Introduction:
If you’re looking for a supplement to boost your workout performance and recovery, then Turkesterone could be just what you need.
Found In a variety of plants, Turkesterone has been shown to have a range of effects on the human body. Including increasing muscle mass [1], improving athletic performance [1], and potentially even boosting the immune system [2].
In this article, we will explore the science behind Turkesterone, including the effects it has on the human body as well as any potential health benefits it may have.
Whether you're an athlete looking to improve your performance or simply seeking to support your overall health, turkesterone may be worth considering as a supplement.
So let's get into it and help you make an informed decision about whether this supplement is right for you.
What Exactly Is Turkesterone And Where Is It Found?
Turkesterone is a naturally occurring plant hormone that is found in a variety of plants.
It belongs to a family of compounds known as ecdysteroids [3] (anabolic compounds commonly found in species of plants, anthropods, and fungi and is notably rich in quinoa, spinach and chestnuts)
In plants, these groups of compounds are used to deter predators and insects.
Ecdysteroids are also hormones that play an important role in regulating the growth and development of insects [4] in processes such as moulting and metamorphosis as well as general development in other invertebrates.
Turkesterone is one of the primary bioactive compounds that is found naturally occurring in the Ajuga Turkestancia plant species [5] (native to central Asia).
This plant species has a long historical use in traditional medicine for its anabolic, adaptogenic, hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic uses.
In Uzbekistan and Tadzhikistan the plant has been valued for its beneficial effects on muscle strength and stomach aches.
How Does Turkesterone Work?
Turkesterone’s molecular structure and anabolic activity are very similar to that of testosterone.
In other words, this supplement has a similar effect on the body as pure testosterone dose, which is why it’s being hyped up as one of the most anabolic supplements on the market at the moment.
Turkesterone is believed to work by activating certain receptors in the body, which can lead to a range of effects on the body.
Two receptors that Turkesterone is thought to interact with are the androgen receptors and the estrogen receptors.
Androgen Receptors:
Androgen receptors [6] are proteins found in cells that bind to androgens, such as testosterone, and regulate gene expression.
Androgens are a class of hormones that are important for the development and maintenance of certain male characteristics, such as muscle mass and strength.
When androgens bind to androgen receptors, they activate receptors, which then act as a transcription factor, regulating the expression of certain genes.
Activation of androgen receptors has been shown to promote muscle growth and improve athletic performance.
When tested for binding to the androgen receptor, 20-hydroxy ecdysterone does not appear to have any binding affinity and thus cannot activate the androgen receptor.[7]
That being said, despite no influence on testosterone itself Turkesterone may be able to exert testosterone-like effects via signal transduction pathways (although the exact mechanism is not yet known); an action with ultimately the same biological significance as testosterone.[8]
Estrogen receptor:
Estrogen receptors are proteins that bind to estrogen and help regulate certain gene expressions.
Estrogen is a hormone that is important for the development and maintenance of female characteristics such as breast development and menstrual cycle regulation.
When estrogen binds to estrogen receptors, it activates the receptor, which then acts as a transcription factor, regulating the expression of certain genes.
Activation of estrogen receptors has been shown to have a variety of effects on the body, including effects on bone density, immune function and brain function.
Turkesterone is thought to bind to the estrogen receptor and activate them, potentially leading to some of the observed effects of Turkesterone on the body [9].
However, the exact mechanism by which turkesterone activates the estrogen receptors is not fully understood yet and more research is needed in this area.
Potential health and fitness benefits of Turkesterone:
Turkesterone has been shown to have a range of effects on the body, including muscle mass and improving athletic performance.
In this section, we will explore the potential health and fitness benefits of Turkesterone in more detail.
Increased Muscle Mass and Strength:
Turkesterone is thought to increase muscle mass and strength [1] by interacting with androgen receptors(See section above) and stimulating protein synthesis.
Androgen receptors are proteins found in cells that bind to androgens, such as testosterone, and regulate gene expression.
Activation of androgen receptors has been shown to promote muscle growth and improve athletic performance.
Protein synthesis is the process by which cells build proteins, which are important for the growth and repair of tissues, including muscle tissue
There have been a few human studies that have examined the effects of turkesterone on muscle mass and strength, although the results have been mixed.
However, one study found that turkesterone increased muscle mass and strength in men when combined with resistance training,
More research is needed to fully understand the effects of turkesterone on muscle mass and strength in humans.
Improved athletic performance:
Turkesterone has been shown to improve athletic performance [1] in a variety of animal studies.
