WHAT IS THE TURCESTERON, HOW IT WORKS AND CAN REALLY INCREASE THE TESTOSTERONE LEVEL?
If you are one of the fitness enthusiasts who will not miss any new trend from the world of supplements, you have probably heard of turkesterone. Interest in this substance is growing very fast in Europe. Turkesterone is also very popular in America among bodybuilders and other strength athletes. We can even hear about him in one of the most famous podcasts - The Joe Rogan Experience. Other personalities, such as Jeff Nippard or Dr. Layne Norton.
Turkesterone is a natural supplement that people promise mainly to support healthy levels of testosterone and increase it, more muscle growth and better athletic performance. And all this in a natural way and without unpleasant side effects as in the case of anabolic steroids. No wonder there is such a commotion around him. However, not all the gold that shines is over, so let's take a closer look at the effects of turkesterone.
What is turkesterone?
Turkesterone is a plant steroid that is most often obtained from herbs - from runaways such as Ajuga turkestanica. It comes from Central Asia and grows mainly in Uzbekistan. Turkesterone is one of the ecdysteroid hormones that support the growth of plants or insects, making them considered anabolic substances. Their other representatives include the slightly more famous Ecdysterone. They resemble androgens in their structure and are therefore popular among athletes as steroid substitutes, but also as dietary supplements to improve muscle performance and growth. And according to current knowledge, turkesterone is the most effective of them.
Its chemical structure even resembles human testosterone, which we associate mainly with male health and also with muscle growth. As a result, turkesterone has reached the sights of many bodybuilders, bodybuilders and other athletes who want to get the most out of themselves. The level of testosterone in the body naturally decreases during life. Therefore, athletes who strive for maximum muscle gain are often looking for ways to keep testosterone in optimal levels or increase it, and thus take their form to a new level.
In addition to the optimal training load, regeneration and a properly set diet, these athletes also try natural supplements containing bioactive substances and plant steroids, such as turkesterone. In addition, according to the latest research, it is safe for health and is not a doping substance, as is the case with testosterone. But does turkesterone really have the effects that are everywhere?
What do we promise most often from turkesterone?
After reading all these effects, it may occur to us that we have just discovered the holy grail of power sports. Many people claim that turkesterone has a positive effect not only on muscle growth, but also on many other areas of our lives.
What are the effects of turkesterone most associated?
maintaining healthy testosterone levels and increasing it
growth of muscle mass
increase in strength
improving overall sports performance
support for fat burning and weight loss
more energy during the day
higher resistance to stress
support of brain functions
protection against depression
lowering blood sugar
anti-inflammatory effects
antioxidant properties
better digestion
support for immune functions
liver and heart health protection
Naming the effects of turkesterone thus looks very promising. However, these are unofficial effects that have arisen mainly on the basis of personal experience and assumptions. Unfortunately, only some of them are based on scientific evidence, but this may change in the future due to the limited amount of research on turkesterone so far.
What does science say about the effects of turkesterone?
Turkesterone is most often associated with testosterone support, muscle growth, better regeneration, athletic performance and higher mental endurance. But what does science say about the effects of turkesterone on these areas?
1. Testosterone level
At present, unfortunately, we do not find much research that would unequivocally confirm or refute the effect of turkesterone or other ecdysteroids on testosterone levels. According to one of them, there was no increase in testosterone in the blood when taking ecdysterone. On the other hand, experts mention another effect that could replace the increase in this androgen. According to them, turkesterone can bind to the estrogen beta receptor. It plays an important role in building muscle mass (hypertrophy), but also in its regeneration, thanks to which it can have similar anabolic effects as testosterone. However, this effect has so far only been observed in animal models.
It follows that if we want to increase or maintain a healthy testosterone level in the body, we prefer to continue to turn to more proven supplements.
Which substances can support healthy testosterone levels?
Zinc is needed, among other things, to make testosterone, but also to maintain its normal levels in the blood.
DAA or D-aspartic acid is an amino acid that plays an essential role in the very process of testosterone production in the body.
Fenugreek contains steroid saponins that are being tested for their promising potential to increase testosterone levels. In one study, an increase in total testosterone levels of 12% was even observed compared to baseline. In the case of this herb, further research is also needed to confirm its effects.
Tribulus Terrestris is an extract from the ground anchor, which also contains effective saponins, especially protodioscin. As a result, it is very popular and used to increase testosterone levels, libido and support reproductive functions.
Ashwagandha is an herb that has been shown in many studies to have a positive effect on increasing testosterone levels. In two of them, she even managed to increase the level of total testosterone by 15-40%.
The complex supplement in the form of AlfaMale Testobooster contains the already mentioned zinc, DAA, Greek hay, even beta-ecdysterone and other biologically active substances. It is therefore an effective combination of substances that can help optimize testosterone levels.
2. Muscle growth
Having even bigger muscles, without the effort and side effects of anabolic steroids, is a dream not only for most bodybuilders, but also for regular gym visitors. Many of them are already trying to achieve this by using turkesterone. This substance is thought to increase Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS). At the same time, the body repairs, rebuilds and builds muscle mass.
The anabolic effects of turkesterone have been confirmed both in animal studies and in vitro (in a laboratory sample). Researchers have observed a 20% increase in muscle mass production.
The research from 2019 also brought impressive results. Its participants were divided into 3 groups, with each of them using a different amount of ecdysteroids (ecdysterone).
After 10 weeks, the group taking the highest dose (800 mg) gained 2 kg of muscle.
In comparison, the group receiving the lowest dose (200 mg) achieved a muscle growth of 1.6 kg.
Participants with placebo had the least increase in muscle mass.
