, and high blood pressure.
While specific data on Turkesterone itself is limited, more research exists on other phytoecdysteroids, such as Ecdysterone. This existing research often forms the foundational framework for the potential uses of Turkesterone.
Do You Need to Take? Evaluating the Hype
The initial results certainly seem promising, leading many to wonder if Turkesterone might be a valuable addition to their supplement regimen for muscle building. However, before getting carried away with the idea of a worthy steroid alternative, it’s crucial to examine studies with contradicting results and critically evaluate the designs and methods of experiments showing positive outcomes.
One study investigating the effects of Ecdysteroids on sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) in rats found that administration for 28 days did not alter body, muscle, or organ mass. Furthermore, protein synthesis signaling markers remained unchanged, suggesting no significant impact on muscle protein synthesis.
Moreover, most promising studies to date have been in vitro (conducted in isolated systems like test tubes or culture dishes), with very limited data available from in vivo (entire organism) use. Based on the currently available data, there are several key reasons why Turkesterone might not be an effective alternative to traditional anabolic steroids for humans:
- Rapid Elimination and Short Half-Lives: Ecdysteroids are quickly eliminated from the body, possessing short half-lives. This implies that very large quantities would need to be ingested daily to potentially achieve a sustained effect.
- Undetermined Standardized Dose: Due to the rapid elimination, a standardized “dose” for Turkesterone has not yet been established. This lack of clear dosing guidelines is a significant safety concern for any supplement, as understanding upper limits is vital to avoid toxicity or adverse Turkesterone side effects.
- Poorly Understood Metabolic Conversions: The mechanisms by which Turkesterone is broken down, utilized, and influences genes in peripheral tissues are still largely unknown.
- Complex Genetic Interactions: The complexity of how cells can be manipulated by these compounds, how they bind, and their precise influence on gene expression remain poorly understood.
- Limited Human Data: Perhaps the most critical point is the virtual absence of data from human models. Most studies, both in vitro and in vivo, have been conducted on animals. While animal studies offer valuable insights into potential mechanisms, they cannot definitively conclude efficacy or safety in humans.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
While the supplement industry often outpaces scientific research, it’s paramount to thoroughly evaluate existing data before introducing any new “chemical” to your body, especially one that doesn’t naturally occur in significant amounts in the human system.
When considering Turkesterone for personal use or advising clients, we recommend focusing on five key points before committing to a new supplement:
- Are all individual ingredients clearly listed on the supplement label?
- Has the supplement been tested for banned substances?
- Are the ingredients derived from raw material?
- Are the dosages provided based on sound scientific research?
- Is the supplement manufactured in an NSF facility and does it hold both banned substance and cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) certifications?
If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” extreme caution should be exercised before taking or recommending a new supplement.
While Turkesterone sounds promising in theory and has shown some encouraging results in various animal models, much more research is needed, particularly in human subjects, to fully understand its mechanisms, potential benefits, and any long-term Turkesterone side effects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turkesterone made from?
Turkesterone is a compound derived from the Ajuga turkestanica plant, a native herb found in Central Asia.
Is Turkesterone a steroid?
Technically, it’s a phytoecdysteroid—a plant-based compound structurally similar to anabolic steroids, but it does not act like one in the human body.
Does Turkesterone require post-cycle therapy (PCT)?
No. Because it doesn’t suppress testosterone production, PCT is not typically needed.
How long should I take Turkesterone?
A standard cycle lasts 8–12 weeks. Always take breaks to monitor your body’s response.
Is Turkesterone legal?
Yes, it is currently legal and not banned by most athletic organizations, but always double-check with your federation.