Beta-Ecdysterone
Beta-Ecdysterone (20-Hydroxyecdysone)
A plant-derived compound structurally similar to insect hormones that may enhance muscle protein synthesis and strength without hormonal side effects.
Beta-Ecdysterone (20-Hydroxyecdysone) is a phytoecdysteroid found in spinach and other plants. Despite its hormonal name, it doesn't affect testosterone or other human hormones. Research suggests it may enhance muscle protein synthesis by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway and binding to estrogen receptor beta. A notable 2019 study showed significant strength gains, leading to calls for WADA review. Effects appear to be dose-dependent with higher doses showing better results.
Mechanisms of Action
Protein Synthesis
Activates muscle-building pathways
Estrogen Receptor Beta
Binds to ER-beta for anabolic effects
Nitrogen Retention
Improves nitrogen balance
Recommended Dose
200-500mg daily (or higher based on studies)
Loading: Not established; consistent daily dosing used in studies
Optimal Timing
- With meals (2-3 divided doses)
- May be taken with protein
Take with food
Best Form
Standardized extract (typically from Cyanotis arachnoidea or spinach)
Look for products standardized to specific ecdysterone content. Quality varies significantly between brands.
Duration
Minimum: 8 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: 8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Note: Divide dose throughout day with meals. The 2019 study used ~800mg/day in divided doses.
Personalized Dosage Calculator
Get a dosage recommendation tailored to your body weight, age, goals, and health profile.
Set up your health profile for personalized recommendations
Strength Gains
Increased strength in resistance training
Muscle Mass
Potential lean mass increases
Limited Long-term Data
More research needed on long-term effects
Check WADA status; may be reviewed for ban
Who Should NOT Take This
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Beta-Ecdysterone or related compounds
Drug Interactions
Theoretical interaction due to estrogen receptor beta binding; consult healthcare provider
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Discontinue if rash or itching occurs
Warnings
- Quality varies significantly between products
- WADA has discussed potential review
- More human research needed
- Ensure product is from reputable source
Top studies from 26+ peer-reviewed papers
ZΓ‘dor E β’ Cells (2025)
βThe similarities with agents mimicking calorie restriction and anti-aging effects are also elucidated and discussed.β
Key Findings:
- Various beneficial effects have been reported in vivo and in vitro for 20E and its related compounds in mammals.
- Trials for the safety of clinical application showed a remarkably high tolerance in humans.
- This review aims to assess the latest development in the involvement of various pathways in tissues and organs and look if it is plausible to find a single primary target of this compound.
- The similarities with agents mimicking calorie restriction and anti-aging effects are also elucidated and discussed.
Todorova V et al. β’ Nutrients (2024)
βHowever, the therapeutic potential of phytoecdysteroid-rich extracts extends beyond sports nutrition, with promising applications in treating chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.β
Key Findings:
- The current review investigates the beneficial biological effects of ecdysterone and turkesterone in nutrition, highlighting their roles not only in enhancing athletic performance but also in the management of various health problems.
- Plant-based diets, associated with various health benefits and environmental sustainability, often include sources rich in phytoecdysteroids.
- However, the therapeutic potential of phytoecdysteroid-rich extracts extends beyond sports nutrition, with promising applications in treating chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
GΓ‘likovΓ‘ M et al. β’ Seminars in cell & developmental biology (2023)
βAll rights reserved.β
Key Findings:
- In this review, we focus on a selection of the most important catabolic regulators from the group of peptide hormones (Adipokinetic hormone, Corazonin), catecholamines (octopamine), steroid hormones (20-hydroxyecdysone), and other factors (extracellular adenosine, regulators of lipase Brummer).
- We discuss their roles in the mobilization of energy reserves for processes such as development through non-feeding stages, flight or starvation survival.
- Finally, we conclude with future perspectives on the energy balance research in the fly model.Copyright Β© 2022 Elsevier Ltd.
- All rights reserved.
Arif Y et al. β’ International journal of molecular sciences (2022)
βIn humans, PEs display biological, pharmacological, and medicinal properties, such as anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and tissue differentiation activity.β
Key Findings:
- In plants, PEs play a potent role in enhancing tolerance against insects and nematodes via their allelochemical activity, which increases plant biological and metabolic responses.
- PEs promote enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems, which decrease reactive oxygen species in the form of superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals and reduce malondialdehyde content.
- PEs also induce protein biosynthesis and modulate carbohydrate and lipid synthesis.
- In humans, PEs display biological, pharmacological, and medicinal properties, such as anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and tissue differentiation activity.
Zhao XF β’ Cell communication and signaling : CCS (2020)
βThis systematic-review examined the effects of Beta-Ecdysterone.β
Key Findings:
- GPCRs can bind 20E in the cell membrane and after being isolated, suggesting GPCRs as cell membrane receptors of 20E.
- Published in Cell communication and signaling : CCS (2020)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.