Perfomance Enhancing Effects Of Ecdysterone- A Human Intervention Study

Abstract

PURPOSE: Recent studies suggest that the anabolic effect of ecdysterone (a naturally occurring steroid hormone present in some supplements claimed to enhance physical performance) is mediated by estrogen receptor (ER) binding. In comparison to the prohibited anabolic agents (e.g. metandienone and others) ecdysterone revealed to be even more effective in a recent study performed in rats. However, scientific studies in humans are very rarely accessible.Thus, our project aimed at investigating the effects of ecdysterone containing products on human athletic performance METHODS: A ten weeks intervention study in young man has been conducted including regular resistance training for all volunteers. Different doses of ecdysterone containing supplements have been administered during the study to evaluate the performance enhancing effect. Analysis of blood and urine samples for ecdysterone and potential biomarkers of performance enhancement have been conducted.To ensure the specificity of the measured effects a comprehensive screening for prohibited compounds was also performed. Furthermore, the administered supplements have been tested for the absence of anabolic steroid contaminations prior to administration. RESULTS: Used ecdysterone supplements displayed anabolic activity in C2C12 cells. Dose dependent administration of Ecdysterone supplements to human volunteers results in detectable ectysterone concentrations in serum. Effects on endocrine parameters were detectable. Serum IGF1 concentrations increased in comparison to the control group while thyroxin (T4) concentrations decreased. Significantly higher increases in muscle mass were observed in those volunteers that were dosed with the ecdysterone supplements. Even more relevant with respect to sports performance, also significantly more pronounced increases in one-repetition bench press performance were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These data underline the effectivity of an ecdysterone supplementation with respect to sports performance. Our results strongly suggest to include ecdysterone in the list of prohibited substances and methods, in the class S1.2 “other anabolic agents”.