Dr. Mike Jansen
Dr. Mike JansenLooking for the perfect turkesterone review?
Are you curious about where to buy turkesterone supplements? Is the legal status of turkesterone a topic you want accurate facts on? Have you wondered if turkesterone is a banned substance in some countries?
Then you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive review, we detail exactly what this over-the-counter supplement is.
We’ll also be sharing important information concerning the potential performance-enhancing benefits it can bring you, as well as the facts regarding side effects and safety.
We even provide answers to your most important questions, including:
- Is turkesterone safe?
- Is turkesterone good for bodybuilding?
- How do I cycle turkesterone?
…And much more!
With that in mind, we’ve put together this ultimate review to give you a comprehensive overview of the most powerful legal steroid alternative in the world.
We also talk about the most reputable online supplement vendors who ship to, as well as which ones you should avoid.
Now lets get started!
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Turkesterone Benefits
The most potent muscle-building compounds, such as anabolic steroids, pro-hormones, and SARMs, tend to produce undesirable side effects.
However, athletes who make the conscious decision to utilize these compounds accept this trade-off in anticipation of the powerful benefits they receive.
Ecdysteroids like ecdysterone and turkesterone are disrupting the notion that such a compromise must be made, due to the fact that these compounds can confer incredible benefits without incurring major side effects.
However, could this just be clever marketing?
Do ecdysteroids actually work? Can ecdysteroids actually produce the same, or even greater anabolic benefits of normal steroids?
Upon looking through plenty of research, it has been revealed that turkesterone has been proven to produce a number of benefits in the body that can greatly improve athletic performance:
- Improved ATP synthesis
- Increased lean muscle mass
- Improved recovery from workouts
- Decreased body fat levels
One of the main benefits of taking turkesterone is an increase in ATP synthesis [1].
Without going into a lengthy explanation, ATP is a molecule that carries energy between cells. Therefore, when greater amounts of this molecule come into play, muscles can work with greater force, which can build strength, stamina, and increase muscular hypertrophy more than it would under normal circumstances.
Another benefit produced by turkesterone is an increase in lean muscle mass and strength [4].
With turkesterone, this can come about due to a 20% increase in protein synthesis. 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 [3].
If you’re looking to bulk up, then turkesterone can help in plenty of ways.
We can see proof of this in 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. The largest amount of weight gain in the test group resulted from turkesterone, which was even more than the oral steroid dianabol [4].
Similar to ecdysterone, turkesterone can decrease the amount of time needed to recover from intense exercise.
Studies show that turkesterone can aid in fixing muscle fibers that have been broken down after exercise and increase glycogen concentrations in muscles, which can play a part in removing lactic acid and support workout recovery [5].
Cutting down on bodyfat and weight maintenance are also known benefits of ecdysteroids, namely turkesterone, due to its effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
Turkesterone Side Effects
Turkesterone, along with other ecdysteroids like ecdysterone, are proven to be safer than anabolic steroids.
The main reason for this is because they don’t bind to androgen receptors in the same way that steroids do. As a result, adverse side effects from steroid usage, such as changes in appetite, mood, libido, hair growth, skin health or sleep, and even enlargement of internal organs, can be avoided entirely [6].
Before we discuss side effects from turkesterone, note once again that there have been no documented human trials for turkesterone.
With that said, data concerning adverse side effects in humans from consuming this natural steroid alternative is limited to two channels: anecdotal accounts of turkesterone consumption, and broader studies on ecdysteroids as a whole, such as ecdysterone, due to its similarity to turkesterone.
One study on ecdysterone that showed no adverse side effects was conducted on a group of adults in their 50s for a period of twelve weeks. The participants took a daily ecdysterone dose split in two – one serving of 1,000 milligrams in the morning with breakfast, and the next serving of 1,000 milligrams with lunch.
In conclusion, participants in the group taking ecdysterone showed a significant increase in strength and muscle mass, without any harmful side effects [7].
Ultimately, the only the most common anecdotally reported side effects with turkesterone are nausea and stomach discomfort when taken in excess of 2000 milligrams [8].
For this reason, we would suggest not consuming more than 500 milligrams of turkesterone per day.
