What is Turkesterone?
Turkesterone, or simply turkesterone, is a muscle-building agent containing the active ingredient "Ajuga Turkestanica" from the Ajuga plant. Turkesterone is currently experiencing a real hype due to its reputation for effectively promoting muscle growth without side effects. However, Turkesterone hasn't been around for a long time: this performance-enhancing substance was discovered in the Soviet Union in 1973. Turkesterone belongs to the ecdysteroid family, or ecdysterones. Ecdysteroids and turkesterone are primarily found in spinach, which is where the myth of Popeye and his strength originates! This active ingredient is also found in insects, where it is used biologically to support molting. Turkesterone is creating a huge hype in the fitness industry because, similar to creatine, it can be expected to have a noticeable and scientifically proven effect.
Definition of Ecdysterone
Ecdysterone is a natural compound belonging to the group of ecdysteroids. These are plant steroids found in various plant species, including green leafy vegetables like spinach. One of the best-known ecdysteroids is turkesterone, which also belongs to the ecdysteroid family and is found in high amounts in spinach leaves.
Ecdysterone has gained considerable attention in recent years as a potential muscle-building supplement. Studies have shown that supplemental ecdysterone intake can lead to increased protein synthesis and an increase in lean muscle mass. This makes ecdysterone a promising supplement for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to improve their physical performance and muscle mass.
The benefits of ecdysterones in increasing lean muscle mass have been demonstrated in various studies. For example, a placebo-controlled study with trained athletes observed a significant increase in muscle mass when they took a daily dose of pure beta-ecdysterone. The study also showed that these results were achieved without any harmful side effects.
Ecdysterone can be obtained naturally from spinach or taken as a dietary supplement in concentrated form. It is recommended to take ecdysterone with protein-rich meals and drink plenty of fluids to maximize its effects.
Overall, ecdysterone is an effective supplement for muscle building, especially for athletes and individuals looking to improve their physical performance. It's a natural substance found in spinach and other green leafy vegetables and has no harmful side effects.
The WADA study 2019 - What insights were gained about turkesterone?
The real trigger for the hype surrounding turkesterone was the 2019 WADA study. The study, entitled "Isenmann et al., Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agent," was divided into three groups:
- Group 1 received 12 mg ecdysterone daily over a longer period
- Group 2 received 48 mg ecdysterone daily over a longer period
- Group 3 received a placebo
The results of the study were astonishing: Group 1 showed a bench press strength increase of 10 kg (12 mg of turkesterone daily), while group 2 recorded a strength increase of 8.5 kg. Furthermore, turkesterone was shown to have no toxic effect on the liver and kidneys, which is why it can be considered safe.
The study's design was criticized by users and researchers, with issues such as non-comparable participants with different fitness levels, lack of attention to participants' diets, and inadequately dosed supplements.
What are the benefits of Turkesterone?
In addition to numerous positive user experiences, a WADA study has also confirmed increases in muscle mass and strength in conjunction with ecdysteroids, specifically turkesterone. Similar to Laxogenin, this product increases muscle protein synthesis, providing you with an enhanced muscle-building effect over time. Furthermore, muscle regeneration is accelerated, allowing you to not only quickly retrain your muscle groups (particularly interesting for natural athletes who train with a high training frequency), but also experience faster muscle growth. The effectiveness of turkesterone is therefore undisputed. Especially in conjunction with anabolic steroids, turkesterone also helps many experienced athletes as a muscle-building agent. Turkesterone has an effect on:
- Increase in protein biosynthesis
- Optimized metabolism of fat and carbohydrates
- Supporting regeneration
- Improves liver function
- Positive red blood cell formation
The Turkesterone Effect
Turkesterone's effectiveness increases over the course of use, with gradual increases in strength and muscle mass after just one week of use. How quickly turkesterone actually works in people depends on the individual. Numerous studies in recent years indicate that turkesterone can achieve amazingly good results in conjunction with athletic activities and can have a direct, positive impact on muscle building. Turkesterone, which is the main component of the ecdysteroids and is found in concentrated form in spinach, for example, is shown, according to studies, to promote noticeable muscle growth, increased definition, and can even reduce estrogen. More on that later on this information page!
Improved muscle building with Turkesterone - is Turkesterone a steroid?
According to its use and reports, turkesterone has no side effects and is completely legal in Germany. Turkesterone essentially offers a side-effect-free and natural alternative to banned substances. Ecdysteroids have been around for a long time – there are already over 500 types of these phytohormones, with turkesterone and ecdysterone being the best-known examples.
The comparison: Turkesterone, ecdysteroids & anabolic substances
In a 2019 study, scientists gave rats a preparation of ecdysteroids consisting of 20 different substances, including turkesterone and ecdysterone, which is found in spinach, for example. The results were astonishing: The results of Russian researchers in the late 1990s had already recorded the same anabolic effects and increased muscle mass and IGF-1. Particularly interesting is that the 2019 study showed that ecdysteroids can lower estradiol (estrogen) levels, meaning that ecdysteroids not only inhibit estrogen but also directly reduce it! (anti-estrogen effect). The researchers summarized the study with the following quote: "...with respect to doping prevention, ecdysteroids can legitimately be considered anabolic substances and should appear in the WADA list under S1 Anabolic Agents. It is indeed a great recognition when researchers themselves recommend indexing a legal and safe substance.
Accelerated muscle regeneration with turkesterone. Increased strength and performance with turkesterone.
The optimal dosage of Turkesterone supplements
With Ajuna Turkestanica, a turkesterone content of 10% is assumed, provided the raw materials are good. Most products of this type are dosed at 500mg per serving, which also corresponds to the daily dosage. A single serving should contain at least 500mg; for supported athletes, dosages above 1000mg may be beneficial to achieve noticeable effects.
Is turkesterone banned as a supplement?
No, turkesterone is a legal and over-the-counter dietary supplement that has not been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Its effectiveness has been suggested and proven, particularly in relation to the 2019 WADA studies. Buying and taking turkesterone is legal in Germany.
Is taking Turkesterone useful for amateur athletes?
Turkesterone is suitable for any athlete, but we would recommend it more to experienced athletes, as beginners can still build muscle and lose fat very well without any supplements. Turkesterone is particularly suitable for natural athletes, but professional bodybuilders also use turkesterone during their PCT phase to maintain and even build additional muscle mass. Turkesterone can help self-supported athletes optimize their muscle gains.