5alpha-spirostan-2alpha,3beta, 5alpha-triol-6-OH

Synopsis

5Alpha-Spirostan-2alpha,3beta,5alpha-Triol-6-OH: An Encyclopedic Reference

1. Identity: Chemical Name, Natural Source, and Common Forms

1.1 Chemical and Systematic Names

The compound appearing on supplement labels as 5alpha-spirostan-2alpha,3beta,5alpha-triol-6-OH — most often with the full stereochemical prefix (25R)-5alpha-spirostan-2alpha,3beta,5alpha-triol-6-OH — is most frequently encountered commercially as a form of the compound family known as 5-alpha-hydroxy laxogenin (also rendered as 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin, trade-named Laxosterone® by some suppliers). It belongs to the spirostane class of tetracyclic steroidal sapogenins. Its parent natural compound, laxogenin, carries the systematic name 3beta-hydroxy-(25R)-5alpha-spirostan-6-one, or equivalently, 3beta-hydroxy-25D,5alpha-spirostan-6-one. Laxogenin (3beta-hydroxy-25D,5alpha-spirostan-6-one) is a compound sold in various forms as a muscle-toning supplement. The "5alpha-triol-6-OH" designation specifies a hydroxylation at the 5-alpha position that is not present in the parent laxogenin, making the supplement compound a distinct — and, as the scientific literature has confirmed, synthetic — derivative.

5α-hydroxy-laxogenin is a synthetic spirostane-type steroid, which is contained in dietary supplements and advertised as an anabolic agent. 5α-Hydroxy laxogenin is a synthetic derivative of a naturally occurring spirostane-type steroid, laxogenin. The compound also appears in commercial contexts under the synonym 6-keto diosgenin, referencing its synthetic origin from the widely available phytosterol diosgenin. This compound is derived from diosgenin (it's known as 6-keto diosgenin) and is considered to be a "plant steroid".

1.2 Structural Classification

Structurally, the compound belongs to the brassinosteroid superfamily — a group of over 40 polyhydroxylated steroids found exclusively in plant kingdoms. Brassinosteroids are plant-derived polyhydroxylated derivatives of 5a-cholestane, structurally similar to cholesterol-derived animal steroid hormones and insect ecdysteroids, with no known function in mammals. The spirostane skeleton consists of six fused rings — four carbocyclic rings (A–D, shared with conventional steroids) plus a spiroketal ring system (rings E and F). The title steroid is an intermediate on the synthetic route between diosgenin and brassinosteroids, which possess the A ring modified with the 2α,3α-diol functionality. The polycyclic spirostane system has the expected conformation, with six-membered rings adopting chair forms and the five-membered rings envelope forms.

1.3 Natural Sources of the Parent Compound (Laxogenin)

Laxogenin — the naturally occurring parent molecule — was first characterized from plant sources in Japan. Laxogenin was first identified in 1965 by a Japanese laboratory as a substance in the plant Smilax sieboldii, which is native to Japan, Korea, and China. Laxogenin was first identified in the 1960s as a member of a group of plant-based steroids known as brassinosteroids.

Its natural abundance is low. The underground stems of the Asian plant Smilax sieboldii contain approximately 0.06% laxogenin and are its main natural source. Laxogenin is also obtained from Chinese onion (Allium chinense) bulbs. Additional plant sources where laxogenin has been confirmed include: stems of Asian plants such as Smilax sieboldii, Allium schoenoprasum, Allium chinense, and Solanum unguiculatum, but only in very small amounts.

The laxogenin-related saponin family has also been found in Dioscorea species, particularly Dioscorea nipponica Makino, a well-documented medicinal plant in East Asia. As part of a search for bioactive constituents of Korean medicinal plants, twelve steroids were isolated from the rhizomes of Dioscorea nipponica, including diosgenin, dioscin, gracillin, protodioscin, and related spirostanol saponins.