Turkesterone Legality
There is a key difference to take into account between turkesterone and anabolic steroids, SARMs, and pro-hormones: turkesterone is freely available for purchase, distribution, and consumption.
On the other hand, in most countries, steroids are a controlled substance.
While the law has no qualms with turkesterone, there is a developing issue in the world of professional sports.
The World Anti-Doping Agency, abbreviated as WADA, is an organization responsible for ensuring that participants in professional sports competitions like the Olympics and the IFBB are not using prohibited substances and thus skew the competition.
After funding a study in 2019, they concluded that ecdysteroids like turkesterone and ecdysterone ought to be added to their monitoring list. This doesn’t mean that these substances have been banned outright from professional sports, but they could be banned sometime in the future [9].
Turkesterone Pharmacology
Turkesterone belongs to a class of natural substances called phytoecdysteroids (i.e., plant-based steroids, or ecdysteroids.
So far, more than 200 different ecdysteroids have been isolated from animal and plant sources [10]. Phytoecdysteroids are distributed in a large number of land plants, but the main ones tend to be quinoa and spinach.
Many studies point to plant ecdysteroids being able to exert deterrent or antifeedant effects on predators or develop interfering effects in molting.
One of the reasons why ecdysteroids like turkesterone act in an anabolic manner is because they possess a chemical structure nearly identical to testosterone [11].
In addition to the chromophore in the B ring and hydroxyl groups at 3β and 14α, they typically show a high degree of oxidation.
They are natural polyhydroxylated compounds that have a four-ringed skeleton, usually composed of either 27 carbon atoms or 28–29 carbon atoms, which are biosynthetically derived from cholesterol or other plant sterols.
They influence the cholesterol metabolism by a competition with cholesterol during the process of binding to the membrane sites [12].
As mentioned briefly before, they do not determine hormonal side effects because they do not bind the vertebrate estrogenic, glucocorticoid, and androgenic steroid receptors.
Turkesterone is one of the most commonly found and extensively studied phytoecdysteroids, next to ecdysterone.
Animal research has shown that phytoecdysteroids are active in protein biosynthesis (anabolism). It does this by increasing the activity of polyribosomes – the cytoplasmic compartments within cells where actual protein synthesis takes place.
The result is an increase in body mass!
Protein synthesis stimulated by turkesterone works differently than anabolic steroids, and is independent of testosterone.
Turkesterone Dosage
The fact that turkesterone is ingested orally in both capsule and powder form eliminates the need for syringes, which are typical for anabolic steroids.
As such, supplements like turkesterone appear as more attractive and less invasive options for athletes to attain the performance benefits they’re looking for.
Since no human trial data exists for turkesterone, the dosing protocol for this potent natural steroid alternative has yet to be standardized and optimized.
However, research on nearly identical compounds, such as ecdysterone, has shown that gains in muscle mass, stamina, and strength have been found even with particularly low dosages of 30mg per day.
In regards to how turkesterone should be dosed, the optimal amount to see visible progress in athletic activities will depend on an individual’s physicality, as well as how the body processes anabolic effects.
Studies referenced in this article have mainly focused on ecdysteroid cycles between 8-12 weeks, with no adverse effects being noticed.
A general recommendation is to begin taking a turkesterone supplement in dosages of 500 milligrams per day to evaluate tolerance and effects. Like ecdysterone, the dose can be taken all at once, or split in two.
This amount can also be taken for 8 to 12 weeks [13].
Where to Buy Turkesterone
The huge selection of turkesterone supplements on the market can make determining which vendor to trust an overwhelming and exhausting experience when it comes to making a purchase.
That’s why our team decided to dig into all the turkesterone supplements available online and the companies behind them.
We discovered two online vendors with high-quality turkesterone capsules, according to some strict criteria.
You might be wondering…
- How’s their shipping?
- What is their manufacturing process like?
- Are the products reasonably priced?
- Do the products have a high purity?
We’ve answered all these questions and more.
Our top recommendation for a legitimate and reputable source to buy turkesterone from, would be Gorilla Mind. Here’s why:
- Superior quality. Their products are made in an FDA-approved facility in the United States, as opposed to in a location overseas, where laws regarding manufacturing and producing supplements are often ‘overlooked’.
