Performance/Hormonal

Turkesterone

A phytoecdysteroid from Ajuga turkestanica marketed as a natural anabolic, but lacking meaningful human clinical evidence — popular on social media, not in science.

Turkesterone

22
score
D
evidence
Caution
risk

Proven Benefits

01May increase protein synthesis (in vitro evidence only)
02No androgen receptor binding (no testosterone suppression)
03Does not require post-cycle therapy

Chemical Forms

Recommended
  • Third-party tested Ajuga turkestanica extract (≥10% turkesterone)
  • HPLC-verified products from reputable brands
  • Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complexed forms (theoretical bioavailability)
Avoid
  • Unverified brands (high adulteration rate)
  • Proprietary blends with undisclosed turkesterone content
  • Products without third-party testing certificates
  • Cheap bulk powder (likely underdosed or mislabeled)
Expert Note

Market adulteration is severe; third-party testing essential

Protocol

Amount
500 mg - 1,000 mg
Frequency
daily
When
Split into 2-3 doses with meals

Condition-Based Dosing

Anabolic support (speculative)
500 mg/day of 10% extract (contains 50 mg turkesterone)
Higher-dose protocols (anecdotal)
800 - 1,000 mg/day of standardized extract

Safety & Limits

Upper Safe Limit
Not established; studies used 500-1,000 mg/day short-term
Cycling
Safe for continuous use

Contraindications

Pregnancy and breastfeeding (no safety data)
Known hormone-sensitive conditions (estrogen receptor beta activation)
Competitive athletes in WADA-tested sports (on Monitoring List; may become prohibited)
Concurrent use with other hormonal supplements (unknown interactions)
Minors and adolescents (no safety data in developing individuals)
Liver or kidney disease (insufficient safety data for impaired populations)

Synergies

Protein

Any theoretical anabolic effect requires adequate amino acid substrate

Creatine

Combining with evidence-based supplements makes more sense than turkesterone alone

Avoid Combining With

  • ✕Evidence-based alternatives (creatine, protein, progressive overload all have vastly superior evidence)
  • ✕Short half-life and poor bioavailability limit efficacy
  • ✕Low withanolide/turkesterone content in commercial products
Updated 4/15/2026