1.4 The Critical Distinction: Natural vs. Synthetic Status

This is the single most important identity fact for the supplement ingredient in question. Although laxogenin has been isolated from the rhizomes of Smilax sieboldii, 5α-hydroxy laxogenin has not been isolated or reported from any natural source. Whereas the natural occurrence has been shown for laxogenin in several Smilax species as well as in two Allium species, there is no proof of a natural existence of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin. Research published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis confirmed its synthetic manufacture: Several synthetic derivatives of diosgenin were identified in the eight products. These findings indicate that the labeled 5α-hydroxy laxogenin along with other spirostanes found in supplements are synthetic and signify a lack of quality controls.

The precursor for commercial synthesis is diosgenin. Laxogenin in supplements is produced from the more common plant steroid, diosgenin. In fact, diosgenin is used as a raw material for over 50% of synthetic steroids including progesterone, cortisone, and testosterone.

1.5 Common Commercial Forms and Preparations

As dietary supplements, laxogenin and its so-called derivative, 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin, are promoted as "natural anabolics" (alternatives to anabolic steroids) for those who want to gain muscle mass while keeping body fat low. They appear on dietary supplement labels and websites with claims of increased lean muscle growth, strength, and vitality. The compound is typically sold in oral tablet or capsule form. When listed on supplement panels, it appears under various names including "(25R)-5alpha-spirostan-2alpha,3beta,5alpha-triol-6-OH," "5a-hydroxy laxogenin," or "Laxosterone®." It is frequently combined with other ingredients; common formulations include it alongside compounds such as 7-hydroxy DHEA, epiandrosterone, or plant ecdysteroid extracts (e.g., Ajuga turkestanica extract). It is also encountered in topical (cream) formulations.

Although often advertised as "natural," most supplements don't contain laxogenin but its synthetic derivative: 5a-hydroxy laxogenin (laxosterone). An analysis of 12 different supplements found that 5a-hydroxy laxogenin is always derived from synthetic laxogenin. Importantly, 5 supplements didn't have 5a-hydroxy laxogenin at all and 8 were contaminated with untested diosgenin.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

2.1 Traditional Use of Source Plants in East Asia

While the isolated synthetic compound (25R)-5alpha-spirostan-2alpha,3beta,5alpha-triol-6-OH itself has no pre-modern history of use, the plants from which related spirostanol saponins are derived have documented traditions in East Asian medicine, particularly in China.

Extracts of the roots of Dioscorea nipponica Makino have a long history of medicinal use in China. The herb was first recorded in 1959 and in 1977 a monograph of Dioscorea nipponica Makino was included in the official Chinese Pharmacopoeia. In China and Russia, extracts of Dioscorea nipponica Makino have been on the market for more than 40 years. The traditional medicinal use of Dioscorea species (wild yam family) in Chinese medicine encompassed treatments for arthritis and related joint inflammation, attributed to the anti-inflammatory steroidal saponin content of the rhizome.

Smilax sieboldii, the primary natural source of laxogenin, is native to Japan, Korea, and China. The broader Smilax genus has a long history of use in Asian and, separately, in Native American traditional medicine — variously for treating skin conditions, rheumatic disorders, and as tonics — though these applications were associated with saponin-rich rhizome preparations, not with isolated spirostanol derivatives per se.

Steroidal saponins from Dioscorea species were also of significant interest in Soviet/Russian botanical medicine and sports pharmacology research from the 1970s onward. This compound was used by elite Soviet athletes and was researched by Russian scientist V.N. Syrov, known for his work in herb-based sports nutrition. Syrov and Kurmukov published experimental findings on the anabolic activity of 6-keto derivatives of natural sapogenins in the Soviet pharmacological literature in 1975 (Farmakologiia i toksikologiia, 39(5), 631–635), establishing the early pharmacological basis for interest in this compound class.

2.2 Important Caveat: Traditional Use vs. the Supplement Ingredient

It bears emphasis that no traditional culture used the isolated synthetic compound (25R)-5alpha-spirostan-2alpha,3beta,5alpha-triol-6-OH. Any traditional use pertains to whole-plant preparations of Dioscorea or Smilax species, which contain a complex matrix of saponins and other phytochemicals. The specific compound as sold in modern dietary supplements is a synthetic entity that did not exist in traditional pharmacopoeias.

