Welcome to the interesting world of plant-based anabolic steroids.

In the muscle-building category, two compounds, Laxogenin and Turksterone, have ruled them all.

Derived from plants and insects, these compounds promise muscle gains without the side effects of synthetic steroids.

But how much of this is proven, and how much is marketing hype?

Let's dive in.

Laxogenin vs. Turkesterone: A Quick Look

Turkesterone and Laxogenin are both plant-derived compounds touted for their potential muscle-building effects.

Turkesterone, derived from Ajuga turkestanica, has a slightly stronger body of research supporting its safety and potential benefits, while Laxogenin, also known as 5-alpha-hydroxy laxogenin, has less direct research support.

Based on the current research, Turkesterone appears to be the better choice for enhancing muscle growth and performance.

Key Points: Turkesterone vs Laxogenin

• Turkesterone and Laxogenin are both plant-derived compounds with potential muscle-building properties.
• Turkesterone is derived from Ajuga turkestanica and has a slightly stronger body of research supporting its potential benefits.
• Laxogenin,also known as 5-alpha-hydroxy laxogenin, has less direct research support but still holds promise.
• Both compounds have been studied for their safety and potential benefits, but more research is needed to fully understand their effects on muscle growth and performance.
• Based on the current evidence, Turkesterone appears to be the better choice for those seeking to enhance muscle growth and performance.
• It's important to note that individual responses to these compounds may vary, and further research is needed in this field.

Understanding Laxogenin and Turkesterone

Laxogenin, 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin, is a plant steroid known as a brassinosteroid.

It's derived from the Smilax Sieboldii plant, which is native to Asia. In its natural environment, Laxogenin plays a vital role in plant growth.

Turkesterone, on the other hand, is an ecdysteroid, a type of steroid hormone found in insects and some plants.

It's most commonly sourced from the Ajuga Turkestanica plant in Central Asia.

In the world of insects, turkesterone aids in development and reproduction.

More Turkesterone comparison posts:

• Turkesterone vs. Creatine
• Turkesterone vs. Ecdysterone

How Laxogenin Works

Laxogenin is believed to increase protein synthesis, the process by which the body builds new proteins, which are the building blocks of muscle tissue. It's also thought to inhibit protein degradation, helping to preserve muscle mass.

How Turkesterone Works

Turkesterone, being an ecdysteroid, is believed to have a similar effect. Ecdysteroids are known to increase protein synthesis and decrease protein degradation. They're also thought to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's primary energy source, potentially improving workout performance.

Laxogenin: What Does the Research Say?

Studies on laxogenin have shown that it can increase protein synthesis and inhibit cell degradation.

However, these studies have been conducted in vitro (in a petri dish), lacking human studies.

Turkesterone: What Does the Research Say?

Turkesterone has been studied more extensively.

Animal studies have shown that it can increase muscle mass and strength.

Some human studies have also shown positive results, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Safety and Regulation of Laxogenin and Turksterone Supplements

While laxogenin and turkesterone supplements are widely available, it's essential to approach them with caution.

The supplement industry is not tightly regulated, and the quality of products can vary widely.

Furthermore, while these compounds are generally considered safe, they have not been extensively studied in humans.

Therefore, potential side effects and long-term safety are not fully understood.

Ecdysteroids and Athletes: A Simple Breakdown

Ecdysteroids, like Turkesterone, are plant compounds that might help build muscle. Let's look at what a couple of studies have found.

A 2019 study found that athletes who took ecdysterone supplements built more muscle than those who didn't.

The researchers also said that the supplement seemed safe. But they did mention that we need more studies to be sure.

Another study in 2020 also found that ecdysterone might help improve body shape and muscle function. But again, the researchers said we need more high-quality studies to confirm these findings.

So, these studies suggest that ecdysteroids like Turkesterone could potentially help athletes build muscle and improve performance.

But remember, everyone is different, and more research is needed. As with any supplement, it's important to use them responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Legality and Use in Sports

When it comes to the legality of these supplements, there are some important points to consider:

Laxogenin:

According to the FDA, laxogenin is not a legitimate dietary ingredient. The safety of laxogenin is unclear because it hasn't been tested in humans.

