Beta-Ecdysterone (Phytoecdysteroid · Anabolic · Adaptogen)
| Compound | Beta-Ecdysterone (20-Hydroxyecdysone; 20E; Ecdysterone) |
| Class | Terpenoid — Ecdysteroid (Polyhydroxylated steroid) |
| CAS | 5289-74-7 |
| Molecular formula | C₂₇H₄₄O₇ |
| Primary sources | Cyanotis vaga (primary commercial), Leuzea carthamoides (maral root), Spinacia oleracea (spinach), Achyranthes aspera |
| Plant part | Aerial parts, roots |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Key applications | Anabolic / muscle protein synthesis; adaptogenic; physical performance; anti-obesity |
| Buy from Herbuno |
β-Ecdysterone Extract Powder → Spinach Powder - Nutrient-Rich → |
Name origin: Beta-ecdysterone (20-hydroxyecdysone, 20E) is named from "ecdysis" — the process of moulting in arthropods, where ecdysteroids function as primary hormonal regulators. In plants, phytoecdysteroids like 20E are produced as defence compounds (disrupting insect moulting hormone signalling of predatory insects). The "beta" prefix distinguishes the natural β configuration of the hydroxyl group from unnatural α-isomers. Traditional use: Leuzea carthamoides (maral root, Rhaponticum carthamoides) has been used in Siberian and Central Asian folk medicine as an adaptogen for physical strength, endurance, and reproductive function — one of the original Soviet adaptogen research subjects alongside Eleutherococcus and Rhodiola. Cyanotis vaga is the primary modern commercial source, cultivated primarily in China for ecdysterone extract production. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and Achyranthes aspera (Apamarg) also contain meaningful phytoecdysteroid levels. Research trajectory: Ecdysterone has attracted significant sports nutrition and regulatory attention. A 2019 human RCT (Isenmann et al., Archives of Osteoporosis) found significant increases in muscle mass with ecdysterone supplementation. WADA considered adding ecdysterone to the prohibited list in 2020–2021 — ultimately deferring due to insufficient evidence of performance advantage at typical supplement doses. Mechanism research focuses on Estrogen Receptor beta (ERβ) agonism promoting anabolic signalling in muscle tissue. Commercial source: Beta-Ecdysterone Extract Powder (standardised from Cyanotis vaga, 20-HE ≥95%) is available from Herbuno — a direct, standardised, high-purity commercial source.
Evidence for Beta-Ecdysterone Applications
Muscle protein synthesis and anabolic activity: Ecdysterone enhances muscle protein synthesis in cell models and rodent studies. The 2019 Isenmann et al. RCT (n=46, 12 weeks, resistance training) demonstrated significantly greater increases in muscle mass in the ecdysterone group versus placebo, with the highest-dose group (500 mg/day) showing the most robust effect. Earlier Soviet literature (Smetanin 1986) reported ergogenic effects in athletes. A 2021 systematic review identified ecdysterone as among the most promising natural anabolic candidates with the best human evidence. Claim strength: Moderate.
Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERβ) mechanism: The primary proposed anabolic mechanism is ERβ agonism — ecdysterone binds ERβ and activates PI3K/Akt/mTOR anabolic signalling in skeletal muscle, similar to the anabolic effects of estrogen via the same receptor. This mechanism is distinct from androgenic anabolic steroids (no androgen receptor interaction) and explains why ecdysterone does not produce androgenic side effects (virilisation, testicular suppression). Claim strength: Moderate (mechanistic).
Adaptogenic and anti-fatigue: In rodent stress and forced swim models, ecdysterone reduces stress-induced corticosterone elevation, improves physical endurance, and reduces fatigue markers — consistent with adaptogenic classification. Soviet sports research documented improved recovery times and endurance capacity. Claim strength: Moderate (preclinical + historical).
Anti-obesity and metabolic: Ecdysterone reduces adipogenesis and promotes lipolysis in adipocyte models, and reduces weight gain in high-fat diet rodent models. ERβ activation in adipose tissue may modulate fat storage and thermogenesis. Claim strength: Emerging.
