Dr. Mike Jansen
Dr. Mike JansenCurious about turkesterone for bodybuilding?
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 exactly what this over-the-counter supplement is and why the fitness community is so excited about it.
We also answer your most important questions, including:
- What is turkesterone?
- Is turkesterone safe for bodybuilders?
- What’s an ideal turkesterone dosage?
- Has turkesterone really changed the world of bodybuilding?
…And much more!
We’ve reveiwed all of the latest studies on turkesterone to provide you with science-based answers for all of your turkesterone bodybuilding questions.
We’ll be going into detail about how to take turkesterone, whether turkesterone is safe or not, what an ideal bodybuilding cycle of turkesterone looks like, and how it has changed the world of bodybuilding.
Now let’s get started!
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What is Turkesterone?
From being discussed on the Joe Rogan podcast, to demonized by the mainstream media, turkesterone might be one of the most revolutionary bodybuilding supplements released in the last 10 years [1, 2].
Originally isolated around 1975 in Russia, turkesterone is commonly extracted from plants such as Leuzea Carthamoides, Rhaponticum, Stemmacantha Uniflora, most of which grow in Siberia and Bulgaria, as well as central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan [3].
Turkesterone belongs to a family of substances called ecdysteroids, which are naturally-occurring plant hormones.
This ‘natural plant steroid’ has recently grown in popularity within the bodybuilding and fitness community for its supposed benefits on muscle strength, size, endurance, and recovery [3, 4].
According to a variety of studies, of the over 200 different ecdysteroids, ecdysterone and turkesterone primarily are known to cause effects in humans similar to those gained from testosterone.
However, one of the most significant ways in which they differ, 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].
Upon further study, however, it has been revealed that these compounds, such as ecdysterone and turkesterone, are not toxic to mammals [5].
Turkesterone and Bodybuilding
Due to the fact that bodybuilding has become a more popular sport in recent years, a number of dedicated athletes have also been looking for supplements that will complement their training.
Some, however, will turn to anabolic steroids, in the hope that they will be able to reap the benefits quickly and mitigate any possible side effects.
Thankfully, turkesterone is a promising natural supplement with the potential to produce the same level of performance enhancement found with steroids… and even surpass it.
When it comes to bodybuilding, turkesterone is typically consumed by athletes looking to match the benefits of taking steroids, while avoiding the harmful side effects that usually come from taking steroids.
The consumption of ecdysteroids like turkesterone stimulates reactions in muscle tissues, enhancing the translation process of mRNA, and thus enhancing protein synthesis [6].
Research has also found that one of the most pronounced anabolic effects that turkesterone produces is modulating the secretion of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands, which are responsible for releasing growth hormone and thus affect moth skeletal and muscular size [7].
Some bodybuilders may prefer to ‘stack’ turkesterone with ecdysterone, another ‘natural plant steroid’ briefly mentioned earlier in this article, which is its analog. Adding in a quality whey protein and pre-workout supplement can also work to enhance the gains made from turkesterone.
Lastly, this naturally-occurring plant hormone can manage fat and glucose metabolism in the body, so it can also be stacked with fat loss supplements.
One reason athletes and bodybuilders may avoid anabolic steroid usage is that most substances require the use of hypodermic needles.
Even though oral steroids, pro-hormones and SARMs are available, these compounds are still known to produce harmful side effects.
However, turkesterone stands apart from the rest in this regard.
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 exact dosing and cycling protocol for turkesterone, nearly every study referenced in this guide has based its findings on cycles lasting between 8-12 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, no adverse effects were reported, and secondly, all participants experienced noticeable improvements in muscle mass and strength [8].
All in all, we’d recommend that turkesterone cycles be run within the range of 8-12 weeks, with a daily dosage of turkesterone not exceeding 500 milligrams.
Turkesterone Side Effects
While our team has done their best to collect relevant facts and data about ecdysteroids like turkesterone and ecdysterone, it needs to be pointed out that there have not been any documented human trials for turkesterone.
With that said, the most common anecdotally reported side effects with turkesterone are nausea and stomach discomfort if an amount over 2000 milligrams is taken [5].
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, 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.
One group of trial participants took just 30 milligrams of ecdysterone once a day.
The study concluded that the men were significantly stronger on mainly two lifts – the bench press, and the leg press. Most importantly, no negative side effects resulting from the use of ecdysterone were reported in any of the participants [9].
Several studies have produced data regarding the side effects of anabolic steroids, one of which is that the endocrine system tends to be depressed for a while after anabolic use has been discontinued.
However, with ecdysteroids like turkesterone and ecdysterone, this is not the case.
