Under the name Ecdysterone (and also Ecdisten), they produce sports nutrition that contains phytoecdysterone. This substance is found in plants such as safflower leuzea, Turkestan tenacious and Brazilian ginseng. Basically, all modern dietary supplements are produced on the basis of the former.
Ecdysterone is believed to have biological effects in humans. But in scientific circles there are heated debates about this, and so far there is no unequivocal opinion about the effectiveness of drugs on such a basis. The available objective studies confirm the positive effects, but they were all carried out in animals. There is no evidence of any effect of ecdysterone on sex drive and erection ability. However, since the product is relatively safe, it can be used as a nutritional supplement for athletes if the athlete himself experiences improvements and shows good results.
Declared properties and grounds for appointment
Manufacturers talk about the following properties of the additive:
- Increased protein synthesis.
- Maintaining a normal nitrogen balance in muscle tissue.
- Improving the functioning of the central nervous system, in particular an increase in the speed and efficiency of axonal responses leading to striated cells.
- Accumulation of protein and glycogen in muscles.
- Stabilization of blood glucose and insulin levels.
- Reducing fatigue during exercise.
- Reducing blood cholesterol levels.
- Stabilization of the heart rate.
- Skin cleansing
- Increased strength and endurance.
- Increase in "dry" muscle mass.
- Burning fat.
- Antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.
According to the assurances of manufacturers, the use of ecdisten is advisable when:
- asthenia of various origins, including those associated with overwork;
- asthenodepressive conditions that have arisen against the background of impaired protein synthesis;
- prolonged intoxications;
- severe or prolonged infection;
- neuroses and neurasthenia;
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system.
What is actually known about Ecdysterone?
Until now, there is no specific data on whether supplements containing ecdysterone actually have a positive effect on the athlete's body. The only confirmed information was provided by Soviet scientists in the middle and late 20th century. The anabolic activity of ecdysterone and its ability to enhance protein synthesis have been identified. In 1998, the effectiveness of the substance was evaluated in combination with a protein diet, the study also showed good results, namely, the test subjects gained about 7% of lean muscle mass and got rid of 10% of fat. Other experiments have been carried out that have shown antitumor, antioxidant and some other properties of ecdysterone.
Nevertheless, despite such positive results of these studies, they cannot be considered statistically significant. The fact is that they do not meet modern standards, namely the control group, randomization (ie, random selection), etc. Moreover, the bulk of the experiments were carried out on animals.
More recently, in 2006, a new study was conducted, which consisted of taking ecdysterone and simultaneously exercising. This experiment showed that supplementation had no effect on muscle growth, endurance, or strength. Many “experts” refer to this study. But is it reasonable? The experimental protocols recorded that the subjects took only 30 mg of ecdysterone per day, which is 14 times less than those doses that showed the anabolic effect on animals. While a control group of men weighing 84 kilograms had to take a daily dose of at least 400 mg. Thus, this study is useless and has no scientific value.
Another experiment was carried out in 2008 on rats. He showed that ecdysterone affects the number of satellite cells, from which muscle cells are subsequently formed.
From all that has been said, the following conclusions can be drawn:
- For all the time, not a single objective study has been conducted that would show how ecdysterone actually affects a person.
- Experiments carried out at the end of the last century and at the beginning of this prove that the substance is effective against animals.
Doses and rules for taking
If ecdysterone works in humans, which has not yet been proven, the daily dose for an adult should be at least 400-500 mg. It is worth noting that most of the supplements available on the market contain 10 or even 20 times lower doses (among such Ecdysterone MEGA - 2.5 mg, B - 2.5 mg, Ecdisten from ThermoLife - 15 mg). But today there are new supplements with more adequate doses. SciFit Ecdysterone - 300 mg, GeoSteron 20 mg (per capsule).
To obtain the effect, ecdysterone should be taken for at least 3-8 weeks at 400-500 mg per day. After the course, take a two-week break. The supplement should be taken after meals or before training.
Contraindications
Ecdisten is forbidden to use for people with diseases of the nervous system, severe neuroses, epilepsy and hyperkinesis, for women during pregnancy and lactation. The drug should be used with caution in hypertensive patients.
If you have a history of gonadal cysts, dysplasia of the pituitary gland, prostate gland or other hormone-dependent neoplasms, you should consult an endocrinologist and other specialized doctors before use.
Side effects
Phytoecdysterone does not affect the function of the endocrine glands, does not disrupt the hormonal background of the athlete, does not have an androgenic effect and does not suppress the production of gonadotropins. The thymoleptic effect of the drug has not been confirmed (i.e. it does not work as an antidepressant).
It is believed that the supplement is not harmful to the body, even in very large doses. Sometimes it is taken in an amount of more than 1000 mg per day, while there are no side effects or overdose. Nevertheless, experts do not recommend exceeding the dose of 500 mg, although there are doctors who are sure that you should not take more than 100 mg per day, with unproven side effects.
According to the manufacturers, people with an unstable nervous system may:
- insomnia;
- excessive agitation;
- increased blood pressure;
- migraine;
- sometimes there is an individual intolerance to the drug.
If redness, rash, slight swelling appear when taking the tablets, then you should refuse to use the tablets and begin symptomatic treatment with antihistamines. You can minimize negative manifestations if you strictly follow the instructions, follow the drinking regimen, diet and not increase the duration of the course yourself.
Note
While taking Ecdysterone, the athlete must carefully monitor the quality of nutrition. It is important to consume enough protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Since the agent to some extent contributes to a set of muscle mass, it is necessary to provide cells with additional building material.
Intensive training combined with the support of the body with zinc, magnesium, omega-3,6,9 acids, protein and calcium gives the best results and keeps the athlete healthy.
Combination with other means
Thanks to the available research, we can say for sure that ecdysterone acts more pronounced when taken together with protein. It can also be combined with gainers. It is important to use vitamin and mineral complexes during the course. Trainers recommend adding creatine and tribulus supplements to your diet to increase muscle growth and strength.
Some experts recommend using drugs with leuzea, as they are cheaper. Their effectiveness and stimulating effect has been proven.
