Is Ecdysterone a Steroid?
As someone with an interest in athleticism, muscle gains, and performance-enhancing supplements, you have almost certainly heard of Ecdysterone. Even with only a vague interest in muscular development, the name will at least sound familiar to you.
Ecdysterone isn’t a new phenomenon, as this powerful natural supplement has been around for decades in one form or another. But its popularity has risen in recent years and is now commonly recommended by gym-goers everywhere, owing to its legal status, availability, and lack of unpleasant side effects.
More significantly, its ability to deliver similar results to anabolic steroids has caused this harmless but potent extract to become one of the more talked about supplements in the bodybuilding community.
Alleviate Doubts
Ecdysterone is now one of the most commonly purchased supplements in a highly competitive market. However, despite the popularity, a small minority of iron pumpers are skeptical of the claims – despite overwhelming circumstantial evidence.
These doubts spawn from an extreme loyalty towards steroids, believing that a natural supplement could never compete with their potency. The counterargument is that ecdysterone, despite being derived from a natural plant, is actually classed as a steroid.
But is ecdysterone a steroid, really?
Through this article, we are going to cut through the myths and present the facts, providing a clear, resolute answer to the question, “Is ecdysterone a steroid?”. While we are here, we will also address a few other key considerations, such as the benefits and risks (if any) that are associated with ecdysterone.
Let’s take a look, but first, we should run through the basics real quick.
What are Ecdysteroids?
Ecdysteroids are simply a group of naturally occurring hormones present in specific plants and insects. They play a huge role in the life cycle of insects, particularly during ecdysis – the process by which insects shed their exoskeletons to grow.
The term “ecdysteroids” merges “ecdy” (referencing this shedding process) with “steroids,” which reflects their chemical structure characterized by a four-ring polyhydroxylated ketosteroid base.
You read that correctly – the chemical structure is no different from that of a steroid (more on that, later). In the plant world, ecdysteroids are produced as a defensive response to environmental stressors, helping protect the plant by defending against herbivorous insects.
Conversion Process
The conversion of ecdysteroids into supplement format starts with the extraction from their natural sources, namely plant roots or insects. This extraction process is surprisingly straightforward due to the abundance and accessibility of ecdysteroids in these organisms, and once extracted, the compounds are purified so that only the active ecdysteroids are retained.
These purified extracts are then stabilized and formulated into various supplement forms, such as ecdysteroid capsules, powders, or liquids, making them nice and easy for human consumption. This extraction method allows the beneficial properties of ecdysteroids to be harnessed efficiently, providing an accessible, natural, risk-free option for anyone looking to incorporate them into their muscle gains routine.
Different Types of Ecdysteroids
Several ecdysteroids, such as turkesterone, beta-ecdysterone, ecdysone, and 2-deoxyecdysone, are recognized for their roles in organic processes. Among these, turkesterone and beta-ecdysterone are known for their profound ability to support increases in muscle mass and enhance stamina*.
However, turkesterone and beta-ecdysterone vary slightly in structure and function. In plants, they help deter pests, while in insects, they are evident for growth and development during the molting phases.
The extraction process from both sources involves isolating the active ingredients, which are then purified and converted into supplement form, available for human consumption to help out with physical development and stamina enhancement. Or, to put it another way… Gains!
How Is the Supplement Marketed?
Of course, whenever a groundbreaking natural supplement is discovered, marketers are liable to get a little creative with the branding and terminology. As a result, there are a few different terms for ecdysteroids, including Beta-Ecdysterone, 20-Hydroxyecdysone, and Ecdisten.
Despite the different terms and labels, these products basically contain the same ecdysterone extract. So, whether you encounter it as Beta-Ecdysterone, 20-Hydroxyecdysone, or Ecdisten, you’re essentially looking at very similar, if not identical, formulations.
The most common terms associated with include:
- Beta-Ecdysterone
- Hydroxyecdysterone
- 20-Hydroxy-Beta-Ecdysterone
- Ecdysterone 20-Hydroxyecdysone
- 20-Hydroxy-Ecdysterone
- Beta-ecdysone
How Do Ecdysteroids Work in Humans?
Humans have receptors for ecdysteroids that, when activated, offer several health benefits for humans. At the molecular level, ecdysteroids are derived from dietary cholesterol after it is metabolized – that’s absolutley crucial to what is referred to as ‘morphogenesis’, the process of tissue development.
At the risk of stating the obvious, tissue development is incredibly relevant to bodybuilding – you could argue that tissue development is bodybuilding, ultimately.
The initial intrigue in these extracts stemmed from their structural similarity to androgenic hormones, suggesting potential use in testosterone replacement therapy. Subsequent studies demonstrated that ecdysteroids could speed up muscle protein synthesis, showing these compounds to be anabolic (promoting muscle growth) rather than androgenic*.
One particular study found that Ecdysterone binds not to androgen or estrogen receptor-alpha but to estrogen receptor-beta. While that may sound like a mouthful, if you are seeking muscle gains this is a pertinent, relevant point: activating estrogen receptor-beta is fundamental in promoting substantial muscle growth and strength, avoiding the hormonal imbalances linked with typical steroids*.
What’s more, ecdysterone was also found to increase muscle protein synthesis by activating signaling pathways, further aiding in muscle repair and growth*.
With these facts in mind, you would be forgiven for thinking this wonderful natural product sounds exactly like a steroid. Well, that’s because it is – and we are going to explain why.
So, Is Ecdysterone a Steroid, or Not?
Yes. In the literal scientific sense of the term, Ecdysterone Is a Steroid.
