Fitness enthusiasts constantly search for extraordinary ingredients that can take them to new heights. Turkesterone, with its claimed benefits, has caught the fancy of bodybuilders and researchers alike.
If you like staying on top of fitness industry trends, you must learn about Turkesterone. It is one of the newest supplements to make waves in the sports nutrition industry. However, not everyone is convinced of its benefits.
Some people consider Turkesterone the natural alternative to synthetic testosterone, whereas others consider it a fad. We’d go as far as to say that Turkesterone gained a cult following in a very short period because it sounds like testosterone.
Derek from the More Plates More Dates (YouTube channel) fame is credited for bringing Turkesterone to the mainstream. Plus, some of the most popular podcasters on the planet, Joe Rogan and Andrew Huberman touted Turkesterone’s muscle-building effects in one of their podcasts. Rogan’s and Huberman’s backing pushed Turkesterone’s popularity into the stratosphere.
It is believed that Turkesterone has similar effects on your hormones, such as other potent steroids like Deca and D-bal.
If you have been around the fitness scene for long enough, you would already know what happens to a supplement that claims quick, gear-like results and has celebrity backing. It sells like hotcakes. This is precisely what happened with Turkesterone.
In this article, we dive deep into Turskesterone and explore its benefits, side effects, effectiveness, and safety. We also compare it to a similar compound known as Ecdysterone and reveal the most popular Turkesterone supplement on the market. We have a lot to cover, so let’s get right into it.
What is Turkesterone?
To understand Turkesterone, we must first touch upon ecdysteroids. Ecdysteroids are steroid hormones that regulate molting and metamorphosis in insects. These occur naturally in some insects and plants. Ecdysteroids have anabolic (muscle-building) and adaptogenic (stress-busting) effects.
The star of this article, Turkesterone, is a concentrated ecdysteroid. Turkesterone is found in plants such as Ajuga turkestanica and Rhaponticum carthamoides. Although Turkesterone has been in use for a long time in traditional medicine, it has recently entered the mainstream, and its effects and results are being studied extensively.
Although this ecdysteroid’s name would make you think it originates from Turkey, that is not the case. Turkesterone is derived from Russian-Asian steppes. Furthermore, Turkesterone is present in foods like spinach, quinoa, and yams. However, the quantities are too small to make a difference.
The Turkesterone supplements on the market claim improved protein synthesis, increased muscle mass, enhanced recovery, a significant boost in endurance, and improved cardiovascular performance. To sum it up, Turkesterone is a fitness enthusiast’s dream supplement. Or is it?
A few studies concluded that ecdysteroids had performance-enhancing effects in birds and beetles [1][2]. However, the world’s leading evidence-based sports nutrition and supplementation journal, the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), discarded these claims and questioned the reliability of these studies.
Although Turkesterone has gained a cult following in a short period, more human trials are needed to establish its potential benefits, dosage guidelines, and long-term effects.
What Does Turkesterone Do?
Turkesterone manufacturers make hefty claims about its benefits. It is said to help build muscle mass, burn fat, and improve strength, stamina, endurance, recovery, energy levels, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
Turkesterone gained traction because of its claimed anabolic properties. An anabolic response usually refers to the gain of muscle protein, which helps you build muscle mass and strength. Turkesterone can help promote protein synthesis, which is crucial for muscle growth and repair.
How Does Turkesterone Work?
Turkesterone and testosterone have similar chemical structures. Turkesterone is synthesized by plants from cholesterol. Plus, cholesterol is the basis of steroid hormones found in humans.
Turkesterone is a type of phytoecdysteriod that does not bind to human steroid receptors or alter natural production; instead, it acts as an influencer to signal pathways like protein synthesis.
Hence, it is assumed that Turkersterone can be an effective replacement for anabolic steroids and wouldn’t produce side effects commonly related to gear use, such as male pattern baldness, acne, gyno, aggression, and high blood pressure.
Turkesterone Benefits
Given below are the claimed benefits of Turkesterone:
Helps Build Muscle Mass
This is the USP of this supplement. While more human trials are needed to establish its muscle-building claims, user reviews indicate that the ecdysteroid delivers on its promise. Plus, studies on animals have shown that Turkesterone might have anti-obesity and metabolic-boosting properties. [3]
Improves Recovery
Supplementing with Turkesterone aids muscle glycogen replenishment after a workout, helping kickstart your recovery process. Additionally, it enhances protein synthesis, which aids in building bigger and stronger muscles.
