Introduction to plant based steroids

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of herbal medicinal products and supplements worldwide. Although these products are available online and in health stores, they are not always tested for their efficacy and safety. This is due to the discoveries made by researchers who have studied the biosynthesis and metabolism of steroids in plants and animals for the past five decades.

It has been found that certain compounds found in animals can also be found in plants and vice versa, indicating that these compounds have a similar effect on most living organisms.

Natural steroids, for example, refer to compounds found in plants, herbs and other natural sources that mimic human hormones or steroids. Such compounds can be used to replicate the effects of naturally-occurring hormones, such as testosterone, progesterone, and cortisol.

The relationship between the plant and animal kingdoms is more symbiotic than many may realize. Both organisms rely on certain compounds to regulate their growth, development, and reproduction. One such compound is sterols, or steroid alcohols. These compounds are naturally synthesized in both plants and animals and can be found in plant-derived animal feed, human phytosterol-rich food, and in the products of their secretion.

Evidence has been presented that plants are capable of transforming sterols into steroid hormones. This includes both brassinosteroids, which are plant steroid hormones, and other steroid substances such as phytoecdysteroids, estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone-type androgens.

It has been reported that all classes of animal steroids can be found in plants, although this does not necessarily mean that they are actively functioning as hormones.

Yeast and fungi, on the other hand, typically contain ergosterol as their primary sterol. Additionally, it has been confirmed that certain species of pine trees are an abundant source of testosterone; it has been detected in P. tabulaeformis and P. bungeana and in the reproductive organs of other plants such as ginkgo and lily.

1). Ecdysterone

Ecdysteroids are a type of plant-derived steroid that has been popular in Eastern Europe and Asia for a while, but has recently gained more attention in the West due to a study in Berlin that showed its effectiveness. One of these compounds, known as 20-Hydroxyecdysone or simply 20E, is naturally found in plants, insects, and other invertebrates. It has been proven that consuming spinach, which is rich in ecdysterone, can help to increase muscle mass when combined with physical exercise. This is due to the performance-enhancing properties of the ecdysterone found in the spinach.

Ecdysterone, a natural compound found in certain vegetables, has been linked to a range of positive health benefits.

Studies have found that when taken as a supplement-

• it can improve athletic performance
• increase lean muscle mass and strength
• enhance muscle protein synthesis
• reduce body fat.

In comparison to turkesterone, ecdysterone has been found to be potentially more effective. As such, it has become increasingly popular among athletes, bodybuilders, and those looking to improve their physical health. Additionally, ecdysterone supplementation has been linked to improved mental focus and clarity.

The research that has been done on ecdysterone suggests that it can be beneficial for improving physical performance. A study from 2019 found that adding ecdysterone to high intensity interval training (HIIT) could improve oxidative status and prevent neuronal loss in the hippocampus.

However, it is important to note that people respond differently to different supplements, and the most likely outcome of taking ecdysterone is nothing at all. Those who have already optimized their diet and exercise routine may notice some slight improvements in their recovery and strength output. Ultimately, ecdysterone should only be taken if other areas have been properly addressed first.

2). Turkesterone

Turkesterone is an ecdysteroid, a type of steroid hormone found in plants. It is similar to testosterone in its ability to induce growth, but does not bind to androgen receptors, meaning that it does not carry the same side effects as testosterone, such as gynecomastia and hair loss. Turkesterone is thought to be the most anabolic of all ecdysteroids, meaning that it is the most effective at building muscle.

Turkesterone is extracted from the Ajuga Turkestanica plant, which is native to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This plant is also considered to be an adaptogen, meaning that it has been linked to a range of therapeutic uses, such as heart protection and keeping aged skeletal muscle healthy.

Most people who have taken Turkesterone have had positive experiences with it, with many users experiencing increased muscle strength, mass and endurance. On top of this, many users have reported no adverse side effects and improved athletic performance.

Survey data from our Turkesterone Experience Review revealed that the majority of users (68%) experienced the positive benefits of taking the supplement within the first four weeks. This indicates that people should expect to notice an increase in their strength and performance in a short amount of time. An additional 19% of people reported feeling the effects of Turkesterone between weeks 5 and 8.