In one study, turkesterone was found to significantly improve running time to exhaustion in mice when administered orally.
Another study found that turkesterone increased muscle mass and strength in rats, which could potentially lead to improved athletic performance.
Turkesterone is thought to improve athletic performance by increasing muscle mass and strength and interacting with androgen receptors.
Potential immune-boosting effects:
Some studies have suggested that turkesterone may have immune-boosting effects [2].
In one study, turkesterone was found to significantly increase the number of immune cells called T-lymphocytes in mice when administered orally.
T-lymphocytes are important for immune function and play a role in fighting infections.
Turkesterone is thought to boost the immune system by activating immune cells and reducing inflammation.
Inflammation is a normal immune response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can be harmful and has been linked to a variety of health problems.
Turkesterone has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects
Improve Bone Density:
Turkesterone has also been shown to improve bone density [10] in animal studies.
In one study, turkesterone was found to significantly increase bone density in mice when administered orally.
Another study found that turkesterone increased bone density in rats when administered by injection.
Turkesterone is thought to improve bone density by activating estrogen receptors and increasing the production of certain bone-building cells.
Helps With Glucose Metabolism:
Turkesterone has been shown to have a variety of effects on glucose metabolism [2], including effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake.
Insulin sensitivity refers to the body's ability to respond to insulin and regulate blood sugar levels. Turkesterone has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in animal studies.
In one study, turkesterone was found to significantly increase insulin sensitivity in mice when administered orally.
Another study found that turkesterone increased insulin sensitivity in rats when administered by injection.
Turkesterone is thought to increase insulin sensitivity by activating insulin receptors and increasing the uptake of glucose into cells.
Glucose uptake refers to the process by which cells take up glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy.
Turkesterone has been shown to increase glucose uptake in animal studies.
In one study, turkesterone was found to significantly increase glucose uptake in mice when administered orally.
Another study found that turkesterone increased glucose uptake in rats when administered by injection. Turkesterone is thought to increase glucose uptake by activating insulin receptors and increasing the uptake of glucose into cells.
Side Effects Of Taking Turkesterone:
With the current studies available on turkesterone there have been no side effects that have been noticed to warrant any serious concern.
The main known issue with ecdysteroids is that they are easily metabolised in the body so larger amounts may be needed or synthesised with another compound as we do here at claw nutrition to increase bioavailability (rate of absorption).
There are no serious side effects reported on Turkesterone use and few if any published toxicology studies.
However, ecdysterone another commonly used ecdysteroid has a proposed lethal dose in mice of 6.4g-9g/kg of body weight depending on the method of administration which is a lot and unrealistic amount of turkesterone to take for any person in one dose.
Interestingly, low doses of around 0.02 ug/kg of body weight in animals have been shown to offer beneficial effects. Therefore more studies & time may be required to ascertain the safety of Turkesterone.
It is also important to note that taking Turkesterone on an empty stomach can cause nausea, a common side effect of capsulated supplements
Recommended Dosage:
As with any supplement, the key to success lies in finding the right dosage.
Here at claw nutrition, we have synthesized a formula which administers 500mg of turkesterone per capsule with Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin which helps with maximum absorption within the body.
The minimum we recommend to see any meaningful difference is 2 capsules per day (Do not Consume on an empty stomach).
But there is anecdotal evidence that doubling this to 4 or even 6 capsules a day can greatly increase the results.
We recommend splitting up the dosage when possible, so have one with your morning meal and one with your evening meal.
Cycling Turkesterone
To attain the muscle-building benefits from turkesterone it is common for users to run an 8-12 weeks cycle.
However as this supplement is not androgenic and doesn’t cause any suppression, you can run it indefinitely. Although we do advise an 8-12 week cycle.
No PCT(Post Cycle Therapy) is required.
Where to buy Turkesterone?
At Claw Nutrition, we offer a Turkesterone supplement which is one of the most effective natural muscle-building supplements on the market.
We have standardised it to 10% as well as synthesising the Turkesterone with Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin for maximum absorption which makes us among the most bioavailable Turkesterone within the industry.
So you won’t have to take as many as some other brands for the same results.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26060342/
- https://www.biophytis.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2020_Dietary_phytoecdysteroids_Dinan20La.pdf
- https://examine.com/supplements/ecdysteroids/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4657291/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajuga_turkestanica
- https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/ar/#:~:text=Androgen%20receptors%20allow%20the%20body,activity%20of%20androgen%2Dresponsive%20genes.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6525371/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18220764/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24974955/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2022.883228/full