Dr. Mike Jansen
Dr. Mike JansenCurious if turkesterone increases testosterone?
Then you’re in the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about turkesterone, including whether or not it impacts your hormone levels.
In addition, this article will explore and answer a number of common questions about turkesterone and how it is used, including:
- Is turkesterone dangerous?
- Is turkesterone a steroid?
- Can you “stack” turkesterone with other supplements?
…And much more!
Our team has looked through several studies and proven data which offer in-depth, science-based answers for all of your most important questions.
Whether you’re looking to put on muscle mass or lean up, we’ve gathered up all the information about turkesterone so you can start getting the most out of this breakthrough supplement.
As always, be sure to consult a licensed health professional before experimenting with any new substances.
Disclaimer: The contents of Testosterone.org are for informational and educational purposes. We do not provide legal advice. Likewise, we do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician prior to consuming any over-the-counter supplements, like a natural testosterone booster, and/or getting a prescription for a pharmaceutical medication. Your access to Testosterone.org is subject to our full disclaimer and terms of use.
What is Turkesterone?
Turkesterone is a natrually-occuring compound that belongs to a large family of substances called ecdysteroids. Also known as phytoecdysteroids, they are a class of hormone compounds that are nearly identical to anabolic hormones like testosterone.
Commonly referred to as ‘plant steroids’, ecdysteroids 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 [1].
In fact, research on both animals and humans has shown that phytoecdysteroids are active in protein synthesis, which is done by stimulating the activity of polyribosomes, which are cytoplasmic compartments within cells where protein synthesis occurs.
This stimulation produces effects deemed favorable by bodybuilders and athletes, such as increased muscle mass, strength, and recovery [2].
Since turkesterone is an ecdysteroid, it’s usually paired together or ‘stacked’ with ecdysterone to amplify its effects. However, unlike ecdysterone, turkesterone is not usually found in foods like quinoa or spinach.
Instead, it can be found in thistle-like plants, most of which grow in Siberia and Bulgaria, as well as central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan [3].
First isolated in 1975 in Russia, turkesterone is commonly extracted from plants such as Leuzea Carthamoides, Rhaponticum, Stemmacantha Uniflora, Vitex Fisherii, and Cyanotis Vaga.
One of the plants it’s most frequently extracted from is Ajuga Turkestanica – a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine for its anabolic, adaptogenic, hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic activity [3].
In fact, these plants have been valued for their beneficial effects on muscle strength and stomach aches, as well as protection from heart disease.
Does Turkesterone Increase Testosterone?
Due to the profound muscle-building effects that turkesterone is known to produce, you might be wondering… does turkesterone increase testosterone?
The short answer is no, turkesterone doesn’t increase testosterone.
The reason being is that, even though ecdysteroids like turkesterone bear a strong resemblance to androgens like testosterone, there is a key difference between these substances.
Anabolic steroids typically work by binding to androgen receptors in the body, which then send signals to the muscles to grow. On the downside, however, natural testosterone production grinds to halt while these hormones like testosterone are being consumed [3, 4].
Contrast that with ecdysteroids like turkesterone, and we can see based on scientific literature that mammalian subjects who were administered turkesterone during controlled trials did not show any signs of increased or decreased testosterone that would be out of the ordinary [5].
On top of that, since turkesterone doesn’t affect hormonal levels, there is no need to take additional supplements during or after a cycle is finished, such as milk thistle for liver protection, or select post-cycle therapy drugs, such as Nolvadex or Clomid.
How to Take Turkesterone | What You MUST Know
Turkesterone, along with other ecdysteroids like ecdysterone, is proven to have a risk profile that’s far lower than anabolic steroids.
The main reason for this is because they don’t bind to androgen receptors in the same way that steroids do, which is the main cause for harmful side effects in steroid users.
Therefore, adverse side effects from steroid usage, such as changes in appetite, mood, libido, hair growth, skin health or sleep, and even a permanently depressed endocrine system, can be avoided entirely [4].
As of right now, in early 2023, turkesterone is only commercially available in the form of capsules and powders.
This makes taking it with a meal or mixing into a drink convenient and simple for many who are constantly on the go and lead busy lives.
It’s important to mention once again there have been no documented human trials for turkesterone. Therefore, data regarding adverse side effects in humans from consuming it is limited to anecdotal evidence, as well as similar data on ecdysteroids as a whole, like ecdysterone.