- Great shipping. If you place a domestic order for Gorilla Mind Turkesterone within the United States, you can even enjoy free shipping if your order exceeds $99.
- Verified customer reviews. One of the top indicators that a product is reliable and worth buying is a slew of positive reviews, especially from verified customers. With that said, over 145 positive reviews have been submitted for Gorilla Mind Turkesterone, which shows that this is indeed a product that lives up to its promises.
- Enhanced absorption. An added benefit of Gorilla Mind Turkesterone, is that it includes hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin – a polysaccharide that quickens absorption of turkesterone into the body.
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.
Our second recommendation for a reputable vendor with phenomenal turkesterone products is German Pharma. Not only do they have warehouses in both the US and the UK for more convenient shipping, but they also feature capsules made from plant material instead of gelatin.
Click here if you want to learn more about German Pharma Turkesterone and make your purchase.
Turkesterone History
In terms of its history, plants containing turkesterone have been cultivated and used for herbal remedies for centuries, mainly in central Asia.
The first pharmacological tests related to it were done on rats and mice in the 1970s, with the intention of monitoring possible adverse effects of ecdysteroids on vertebrate organisms.
Studies such as these have led to further research into how turkesterone and other ecdysteroids, like ecdysterone, could be used to enhance athletic performance [1].
Turkesterone is mainly found in plants growing throughout central Asia, such as Leuzea Carthamoides, Rhaponticum, Stemmacantha Uniflora, and most notably, Ajuga Turkestanica, from which most turkesterone supplements are extraced.
In fact, many cultures in this region have used these plants and their extracts for centuries due to their anabolic, adaptogenic, hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic activity [1, 2].
Despite the fact that ecdysteroids like turkesterone and ecdysterone have been studied for decades, more research needs to be conducted involving human trials in order to determine how to consume the substance optimally.
Turkesterone Frequently Asked Questions
Turkesterone Before and After
Our team found a detailed anecdotal account of turkesterone’s effects.
“I am 36 years old… 1st week on the turkesterone. I was taking 2 pills a day… 2nd week I decided to turn it up to 4 pills per day.
The first day I did this. I noticed a really random pump in my biceps. It was the morning and I definitely did not work them the day before. I also noticed this again on the second morning of taking 4 pills a day…
Week 3 still at 4 pills per day, 2 am / 2 pm… This is where I began to notice the strength gains. It was like I just woke up stronger after that rest day.
I normally do 135 for 5 sets of 15, and when I did my first set, I could easily go past 20 reps. I put 20 more lbs on and did another set. I could still surpass my old number of 15 reps so I added 20 more lbs, and now I was finally starting to feel some resistance like I normally do…
This strength increase has translated into other lifts as well…
It’s still very early on as I’m only getting into week 4. I did not take any before or after photos as I was not really expecting anything, but I can confidently say that my lifts went up basically overnight, and my muscles definitely do feel a little bit harder than normal, like really tight.
I definitely like what I’m seeing and am curious about how long this will carry on for… So far… absolutely great product.
If you can afford it.. don’t sleep on this stuff” [14].
Turkesterone vs. Ecdysterone
Closely related to turkesterone, and often grouped together, is the ecdysteroid ecdysterone, which is also a naturally-occurring compound found in commonly eaten foods like spinach and quinoa, as well as some species of mushrooms.
Like ecdysterone, it’s also used to boost muscle growth and athletic performance. However, turkesterone is not abundantly found in foods such as quinoa and spinach.
The main difference between turkesterone and ecdysterone is that ecdysterone has successful human studies, while turkesterone studies have only involved rodents or in-vitro observation [13].
Turkesterone is supposedly much more anabolic than ecdysterone. One of the most recognized turkesterone studies involved administering different substances to rats in a range of ages and hormonal states. Data showed that turkesterone led to the largest amount of weight gain in the test group – greater than ecdysterone, and even dianabol.
Turkesterone led to a 63.5% increase in weight for puberal rats, while ecdysterone led to a 51.9% increase in weight [13]
Is Turkesterone a Steroid?