As for sports, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits any pharmacological substance not approved by any governmental regulatory health authority for human therapeutic use.

So, athletes should be cautious.

Turkesterone:

Turkesterone is legal and is not currently listed as a banned substance by WADA.

It won't appear on drug tests and is used legally by bodybuilders and some athletes in the United States.

Now, let's look at the studies and their benefits for each supplement:

Benefits of Turkesterone:

• Turkesterone is a type of ecdysteroid, which are naturally occurring plant compounds that have anabolic (muscle-building) effects.
• It can potentially increase muscle mass and strength.
• Turkesterone is believed to enhance protein synthesis, which is key for muscle growth.
• It may help improve athletic performance.
• Unlike anabolic steroids, turkesterone is not a hormone, so it doesn't have the same side effects such as hormonal imbalances.
• It may have a positive effect on the liver and kidneys.

Benefits of Laxogenin:

• Laxogenin is a plant steroid known as a brassinosteroid, which may have anabolic effects.
• It is believed to increase protein synthesis and decrease protein degradation, increasing muscle growth.
• Laxogenin may help increase strength and performance.
• It may have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Unlike anabolic steroids, laxogenin is not a hormone, so it doesn't have the same side effects such as hormonal imbalances.
• It may help with recovery after workouts.

Research on Laxogenin

Here's all the research for Laxogenin:

Laxogenin and Its Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

Research has shown that laxogenin, a plant-based compound, might have properties that could help in the fight against cancer.

A study found that laxogenin could potentially inhibit specific processes in cancer cells.

In simpler terms, it might help slow down the growth of these harmful cells.

A study titled "Saponins isolated from Allium chinense G. Don and antitumor-promoting activities of isoliquiritigenin and laxogenin from the same drug", discovered that laxogenin, along with other compounds, exhibited inhibitory effects on the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-stimulated 32Pi-incorporation into phospholipids of HeLa cells.

This suggests that laxogenin may have antitumor-promoting activity.

How is Laxogenin Made?

Scientists have found ways to create laxogenin in the lab.

Some research found a method to create a compound similar to laxogenin from another type of steroid.

This is a significant step as it allows for the production of laxogenin without needing to extract it from plants.

In another study titled "A Convenient Procedure for the Synthesis of 3β-Hydroxy-6-oxo-5α-steroids. Application to the Synthesis of Laxogenin", they found a convenient pathway to obtain 3β-hydroxy-6-oxo-5α-steroids from 3β-acetoxy Δ5-steroids, which was applied to the synthesis of laxogenin.

Where is Laxogenin Found?

Laxogenin is a naturally occurring compound found in certain plants. One such plant is Smilax sieboldi MIQ, as discovered by T. Okanishi and his team.

This discovery helps us understand where laxogenin comes from and how it can be harvested.

In their study "Studies on the steroidal components of domestic plants. XLVII. Constituents of the stem of Smilax sieboldi Miq. (1). The structure of laxogenin.", isolated laxogenin from the aerial parts of Smilax sieboldi MIQ.

The study confirmed the structure of laxogenin through various chemical reactions.

Laxogenin And Its Effects on Cells

One study found that a compound derived from laxogenin did not affect the growth of cervical cancer cells.

This suggests that laxogenin and its derivatives might be safe for use, as they do not seem to harm healthy cells.

The study "Formation of the steroidal 3β-hydroxy-6-oxo-moiety. Synthesis and cytotoxicity of glucolaxogenin"  synthesized glucolaxogenin from laxogenin and evaluated its antiproliferative activity in cervical cancer cells.

The study found that the cell growth was unaffected, showing high selectivity.

Research on Turkesterone

And all the research on turkesterone: 

Turkesterone in Ajuga Turkestanica

Turkesterone is a compound found in the Ajuga turkestanica plant used in traditional medicine.

A study by L. Guibout and his team found that this plant contains a high amount of turkesterone, which is believed to have various health benefits.

The study "The minor ecdysteroids from Ajuga turkestanica." found that Ajuga turkestanica is a plant used in traditional medicine for its high ecdysteroid content, including turkesterone.

The study isolated and identified minor ecdysteroids in a semi-purified plant fraction containing about 70% turkesterone.

