20-hydroxyecdysone
From Freepedia
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Image:20-hydroxyecdysone.png | |
| (2β,3β,5β,22R)-2,3,14,20,22,25- hexahydroxycholest-7-en-6-one | |
| CAS number 5289-74-7 | ATC code |
| Chemical formula | C27H44O7 |
| Molecular weight | 480.634 |
| Bioavailability | ?% |
| Metabolism | Hepatic |
| Elimination half-life | ? hours |
| Excretion | Urinary:?% |
| Pregnancy category | X |
| Legal status | Undetermined |
| Routes of administration | Oral |
20-hydroxyecdysone (Ecdysterone) is a naturally occurring ecdysteroid hormone produced by various plants including Cyanotis vaga. Upon its isolation, it quickly became apparant that it was taken up by insects feeding on the plant, and played a key role in cell proliferation, growth and apoptosis by controlling gene expression involved in molting and metamorphosis. It acts through a heterodimeric receptor comprising the ecdysone receptor and the ultraspiracle proteins (USP) to cause a positive nitrogen balance in the body. When first isolated, there was little interest from the commercial sector due to the lack of a cost-effective way to extract or synthesise the chemical. However, recent breakthroughs have meant that it can now be isolated in an extremely concentrated form. This has led to experimentation with its use as an anabolic steroid in sport and bodybuilding.
Despite lacking FDA approval, it has proven to be moderately successful as a commercial product, likely due to its rapid effects on muscle growth and fat loss, and a general lack of the usual side-effects associated with anabolic steroids. Clinical studies by ICN Pharmaceuticals demonstrated that the results are further improved when the drug is combined with a high-protein diet, to the point of equalling or even surpassing the beneficial effects of conventionally derived steroids such as Dianabol[1][2]. The same studies showed the effective dose for a human to be around 5 mg per kg of body mass, daily. The compound becomes toxic only at doses of 6400 mg per kg of body mass per day.
In addition to its potential use as an anabolic growth hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone has proven to cause moderate increases in testosterone production in males. This has led to speculation and a small number of successful trials in testing its use in improving overall sexual function.
References
- ^ Chermnykh, N.S., et.al. (1988). The action of methandrostenolone and ecdysterone on the physical endurance of animals and on protein metabolism in the skeletal muscles. Farmakol. Tok. (USSR). 51, 57-60
- ^ Simakin, S. Yu., et al., (1988). The Combined Use of Ecdisten and the Product 'Bodrost' during Training in Cyclical Types of Sport. Scientific Sports Bulletin, No. 2
