Dr. Mike Jansen
Dr. Mike JansenCurious… is turkesterone a steroid?
Are you looking for a legitimate source to answer all of your most important questions about turkesterone, including whether or not turkesterone is a banned substance?
Then you’ve come to the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we detail everything you need to know about turkesterone, including how safe it is, what an ideal bodybuilding cycle of turkesterone looks like, and what to be wary of when considering which turkesterone supplement to take.
We also answer your most important questions, including:
- What are ecdysteroids?
- What are the benefits of ecdysteroids?
- How much turkesterone should I take?
- Where can I buy turkesterone?
Our team has studies all of the latest scientific studies, so you know you are getting science-based information that you can trust.
After reading this in-depth guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision on turkesterone, including the best place to buy turkesterone for maximum results.
Now let’s get started!
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What is Turkesterone?
Turkesterone is an ecdysteroid that has recently grown in popularity within the bodybuilding and fitness community for its supposed benefits on muscle strength, size, endurance, and recovery [1].
It is most commonly derived from Ajuga Turkestanica – a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine for its anabolic, adaptogenic, hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic activity.
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 of these plant steroids were originally isolated around 1975 in Russia [2].
Turkesterone is commonly extracted from plants such as 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].
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 [4].
Ecdysteroids are known in layman’s terms as ‘plant steroids.’
Some, such as ecdysterone, are found primarily in plants like spinach and quinoa, and are also present in certain arthropod insects. The prefix ‘ecdy’ refers to the process of molting in insects, called ecdysis [5].
Researchers have identified over 200 different types of ecdysteroids. However, ecdysterone and turkesterone are the only ones known to cause anabolic effects in humans similar to those gained from testosterone.
However, one of the most significant ways in which ecdysteroids like turkesterone differ from other hormones like testosterone, is that they are not androgenic.
In other words, ecdysteroids have not been found to cause changes in the endocrine systems of humans, since they don’t actually bind to androgen receptors in the way that typical anabolic or androgenic substances do.
This is one reason why they’re labeled and marketed as ‘natural steroid alternatives’ [5, 6].
Is Turkesterone a Steroid?
When people hear terms like ‘legal steroids’ or ‘natural steroid alternative’, it’s not hard to see why most would be convinced that substances like turkesterone are illegal, unsafe, and not permitted for use in professional sports competitions.
However, in this article, we’re bringing you the objective truth, so that you can weigh the facts yourself and ensure that you won’t get into any trouble with the law.
In the case of turkesterone, once the facts are laid out in the open, there’s actually little room for misinterpretation.
Although its often 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.
Turkesterone isn’t legally classified as a steroid. However, it has powerful muscle-building effects in the human body which rivals that of other anabolic steroids.
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 [7].
Apart from their legal classification, turkesterone and steroids do have some noticeable differences.
Firstly, it doesn’t increase blood pressure [8].
In fact, studies have shown that turkesterone and the plants it’s derived from can provide relief from high blood pressure, and prevent dilated cardiac hypertrophy [1, 8].
Turkesterone also does not produce the adverse side effects typically associated with steroids, like drastically lower natural testosterone production, or liver toxicity [8]. This is because, while the structure of turkesterone is similar to other anabolic compounds, it does not bind to vertebrate steroid receptors.
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 organism [9]. When it comes to arthropod insects, turkesterone regulates their molting – a process otherwise known as ‘ecdysis’ – such as when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly [9].
In short, the answer to the question “is turkesterone a steroid”, is “no.”
Even though turkesterone has often been compared to anabolic steroids in terms of its effects and molecular structure, it does differ in some major ways, which has led to it being classified as separate from anabolic androgenic steroids.
What are the Benefits of Turkesterone?
The hype surrounding turkesterone supplements in recent years has exploded, but could it be that there is no merit to this excitement?
Does turkesterone actually work?
Is it possible it’s just another trend in the supplement industry… or could it be that turkesterone really is what most marketing claims it to be?
Could turkesterone really be a naturally-occurring plant hormone that truly does deliver powerful muscle and strength gains, without the adverse side effects typically resulting from steroids?