Even though turkesterone is often marketed as providing ‘steroid-like gains’, or is called a ‘natural steroid alternative’, turkesterone is not classified as an anabolic steroid.
Therefore, it’s completely legal to purchase and consume.
Since several studies have proven that turkesterone induces anabolic effects in human subjects, such as improved strength, increases in muscle mass, heightened stamina, and rapid recovery, a lack of clarity on this subject is understandable.
These benefits come about as a result of increasing the activity of polyribosomes – the cytoplasmic parts in cells where protein synthesis occurs [4].
One of the key differences between turkesterone and steroids is that it does not bind to vertebrate steroid receptors.
As a result, unlike steroids, turkesterone isn’t toxic to the liver, nor does it cause hormonal fluctuations [8].
Is Turkesterone a Banned Substance?
Turkesterone is legally available over the counter in most countries.
However, its classification in the world of professional sports is a little bit different. WADA – the World Anti-Doping Agency – sponsored a German study in 2019 on how turkesterone affects athletic performance.
The researchers concluded that turkesterone was far too potent to be used freely by athletes, and should to be placed on the list of prohibited substances [15]. Should this occur, turkesterone would be grouped with a number of other banned substances, like beta-blockers, narcotics, stimulants, diuretics, and of course, anabolic steroids.
Is Turkesterone Legal?
As of early 2023, when this article was written, turkesterone is completely legal and available to buy as an over-the-counter supplement. This is a crucial difference to take into account 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 and most other countries [6].
If turkesterone is added to the list of banned substances by WADA, the result would be that only athletes competing in professional sports would be prohibited from using turkesterone.
If someone is found selling, buying, possessing, or consuming turkesterone outside of a professional sports competition, they wouldn’t be subject to fines, penalties, or imprisonment, since WADA’s decree wouldn’t necessarily mean that turkesterone would be added to the list of controlled substances in the United States or other countries.
Is Turkesterone Safe?
Properly assessing the risk profile of substances you plan to consume is a necessary step in deciding whether or not to ultimately take them.
On the one hand, powerful drugs like steroids tend to cause side effects like skin rashes, shrinking of the gonads, high blood pressure, and excessive organ growth.
On the other hand, the majority of studies have reported data showing that turkesterone is not toxic to humans, and is generally safe to use [8].
We can refer to one study from 2006 involving 45 athletic male participants.
The men were split up into three groups and instructed to take a daily dose of a compound while carrying out their weekly training regimen. One of those groups took just 30 milligrams of ecdysteroids 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.
Of particular note, is that no adverse side effects were reported among any of the athletes who participated [16].
How to Take Turkesterone?
Turkesterone is ingested orally in both capsule and powder form, which is convenient for mixing in beverages and even food.
The limited data available doesn’t indicate a recommended standard for dosing turkesterone, though. Cycles are typically run between 8-12 weeks, with no adverse effects being noticed.
We also recommend cycles be kept within this range, and to not exceed two cycles per year.
The studies referenced here also have analyzed the effects of daily turkesterone dosages ranging from 30 mg per day, to 2 g per day [1].
Since most turkesterone supplements for bodybuilding are dosed at 250 mg per capsule, we would suggest not exceeding 500 mg per day.
Turkesterone. Just. Works.
In conclusion…
We hope that you’ve gained more clarity on what turkesterone is, its history, and why athletes are singing its praises.
Turkesterone is not technically a steroid, although it is usually marketed as a ‘natural plant steroid’. In terms of its biology, turkesterone is a naturally-occurring plant and insect hormone belonging to a larger class of compounds called phytoecdysteroids.
Ultimately, turkesterone is a generally safe supplement to use, with several proven benefits.
Turkesterone is also legal to buy, sell, possess, and consume, while traditional anabolic steroids like dianabol are regulated as part of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Ready to get started with turkesterone?
If you have thought about trying turkesterone capsules, then we suggest picking up a few bottles from our Gorilla Mind, our favorite vendor.
We like Gorilla Mind because they have superior quality products, customer reviews, shipping, and customer service
So what are you waiting for?
Grab a bottle of Gorilla Mind turkesterone today and take your gains to the next level!