Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Ecdysterone is a naturally occurring ecdysteroid hormone found in plants and insects. It has been marketed as a supplement for bodybuilding and athletic performance, primarily for its purported anabolic (muscle-building) effects. Recent scientific studies provide some support for these claims, though the body of evidence is still limited and somewhat preliminary.

The most cited human study is a 2019 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Archives of Toxicology by Isenmann et al. In this study, young men engaged in resistance training were given ecdysterone supplementation for 10 weeks. The results showed significantly greater increases in muscle mass and strength compared to placebo. The authors suggested that ecdysterone acts via the estrogen receptor beta, promoting protein synthesis in muscle.

Other animal and in vitro studies have shown anabolic effects, but these do not always translate directly to humans due to differences in metabolism and physiology. There is also limited data on safety and long-term effects in humans.

Historically, ecdysterone has not been used in traditional medicine for muscle growth; its popularity is based on modern scientific investigations and sports supplement marketing. While the evidence is promising, it is not yet robust or widely replicated. Larger and longer-term human trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Hence, the current scientific evidence supporting ecdysterone’s use in bodybuilding is rated as moderate (3 out of 5).

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