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Spinach Powder - Nutrient-Rich →
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Dosage & Formulator Specification
The Isenmann 2019 RCT used 12 mg/day (lowest dose), 48 mg/day, and 500 mg/day ecdysterone groups — with the 500 mg/day group showing the most significant muscle mass increases. Russian sports medicine used 5 mg/kg body weight. Commercial supplements range from 250–1000 mg/day standardised extract at 10–95% ecdysterone content. At 95% purity (Cyanotis vaga extract), 30–50 mg pure ecdysterone per day is a pragmatic starting dose; 100–200 mg pure ecdysterone has been used in performance contexts.
Specification options: (1) High-purity isolate ≥90–95% 20-HE (Cyanotis vaga extraction) — for precise dosing and highest potency per gram; (2) Standardised extract 40–60% 20-HE — cost-effective with co-delivered phytoecdysteroid spectrum; (3) Maral root extract (Leuzea carthamoides) standardised to 5–10% ecdysteroids — traditional adaptogenic positioning with full phytochemical context. Herbuno stocks the high-purity Cyanotis vaga extract option.
Compatibility: Ecdysterone is compatible with protein powders, creatine, HMB (beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate), and adaptogen stacks (ashwagandha, rhodiola, shilajit). No documented negative pharmacokinetic interactions. Stability in aqueous solutions is moderate — solid dosage forms (capsule, tablet) are preferred for shelf life. Stable to moderate heat processing.
Regulatory note: WADA reviewed ecdysterone for prohibited list status in 2019–2021. The current status (as of the HerbIQ knowledge reference date) is that ecdysterone is NOT on the WADA prohibited list — it is a legal supplement in all major sports jurisdictions. Formulators should monitor WADA updates for any status changes.
Frequently Asked Questions — Beta-Ecdysterone
Is beta-ecdysterone a steroid? Will it show up on drug tests?
Ecdysterone is a polyhydroxylated steroidal compound chemically — sharing the steroid ring skeleton — but it acts via Estrogen Receptor beta (ERβ) rather than androgen receptors. It is NOT an anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS), does not produce androgenic side effects, and is NOT on the WADA prohibited list as of the current knowledge reference date. Routine anti-doping tests for AAS will not detect ecdysterone because it is a structurally distinct compound not included in standard AAS panels. Formulators should include current regulatory status confirmation in supplement product claims documentation.
How does ecdysterone compare to turkesterone?
Turkesterone (11α-hydroxyecdysone, from Ajuga turkestanica) is a closely related phytoecdysteroid that became commercially popular in 2021–2022, often marketed as more potent than ecdysterone. Head-to-head human RCT data comparing turkesterone versus ecdysterone are lacking; both share the ERβ anabolic mechanism. Ecdysterone has the longer human RCT evidence base (Isenmann 2019, Soviet literature). Turkesterone's commercial advantage is primarily marketing differentiation rather than demonstrated superiority in human trials.
What is the best Herbuno product for formulating with beta-ecdysterone?
β-Ecdysterone Extract Powder (Cyanotis vaga, ≥95% 20-hydroxyecdysone) from Herbuno is the primary product for high-purity ecdysterone formulations — suitable for capsule, tablet, and powder formats in sports nutrition and adaptogen applications. Apamarg Root Extract (Achyranthes aspera) and Spinach Powder are complementary lower-concentration sources for whole-food or multi-botanical positioning.
Which athletes or sports categories might benefit most from ecdysterone supplementation?
Strength and resistance-training athletes seeking drug-free anabolic support represent the primary demographic, based on ecdysterone's muscle protein synthesis and lean mass evidence. Endurance athletes may benefit from its anti-fatigue and adaptogenic properties. Given its legal status and distinct mechanism from AAS, ecdysterone is particularly relevant for natural/tested athlete categories where AAS alternatives are sought.
Related compounds: Fulvic Acid, Beta-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Spinasterol
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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