Turkesterone

Turkesterone

Turkesterone is a supplement that has garnered significant attention among athletes in the past years. This is not surprising, as recent studies have shown promising effects [1][2][3][4]. Turkesterone has also become popular because it is a ecdysteroid. Due to this, people often view it as the plant version of testosterone. However, it is important to realize that the research regarding the effectiveness of this supplement is still in its early stages.

Turkesterone is also known as:
Turkesteron
Ajuga turkestanica extract
Ajuga

Unfortunately, there is often confusion regarding the name of this product. This is because turkesterone is an ecdysteroid often sourced from the Ajuga Turkestanica plant. Due to this, people call it either Turkesterone or Ajuga Turkestanica extract.

Functions of Turkesterone

Unfortunately, due to European legislation, we cannot describe all the effects and functions of this product. Not even if these have been confirmed by research. Nevertheless, we do our best to provide you with as much relevant information as possible.

Turkesterone has become a popular product in the performance, fatburner and hormone categories. This is mainly because of some studies which have looked at the effectiveness and effects of this product [1][2][3][4]. Based on current literature and knowledge, many people speculate that this supplement should also be classified as fatburner. However, additional research is required to confirm this. It has also become increasingly popular due to positive user feedback and due to its classification as a ecdysteroid. Ecdysteroids are popular because they are best known as the steroid hormones from arthropods, insects, and plants.

Who can use Turkesterone ?

Based on user feedback and some recent studies, it seems that Turkesterone is suitable for people which do resistance training and/or endurance training. Turkesterone differs significantly from typical anabolic steroids like testosterone. As a result, it can also be used by women, as it does not promote the production of male androgens such as testosterone.

How should I use Turkesterone ? / Dosages

Based on current knowledge, and user feedback, it’s advised to consume between 500mg – 1000mg per day. This is often consumed by taking smaller doses two times per day. These are commonly taken with a meal in the morning, and throughout the day. It is often recommended to consume Turkesterone for a period of 8-12 weeks, followed by a break of 4 weeks in order to allow our body to lose a potential tolerance to this product.

Stacking / combining

Turkesterone offers the potential to be stacked with several other compounds like Beta-Ecdysterone, ashwagandha and testosterone boosters. When it is used as a performance booster, we also recommend using creatine, beta-alanine and citrulline malate.

Where does Turkesterone come from ?

As previously mentioned, turkesterone is mainly sourced from a plant called Ajuga Turkestanica. However, it can be extracted from a variety of other plants. Very small amounts of turkesterone can also be attained from food sources, which include spinach, yams, and quinoa.

Other information

What are ecdysteroids (ECDY)
Ecdysteroids (ECDY) and phytoecdysteroids are classes of compounds found in nature, primarily in insects and certain plants. They have been of interest to scientists and athletes for their potential health and performance benefits. Ecdysteroids are a group of natural compounds primarily found in insects, particularly in the exoskeletons and molting hormones of arthropods like insects and crustaceans. They play a crucial role in the molting and growth processes of insects, regulating their development and reproduction. Due to these properties, ecdysteroids have gained attention as potential performance supplements for athletes and bodybuilders.

What are phytoecdysteroids
Phytoecdysteroids are a subgroup of ecdysteroids that are found in certain plants, particularly those used in traditional medicine and herbal supplements. Plants produce phytoecdysteroids as a defense mechanism against herbivores and other threats. Some common plant sources of phytoecdysteroids include spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and Leuzea carthamoides (a plant native to Central Asia). Phytoecdysteroids have gained popularity as potential dietary supplements for their supposed muscle-building and performance-enhancing properties, similar to animal-derived ecdysteroids. It’s important to note that their effectiveness may vary depending on the specific compounds and formulations used.

Studies
It’s important to emphasize that while there is some anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggesting potential benefits, the effectiveness of turkesterone has not been conclusively established through rigorous, large-scale clinical trials.

Is turkesterone a fatburner
Many people speculate that this supplement should also be classified as a fatburner. This is suggested based on current literature and knowledge regarding this product. It is speculated that these effects are possible due to metabolic and synergistic effects. However, additional research is required to confirm this.

Turkesterone vs testosterone
Phytoecdysteroids share a molecular resemblance with testosterone, and this similarity is proposed as one of the reasons for its effects. However, turkesterone and testosterone are fundamentally different substances. Turkesterone is a phytoecdysteroid, a type of compound found in plants, particularly in certain species native to Central Asia. It is not a hormone like testosterone but rather a natural product of plants.

Safety & competitive use

Safety
Based on the current research and anecdotal evidence, turkesterone appears safe for most healthy adults when used correctly.

Competitive use
Currently, turkesterone is not banned in sports. However, it has been suggested by researchers that WADA should include ecdysteroids in the list of prohibited substances due to the benefits (9).

Correct use
A dietary supplement can contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle. However, it should not be a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and a varied diet. The recommended dosage should not be exceeded, since side effects may occur otherwise. If side effects occur, consumption should be discontinued.

As with any supplement, we advise users to consult a physician before use. In particular if you use medication or have health complaints. Do not use when you have kidney or liver problems. This product should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Furthermore, this product should not be used by persons under 18 years of age and must be kept out of the reach of children. Keep this product in a cool and dry place to maintain the quality.

References

1. Isenmann, E., Ambrosio, G., Joseph, J. F., Mazzarino, M., de la Torre, X., Zimmer, P., … & Parr, M. K. (2019). Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agent: performance enhancement by ecdysterone supplementation in humans. Archives of toxicology, 93, 1807-1816.
2. Báthori, M., Tóth, N., Hunyadi, A., Márki, Á., & Zador, E. (2008). Phytoecdysteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids-structure and effects on humans. Current medicinal chemistry, 15(1), 75-91.
3. Arthur, S. T., Zwetsloot, K. A., Lawrence, M. M., Nieman, D. C., Lila, M. A., Grace, M. H., … & Shanely, R. A. (2014). Ajuga turkestanica increases Notch and Wnt signaling in aged skeletal muscle. European Review for Medical & Pharmacological Sciences, 18(17).
4. Syrov, V. N., & Kurmukov, A. G. (1976). The anabolic properties of turkesterone phytoecdysone and turkesterone tetraacetate in experiments on male rats. Problemy endokrinologii, 22(3), 107-112.
5. Zubeldia, J. M., Hernández-Santana, A., Jiménez-del-Rio, M., Pérez-López, V., Pérez-Machín, R., & García-Castellano, J. M. (2012). In vitro characterization of the efficacy and safety profile of a proprietary Ajuga turkestanica extract.
6. Al Naggar, Y., Ghorab, M., & Mahmoud, K. (2017). Phytoecdysteroids: isolation and biological applications. American journal of life sciences, 5(1), 7-10.

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