3. Key Constituents and Proposed Mechanisms of Action

3.1 The Spirostane Skeleton and Brassinosteroid Classification

Laxogenin (3beta-hydroxy-25D,5alpha-spirostan-6-one) is a compound sold in various forms as a muscle-toning supplement. It belongs to a class of plant hormones called brassinosteroids, which have a similar structure to animal steroid hormones. In plants, they work to boost growth. The core structural similarity to mammalian steroids has driven interest in potential mammalian bioactivity, though the mechanisms are not identical to those of androgens or estrogens.

3.2 Proposed Mechanism: PI3K/Akt Signaling

The most thoroughly described mechanism of action for brassinosteroids (of which the laxogenin/5α-hydroxy-laxogenin family are members) relates to activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) anabolic signaling pathway in skeletal muscle cells. The pivotal in vitro and animal study on this topic used 28-homobrassinolide (HB), a brassinosteroid analog, not laxogenin itself: 28-Homobrassinolide (HB), a steroidal lactone with potent plant growth-promoting property, stimulated protein synthesis and inhibited protein degradation in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells (EC50 4 μM) mediated in part by PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This mechanism — stimulating protein synthesis while simultaneously inhibiting protein degradation — is analogous to the downstream effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling.

It is important to note that this mechanistic work was conducted with 28-homobrassinolide, not with 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin, and the two are structurally distinct compounds within the broader brassinosteroid family. While all these substances are similar, they are not identical.

3.3 Proposed Mechanism: Androgen Receptor Interaction

More recent research has investigated whether 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin itself directly interacts with the androgen receptor (AR). Androgenic potential was investigated in two in vitro bioassays. While no activity was observed in the yeast androgen screen, 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin was able to trans-activate the androgen receptor in human prostate cells in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, a biphasic response was observed with antagonistic properties at lower concentrations and agonistic effects at higher concentrations tested.

This finding is significant because it suggests the compound is not as "hormone-neutral" as commonly advertised, and raises concerns about androgenic activity at higher doses, though these were in vitro observations only.

3.4 Proposed Mechanism: Nitrogen Retention and Protein Synthesis

Industry descriptions — derived partly from the early Soviet animal research literature — attribute the compound's claimed anabolic activity to enhanced nitrogen retention and protein synthesis. It is shown that 6-ketoderivatives of natural sapogenins, viz. agigenin, diosgenin and alliogenin, display the anabolic activity and do not manifest any androgenic properties. This claim originates from early Soviet pharmacological animal experiments and has not been validated in human clinical trials.

3.5 Proposed Mechanism: Plant Growth (Brassinosteroid Role)

5α-hydroxy laxogenin is a brassinosteroid analog and a derivative of diosgenin. Topical administration of 5α-hydroxy laxogenin, in combination with a commercial fertilizer, increases the yield and fresh weight of endives (C. endivia). This plant-growth activity is the endogenous biological role of brassinosteroids in plants; the relevance of this mechanism to human physiology is unestablished.

4. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

4.1 Skeletal Muscle Growth and Anabolic Effects

Human Clinical Evidence

There are no published human clinical trials on (25R)-5alpha-spirostan-2alpha,3beta,5alpha-triol-6-OH or its close derivative 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin as a muscle-building agent. The Office of Dietary Supplements' Consortium for Health and Military Performance (OPSS) — a U.S. Department of Defense body — states definitively: No studies have been done on the effects of laxogenin or 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin in humans or animals, including whether these ingredients can produce any of the effects claimed for them as dietary supplement ingredients to gain any muscle mass.

Neither laxogenin nor 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin has been validated in human subjects for any of the muscle-building outcomes claimed on product labels.

In Vitro and Animal Evidence (Brassinosteroid Class, Not Specifically 5α-OH-Laxogenin)

The only animal evidence comes from studies on structurally related but chemically distinct brassinosteroids, principally 28-homobrassinolide. In the landmark 2011 Esposito et al. study in The FASEB Journal: Oral administration of HB (20 or 60 mg/kg/d for 24 d) to healthy rats fed a normal diet increased food intake, body weight gain, lean body mass, and gastrocnemius muscle mass as compared with vehicle-treated controls. Both oral (up to 60 mg/kg) and subcutaneous (up to 4 mg/kg) administration of HB showed low androgenic activity when tested in the Hershberger assay. Moreover, HB showed no direct binding to the androgen receptor in vitro.

