What is Turkesterone?
Turkesterone is a naturally occurring compound that belongs to a group of compounds known as ecdysteroids. Ecdysteroids are a type of hormone found primarily in arthropods (insects and crustaceans) and certain plant species. In plants, these hormones play a role in growth and development, acting similarly to how testosterone functions in animals.One of the most prominent sources of turkesterone is the plant Ajuga turkestanica, which is native to Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, especially in the region where it originates. Recently, however, turkesterone has gained significant attention in the fitness and bodybuilding communities due to its potential muscle-building and performance-enhancing properties. It is marketed as a natural anabolic agent that can increase muscle mass, improve strength, and aid in recovery without the side effects associated with synthetic anabolic steroids.
How Does Turkesterone Work?
Though turkesterone is often compared to anabolic steroids because of its performance-enhancing effects, it works quite differently. Instead of binding directly to androgen receptors (as anabolic steroids do), turkesterone appears to exert its effects via non-hormonal pathways. Specifically, it is thought to improve protein synthesis within muscle cells, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Protein synthesis is the process by which cells build new proteins, and it's particularly important for athletes and bodybuilders aiming to increase muscle mass. By promoting better utilization of amino acids and improving the efficiency of muscle repair, turkesterone may help individuals recover more quickly from workouts and build muscle faster over time.
Additionally, some studies suggest that turkesterone may enhance nitrogen retention in muscles. Nitrogen retention is a key indicator of muscle anabolism (growth), as higher nitrogen levels generally correlate with more significant muscle growth.
Potential Benefits of Turkesterone Supplementation
1) Muscle Growth and Strength
The most commonly touted benefit of turkesterone is its potential to enhance muscle hypertrophy (growth) and strength. By increasing protein synthesis and potentially optimizing the balance of anabolic and catabolic processes in muscle tissue, turkesterone could support lean muscle mass gains. Many users report noticeable improvements in strength, particularly when the supplement is paired with resistance training and a high-protein diet.
2) Improved Endurance and Performance
Turkesterone may also contribute to better athletic performance by improving stamina and endurance. Some research indicates that ecdysteroids can increase ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, which is the primary source of energy used by muscles during physical activity. By boosting ATP levels, turkesterone could allow athletes to perform at higher intensities for longer periods before experiencing fatigue.
3) Faster Recovery
One of the more appealing benefits of turkesterone is its ability to speed up recovery after intense workouts. By supporting muscle repair through enhanced protein synthesis and reducing muscle breakdown, individuals may experience less soreness and recover more rapidly between training sessions. This could potentially allow for more frequent and intense workouts, further contributing to muscle growth and strength gains.
4) Fat Loss and Body Composition
Some anecdotal reports suggest that turkesterone may assist with fat loss, although this effect has not been studied extensively. The theory is that by increasing lean muscle mass and improving metabolic efficiency, turkesterone could indirectly help the body burn more calories at rest, thus promoting a leaner physique. However, this benefit likely depends heavily on an individual's diet, workout regimen, and overall lifestyle.
5) Enhanced Cognitive Function
In addition to its physical benefits, there are claims that turkesterone may have positive effects on brain function and mental clarity. Some proponents of the supplement suggest that it may support focus, mood, and overall cognitive performance. However, these claims are largely anecdotal, and more research is needed to confirm any cognitive benefits.
Research on Turkesterone
While turkesterone has become popular as a supplement, the body of scientific research specifically on turkesterone is still somewhat limited. Most of the existing studies on ecdysteroids, in general, have focused on their effects in animals, particularly insects and rodents, with fewer studies examining their impact on human health and performance.
Animal Studies on Ecdysteroids
Research conducted on ecdysteroids in animals has shown promising results, particularly with regard to muscle growth and improved endurance. For example, one study found that rats supplemented with ecdysteroids experienced significant increases in muscle mass and strength compared to those that did not receive the compound. Additionally, research in insects and crustaceans has demonstrated the critical role that ecdysteroids play in their growth and development.
Human Studies on Ecdysteroids
Human research on ecdysteroids is more limited but encouraging. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that individuals who took ecdysteroids as part of their training regimen experienced greater improvements in muscle mass and strength compared to a placebo group. The researchers attributed these benefits to increased protein synthesis and nitrogen retention within muscle cells. However, more human trials are needed to establish the efficacy of turkesterone in particular.
Safety and Side Effects
One of the most significant advantages of turkesterone, according to preliminary research, is its safety profile. Unlike synthetic anabolic steroids, turkesterone does not appear to cause the same range of negative side effects, such as hormone imbalances, liver damage, or cardiovascular issues. Since turkesterone does not directly bind to androgen receptors, it is not believed to affect testosterone or estrogen levels, meaning users are unlikely to experience issues like hair loss, acne, or mood swings. However, as with any supplement, it's essential to approach turkesterone cautiously and to use it responsibly. There have been few reports of adverse effects, but individual responses to supplements can vary. It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen, particularly for those with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications.
Dosage and Usage Recommendations
There is no universally agreed-upon dosage for turkesterone supplementation, as research is still ongoing. However, most supplement manufacturers recommend doses ranging from 250 mg to 500 mg per day, often split into two doses. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and adjust based on your body's response. Some users report that it takes several weeks to notice the full effects of turkesterone, so patience and consistency are key.
Turkesterone supplements are typically taken in pill or capsule form and are often stacked with other performance-enhancing supplements like creatine or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). For optimal results, it should be combined with a well-structured resistance training program and a diet rich in protein and nutrients that support muscle growth and recovery.
What Are The Most Popular Turkesterone Supplements
Here at The Supplement Store, our current two top selling turkesterone supplements are Applied Nutrition Turk-X and Rich Piana 5% Nutrition Turkesterone 1200. Both are great choices with high quality ingredients and 30 servings per pot. Rich Piana's product has a slightly higher dosage of 1200mg per serving versus 1000mg for Turk X but comes at a higher price point.