These are some bold claims, but scientific studies show that ecdysteroids like turkesterone are just as powerful as many steroids, including dianabol.
Turkesterone Vs Steroids
For starters, studies show that turkesterone and other closely related ecdysteroids produce significant strength and stamina gains in animal and human subjects. This is largely due to the fact that Turkesterone increases the rate of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle.
Some studies show that protein synthesis increases by as much as 20% with just a moderate dose of Turkesterone [1].
Turkesterone has many other benefits that you should know about.
It 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].
When compared side by side, turkesterone might even be more of an anabolic substance than ecdysterone.
This idea is supported by one of the most recognized turkesterone studies where various compounds were administered to rats of different ages and hormonal conditions. The data from the study showed that turkesterone led to a 63.5% increase in weight for puberal rats, while ecdysterone led to a 51.9% increase in their weight.
Out of these two groups of rodents, the ones taking turkesterone saw the most significant weight gain [1, 15].
Turkesterone And ATP Synthesis
Ecdysteroids like turkesterone and ecdysterone have also been shown to increase ATP synthesis [1, 15].
This allows muscles to produce greater amounts of force. Increased ATP also has benefits for your overall endurance, which means more intense workouts, so you can build even more strength and stamina.
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 [7].
As with ecdysterone, if you’re doing intense physical exercise, taking turkesterone can potentially speed up recovery times.
Studies show that turkesterone can aid in fixing muscle fibers that have been broken down after exercise, as well as increase glycogen concentrations in muscles, which can play a part in removing lactic acid and support workout recovery [1, 15].
Fat loss and weight maintenance are also known benefits of ecdysteroids, namely turkesterone, due to its effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
Is Turkesterone Safe?
It’s important to mention again that there have been no documented human trials for turkesterone. With that in mind, adverse side effects from humans consuming turkesterone is only available as anecdotal evidence.
Our team has, however, managed to collect relevant data from similar ecdysteroids, such as ecdysterone.
Optimal Turkesterone Dosage
Virtually all human and animal trials on ecdysteroid compounds have shown that there are no adverse effects from taking them. With that said, the most common anecdotally reported side effects with turkesterone are nausea and stomach discomfort when taken in excess of 2000 milligrams [8].
This is why we would recommend against exceeding a daily dose of 500 milligrams.
A prime example of a study showing that ecdysteroids have little to no side effects on humans is a trial conducted in 2006. This study was performed to monitor 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 that the men were significantly stronger on mainly two lifts – the bench press, and the leg press.
Above all, no negative side effects resulting from the use of ecdysterone were reported in any of the participants [11].
Turkesterone Vs Hormones
As briefly mentioned earlier, one of the primary benefits to taking turkesterone over anabolic steroids is that it does not disrupt the endocrine system in humans or mammals.
The main takeaway from this, is that cycling turkesterone will not cause testosterone levels to plummet once a cycle is over, which therefore also eliminates the need for a post-cycle therapy, or PCT [8].
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 [4].
Of course, new research is always being carried out, and so experimenting with a relatively new supplement like turkesterone should be done with caution.
Turkesterone and Bodybuilding
Bodybuilders, strength athletes, and even recreational fitness enthusiasts are looking to get an edge with the least amount of risk involved. In regards to turkesterone, a growing number of both researchers and consumers are reporting incredible improvements in their athletic pursuits as a result of taking this ‘natural plant steroid’.
You might be wondering – how long should a turkesterone cycle be? What is the recommended dosing protocol?
Although supplement vendors will provide a recommended dosage on the label of their products, it’s critical that the facts about proper dosing and cycling be made available.
This will help you get the most value out of turkesterone supplements, while also staying safe and minimizing any potential side effects.
One reason athletes and bodybuilders may avoid anabolic steroid usage is because most substances require the use of hypodermic needles. Even though oral steroids, pro-hormones and SARMs are available, they still carry a moderate to high risk profile.
However, turkesterone is different.
This ecdysteroid is ingested orally in both capsule and powder form, so there’s no need to worry about using a syringe, which means any research conducted won’t be physically unpleasant.
Regarding an exact dosing and cycling protocol for turkesterone, nearly every study referenced in this guide has based their findings on cycles lasting between 8-10 weeks.