Turkesterone Side Effects
Nearly all studies conducted on these ecdysteroid compounds have not revealed any serious adverse effects from their consumption. However, the most common anecdotally reported side effects with turkesterone are nausea and stomach discomfort when taken in excess of 2000 milligrams [5].
This is why we recommend limiting your daily turkesterone dose to 500 milligrams.
Out of the many studies showing that ecdysteroids have little to no side effects on humans, a study conducted in 2006 stands out in particular. This trial sought to determine the effects of ecdysterone and select other compounds on training adaptations for athletic males.
Again, we’ve referenced a study on ecdysterone because of the lack of data from human trials involving turkesterone. In the study, 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 per day.
In conclusion, the study found that the men were significantly stronger on mainly two lifts – the bench press, and the leg press. More importantly, no adverse side effects were reported [6].
How To Cycle Turkesterone
When it comes to how to take turkesterone, we wouldn’t recommend exceeding more than two cycles per year. While you’ll still feel its benefits, you can be sure to avoid any possible side effects by being cautious with the amount taken.
Typically, a turkesterone dosage can be taken once per day, or split up into two doses – one in the morning, and one in the evening.
The muscle-building and endurance-boosting effects of turkesterone depend on the amount taken. This explains why studies where the dosages were higher show that test subjects exhibited improvements in strength and stamina in tandem with the dosage [7].
However, the maximum recommended dose of turkesterone tends to be no higher than 500 milligrams in one day, and has even shown that anabolic effects tend to plateau around that level [3].
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.
Best Turkesterone Supplement | 2023 Edition
If you’ve been wondering where to buy turkesterone, then rest assured – our team has searched high and low for reliable, legitimate turkesterone supplement vendors that offer the best value.
Our top recommendation for a trusted source to buy turkesterone from would be Gorilla Mind.
Here is exactly why Gorilla Mind is our favorite vendor:
- High quality products. Gorilla Mind products are manufactured in an FDA-approved facility in the United States. While other vendors may be selling a similar product, they may opt to use cheaper ingredients, or produce their products in unregulated facilities.
- Positive customer reviews. Based on over 130 positive reviews from verified customers, it’s safe to say that Gorilla Mind Turkesterone is the best source for genuine turkesterone supplements.
- Great shipping. Gorilla Mind offers free domestic shipping within the U.S. is offered for orders over $99, as well as worldwide shipping options.
- Superior absorption. Gorilla Mind Turkesterone contains an ingredient called cyclodextrin – a polysaccharide which expedites and enhances absorption of the ingested turkesterone into the body.
Without a doubt, Gorilla Mind is the most reliable and trustworthy provider of high-quality turkesterone products on the internet.
You can visit Gorilla Mind here to learn more about their products.
In fact, we recommend you take advantage of their bulk purchase discount, so that you have enough Gorilla Mind Turkesterone to run a proper cycle.
Turkesterone Benefits
When consumed responsibly within the dosing and cycling guidelines provided in this article, turkesterone can produce a number of potent effects for both bodybuilders and athletes involved in various pursuits.
In fact, some research suggests that ecdysteroids like turkesterone are as effective as some steroids, such as dianabol [8].
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 caused by turkesterone, which in some cases was as high as 20% [5].
ATP synthesis has also been shown to increase from taking ecdysteroids.
This means that athletes who consume ecdysteroids like turkesterone can expect to see improvements in their stamina and endurance levels. Data on ecdysteroids has shown adaptogenic properties specifically 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 [8].
One of the benefits of turkesterone that it has been traditionally used for in cultures around central Asia, is that it can speed up the healing process in wounds, and contribute to epidermis regeneration [3, 9].
Lipid absorption and carbohydrate metabolism is 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 [10].
Does Turkesterone Increase Testosterone | Overall
In conclusion…
The answer to the question, ‘does turkesterone increase testosterone?’ is a resounding “no.”
Unlike anabolic steroids, turkesterone does not bind to androgen receptors in mammals. As a result, the endocrine system in humans is not affected.
This is wonderful news for athletes out there looking to gain some of the benefits of anabolic steroids, but without the looming danger of experiencing harmful side effects.
Ultimately, ecdysteroids like turkesterone are generally safe compounds when consumed in accordance with recommended dosages. Further research is needed to explore the benefits and drawbacks of turkesterone usage, particularly in humans.
If you are ready to get started with turkesterone, then we strongly recommend the vendor Gorilla Mind.