The main takeaway from this, is that cycling turkesterone will not cause testosterone levels to fall drastically once a cycle is over, which therefore also eliminates the need for a post-cycle therapy, or PCT [5, 10].
In general, neither ecdysterone nor turkesterone causes 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 [11].
Is Turkesterone Legal?
Judging by turkesterone’s high potential for performance-enhancing effects, and its often being labeled as a ‘natural plant steroid’, it’s understandable that some individuals would be confused as to whether or not turkesterone is legal.
Currently, turkesterone is 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. However, the world of professional sports has begun paying more attention to ecdysteroids like turkesterone and ecdysterone in recent years.
In 2019, WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) funded a study conducted by German scientists.
The researchers found that ecdysteroids like turkesterone had the potency of steroids which have been around for many decades already, like dianabol.
The research team strongly suggested that turkesterone be included in the list of banned substances. Although turkesterone wasn’t added to the List of Banned Substances, as of 2020 it was added to the list of substances in the WADA Monitoring Program.
We’ve still yet to see if it’ll be officially banned in professional sports or not [12].
If turkesterone is 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.
Best Turkesterone Supplements | 2023 Edition
You may have been wondering where to buy turkesterone.
Although, considering that there are various different supplement vendors selling turkesterone over the internet, determining a trustworthy source can be difficult. As such, our team has searched high and low for reliable, legitimate turkesterone supplement vendors that offer the best value.
Our number one recommendation for a trustworthy and legitimate vendor to purchase turkesterone supplements is Gorilla Mind – an American company based in Idaho. Here’s why:
- Superior quality. Their products, like Gorilla Mind turkesterone, are manufactured and lab-tested in an FDA-approved facility in the United States.
- High-quality ingredients. While other vendors may be selling a similar product, they may opt to use cheaper means of producing their supplements, or even purchase their inventory from locations with manufacturing regulations that are not strictly enforced, which could result in low-quality products.
- Positive customer reviews. Thankfully, there are over 130 reviews available for Gorilla Mind turkesterone on their website. You can even take a look through them to learn what kinds of protocols and stacks others are using.
- Great shipping options. Free domestic shipping within the U.S. is offered for orders over $99, as well as worldwide shipping options.
- Enhanced absorption. In addition, Gorilla Mind Turkesterone contains an ingredient called cyclodextrin – a polysaccharide which expedites and enhances absorption of the ingested turkesterone into the body.
In addition, besides using a credit card, there are many payment options available for Gorilla Mind Turkesterone, such as Venmo, Google Pay, Apply Pay, and Paypal.
Also, don’t miss out on the 3 bottle discount offered on Gorilla Mind Turkesterone. Not only is the price competitive, but you’ll also have enough to run a proper cycle and not run out.
What are the Benefits of Turkesterone?
When used responsibly within the dosing parameters we’ve recommended in this article, turkesterone can produce several potent effects for both bodybuilders and athletes involved in various pursuits.
In fact, it’s possible that ecdysteroids like turkesterone really are as powerful as some steroids, such as dianabol [11].
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% [3].
Yet another differentiating factor between traditional steroids and ecdysteroids like turkesterone and ecdysterone, is that ecdysteroids have also been shown to increase ATP synthesis. In turn, an athlete can expect to see improvements in their stamina and endurance levels.
Athletes engaging in aerobic exercise will find this to be particularly advantageous.
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 [6].
One of the benefits of turkesterone that which has been traditionally used in cultures around central Asia, is that it can speed up the healing process in wounds, and contribute to epidermis regeneration [3, 13].
Lipid absorption and carbohydrate metabolism are also reduced by turkesterone, which can lead to fat loss and better weight maintenance. It 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 [7, 8].
Turkesterone for Bodybuilding | Verdict
In conclusion…
Turkesterone is one of the most promising legal steroid alternatives on the market. It shows incredible potential as a bodybuilding supplement, based on its ability to boost protein synthesis and lean muscle mass gains.
Studies show that turkesterone and other ecdysteroids may be as powerful as many traditional anabolic steroids, such as dianabol!
However, unlike steroids, turkesterone is completely natural.
So far studies have shown virtually zero side effects for turkesterone and other ecdysteroids, especially when taken at the recommended dose of 500 mg per day.
If you are ready to get started with turkesterone, then we recommend picking up 3 bottles of Gorilla Mind turkesterone. This will be enough to perform a full 3-month turkesterone cycle for optimal results.
So what are you waiting for?
Get your hands on some Gorilla Mind turkesterone today and watch your physique transform in real time!