In this article, we will briefly discuss the rising popularity of ecdysteroids, including the shortcomings and cultural misnomers surrounding these compounds. Unfortunately, much of what the lifting community knows about ecdysteroids has stemmed from social media during their recent rise in popularity. The claims originally went something like this: turkesterone (the most recently popular ecdysteroid) is "the natural anabolic agent that's stronger than Anavar and has no side effects!" – various TikTokers. Additionally, confusing and ill-informed references to a Soviet study were commonly made in support of this claim. The idea was spreading like wildfire that turkesterone was a "natural" supplement that was as strong as androgenic steroids without the negative consequences. In response to this hype, many people looking to build muscle were eager to pay for such a product. Popular brands decided to join the action as well, with social media personalities such as Derek from More Plates More Dates (Gorilla Mind) and Greg Ducette (HTLT supplements) selling out of their oral turkesterone products. For some time, the demand was so outmatched by production that resellers even began to appear on the market selling bottles for obscene prices.
The result?
As with many overhyped products, a correction in cultural popularity was due. Many lifters who took turkesterone as an oral pill supplement gave mixed reviews. However, even without a meta-analysis or clinical study, the market's sentiment was clear – disappointment was present, and many felt they were misled, not seeing the promised androgenic steroid-level results that most were hoping to achieve.
So, what went wrong? Was it all a money grab and hype ride, or was there something else?
Well, as with all topics, this was a combination of issues, mostly the result of corporate greed and lack of understanding behind the science of these compounds.
To be clear, these are the issues:
- The compounds were incorrectly compared to popular androgenic anabolic steroids.
- The brands offering turkesterone products were either unaware of the extremely low bioavailability of ecdysteroids or utilized inadequate "quick-fix" methods that were not researched... more on this later.
- Directly related to #2, the products sold misled consumers regarding the effectiveness and amount of the compound they were actually receiving. (Read more about the bioavailability problem with oral ecdysteroids)
As we have already addressed point #1 elsewhere, let's specifically address points 2 and 3:
Ecdysteroids characteristically have extremely low bioavailability when taken orally (i.e., tablets, capsules, etc.). In fact, due to liver metabolism, you will only absorb 1% of the total amount of ecdysteroid present per serving. This is because of the "first-pass effect" in which your body filters the compound at the liver prior to your body even having a chance to utilize it. So, what were some of the solutions to this 1% absorption problem that the supplement companies offered?
Cyclodextrins and black pepper extract.
One manufacturer believed that if they utilized a cyclodextrin complex with their turkesterone product, it would dramatically increase bioavailability. However, there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case. Furthermore, the amount of hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin used in their formula is not stated on the label and may even be in violation of FDA labeling regulations. To make matters worse, the amount of cyclodextrin required to form a 1:1 molecular binding ratio for a properly dosed cyclodextrin-ecdysteroid complex would not feasibly fit even the largest of capsule sizes.
Similarly, another manufacturer made an attempt by adding Bioperine® or black pepper extracts (piper nigrum) to their formula. However, black pepper extracts have only been found to increase the bioavailability of curcumin (turmeric) supplementation. Additionally, there is no research conducted on the use of black pepper extracts and the absorption of ecdysteroids.
A similar characteristic among many of the supplement companies producing these ecdysteroid products is confusing and misleading labels. Remember, when taken orally, ecdysteroid bioavailability is roughly 1%. So with a product labeled 500mg would we assume that roughly 1% would enter the bloodstream and reach systemic circulation? No, because for many of these products, 500mg only represents the total amount of plant extract contents. The amount of ecdysteroid is dependent on the standardization percentage of the plant extract. The more popular ecdysteroid containing products are standardized to 10% however, many products are not standardized at all. This means that of the 500mg, only 10% is actually turkesterone (i.e., 50mg); this is usually not clearly defined on the label. So in actuality, with a bioavailability of 1% of a 50mg turkesterone supplement, one can expect roughly 0.5mg to enter the bloodstream per dose. Yes, half of a milligram. Not 500mg, not 50mg, but 0.5mg.