Overall, the supplement appears to be effective and safe for use, providing users with a quick and reliable way to increase their physical performance.

How Turkesterone works?

Turkesterone has been proven to be an effective supplement for muscle growth due to its ability to optimize the mRNA translation process and promote leucine uptake into muscle cells. This results in a positive nitrogen balance, which prevents muscle breakdown and increases the muscle ATP content, resulting in increased energy and endurance during exercise.

Studies have demonstrated that taking this supplement can significantly increase muscle mass and strength, and the effects are comparable to those produced by androgenic steroids.

Turkesterone vs Ecdysterone

In terms of their characteristics, Ecdysterone and Turkesterone share several similarities and differences. While Ecdysterone has undergone a successful human trial, Turkesterone may have slightly more anabolic properties. Moreover, Turkesterone is an ecdysterone analog.

Both are categorized as ecdysteroids and are not classified as anabolic-androgenic steroids. Additionally, they share comparable benefits and are relatively safe, with no significant toxicity side effects.

3). Ashwagandha

A 2018 trial demonstrated the power of Withania somnifera, or ashwagandha, to support increased strength and muscle mass in healthy male adults. Participants received a 500 mg dose of ashwagandha daily for 12 weeks and performed progressive overload resistance training four days a week.

Those who took the ashwagandha saw greater improvements in both lower and upper body strength, as well as favorable changes in body mass distribution, compared to the placebo group.

In a similar study, male participants who took 600 mg of ashwagandha daily and engaged in resistance training for eight weeks experienced significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size compared to the placebo group. This further highlights the potential of this Ayurvedic herb to help people achieve their fitness goals.

Why do bodybuilders use ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that can help people achieve greater success in their workouts. It has been proven to help increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, and increase strength in men. This makes it an invaluable supplement for those looking to improve their gym performance. Additionally, it can help to give users the extra energy and focus that they need to push through their workouts and reach their goals. With regular use, it can help people build strength and increase muscle mass quickly and efficiently.

4). 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin

5-Alpha Hydroxy Laxogenin is a plant-based compound derived from Smilax sieboldii and Chinese onion (Allium chinense) bulbs, and is a member of the brassinosteroid group, otherwise known as plant steroids. These compounds are known to promote growth in plants. Studies have suggested that Laxogenin has anabolic effects, which is why it has become a popular supplement for bodybuilding.

In a study conducted on rats, it was found that Laxogenin can increase tissue production and repair. It is often marketed as a “natural” product, but most supplements contain a synthetic derivative of Laxogenin, known as 5a-hydroxy laxogenin (laxosterone). At this time, it is classified as a dietary supplement and has not been approved for medical use or any health claims.

It is thought that Laxogenin may activate the protein kinase AKT1, thereby increasing muscle mass and protein synthesis. As such, it is marketed as a muscle-toning supplement for athletes and bodybuilders, with claims that it can increase protein production in muscles by up to 200%.

In a Russian study conducted on rats, it was found that certain molecules similar in structure to brassinosteroid derivatives called laxogenin increased the total weight and protein content of the liver, heart, kidneys and leg muscles, without having any effect on the levels of sex hormones. Additionally, another plant brassinosteroid was observed to increase food intake and weight gain, as well as lean body weight and physical fitness. In muscle cells, these molecules and their synthetic derivatives both showed to promote protein production and reduce protein breakdown.

Laxogenin is often mistakenly referred to as a prohormone, although it is actually a plant steroid. While prohormones are used as the building blocks for hormone production, such as androgenic prohormones which are converted to testosterone, plant steroids like laxogenin have a different effect.

Plant steroids, or brassinosteroids, have been shown to increase growth in plants, but the effects on humans and animals are much less clear. Human steroid hormones, such as testosterone, act by influencing nuclear receptors in the body. The effects of plant steroids on humans and animals are not as well understood.

5). Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali (TA), a herbal medicinal plant native to Malaysia, is known for its beneficial bio-active compounds found in its roots. Quassinoids, a group of molecules extracted from plants, are one such compound found in TA and have been used in traditional herbal medicine. Research has indicated that quassinoids possess therapeutic health benefits.

Tongkat Ali (TA) has been shown to be beneficial in numerous ways, as evidenced by a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. It can stimulate the release of free testosterone, improve sex drive, reduce fatigue, and improve overall wellbeing. Furthermore, research has also identified cancer-fighting compounds in TA.