However, there are a few caveats to that statement, as the term “steroids” encompasses far more than merely the synthetic anabolic steroids that are usually associated with testosterone mimicry. Ecdysterone belongs to a category known as phytoecdysteroids, which, as noted earlier, are naturally occurring hormones in plants and insects.
Although its structure is similar to testosterone, Ecdysterone does not function in exactly the same way. Almost, but not quite.
Unlike synthetic variants, it doesn’t interact with androgen receptors and will not elevate testosterone levels beyond what’s naturally achievable. Thus, it avoids the risks and adverse effects typical of synthetic anabolic steroids. By the same token, ecdysterone’s ability to encourage muscle growth safely and naturally makes it a terrific option for bodybuilders looking for substantial gains without the harsh side effects associated with conventional steroids*.
Do Ecdysteroids Work Like Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic steroids are known for their rapid muscle mass and strength enhancements. So, how do ecdysteroids stack up in that regard? Research indicates that Ecdysterone can boost muscle mass comparably to anabolic steroids and SARMs, suggesting its effectiveness in muscle development is similar to certain androgenic steroids*.
Additional studies note that combining ten weeks of ecdysterone supplementation with resistance training leads to more notable gains in lean muscle mass than training alone*. Participants in these studies also experienced substantial improvements in their maximum strength for single lifts.
If all of this sounds too good to be true, you might be wondering what the catch is. With so many supplements causing unwanted side effects, surely ecdysterone comes with some downsides in terms of side effects? The short answer is absolutely not.
Allow us to explain in a little more detail.
Side Effects of Ecdysterone?
Currently, there really are no side effects reported from using ecdysterone. Furthermore, research also supports its safety. Ecdysterone doesn’t induce typical steroidal reactions and has not shown any signs of toxicity.
As mentioned earlier, the simple truth of the matter is that ecdysteroids differ from testosterone in that they don’t increase your body’s testosterone levels. Such interventions are usually reserved for hormone replacement therapies or among bodybuilders aiming to push muscle growth beyond typical boundaries.
However, using external testosterone or similar synthetic supplements can lead to several side effects, including gynecomastia, mood swings, liver issues, and a higher risk of blood clots, to list just a few. Since Ecdysteroids don’t interact with androgen receptors or boost testosterone directly, these concerns are not in question.
Can You Get Ecdysterone Naturally?
Ecdysterone is found naturally in various foods and drinks, providing a gentle, if not less effective, introduction to its benefits. Foods including spinach, quinoa, and suma root are known to contain this potent compound – all of which can be incorporated into your diet. This provides a natural way to experience a mild effect of Ecdysterone.
Drinking yams or sarsaparilla root tea might also offer trace amounts of this natural steroid if you would prefer a liquid delivery method.
However, while these dietary sources will introduce Ecdysterone to your system, the levels present are typically much lower than those required to achieve the pronounced muscle-building effects many seek. One serving of our popular VemoHerb Beta-Ecdysterone, for example, contains 490mg of the substance – which would equate to a lot of spinach: approximately seven kilograms, to be precise.
The facts are pretty clear. If you are aiming to maximize the potential benefits of ecdysterone – especially in the context of athletic performance and significant muscle growth – supplementation is your only option*.
VemoHerb supplements are specifically formulated to deliver Ecdysterone in concentrations high enough to be effective. In turn, you will receive a consistent and sufficient dose. They are simply a more practical and reliable option for anyone serious about improving their physical performance and achieving optimal results – as many do.
Is Ecdysterone Legal?
Given the effectiveness of ecdysterone and the fact that it is a steroid in the pure definition of the term, you would be forgiven for assuming it is an ‘under the counter’ black market product unless acquired through prescription. That would be the equivalent of buying your spinach on the black market, however. Ecdysterone is perfectly legal worldwide.
Ecdysterone is also not included on the list of banned substances by anti-doping agencies, meaning that athletes can use ecdysterone without violating any anti-doping regulations.
While this is a perfectly legal supplement with no side effects, it is not without its fair share of controversy, either. The absence of ecdysterone from the banned list has caused discussions among regulatory bodies and sports authorities because of the noticeable enhancements it provides to athletic performance. Understandably, some argue that it gives users an unfair advantage.
The fact is, it does. If you are taking ecdysterone in a competitive context, it would be fair to suggest you have an advantage, and in that sense, the regulatory bodies have a point.
As a result, the conversation about potentially including ecdysterone as a regulated substance is gaining traction. While it remains legal for the time being, it is worth staying informed about any future regulatory changes that could impact its availability and permissible use in sports. For the next few years at least, however, that looks unlikely.
Wrap Up
So, is Ecdysterone a Steroid? Yes, be of no doubt that ecdysterone is indeed a Steroid, providing similar results to that of an anabolic course.
While you can find ecdysterone in natural foods like spinach and quinoa, the concentration in these sources is far lower than what most bodybuilders need to see significant effects. That’s where supplements like VemoHerb Ecdysterone will appeal to anyone looking to increase muscle mass: they provide a concentrated dose that can really make a difference in your training outcomes and recovery times*.
With its impressive benefits and fully legal status, ecdysterone is becoming increasingly popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, owing to its incredible power in improving sports performance and overall health*.
If you’re ready to improve your performance safely and within regulatory guidelines, VemoHerb Ecdysterone should be your first choice. Incorporate our supplement into your daily routine to deliver measurable, distinct improvements in strength and endurance safely and effectively*.
Interested in boosting your performance levels and gains? Buy ecdysterone now and see the amazing difference in your training!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
