Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Phytoecdysteroids are plant-derived analogues of insect molting hormones, with 20-hydroxyecdysone being the most widely studied type in the context of bodybuilding and muscle growth. Unlike anabolic steroids, phytoecdysteroids are not structurally related to testosterone and do not interact with androgen receptors. However, animal studies and limited human trials have suggested their potential in supporting muscle growth, increasing protein synthesis, and improving recovery.

Some preclinical studies in rodents have found that administration of 20-hydroxyecdysone leads to greater muscle mass and strength, possibly by stimulating protein synthesis via the PI3K/Akt pathway. A few small human studies (e.g., Isenmann et al., 2019) have reported modest increases in muscle mass and performance when subjects supplemented with ecdysteroids compared to placebo. However, these studies are limited in scale, duration, and methodological rigor.

Despite the promising animal and cellular data, scientific evidence in humans remains preliminary and insufficient. There are no large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials confirming significant benefits or safety for bodybuilding. While the use of phytoecdysteroids for muscle growth is supported to a degree by recent research, the overall quality and quantity of evidence justifies only a low-to-moderate rating at present. More rigorous clinical studies are required before it can be recommended with confidence for bodybuilding purposes.

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