However, most experts are skeptical about this research. According to the subsequent laboratory analysis, the ecdysteroid supplement contained only 6 mg of active substance instead of 100 mg, which, according to them, is not sufficient for a more significant effect on muscle growth. In addition, body composition was measured using bioimpedance, which is not accurate enough for scientific purposes.
On the other hand, there is other research that has also been done with ecdysterone, which has not confirmed its positive effects on muscle growth. In one of them, strength training men took 200 mg, 800 mg or 1000 mg ecdysterone daily for 8 weeks. In none of the groups did the researchers notice any changes in testosterone levels, strength or body composition.
The effect of this substance on increasing muscle protein (MPS) synthesis in mice was further investigated. No positive changes in muscle mass formation were observed here. Even when co-administered with leucine, the anabolic effect of leucine was reduced.
Although the results of some research seem promising, there are others that have come up with the opposite finding. Therefore, we are not yet able to draw definitive clear conclusions. There is currently a lack of quality research to demonstrate or disprove the anabolic effect of turkesterone. If our goal is to grow muscle mass, it is still true that the basis is a well-designed training and supplementation plan, menus, adherence to the principle of progressive overload and sufficient rest.
However, a comprehensive approach may also include scientifically sufficient and as yet insufficiently proven food supplements. They often lack relevant evidence of their effects, but on the other hand, it may depend in part on how convinced we are of their effectiveness, as placebo is also a great success.
3. Muscle regeneration
The support for muscle protein production (MPS) mentioned above also contributes to better regeneration. Thanks to faster repair of damaged muscles by training, we can train more often or more intensively.
According to some studies, ecdysteroids, which include turesterone, may also support leucine metabolism and its incorporation into cells. This essential amino acid is one of the most important in terms of repairing muscle-damaged muscle fibers. The paradox is that one study found the exact opposite.
However, turkesterone is not a miracle substance that would relieve our muscle pain after exercise within an hour. In this regard, too, we should continue to rely on quality sleep, rest between workouts, adequate protein in the diet, and other methods that can promote regeneration. These include cold therapy, sauna or massage. To some extent, you can do it yourself with the help of a massage gun. In addition, you can try turkesterone or other supplements that will best suit your individual goals and requirements.
4. Better sports performance
As muscle mass grows, more strength typically goes hand in hand. However, this is not the only potential effect of turkesterone on athletic performance. According to many scientific studies, ecdysteroids can also generally help to increase the body's glycogen stores. These are then directly related to the production of energy in the form of ATP, which is the basic fuel unit in our body, as well as in internal combustion engines gasoline or diesel. Thanks to this, we can train for a longer time without feeling tired. So far, this effect has only been described in animal models. However, we will have to wait to confirm or refute the effectiveness on people.
Which substances can support sports performance?
Creatine helps restore ATP during physical activity. Thanks to this, the explosive power, which is important in strength, team and martial arts, is mainly supported.
Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants in the world, which helps maintain alertness and concentration during training. According to research results, it supports strength or endurance.
Beta-alanine can increase athletic performance in high-intensity activities, which typically have a shorter duration. It can have a positive effect on the breakdown of lactic acid from working muscles.
Arginine forms nitric oxide (NO) in the body. This contributes to better blood flow to the working muscles, which can lead to a more efficient supply of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles. This can typically result in better athletic performance.
A complex pre-workout supplement, such as Thor, contains said caffeine, arginine, beta-alanine and other active ingredients. Overall, it will help prepare the body for intense exercise, and even improve it.
5. Adaptogenic effects
Ecdysteroids, including turkesterone, are also adaptogens. These substances are known for their positive effects on mental resilience, stress management and overall human health and well-being. According to research conducted so far, turkesterone can contribute to increased resistance to stress and better adaptation of the organism to demanding conditions. So it will help us cope with difficult life situations, stressful exams at school or new job challenges. Even in this case, however, we still have to make do with the results of animal research, and we still have to wait for those carried out on humans.
How is turkesterone typically used and dosed?
Turkesterone is most often found in the form of a plant extract in capsules or tablets, which is usually standardized at 10% active ingredient content.
It is recommended to take with food at any time of the day or before training, but never on an empty stomach.
The recommended daily dose of turkesterone is most often in the range of 500 - 1000 mg per day.
We can also calculate the recommended daily dose by multiplying 10 mg of this substance per 1 kg of fat-free weight of our body (Fat Free Mass). For example, an 80 kg person with 10% fat has 720 mg of turkesterone per day.
Is it necessary to cycle turkesterone?
Turkesterone is not an androgen and therefore should not suppress the body's natural production of testosterone. This is often the case with anabolic steroids. Therefore, it is not necessary to interrupt its supplementation for some time. In any case, most turkesterone users take a break of several weeks after 8 to 12 weeks of use. They want to prevent the body from adapting to this substance, which could lead to a gradual reduction in effect.
Does turkesterone have any side effects?
Unlike anabolic steroids, turkesterone is considered safe. It does not bind to androgen receptors in the body, which is considered to be risky with these substances. In this connection, there is no risk of side effects with normal turkesterone dosing. However, if you do not follow it or if you use this substance on an empty stomach, we may experience nausea or indigestion.
What do you get out of it?
To sum it up, we can say with certainty that turkesterone has some potential impact on improving some areas of our lives. On the other hand, these conclusions are based on a small amount of research and we lack evidence of an effect on the sporting population. However, at the usual dosage, it is a safe supplement, so that the effect of this substance can be convinced by everyone if they are interested.
When achieving set goals, such as muscle growth or optimizing testosterone levels, we should always follow the basic rules in training, diet and rest. Subsequently, we can add turkesterone as such a superstructure.
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