Boosts Exercise Performance
Turkesterone use in animals improves endurance and stamina, and power, which can boost your training performance and help you get the most out of your time. Additionally, ecdysteroids can improve your ATP replenishment, which helps shorten rest duration between sets and maintain a high training intensity for longer.
Delivers Adaptogenic (Stress-Fighting) Effects
This versatile supplement can help combat stress by supporting your mental and physical health by optimizing the stress and fatigue coping mechanism. Users report better mental clarity and reduced anxiety and brain fog while supplementing with Turkesterone.
Does Turkesterone Work?
This is the million-dollar question. If you are a fitness enthusiast, chances are you already have several supplements in your routine. You don’t want to add another until it is guaranteed to work.
Although many health and fitness social media celebrities are going gaga over Turkesterone, the thing is, there are no scientific studies to prove their effectiveness.
Furthermore, the studies that are used to boast about the effectiveness of Turkesterone are mainly on ecdysteroids, not on Turkesterone specifically. The main ingredient in these studies is ecdysterone [4]. It doesn’t end here; the ecdysteroid supplements tested in the study contained 6% of the dosage listed on the label. However, it still produced significant results.
A different study divided subjects into two groups. The first group was given placebos, and the other group used ecdysteroids. In the end, the placebo group gained 2.2 pounds more muscle than the guys taking ecdysteroids. [5]
Now, it doesn’t mean supplementing with Turkesterone has no benefits or can have negative health consequences. The Turkesterone selling companies currently lack scientific evidence to back their claims.
Turkesterone Side Effects and Safety
The reported side effects of supplementing with Turkesterone include nausea, upset stomach, lightheadedness, and other digestive issues. Notably, these side effects can be minimized by taking this supp after a meal.
Further, there are no science-backed recommended dosages for Turkesterone. If you choose to use this supp, you must stick to the dosage listed on the container. A general recommendation is to take a turkesterone supplement in dosages of 500 milligrams per day. Beginners should start with half this dose.
Problems With Turkesterone Supplements
Using Turkesterone supplements has the following limitations:
Lack of Understanding
Although many supplement companies make big claims about Turkesterone supplements, the truth is that we still lack clarity on how it breaks down and is utilized in the body. Until we have a step-by-step breakdown of how Turkestone works in our body, we cannot fine-tune it to make the most out of it.
Ecdysteroids Have a Short Life Span
Ecdysteroids such as Testosterone and Ecdysterone are eliminated rapidly from the body. Users must consume frequent big doses of these supplements to achieve noticeable results.
No Standardized Dose
Since Turkesterone lacks human trials, there is no consensus on the dosage of this supplement. At this point, each company has a different recommended dose for their products. A lack of a standardized dose can be dangerous, as overdosing on ecdysteroids can lead to toxicity.
Genetic Complexity
Ecdysteroids are generally compared to anabolic steroids. However, most steroids come with a recommended dosage. Furthermore, each individual reacts to gear uniquely because of their genetics. People on juice tweak the recommended dose to get the best bang for their buck. However, the ecdysteroids have no recommended dosage, and how they influence your genes is still poorly understood.
No Human Testing
There is very limited scientific research on Turkesterone. Plus, all these studies have been done on animals. There is no scientific evidence to prove the efficacy of Turkesterone in humans.
Best Turkesterone Supplement
Although Turkesterone lacks scientific backing, many users have been getting mind-blowing results from adding this supp to their fitness regimen. If you want to try this supplement, here is the best Turkesterone supplement on the market:
Gorilla Mind Turkesterone
Gorilla Mind Turkesterone was among the first turkesterone products on the market and had a first-mover advantage. Derek from MPMD is associated with Gorilla Mind.
This supp blends turkesterone with Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin, making it more bioavailable than its peers. It contains 500mg of ajuga turkestanica extract, delivering a pure turkesterone content of 50mg per serving. Gorilla Mind Turkesterone comes with a money-back guarantee.
Who Should Buy Gorilla Mind Turkesterone?
