Turkesterone effects on muscle growth
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Turkesterone and Muscle Growth: Research Overview
Turkesterone Supplementation and Muscle Hypertrophy
Recent studies have directly examined whether turkesterone supplementation leads to increased muscle growth or improved body composition. In a controlled trial, healthy males and females took 500 mg of turkesterone daily for four weeks. The results showed no significant differences between the turkesterone and placebo groups in body mass, lean body mass, fat mass, or percent body fat, indicating that short-term turkesterone supplementation did not affect muscle growth or body composition in active individuals .
Another investigation looked at the effects of acute turkesterone doses on markers related to muscle growth, such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which is associated with muscle protein synthesis. While there was a non-significant increase in IGF-1 levels after turkesterone ingestion, these changes were not statistically meaningful, and no significant effects were observed on resting metabolic rate or metabolism. The study concluded that there is currently no strong evidence supporting turkesterone as a potent anabolic supplement, though it was well tolerated and did not cause adverse effects .
In Vitro Evidence and Mechanisms
Laboratory studies using muscle cell models have explored the potential mechanisms of turkesterone and related extracts. An extract from Ajuga turkestanica, which is rich in turkesterone, was tested on mouse muscle cells. The extract did not reduce cell viability and showed some gene modulation, including downregulation of myostatin (a negative regulator of muscle growth) and caspase-3 (involved in cell death). However, the extract did not display androgenic activity, which means it did not act like traditional anabolic steroids. These findings suggest a possible supportive role for muscle mass maintenance, but do not confirm direct muscle-building effects .
Phytoecdysteroids and Muscle Effects
Turkesterone is part of a group of plant steroids called phytoecdysteroids. While some studies have shown that these compounds can affect smooth muscle contraction in laboratory settings, there is no direct evidence from these studies that turkesterone or related phytoecdysteroids increase skeletal muscle growth in humans . The presence of turkesterone and similar compounds in plants like Ajuga turkestanica is well documented, but their specific anabolic effects in humans remain unproven .
Conclusion
Current research does not support the claim that turkesterone supplementation leads to significant muscle growth or improved body composition in humans. While laboratory studies suggest some potential for supporting muscle health without androgenic side effects, clinical trials have not shown meaningful anabolic effects. More long-term and comprehensive studies are needed to determine if turkesterone has any real impact on muscle growth in humans 145.
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