Dr. Mike Jansen
Dr. Mike JansenCurious about how to cycle turkesterone?
Are you looking for a legitimate source to answer your questions about turkesterone supplements in a straightforward manner?
Then you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we detail the best science-based methods of cycling this “legal steroid alternative.”
We also answer your most important questions, including:
- Is turkesterone safe?
- How do you take turkesterone?
- Is turkesterone good for bodybuilders?
- Does turkesterone have any side effects?
Is turkesterone really safe?
Our team has studied all of the latest research papers to give you science-based answers to all of your turkesterone cycling questions.
After reading this in-depth guide, you’ll have all the information you need to set up your first turkesterone cycle, so you can start getting the most out of this breakthrough bodybuilding supplement.
Now let’s get started!
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What is Turkesterone?
Turkesterone is known nowadays as a ‘natural plant steroid’, mainly due to the fact that it is actually derived from a number of thistle-like plants most common to central Asia [1].
It has also recently grown in popularity within the bodybuilding and fitness community for its supposed benefits on muscle strength, size, endurance, and recovery.
Turkesterone is found in plants like Ajuga Turkestanica, which has been historically harvested and utilized for centuries in traditional medicine for its anabolic, adaptogenic, hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic activity [1, 2].
This potent plant steroid belongs to a large family of substances called ecdysteroids.
Also known as phytoecdysteroids, their molecular structure is actually similar to androgens – substances responsible for promoting both internal and external physical traits seen in males, such as testosterone.
The prefix ‘ecdy’ refers to how this hormone plays a role in stimulating the molting process in arthropod insects [3].
Turkesterone is often grouped together with ecdysterone, which is a nearly identical compound that has been studied the most out of all ecdysteroids, including in human trials.
Both were originally isolated around 1975 in Russia [2].
Apart from Ajuga Turkestanica, Turkesterone is also derived from other plants, like Leuzea Carthamoides, Rhaponticum, Stemmacantha Uniflora, which are naturally-occurring compound found in thistle-like plants, most of which grow in Siberia and Bulgaria, as well as central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan [1, 3].
What truly sets turkesterone apart from traditional anabolic steroids, and what makes it unique, is that it’s a natural substance that can produce a level of overall improvement in athletic performance comparable to steroids like dianabol or trenbolone.
Even though turkesterone can produce such anabolic effects, and while it does possess a similar molecular structure to anabolic steroids, it doesn’t actually bind to the same receptors for steroids found in vertebrates [3, 4].
How to Cycle Turkesterone
Knowing how to effectively utilize and cycle a supplement is crucial to obtaining the maximum amount of benefits from it.
While some compounds can be taken year-round with little to no risk involved, such as whey protein and BCAAs, substances that produce more drastic effects, like turkesterone, ought to be used on and off.
Additionally, it’s important to mention that there have been no documented human trials for turkesterone.
With that in mind, data regarding adverse side effects in humans from consuming turkesterone is currently only available as anecdotal evidence. Our team has, however, managed to collect relevant data from similar ecdysteroids, such as ecdysterone.
We should also point out that although turkesterone belongs to a family of substances called ecdysteroids, it is not classified as an anabolic steroid.
Once the facts are laid out in the open, there’s actually little room for misinterpretation.
Turkesterone Studies
Although marketed as a ‘legal steroid alternative’ or ‘natural steroid’, turkesterone is not legally considered to be an anabolic androgenic steroid.
Marketing messages presenting turkesterone as such can be misleading and misrepresent the product. However, just because turkesterone isn’t legally classified as a steroid, doesn’t discredit its powerful effects on the body.
It’s been proven that turkesterone produces anabolic effects in mammalian subjects, such as improved strength, increases in muscle mass, heightened stamina, and expedited recovery.
These effects are achieved by increasing the activity of polyribosomes – the cytoplasmic parts in cells where protein synthesis occurs [4].
Turkesterone Cycles
One of the main similarities between ecdysteroids like turkesterone and anabolic steroids, is that both compounds are recommended to be cycled throughout the year.
It’s been established that ecdysteroids like turkesterone don’t bind to the same androgen receptors as steroids do, and so they do not disrupt the endocrine system in the same manner.
As mentioned above, lack of human trial data merits that any personal research conducted on turkesterone be performed with the utmost precaution.
By maintaining any cycles of turkesterone within the range of 8-12 weeks, the chance of developing a tolerance to the substance and any long-term damage to the body diminishes significantly.
It also allows the research subject to experience and document how the compound has affected their physique and athletic performance, as opposed to not using it [5, 6].
Turkesterone Vs Steroids
You might still be wondering – why is turkesterone known as a ‘natural steroid’?
This is due to turkesterone being found in both plants and arthropod insects. In regards to plants, the production of turkesterone along with other phytoecdysteroids serves the purpose of warding off the growth and development of invasive organisms [7].
When it comes to arthropod insects, turkesterone regulates their molting – a process otherwise known as ‘ecdysis’ – such as when a crab sheds its shell.
The fact that turkesterone doesn’t disrupt the endocrine system in humans or mammals is another major advantage over steroids.
The main takeaway from this, is that cycling turkesterone will not cause testosterone levels to plummet once a cycle is over. This essentially removes the need for a post-cycle therapy, or PCT [8].
This is a massive benefit to athletes and bodybuilders, as the PCT stage is often not only expensive and emotionally unpleasant, but also tends to result in some size and strength being lost.
Is Turkesterone Safe?
