Evidence supporting the use of: Ecdysterone
For the health condition: Muscle Tone (lack of)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Ecdysterone, a naturally occurring phytosteroid found in various plants and insects, has gained attention as a supplement purported to enhance muscle mass and improve muscle tone. Scientific interest in ecdysterone stems from its structural similarity to anabolic steroids, though it does not bind to androgen receptors. Several preclinical animal studies have demonstrated that ecdysterone supplementation can increase protein synthesis and muscle fiber size. More recently, a well-cited randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study published in 2019 (Isenmann et al., Archives of Toxicology) found that young men engaged in resistance training who supplemented with ecdysterone experienced significantly greater increases in muscle mass and strength compared to placebo. Additional in vitro and animal research supports these findings, showing anabolic effects without the androgenic side effects typical of traditional anabolic steroids.

However, while the emerging evidence is promising, the body of human research remains limited, with few large-scale clinical trials and no long-term safety data. Thus, while there is scientific validation for ecdysterone’s use in supporting muscle tone, the overall quality and quantity of evidence is moderate rather than robust. More research is warranted to fully establish its efficacy and safety profile in diverse populations.

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