Performance

Ecdysterone

Plant ecdysteroid marketed for muscle gain; limited human studies suggest possible lean-mass and strength benefits in adults who lift.

Ecdysterone

Plant ecdysteroid marketed for muscle gain; limited human studies suggest possible lean-mass and strength benefits in adults who lift.

score

evidence

Caution

risk

Proven Benefits

01May increase lean mass

02May improve strength gains

03May improve work capacity

Chemical Forms

Recommended

Ecdysterone (20-hydroxyecdysone)
Beta-ecdysterone

Avoid

Proprietary blends (unclear identity and dose)
Unstandardized plant extracts (variable potency)
Whole-plant powders (trace amounts only)

Expert Note

Most human studies use purified 20-hydroxyecdysone. Unstandardized botanical products can vary widely in active content, and whole-plant powders may deliver only trace amounts relative to trial doses.

Protocol

Amount

200 mg

Frequency

Once daily

When

Any time of day with food; timing around workouts has not shown a clear advantage.

Condition-Based Dosing

Healthy adults doing resistance training

200 mg daily for 8-12 weeks— Evidence outside this setting is weak; stop if body composition or strength changes are not clearly measurable.

Safety & Limits

Upper Safe Limit

No established UL; doses above 200 mg/day are poorly studied.

Cycling

8-12 weeks on, then 4 weeks off until better long-term safety data exist.

Contraindications

Pregnancy or breastfeeding — no human safety data

Hormone-sensitive cancers — limited human safety data and possible endocrine signaling warrant medical supervision

Children and adolescents — no safety data in growing populations

Tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, or other hormone-modulating therapy — possible interference with the intended signaling; avoid unless clinician approves

Updated Invalid Date