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Ecdysterone FAQs

Gaining more lean muscle is one of the ways athletes try to gain an edge on their competition. Ecdysterone is a supplement that has been touted for its ability to help you do this. However, these claims are based largely on animal studies.

  1. Identification

    • Ecdysterone, or 20-Hydroxyecdysone, is a chemical found in plants and insects. It has muscle-building effects in vertebrates but does not influence hormone levels. Because of this, it has the potential to become a significant alternative to harsh prohormones or steroid compounds.

    Function

    • The Department of Pharmacognosy, Hungary, reports that ecdysterone affected the size of muscle fibers in animal studies. The research also showed that ecdysterone seemed to be activating satellite cells in muscle tissue. These cells activate when muscle tissue is damaged or in use in order to help repair and regenerate the fibers.

    Research

    • A study at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor followed 45 men who did resistance training while supplementing with ecdysterone, methoxyisoflavone or sulfo-polysaccharide. Each of these supplements has been reported to increase muscle strength and muscle gain. The study, which lasted eight weeks, showed no difference among the groups in fat-free mass, body fat percentage, or muscle performance measurements. The study concluded that none of these supplements had an effect on body composition, training adaptations or hormone status.

    Dosage

    • Many manufacturers say that you should take 250-500 mg of ecdysterone two to three times daily with a protein-rich meal. However, no reports are available on effective dosages, and the proper dose remains unclear. Contact a nutritionist or specialist for further advice.

    Considerations

    • In theory, ecdysterone seems like a potent strength-gaining and fat-loss aid. However, not enough human studies have been done to prove its effectiveness. The majority of studies noting positive gains are animal research. Contact your health care provider before you start any supplement regimen.

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