What is Turkesterone?
Turkesterone is an ecdysteroid (ECDY) which are steroid hormones found commonly in arthropods & insects but can also be found in certain plant species. These are known as phytoecdysteroids. In plants, these groups of compounds are used to deter predators while in insects they help to regulate key processes such as moulting and metamorphosis or insect development. Few studies have been performed on Turkesterone, however there has been interest in ecdysteroids, especially 20-Hydroxyecdysone as having many potential anabolic and beneficial effects including affecting metabolism and growth.
Where Does Turkesterone Come From?
As mentioned Turkesterone is found in a wide variety of moulting insects and animals such as crabs. It was originally derived from the Ajuga plant, also known as Bugleweed, Ground Pine or Carpet Bugle. However, it is present & can be extracted from a wide variety of other plants including, Leuzea Carthamoides, Rhaponticum, Stemmacantha Uniflora, Vitex Fisherii & the Cyanotis Vaga plant which is common to the African continent.
Benefits of Turkesterone
As previously mentioned, few studies have been conducted on Turkesterone specifically as most of the studies have looked at a different ecdysteroid. What few studies of Turkesterone have shown is perhaps it might help promote lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, promote protein synthesis, aid muscle hypertrophy & increase strength. Human and animal studies have been conducted that do support this. While the effects in early studies were not large in effect when compared with synthetic substances, in bodybuilding as with animal nutrition, every little bit counts.
Turkesterone Benefits for Bodybuilding
If Turkesterone has positive effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, it could be a very viable supplement to help with weight maintenance and fat loss. In terms of your generic ecdysteroid, there appears that the growth-promoting effects were due to due to better nitrogen retention and therefore a better protein metabolism profile with reduced protein catabolism and increased anabolism. However, these results have not been translated to human studies yet.
Stacking Turkesterone
Turkesterone can be stacked well with testosterone boosters, estrogen blockers or growth hormone boosters, but may also be used with fat loss supplements due to its possible ability to alter lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
