In today’s society, more and more people are entering the gym. It has directly led to a surge in demand and consumption of sports supplements. Various muscle-building powders, protein powders, creatine powder, nitrogen pumps, and other products emerge endlessly on the market. Among them, fitness supplements or sports nutrition extracted from pure plants are highly sought after. It has become the new favorite in the fitness world. Common plant supplements on the market include Ecdysterone and Turkesterone. Today, Nutri Avenue compares these two natural plant ingredients. Ecdysterone VS Turkesterone: Which One Is The Best For Sports Nutrition?
What Are Ecdysteroids?
Ecdysteroids are a group of compounds that are structurally similar to androgens. It was originally discovered in insects. It is named after its ability to induce spiders, insects, and crustaceans to shed their skin or outer carapace.
Common ecdysteroids include Ecdysterone, Turkesterone, and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). These hormones are very similar. But there is a slight difference in the intensity of action. Among them, the anabolic effect of turkesterone is the strongest.
In addition to the compounds found in insects, ecdysteroids are also found in plants, including ferns, fungi, and algae. In order to distinguish it from animal-derived hormones, this type is named Phytoecdysteroids, or PE for short. It is homologous to our body’s male steroids.
There are also hormones that are common to animals and plants, such as ecdysone, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), and Ajugasterone C.
The chemical structure of plant ecdysteroids is similar to insect ecdysteroids. But it is widespread in a subcategory of plants. It mainly acts as a toxin and antifeedant, protecting plants from herbivorous insects. Plant species possessing phytosteroids account for only 6% of the total category. Therefore, this also establishes its scarcity.
In recent years, academic circles have discovered that plant ecdysteroids are also widely present in mammals. It is mainly responsible for promoting tissue and muscle growth. It has attracted the attention of the sports and nutrition circles. The Ecdysterone VS Turkesterone we will compare today is the main category of plant ecdysteroids.
Why Do Phytosteroids Make People Stronger?
This is because the structure of PE is similar to that of androgens. It has effects similar to anabolic hormones when ingested by mammals but has no androgenic activity. Therefore, it is safer than anabolic androgens. It is considered a good alternative to anabolic steroids.
Its main functions are to increase the synthesis of muscle fibers, reduce body fat, lower blood sugar and cholesterol, positively regulate immunity, and protect the nervous system. In other words, some people who consume more muscle, have metabolic diseases, are weak, and feel tired can gain energy by supplementing with appropriate plant ecdysteroids.
Ecdysterone VS Turkesterone: What Are They?
Beta Ecdysterone
The most common ecdysone on the market now is Beta ecdysterone. It is also known as 20-hydroxyecdysone. The main source of ecdysterone powder is Dewweed. Therefore, it is also called dewgrass extract.
The main benefits of this ingredient are as follows.
- It promotes the synthesis of proteins in the human body, especially liver proteins.
- It clears the accumulation of cholesterol in the body.
- It inhibits the rise in blood sugar and lowers blood lipids and blood pressure.
However, the results of studies on ecdysterone are not always equally positive.
In 2006, the first human ecdysterone study was published. In the experiment, 45 weight-trained men were divided into four groups. Three of the groups will take the following potentially anabolic substances, including Ecdysterone, Methoxyisoflavones, and Sulfoglycans. The fourth group received a placebo. However, the results showed no significant improvement in each group when recording serum testosterone levels, one-rep max, or fat-free mass.
However, three years later, in a second ecdysterone study, 46 men with one year of weight training experience were divided into three groups. Group 1 received a medium dose of ecdysterone (2 x 100mg tablets). Group 2 received a high dose of ecdysterone (8 x 100mg tablets). Group 3 received a placebo. The researchers found that the group taking Ecdysterone gained significantly more muscle mass than the placebo. Interestingly, the high-dose ecdysterone group also gained more mass than the moderate-dose ecdysterone group.
Therefore, the conclusion that ecdysterone has a significant effect is questionable. However, such results are still enough for researchers to call for banning ecdysone in exercise. However, ecdysterone is not currently on the banned lists of the World Anti-Doping Agency or other sports federations.
Turkesterone Powder
This ingredient is one of the most biologically active ecdysteroids found naturally in Ajuga Turkestanica. Therefore, the main source of Turkestanone powder sold on the market is Ajuga Turkestanica.
It effectively assists protein anabolism. The latest research shows that Turkesterone powder is more effective in promoting protein synthesis and muscle-building. It is more effective than other ecdysteroids. Furthermore, Turkesterone is not banned by any sports federation.
Research shows that Turkesterone powder may have three main benefits.
- It promotes lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
- It improves protein synthesis.
- It aids in muscle hypertrophy and increasing strength.
These effects imply that Turkesterone may act as a receptor agonist, triggering anabolic and adaptive responses. The underlying fat and carbohydrate metabolism effects may help reduce fat and maintain healthy body composition.
However, this ingredient has not been clinically tested in humans. Therefore, with limited research, it is impossible to know whether Turkestone can produce steroid-like effects in natural bodybuilders. Turkesterone does not bind to androgen receptors, preventing a significant decrease in endogenous testosterone. As a result, natural testosterone levels remain stable on Turkestone, and typical side effects of steroids, such as hypertension, liver toxicity, gynecomastia, etc., do not occur.
Ecdysterone VS Turkesterone: Which One Is Better?
In 2000, studies conducted by Syrov, V. N. showed that Ecdysterone produced significant weight gain in rodents. But it is lower than Turkeysterone. It suggests that Turkesterone is the more potent of the two ecdysteroids.
The main advantages of ecdysterone are as follows.
- It is a 100% natural plant extract ingredient.
- It has no obvious side effects.
- There are studies showing that it has significant anabolic effects in humans.
However, there are few related studies. There is not yet sufficient scientific evidence to support it. In addition, existing research shows that it may not be as effective as Turkesterone.
Turkesterone powder is effective for muscle mass, fat loss, and strength gains. And no side effects have been found yet. However, there is currently not enough research to confirm any steroid effects.
Generally, both are natural ingredients in the more common sports supplements on the market. They have an additive effect on the effects of exercise. However, both require more research to confirm their effectiveness.
Conclusion: Ecdysterone VS Turkesterone: All Are Good Choice
Turkesterone powder is the active ingredient extracted from Ajuga Turkestanica. Ecdysterone powder is an active ingredient extracted from Dewweed. Both are plant ecdysteroids. They are both popular ingredient choices for natural plant-based sports supplements. From the perspective of Ecdysterone VS Turkesterone, Turkesterone may be more effective than ecdysterone. Nutri Avenue offers these two natural plant-derived active ingredients to support the development of sports supplement products. Welcome to contact us for more product information and quotations.
