Ecdysterones



=**Warning: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product cannot treat, prevent or cure diseases.**=


 * Definition:** a steroid hormone that regulates the processes of molting or edcysis in insects. Ecdysterone is 20-hydroxylated Ecdysone. (www.definitions.net).


 * Sources:** Ecdysterone is found in plants from performing re-engineering processes as well as in insects. It can also be found in crustaceans, parasitic worms, and viruses. Extracting this from insects costs about $20,000 per kilogram to even get a useful amount for utilization. With the science world always advancing, researchers can now grow and cultivate this for sport's supplements. Athletes use this for a vast number of things like muscle gain, weight loss, and the immunity of human growth hormone. Though some of these theories have not been proven, athletes will do anything to achieve personal and physical gain. (www.nutros.net)


 * Uses:** Theories have been said of using this supplement for weight loss, muscle gain, and longevity. Although not many studies have been done with humans, mostly animals and insects. For weight loss, Ecdysterones, are said to help stimulate metabolism but this has only been researched in insects. Ecdysterones are believed to help with muscle gain and recovery by increasing nitrogen retention in the muscle tissue, and protein synthesis. But this has only been proven in insects not studied in humans. In theory this supplement may increase longevity by improving the immune system to the similar effects of human growth hormone, but it is not proven in humans. (www.nutros.net)


 * Studied usage in humans:** A randomized, double-blinded study was done with 45 resistance trained males with a placebo and 2 other supplements besides Ecdysterones. It was done over an 8 week period with the subjects giving fasting blood samples at week(s) 0, 4, and 8. Along with the blood samples, Wilbourn et al. (2006), tested muscular strength, muscular endurance, body compositions, and anaerobic capacity. Wilbourn et al. (2006), found that the supplements given did not effect training adaptations, anabolic/catabolic hormones or any general markers of catabolism in resistance trained males.


 * Other usage:** Research indicates, this could be useful in Cardiovascular Disease, Fatigue/Weakness, Catabolism (muscle wasting), Impaired Immune Function, and Sperm Mobility. (www.nutros.net). **Please note the FDA statement above**.


 * Recommendations:** For adults 18 and older it is recommended to take this supplement in large amounts about 500mg per day. Though an anecdotal range could be as much as 1,200mg per day. Many products containing Ecdysterone only has 75-100 mg per day which may be an ineffective amount. (www..nutros.net)


 * Dosage:** Take this in large amounts with protein about 30-50 g/kg. (www.nutros.net)


 * Effect:** 1/5- No theories have been proven in humans for the effects it can have besides the one study done in 2006. Though the research in animals and insects may be promising.
 * Safety:** 5/5- From the research done so far, Ecdysterones being stacked with other supplements there are no safety issues in taking this supplement.
 * Cost:** 3/5- Depending on if it is stacked, it can become more expensive. The range according to www.gnc.com, is from about $25-$80.00.
 * Ease of Use:** 3/5- It is easily found in supplements stores in stacks but not as a pure substance. It is easy to take because most stack are powder where it can be put with a liquid to be ingested.
 * Total:** 12/20- The reason Ecdysterones got this ranking total is because there is very little information to support taking this as a ergogenic aid. Many studies have been done in animals and insects showing promising effects for using Ecdystersones as an ergogenic aid. In humans however, there hasn't been many studies done, though to get any effect out of Ecdysterones it was found that large amounts is best. (www.nutros.net). Before taking any supplements, being completely informed is best by reading the studies done by professionals.


 * Resources:**

Retrieved 8 Jan 2013 from http://www.definitions.net/definition/ecdysterone

Nutritional Supplement Review. //Ecdysterone Nonessential Micronutrient. (pg 86).// Retrieved 8 Jan 2013 from http://www.nutros.net/nsr-0204z.html

Wilborn, C.D., Taylor, L.W., Campbell, B.I., Kerksick, C., Rasmussen, C.J., Greenwood, M., & Kreider, R.B. (2006). Effects of methoxyisoflavone, ecdysterone, and sulfo-polysaccharide supplementation on training adaptations in resistance-trained males. //Journal of Instructional Society of Sports// //Nutrition//. 2006; 3(2): 19–27.

GNC Live Well. Retrieved 17 Jan 2013 from http://www.gnc.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=ecdysterones&origkw=Ecdysterones&f=Taxonomy/GNC/13200328&sr=1

Ecdysterone. Retrieved 17 Jan 2013 from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1075-ECDYSTERONE.aspx?activeIngredientId=1075&activeIngredientName=ECDYSTERONE

20-Hydroxyecdysone. Retrieved 17 Jan 2013 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20-Hydroxyecdysone