(The following analogy is an oversimplification of bioavailability meant for casual understanding. Read more about the nuances of the topic here.)
The end result is lifters taking an unstudied turkesterone supplement orally and absorbing microdoses. How can we properly assess the performance of a supplement (where ideal dosing is not even clearly defined) when we are absorbing a trivial amount.
We can see how the picture is much more complicated than initially anticipated, and these compounds may not even be getting a fair judgment in terms of efficacy due to their route of administration (i.e., oral supplementation).
The end result?
The same influencer types who peddled the products without a full understanding of the compounds are now the same ones trolling and making fun of those who purchased any of the ecdysteroid products. They often refer to it as getting scammed and claim that the compounds "have no research" and "don't work at all," or the most common of all, "it's just a placebo."
Is this the end of ecdysteroids?
Do not be deterred by influencers who are simply the other side of the same coin as social media creators who are uninformed. Instead of being told what to think, research the topic yourself, ask varying sources, and analyze data.
Primal Power recognized these shortcomings prior to our first production run and adapted. Instead of rushing to the market and selling a low-quality oral product that would not work effectively, we took the long road. We researched and sought out a new solution: an ecdysterone patch.
How does this solve the problem?
We analyzed the chemical structure and pharmacokinetics of ecdysteroids and discovered that these chemicals are well-suited for transdermal use. This means they can flow from a patch and through your epidermal layer without obstruction due to their chemical shape and properties. This gives our patches the huge advantage of skipping the liver and entering your bloodstream directly, thereby solving the problem of 1% absorption. This is why we can offer a 35mg patch that is vastly superior to an oral product with 50mg, misleadingly labeled as 500mg.
Why Ecdysterone over Turkesterone?
Two main reasons: First, ecdysterone can be processed to a much higher purity of 98% compared to turkesterone's typical 10%. Second, ecdysterone has significantly more research in human clinical trials compared to the limited rodent studies of turkesterone. For this reason and the positive clinical data seen from ecdysterone treating muscular-skeletal diseases, we chose ecdysterone.
(Read more on about clinical trials with ecdysterone here)
Overall, it's important to be cautious when it comes to the rising popularity of ecdysteroids. Many misconceptions and misleading information have circulated, leading to disappointment among users. The issues stem from a lack of understanding and the incorrect comparison of these compounds to popular anabolic steroids. Furthermore, the brands offering ecdysteroid products either ignored the extremely low bioavailability of ecdysteroids or employed ineffective methods to enhance absorption.
When taken orally, ecdysteroids have an absorption rate of only 1% due to liver metabolism. Supplement companies attempted to address this issue by adding cyclodextrins or black pepper extract to their formulas. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the increased bioavailability claims associated with these additives. Moreover, confusing and misleading labels have made it challenging for consumers to understand the actual amount of active compound they are receiving. In reality, the bioavailable turkesterone content is often significantly lower than what the label suggests.
To overcome these challenges, Primal Power took a different approach. We thoroughly researched the chemical structure and pharmacokinetics of ecdysteroids and discovered their suitability for transdermal use. By developing an ecdysterone patch, we bypass the liver's filtering process, allowing for direct absorption into the bloodstream. This innovative solution addresses the problem of low bioavailability associated with oral supplementation.
It is crucial not to be swayed by influencers who may lack comprehensive knowledge or personal agendas. Instead, take the initiative to research the topic independently, seek information from reliable sources, and critically analyze the available data. At Primal Power, we recognized the shortcomings and made the necessary adjustments to provide a superior product that delivers the benefits of ecdysterone effectively.
In conclusion, the journey of ecdysteroids continues despite the challenges faced. By choosing ecdysterone over turkesterone and utilizing transdermal delivery, we have positioned ourselves to provide a high-purity and extensively researched product that can offer positive outcomes based on clinical data.