Studies that have been conducted on ecdysteroids, such as turkesterone and ecdysterone, have found practically no adverse side effects in either humans or mammals as the result of routine consumption.
With that said, the most common anecdotally reported side effects with turkesterone are nausea and stomach discomfort when taken in excess of 2000 milligrams [6].
This is why we do not recommend consuming a daily dose of more than 500 milligrams.
Evidence for the safety profile of ecdysteroids like turkesterone and ecdysterone can be found in one recent study in particular – a trial conducted in 2006, with the aim of monitoring the effects of ecdysterone and select other compounds on training adaptations for athletic males.
Again, this study on ecdysterone is being referenced because of the lack of data from human trials involving turkesterone.
45 participants who were previously tested for not using any other compounds were recruited and split up into three groups. They each ingested a daily dose of a compound while following a set weekly training regimen.
One of those groups took just 30 milligrams of ecdysterone once a day.
In conclusion, the study found no negative side effects resulting from the use of ecdysterone were reported in any of the participants, in addition to seeing noticeable gains in strength and muscular size [9].
Overall, neither ecdysterone nor turkesterone cause the side effects normally seen with anabolic steroid use.
One of the main reasons for this is because of the molecular structure of ecdysteroids. Even though they possess a similar structure to anabolic steroids, they don’t actually bind to the steroid receptors in vertebrates [7].
Best Turkesterone Supplements | 2023 Edition
Not only are there dozens of different turkesterone supplements hitting the market lately, but they vary wildly in terms of their purity and sourcing. This can certainly lead to overwhelm and indecision.
- How do you know which turkesterone supplement to buy?
- How can you find pure turkesterone supplements?
- What is the best value turkesterone supplement?
You’ve got questions, and we’ve got your answers.
Our team has searched all over and looked into various companies selling turkesterone supplements.
We can now confidently recommend the best sources to buy turkesterone from, according to strict criteria, such as multiple shipping options and payment methods, as well as the level of purity of their products.
With that said, our top recommendation for a reliable and legitimate vendor to purchase turkesterone from, would be Gorilla Mind. Here’s why:
- Positive customer reviews. At the time this article was written, in early 2023, Gorilla Mind Turkesterone already has amassed over 130 positive reviews from verified customers – which is an undeniable sign that their supplement is indeed effective.
- Great shipping options. Gorilla Mind turkesterone, along with their other products, can be shipped worldwide. In fact, if you place a domestic order over $99, you can enjoy free shipping!
- Optimal product dosing. Each capsule of Gorilla Mind Turkesterone contains 500 mg of turkesterone extracted from Ajuga Turkestanica, and complexed with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, to enhance its absorption into the body.
- Flexible payment options. In addition, besides using a credit card, you can pay for Gorilla Mind Turkesterone in a number of ways, such as Venmo, Google Pay, Apply Pay, and PayPal.
We strongly suggest taking advantage of their 3 bottle discount on Gorilla Mind Turkesterone, so that you’ll have enough to run a proper 3 month cycle.
What are the Benefits of Turkesterone?
One of the key distinguishing factors about turkesterone and other ecdysteroids that has garnered so much attention recently, is how some data suggests that not only can ecdysteroids be just as potent as steroids like dianabol… but, they can be even more powerful.
For starters, when it comes to both turkesterone and closely related ecdysteroids like ecdysterone, strength and stamina gains were reported in numerous studies involving both animal and human subjects. This is owed in part to the enhanced protein synthesis stimulated by turkesterone, which in some cases was as high as 20% [10].
Another well-documented benefit of turkesterone is increased stamina and endurance.
In fact, in Uzbekistan and other countries that used to be part of the Soviet Union, the plant Agujera Turkesta, which turkesterone is commonly derived from, has been used for centuries as a tonic to counter physical and mental fatigue, as well as induce faster healing from ailments [1, 7].
How exactly does turkesterone affect stamina and endurance?
Essentially, this is done by simulating ATP synthesis. Research has shown adaptogenic properties particularly in swimmers, which increased the amount of time they could remain moving in the water by up to 22%.
It was also found to improve the ability of mice to run for up to 32% longer before reaching a point of fatigue [5].
Turkesterone also lowers lipid absorption, improves nitrogen retention, and contributes to a better protein metabolism profile with reduced protein catabolism and increased anabolism. On top of that, turkesterone has also been found to cause increases in both skeletal muscle mass and muscle protein [1, 2].
Fat loss and weight maintenance are also known benefits of ecdysteroids, namely turkesterone, due to their effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
Turkesterone Cycle | Verdict
In conclusion…
Based on the latest research studies, turkesterone and other ecdysteroids should be cycled for no more than 8-12 weeks at a time.
We also recommend performing a maximum of 2 turkesterone cycles per year.
This is mainly due to the information available from both anecdotal evidence as well as from numerous trials involving animal and human subjects.
An 8-12 week cycle of turkesterone is long enough to get all the benefits of this “legal steroid alternative,” while avoiding any potential negative side effects. We also recommend taking 500 mg of turkesterone per day, as this is probably the most effective dose according to the latest research studies.
Are you ready to get started with turkesterone? If so, then Gorilla Mind is our #1 recommendation for a reliable turkesterone provider.
Gorilla Mind stands head and shoulders above the rest in terms of customer support, shipping, pricing, and the quality of their products.
So what are you waiting for?
Pick up a bottle of Gorilla Mind turkesterone today and start “cycling” your way to the best gains of your life!