An older Soviet-era animal study by Syrov and Kurmukov (1975) is frequently cited in commercial contexts as evidence of anabolic activity specifically for 6-keto sapogenin derivatives: The compound IV/(25R)-5alpha-spirostan-2alpha,3beta,5alpha-triol-6-OH produces an accelerated gain of weight and augments the total amount of protein therein. However, this study was conducted in animals, published in Russian in 1975, has not been replicated in peer-reviewed Western literature, and does not constitute clinical evidence.

In an old Russian study in rats, brassinosteroid derivatives with a similar structure to laxogenin increased total weight and protein content of the liver, heart, kidneys, and leg muscles without raising the levels of sex hormones or mimicking their effects. Again, these were animal studies with analogs — not the specific supplement compound in human subjects.

Evidence strength: Insufficient. The available evidence for muscle-building effects is confined to in vitro cell studies and animal experiments using related but structurally distinct brassinosteroids. No human data exist for 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin or the parent laxogenin in the context of muscle accretion.

4.2 Androgenic Activity and Androgen Receptor Effects

In Vitro Evidence

A 2022 peer-reviewed study published in the Archives of Toxicology (Keiler et al., PMC9151512) specifically investigated the androgenic potential of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin: Its androgenic potential was investigated in two in vitro bioassays. While no activity was observed in the yeast androgen screen, 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin was able to trans-activate the androgen receptor in human prostate cells in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, a biphasic response was observed with antagonistic properties at lower concentrations and agonistic effects at higher concentrations tested.

In Vivo Animal Evidence

A follow-up 2025 study published in Drug Testing and Analysis tested three dosages of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin in orchiectomized (castrated) male rats for 2 weeks to probe androgenic and anabolic effects in vivo: To investigate its androgenic potential in vivo, orchiectomized rats were treated with three different dosages of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin for 2 weeks. Effects were neither observed on the wet weights of the androgen target tissues prostate, seminal vesicle or penis nor on the wet weights of the anabolic target tissue musculus levator ani or on skeletal hindlimb muscles. Significantly higher atrophy was seen for some of the target tissues in the animals treated with the highest 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin dosage (36 mg/kg bw). While in silico docking supports the androgen receptor binding previously observed in vitro, neither androgenic nor anabolic effects of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin were observed in vivo in castrated male rats.

Evidence strength: Weak and contradictory. In vitro AR binding is confirmed, but in vivo animal data failed to show androgenic or anabolic tissue-level effects. No human data exist. The overall picture is that while the compound can interact with the androgen receptor at the molecular level, this does not translate to measurable anabolic or androgenic responses in animal models.

4.3 Plant-Growth and Agricultural Applications

In an agricultural context, there is positive direct evidence for brassinosteroid-class activity. Topical administration of 5α-hydroxy laxogenin (4, 8, and 12 ppm), in combination with a commercial fertilizer, increases the yield and fresh weight of endives (C. endivia). It also inhibits sodium chloride-induced decreases in the fresh weight of lettuce shoots and roots when applied topically at concentrations of 0.1 and 1 μM. This confirms biological brassinosteroid activity in plant systems, which is the physiological role of this compound class.

Evidence strength: Positive in plants. Irrelevant to human supplementation outcomes.

4.4 Antitumor and Antioxidant Properties (Related Compounds Only)

Research on related compounds in the laxogenin family (principally laxogenin itself, and saponins from Allium chinense) has noted preliminary antitumor-promoting activity. A study on saponins from Allium chinense reported antitumor-promoting activities for isoliquiritigenin and laxogenin. These findings were in vitro and apply to the natural parent compound, not to the synthetic 5α-hydroxy derivative sold in most supplements. Only animal and cell studies have tested laxogenin so far, and none of them used the compound found in most supplements: 5a-hydroxy laxogenin.

Evidence strength: Preliminary in vitro only; not applicable to the specific supplement ingredient.

5. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with This Compound

5.1 Skeletal Muscle System

This is the primary claimed target system. Supplement manufacturers market the compound for promotion of lean muscle mass and reduction of body fat. As detailed above, direct human evidence is absent, and the mechanistic rationale derives from studies on related (but not identical) brassinosteroid analogs in cell and animal models. Plant brassinosteroids and their synthetic derivatives may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for promoting growth, repair, and maintenance of skeletal muscles — but this conclusion from a 2011 Rutgers study was based on homobrassinolide, not on 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin.

5.2 Endocrine/Hormonal System

Unlike testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), or classical anabolic steroids, the compound does not appear to function as a conventional androgen at physiologically relevant concentrations. However, in vitro androgen receptor trans-activation at higher concentrations has been confirmed. The demonstrated androgenic properties of the higher concentrations demonstrate that further investigations should focus on the safety as well as on potential anabolic effects of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin. This is of interest with regard to abuse for doping purposes. Claims that the compound is entirely hormone-neutral are not supported by the latest in vitro evidence, though in vivo effects in animals were not confirmed.

5.3 Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis

A frequently marketed attribute is that, unlike androgenic steroids, laxogenin and its derivatives do not suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis and do not cause endogenous testosterone suppression. As opposed to typical muscle-building steroids, laxogenin is not a steroid or prohormone. Its proponents take this to mean that it will not be converted to the more powerful male sex hormones (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) nor run the risk of raising estrogen. However, we don't know this, as it's never been appropriately tested.

5.4 Prostate

Given the in vitro androgen receptor trans-activation findings in human prostate cells, potential effects on prostate tissue are a noted area of concern. 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin was able to trans-activate the androgen receptor in human prostate cells in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, a biphasic response was observed with antagonistic properties at lower concentrations and agonistic effects at higher concentrations tested. Product warnings on several commercial supplements include advisories against use by individuals with a history of or risk factors for prostate cancer.

6. Dosage Forms and Reported Dosages

6.1 Forms

The compound is sold primarily as oral tablets and capsules. Some commercial products utilize complexation with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) or phosphatidylcholine as absorption-enhancing excipients, intended to improve bioavailability of the poorly soluble spirostane structure.

6.2 Dosages Reported in Commercial Supplements

The following dosage figures are drawn from commercial supplement labeling as reported in the cited sources (no clinical dose-ranging studies exist in humans to inform these figures scientifically):

One commercial product (SuperStrol-7 by Blackstone Labs) listed (25R)-5alpha-spirostan-2alpha,3beta,5alpha-triol-6-OH at 50 mg per serving.
One commercial formulation (Myo-Stack) listed the ingredient at 500 mg per serving.
Common label directions across multiple products instruct users to take one tablet twice daily, not exceeding two tablets daily.

Note: These figures reflect commercial label claims only. No human pharmacokinetic, dose-escalation, or efficacy studies have established an evidence-based effective or safe dose range for this ingredient in humans.

6.3 Dosages Used in Animal Research (Related Compounds)

In the 2011 FASEB Journal animal study on the analog 28-homobrassinolide: Oral administration of HB (20 or 60 mg/kg/d for 24 d) to healthy rats increased food intake, body weight gain, lean body mass, and gastrocnemius muscle mass. In the 2025 in vivo rat androgenic study on 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin itself: Orchiectomized rats were treated with three different dosages of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin for 2 weeks. Significantly higher atrophy was seen for some of the target tissues in the animals treated with the highest 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin dosage (36 mg/kg bw). These animal doses are not directly translatable to human supplementation guidance.

7. Safety Considerations and Regulatory Status

7.1 Human Safety Data

The safety profile of 5α-Hydroxy-Laxogenin in humans is largely unknown due to the complete absence of human safety trials. This lack of data means that potential adverse effects, their severity, and frequency cannot be determined. The safety of products containing either ingredient is unknown.

7.2 Regulatory Status (United States)

Laxogenin and 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin have not been approved by FDA for any use, and 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin is on the DoD Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients list.