Again, due to the lack of available data from official human trials for turkesterone, we’ll reference one particular study conducted in 2021 which monitored the effects of an ecdysterone dosage of 2000 milligrams per day for a total period of 12 weeks.
Data from this study yielded two important findings: firstly, that no adverse effects were reported, and secondly, that all participants experienced noticeable improvements in muscle mass and strength [10].
All in all, we’d recommend that turkesterone cycles be kept under ten weeks.
Is Turkesterone Legal?
Turkesterone is currently legal and available as an over-the-counter supplement.
This is an important distinction to make between turkesterone and traditional anabolic and androgenic steroids.
As mentioned in this guide, turkesterone is not classified as an anabolic steroid, and is therefore completely legal to purchase, possess, or consume in the United States.
In recent years, interest and scrutiny into ecdysteroids like ecdysterone and turkesterone usage in professional sports has increased.
A study funded by WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency) was conducted in 2019 by German scientists. They found more evidence corroborating the fact that turkesterone is a powerful performance enhancing substance with potency at the level of traditional steroids, such as dianabol.
This caused the research team to recommend that turkesterone be added to the list of banned substances.
Currently, in early 2023, turkesterone is still permitted to be used in professional competitions.
However, it has been added to the list of substances in the WADA monitoring program in 2020. It is unclear at this time if ecdysteroids like turkesterone will end up being banned outright in professional sports [12].
Should turkesterone be added to the list of banned substances by WADA, this would only prohibit athletes competing in professional sports from using turkesterone, and would not involve the authorities if an individual is found selling, buying, possessing, or consuming turkesterone.
Of course, a number of bodybuilding supplements have eventually been deemed illegal, especially when they see a surge in popular use.
For instance, Superdrol, a pro-hormone which was being marketed in various forums and supplement stores as a ‘legal steroid’, was deemed illegal according to both the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 and Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2012 [13, 14].
Whether turkesterone will be added to the list of controlled substances by the DEA is currently unknown.
Best Turkesterone Supplements | 2023 Edition
Turkesterone supplements have been popping up a lot more in the market recently.
Unfortunately, many of them are either low in purity, or completely lack any legitimate source of turkesterone, which can result in consumers using ineffective and possibly even dangerous products.
In light of this issue, our team has conducted thorough research on the various turkesterone supplements available on the internet.
We’ve ensured that the vendor we recommend offers numerous reliable shipping options for turkesterone capsules, that their products are lab-tested and safe to use, that their prices are fair, and that they already have a number of positive reviews from verified customers who have purchased their products and reported that they worked properly.
With that said, our top recommendation for a reliable and legitimate vendor to purchase turkesterone from, would be Gorilla Mind. Here’s why:
- Positive 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.
- Free shipping. They are a company founded and based in the United States, and they offer free shipping on domestic orders over $99.
- Optimal dosing. Although they sell a number of hard-to-find bodybuilding supplements, Gorilla Mind Turkesterone is certainly one of their best and highest-rated products. 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.
To learn more and purchase Gorilla Mind Turkesterone, all you have to do is click the following link:
Is Turkesterone a Steroid? | Verdict
In conclusion…
Based on all the information presented in this guide, we can conclude that turkesterone, along with any other ecdysteroids, are not technically classified as steroids.
In short, that means there are no legal ramifications for buying, selling, consuming, or importing turkesterone.
However, this might change soon.
We mentioned earlier that, when potent supplements like turkesterone make their way into the mainstream, and actually work as advertised, banning and being declared illegal usually follows closely.
If you have been considering conducting your own research on ecdysteroids like turkesterone, then we recommend picking up a few bottles of Gorilla Turkesterone, in order to ensure that you’re getting a quality product that actually works.
Gorilla Mind is our #1 recommendation for a great turkesterone provider, as they manufacture their turkesterone from pure Ajuga Turkestanica – the most potent turkesterone plant in the world.
So what are you waiting for?
Pick up a bottle of Gorilla Mind turkesterone today and watch your gains shoot through the roof!
In any case, please be sure to use any bodybuilding supplement or medication responsibly, and always consult a licensed healthcare professional before commencing with any experiments.