- Those who want turkesterone at the recommended dosage with enhanced bioavailability.
- Folks that want a tried and tested turkesterone product.
Who Should Not Buy Gorilla Mind Turkesterone?
- Vegans, as the capsules contain gelatin.
- Folks on a shoestring budget.
SAVE NOW
Gorilla Mind Turkesterone Coupon
Gorilla Mind Turkesterone contains the most bioavailable form of turkesterone. The product comes with a 30-day no-questions-asked refund policy.
Turkesterone vs. Ecdysterone
Since most Turkesterone-selling companies use Ecdysterone studies to push their products, it would be unfair not to talk about this ecdysteroid.
Like its sibling, Ecdysterone is found naturally in some plants and insects. It is one of the most abundant and biologically active ecdysteroids found in nature. Ecdysterone is commonly found in plants such as spinach, quinoa, and various herbs. Ecdysterone supplements are also known as spinach extract, 20-hydroxy-ecdysterone, beta-ecdysterone, and alfa-ecdysone.
It can help build muscle mass, improve immune function, boost athletic performance, and enhance insulin sensitivity. Unlike Turkesterone, Ecdysterone has human trials proving its effectiveness in these fields. [6][7]
Note: The content on Fitness Volt is for informative purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice to diagnose, prevent, or treat health problems. If you’re suffering from a health issue, are pregnant, or are under 18 years old, you should consult your physician before starting any new supplement, nutrition, or fitness routine.
Wrapping Up
Although turkesterone promises several benefits, including enhanced muscle mass gains, better recovery, and a boost in physical performance, more human trials are needed to back these claims. At the same time, there are no science-backed data to prove that taking Turkesterone is dangerous.
Researchers are still exploring Turkesterone’s potential and trying to shed light on its mechanisms of action and long-term effects. Will Turkesterone receive widespread acceptance after it receives scientific backing? We will have to wait to find out.
References
- Sláma K, Koudela K, Tenora J, Mathová A. Insect hormones in vertebrates: anabolic effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone in Japanese quail. Experientia. 1996 Jul 15;52(7):702-6. doi: 10.1007/BF01925578. PMID: 8698114.
- Sláma K, Kodkouá M. Insect hormones and bioanalogues: their effect on respiratory metabolism in Dermestes vulpinus L. (Coleoptera). Biol Bull. 1975 Apr;148(2):320-32. doi: 10.2307/1540550. PMID: 1156606.
- Das N, Mishra SK, Bishayee A, Ali ES, Bishayee A. The phytochemical, biological, and medicinal attributes of phytoecdysteroids: An updated review. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2021 Jul;11(7):1740-1766. doi: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.10.012. Epub 2020 Oct 16. PMID: 34386319; PMCID: PMC8343124.
- Isenmann E, Ambrosio G, Joseph JF, Mazzarino M, de la Torre X, Zimmer P, Kazlauskas R, Goebel C, Botrè F, Diel P, Parr MK. Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agent: performance enhancement by ecdysterone supplementation in humans. Arch Toxicol. 2019 Jul;93(7):1807-1816. doi: 10.1007/s00204-019-02490-x. Epub 2019 May 23. PMID: 31123801.
- Wilborn CD, Taylor LW, Campbell BI, Kerksick C, Rasmussen CJ, Greenwood M, Kreider RB. Effects of methoxyisoflavone, ecdysterone, and sulfo-polysaccharide supplementation on training adaptations in resistance-trained males. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2006 Dec 13;3(2):19-27. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-3-2-19. PMID: 18500969; PMCID: PMC2129166.
- Kizelsztein P, Govorko D, Komarnytsky S, Evans A, Wang Z, Cefalu WT, Raskin I. 20-Hydroxyecdysone decreases weight and hyperglycemia in a diet-induced obesity mice model. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Mar;296(3):E433-9. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.90772.2008. Epub 2009 Jan 6. PMID: 19126784; PMCID: PMC2660145.
- Parr MK, Botrè F, Naß A, Hengevoss J, Diel P, Wolber G. Ecdysteroids: A novel class of anabolic agents? Biol Sport. 2015 Jun;32(2):169-73. doi: 10.5604/20831862.1144420. Epub 2015 Mar 15. PMID: 26060342; PMCID: PMC4447764.