A study conducted by the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that TA can also help to increase muscle mass. Additionally, another study published in the Herbalgram reported that a 600 mg dosage of TA had a positive effect on testosterone levels in young males, although it did not have any significant impact on LH and FSH levels. This suggests that the HPA axis may be involved in increasing testosterone levels.

6). Fagoda Agrestis

Fadogia agrestis is a small, bush-like shrub that is native to many parts of Africa, such as Nigeria and Ghana, and has long been used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It has become increasingly popular among bodybuilders and gym goers as an alternative to anabolic steroids.

It is believed to contain a compound called 2,6-dimethyl-2(E),6(Z)-octadiene-1,8-diol, as well as various rhamnose-containing glycosides.

Additionally, Fadogia agrestis is a source of numerous beneficial nutrients, such as alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, and flavonoids. These components make it a great choice for those looking to improve their overall health and fitness. Moreover, no steroid structures have been identified in Fadogia agrestis.

Recently, Fadogia Agrestis has become increasingly popular as it is believed to have the potential to boost testosterone production and help build muscles.

Fadogia Agrestis is a natural plant extract and does not come with the same side effects as anabolic steroids, making it a safer option for those looking for an alternative.

Studies have shown that the aqueous extract from the stem of Fadogia Agrestis can increase testosterone levels in the blood, which may explain its aphrodisiac effects and influence on masculine behaviors. Additionally, it has been observed that both Tongkat Ali and Fadogia Agrestis can be used to elevate testosterone levels, based on the findings of a few studies.

7). Ginseng

Research conducted in 2017 found that black ginseng extract may be beneficial for muscle growth. This was determined by testing the effect of the extract on muscle cells, which showed an increase in muscle-specific gene expression, cellular differentiation, and cellular activity. These changes resulted in larger, thicker, and wider muscle cells. This suggests that ginseng may help to protect against muscle loss caused by aging or diseases such as diabetes.

8). Safed Musli

Research has found that ginseng may have a beneficial effect in preventing certain conditions, such as diabetes and aging, as well as preventing muscle loss. A 2017 study discovered that using a black ginseng extract on muscle cells had a positive effect on them, helping them to increase in size, width, and thickness, as well as stimulating cellular activity. This suggests that ginseng may be a useful supplement for those wanting to reduce the risk of age-related muscle loss.

9). Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a medicinal herb that has been used to promote various health benefits, including an increase in testosterone levels in men. Despite some clinical studies being conducted on the effects of fenugreek on testosterone, the results have been inconclusive.

A review of the studies found that two herbal extracts, fenugreek seed extracts and ashwagandha root and root/leaf extracts, had a positive effect on testosterone concentrations in men. However, further research is needed to determine the exact impact of these extracts on testosterone levels.

Some research has suggested that taking fenugreek supplements may have a positive effect on testosterone levels in men. A study conducted in 2014 and published in the International Journal of Exercise Science found that men who took a fenugreek supplement for eight weeks had significantly higher testosterone levels than those who took a placebo.

Similarly, a study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2011 showed that men who took fenugreek and participated in resistance training saw an increase in their testosterone levels.

On the other hand, other studies have not found any significant impact of fenugreek on testosterone levels. For instance, a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition in 2010 revealed that there was no significant difference in testosterone levels between men who took fenugreek and those who did not. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine in 2011 concluded that fenugreek supplementation had no effect on testosterone levels in male athletes.

10). Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris, also known as Puncturevine, is a tropical herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. This powerful herb has the potential to enhance testosterone production, increase sperm count, promote muscle mass, and boost libido and vitality in men.

The compounds present in Tribulus Terrestris, known as steroidal saponins, exhibit weak testosterone-like effects. These effects could help to improve muscle function and testosterone levels.

According to a 2007 study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, men who took Tribulus Terrestris supplements for five weeks experienced a significant increase in their testosterone levels compared to a placebo group. Similarly, a 2006 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Tribulus Terrestris supplementation increased testosterone levels in men with low sperm count.

However, a 2020 study has called for further research to fully understand the safety and therapeutic effects of Tribulus Terrestris.