20-hydroxyecdysone, a naturally occurring compound also called ecdysterone, has garnered interest within fitness and bodybuilding circles. This substance belongs to a class of compounds known as ecdysteroids. Its popularity is linked to claims of performance-enhancing benefits, making it a common ingredient in dietary supplements for athletes and those seeking to improve their physique.
Natural Origins and Biological Function
In nature, 20-hydroxyecdysone serves as a primary steroid hormone in arthropods, a group that includes insects and crustaceans. This compound is fundamental to their developmental processes, controlling molting (ecdysis) and metamorphosis.
The compound is also produced by a wide range of plants, where it is referred to as a phytoecdysteroid. It is found in common foods such as spinach and quinoa, as well as in plants like Cyanotis vaga and Rhaponticum carthamoides. Plants synthesize these substances as a form of chemical defense by disrupting the life cycle of herbivorous insects that attempt to eat them.
Anabolic and Performance Claims in Humans
The interest in 20-hydroxyecdysone for human use is driven by claims related to physical performance and body composition. It is advertised as a “natural anabolic agent,” with promises of increased muscle mass and strength. These advertisements suggest the compound can enhance protein synthesis, the process by which cells build new proteins for muscle growth.
The compound is also purported to improve athletic performance, with claims of greater power output, reduced fatigue, and faster recovery. Some marketing suggests it can aid in fat loss and promote body recomposition, where muscle is gained and fat is lost.
Proposed Mechanism of Action
The way 20-hydroxyecdysone is believed to work in the human body is different from traditional anabolic-androgenic steroids. It does not interact with androgen receptors, the cellular targets for hormones like testosterone. This difference means it does not cause the side effects associated with steroid use, such as hormonal imbalances or liver strain.
The primary proposed mechanism for its anabolic effects involves its interaction with estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). ERβ is one of two types of estrogen receptors and has a role in regulating skeletal muscle growth. Studies suggest that by binding to ERβ, 20-hydroxyecdysone can stimulate pathways that lead to muscle hypertrophy, or the enlargement of muscle fibers.
Scientific Evidence and Safety Profile
Early research into 20-hydroxyecdysone, conducted on animals or in labs, showed promising anabolic properties, but a limited number of human trials have yielded mixed results. A 2019 study funded by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) brought attention to the compound. This German study found that young men on a 10-week strength training program who took an ecdysterone supplement experienced greater increases in muscle mass and bench press strength than the placebo group.
The findings were so pronounced that researchers recommended including ecdysterone on the list of prohibited substances. Despite these results, the body of human research remains small, and some studies have not found significant effects. Current evidence suggests that 20-hydroxyecdysone is well-tolerated, with human studies reporting no adverse effects on liver or kidney biomarkers or on natural hormone levels at common dosages.
Regulatory Status and Supplement Considerations
In most countries, including the United States, 20-hydroxyecdysone is legal to purchase as a dietary supplement and is not a controlled substance. At present, there are no FDA-approved medications that contain ecdysteroids.
In competitive sports, its status is more nuanced. Following the 2019 study, WADA placed ecdysterone on its “Monitoring Program” in 2020. This means the agency is tracking its use among athletes to detect patterns of misuse. However, it has not yet been added to the “Prohibited List,” so its use is not currently banned in most sports.
Given that the supplement market is largely unregulated, consumers should exercise caution. The quality and purity of products can vary between brands, so it is advisable to seek companies that provide third-party testing to verify potency and purity.