October 27, 2021

The Effects of Turkesterone (With Studies)

Several relevant studies have been done on Turkesterone and its brother Ecdysterone – together with their plant, the Ajuga Turkestanica. We have put together the conclusions from these studies in a running story below and explain why we chose the specific composition of our product.*

The Ajuga Turkestanica plant from which we extract our extract contains about fourteen different ecdysteroids that together account for 1 percent of the plant. The ecdysteroids most commonly found in the Ajuga Turkestanica plant are Turkesterone and Ecdysterone. The plant contains 0.2 to 0.4 percent of the total dry weight of both the ecdysteroids Turkesterone and Ecdysterone.[1] All ecdysteroids look alike, but differ slightly in effect and strength.[2] Because Turkesterone and Ecdysterone are present in the largest quantities, we will discuss these two ecdysteroids and their effects in more detail in this article.*

Turkesterone
Turkesterone has the strongest effect of all ecdysteroids.[3] Turkesterone has the greatest results in weight gain.[4] Turkesterone has similar effects in muscle and strength growth to classic anabolic steroids, such as greatly enhanced protein synthesis.[5]*

Athletes report that while Turkesterone is the strongest on paper, effects of the supplement can vary from person to person. It is reported that in the metrics of athletes taking blood tests, values before and after use remain the same, showing that Turkesterone, however, does not act on the endocrine system as the classic steroids do.[6]*

Ecdysterone
In addition to Turkesterone, our Ajuga Turkestanica extract also contains Ecdysterone. Since Turkesterone and Ecdysterone are similar, we also see here that Ecdysterone helps with muscle growth and maintaining a positive nitrogen balance.[7] Turkesterone and Ecdysterone both work slightly differently, so that athletes who do not respond sufficiently to the substance Turkesterone alone, can still benefit from the benefits of Ecdysterone through our extract.*

There is evidence that the ecdysteroids Turkesterone and Ecdysterone together with vitamin D3 increase the amount of adenosine triphosphate in the body.[8] Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an organic compound that provides energy to drive processes in living cells.[9] More presence of ATP in the body therefore literally creates a more energetic feeling. Users of our extract will therefore feel more energetic over time.*

Dosage and Recommended Use
There is still some uncertainty about the dose of Turkesterone supplements. We recommend a dose of 2 to 4 capsules, depending on how the athlete responds to the supplement. Just like with creatine, some athletes respond better to supplementation than others. When using Turkesterone supplements, it is important to read the instructions for use, because the concentration differs per supplement. Do you use other medicines, do you have health problems or are you pregnant? We recommend that you always consult a doctor before use.*

Because the studies that have been done on ecdysteroid supplementation always involved cycles of a maximum of ten weeks, we recommend for now to maintain a cycle of eight to a maximum of twelve weeks until further investigations follow.*

Negative Side Effects of Ecdysteroids
In the study in Rome among 46 athletes, no negative side effects were reported in the group that took high doses (8 capsules of 100mg Ecdysterone). No values for liver and kidney toxicity were found during the measurements.[10] It is important to still be careful with taking this supplement and to stop if strange side effects are suspected.*

As mentioned, Ecdysterone and Turkesterone have great benefits with regard to recovery, strength and muscle growth. They have this without binding to the body's androgen receptors. This means that these ecdysteroids do not cause the typical side effects of anabolic androgenic steroid use, such as gynecomastia, hair loss, pustules and mood swings.[11] Ecdysteroids therefore have a similar effect to the much more dangerous classic anabolic steroids, but do not have the same toxic effects and side effects.[12] As a result, our Turkesterone supplement offers a healthier alternative in our opinion.*

As we stated earlier, research has shown that there are no clear effects on blood metrics when taking Turkesterone supplements. However, side effects typical of herbal extracts from capsules have been reported - such as nausea and, in the worst case, vomiting. So avoid taking ecdysteroid supplements on an empty stomach and preferably take them after a meal.*

Capsules
Our vegetarian capsules are made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (E464) from plant fibers and mineralized water.[13] The European Food Safety Agency has not found any negative effects up to and including 1,000mg HPMC/kg.[14] The capsules are therefore also safe and, in addition, the standard used in the supplement industry for vegan capsules.*

Purchase
Our Ajuga Turkestanica extracts are quality controlled. We therefore recommend that you buy your Turkesterone and Ecdysterone supplementation from Apex, and not from suppliers who may underdose.*

* Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement.

[1] https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/52192636.pdf

[2] https://examine.com/supplements/ecdysteroids/

[3] https://europepmc.org/article/med/6525371

[4] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02524596

[5] https://europepmc.org/article/med/685188

[6] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00204-019-02490-x

[7] https://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=CZ1997001265

[8] https://europepmc.org/article/med/9505354

[9] https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev.bi.49.070180.004305

[10] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00204-019-02490-x

[11] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0039128X10000760

[12] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00204-019-02490-x