The FDA has taken direct enforcement action. An FDA Warning Letter to Exclusive Nutrition Products, LLC (May 2022) stated: 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin are not dietary ingredients. Under section 201(ff)(1) of the FD&C Act, [the products] are adulterated under section 402(a)(2)(C)(i) of the FD&C Act because they contain an unsafe food additive. This confirms that the FDA views 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin not as a lawful dietary ingredient but as an unsafe food additive when present in dietary supplements.

Dietary supplements might contain illegally added compounds with performance enhancing effects, which are published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on its Dietary Supplement Ingredient Advisory List. 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin has appeared on that advisory list since 2019.

7.3 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Status

Despite its labelling as an unlawful ingredient of dietary supplements, 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin is not prohibited by WADA. Due to lack of scientific evidence of performance-enhancing properties or potential health risks to athletes, the requirements for a potential prohibition of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin are not fulfilled. Absence from the WADA prohibited list reflects insufficient evidence of performance enhancement, not a determination of safety.

7.4 Product Adulteration and Label Accuracy

A critical documented safety concern is widespread label inaccuracy and adulteration of supplements claiming to contain this ingredient. A 2020 study in JAMA Network Open (Cohen et al.) analyzed supplements from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database marketed as containing 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin and found: The supplements contained phenibut, an unapproved drug with abuse potential used in Russia to treat neurologic conditions; arimistane, a designer steroid that may function as an aromatase inhibitor; 7-keto dehydroepiandrosterone; ecdysterone; and diosgenin. Supplements categorized in the NIH supplement database as containing 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin were inaccurately labeled and contained a variety of potentially pharmaceutically active compounds with unpredictable health effects.

A separate analytical study confirmed that some supplements labeled as laxogenin products were adulterated with anabolic-androgenic steroids. Methylclostebol, a synthetic orally active designer anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) now on WADA's banned list, was detected; the analyses indicated the amount of methylclostebol was 20 mg/g or almost 30 mg per serving.

A significant concern arises from analytical studies of commercial supplements, which have frequently found label inaccuracies and adulteration with undeclared substances, some of which could be harmful or banned.

7.5 Potential Androgenic Risks

It has been previously observed that 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin can bind to and activate the androgen receptor in a cell-based bioassay. To investigate its androgenic potential in vivo, orchiectomized rats were treated with three different dosages of 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin for 2 weeks. Although the in vivo rat study did not confirm androgenic tissue effects, the confirmed in vitro AR activation in human prostate cells is a finding warranting further study, particularly regarding risk for individuals with androgen-sensitive conditions.

7.6 Adverse Effect Reports (Smilax genus)

Though data for the specific supplement ingredient are absent, adverse effects associated with related Smilax-based products have been reported: The most common side effects of Smilax supplements are stomach upset and kidney disorders. This is extrapolated from the broader plant family and does not specifically characterize 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin toxicology.

8. Summary of Evidence Quality

The overall scientific evidence base for (25R)-5alpha-spirostan-2alpha,3beta,5alpha-triol-6-OH as a dietary supplement ingredient is characterized by the following:

Human clinical trials: None published for either laxogenin or 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin on any health outcome.
Animal studies (5α-hydroxy-laxogenin specifically): One 2025 in vivo rat study showed neither androgenic nor anabolic effects at doses up to 36 mg/kg bw, and observed higher tissue atrophy at the highest dose.
In vitro studies (5α-hydroxy-laxogenin): One 2022 study confirmed androgen receptor activation in human prostate cell lines at higher concentrations; no activity at lower concentrations.
Animal and in vitro studies (related brassinosteroids, not the specific compound): Positive anabolic signals in rat models and skeletal muscle cell lines for 28-homobrassinolide; not directly applicable.
Natural occurrence: The specific supplement ingredient, 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin, has been shown to be of synthetic — not plant — origin.
Regulatory status: FDA considers 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin an unlawful dietary ingredient; it is on the DoD prohibited list.
Product quality: Multiple analytical studies document widespread label inaccuracy, absence of declared ingredient, and adulteration with unlisted pharmaceutically active compounds.

It is widely promoted in dietary supplements as a 'natural' alternative to anabolic steroids, with claims of enhancing muscle growth, strength, and recovery. Despite these marketing claims, there is a significant lack of scientific evidence to support its efficacy or safety in humans.