How Is Turkesterone Made?

Scientists have also found ways to create turkesterone in the lab.

A study reported a method to develop turkesterone derivatives.

This is significant as it allows turkesterone to be produced without needing to extract it from plants.

In the study "Synthesis and biological activities of turkesterone 11α-acyl derivatives", found that the regioselective synthesis of a series of turkesterone 11α-acyl derivatives.

The study found that the 11α-acyl derivatives retain significant biological activity relative to the parent ecdysteroid.

Side Effects of Laxogenin

While laxogenin is generally considered safe, it's important to note that there is limited research on its long-term effects.

Some users have reported fewer side effects compared to prohormones and steroids.

However, as with any supplement, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider before starting a new regimen.

Learn more about Laxogenin here.

Side Effects of Turkesterone

Turkesterone is also generally considered safe, with users reporting minimal side effects.

Unlike anabolic steroids, turkesterone does not negatively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, which is responsible for regulating hormones in the body.

This means that it may cause fewer side effects compared to anabolic steroids.

However, some potential side effects could include hair loss and breast development in males, although these are rare. As always, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

You can find more information about Turkesterone here. 

Pros and Cons of Laxogenin

Here are the pros and cons of Laxogenin:

Pros

• May have anti-cancer properties
• Can be synthesized in the lab
• Does not seem to harm healthy cells

Cons

• Limited research on long-term effects
• Potential side effects are not fully known

Pros and Cons of Turkesterone

Here are the pros and cons of Turkesterone:

Pros

• Found in a plant used in traditional medicine
• Can be synthesized in the lab
• Generally considered safe with minimal side effects

Cons

• Limited research on long-term effects
• Potential side effects, although rare, could include hair loss and breast development in males.

Evaluating the Effectiveness: Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to muscle gains, the quality of the studies supporting the effectiveness of a supplement is more important than the quantity. Let's take a closer look at the quality of studies supporting the effectiveness of Turkesterone and Laxogenin.

Turkesterone: 6/10

Turkesterone scores a 6 out of 10 based on the quality of the studies found.

There were four studies that directly or indirectly support the effectiveness of Turkesterone.

However, these studies focus more on the chemical composition and safety profile of Ajuga turkestanica, the plant from which Turkesterone is derived, rather than its muscle-building effects.

1. "Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oils of three Uzbek Lamiaceae species"
2. "The minor ecdysteroids from Ajuga turkestanica"
3. "Neo-Clerodane Diterpenes from Ajuga turkestanica"
4. "In Vitro Characterization of the Efficacy and Safety Profile of a Proprietary Ajuga Turkestanica Extract"

Laxogenin: 5/10

Laxogenin scores a 5 out of 10.

The studies found were more focused on the chemical structure and potential medical applications of compounds related to Laxogenin, rather than its muscle-building effects.

1. "Relationship between symptom severity and steroid variation in women with premenstrual syndrome"
2. "Gas chromatographic-mass fragmentographic quantitation of 3 alpha- hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone) and its precursors in blood and brain of adrenalectomized and castrated rats"
3. "The neurosteroid 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one induces cytoarchitectural regression in cultured fetal hippocampal neurons"
4. "Comparison of effects of 1 alpha-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 in man"

FAQ

What are the potential benefits of laxogenin and turkesterone?

Laxogenin and turkesterone are believed to increase muscle protein synthesis, potentially leading to increased muscle mass and improved body composition. However, more human research is needed to confirm these effects.

Are laxogenin and turkesterone safe?

While these compounds are generally considered safe, they have not been extensively studied in humans. Therefore, potential side effects and long-termsafety are not fully understood.

Can laxogenin and turkesterone replace traditional anabolic steroids?

While laxogenin and turkesterone are often marketed as natural alternatives to anabolic steroids, it's important to note that they are not as potent as synthetic steroids. Also, more research is needed to fully understand their effects and safety profile.

Can I take laxogenin and turkesterone together?

There's no research on the combined use of laxogenin and turkesterone, so it's unclear whether taking them together would have additive effects or potential risks.

Do laxogenin and turkesterone require a post cycle therapy (PCT)?

Unlike synthetic anabolic steroids, laxogenin and turkesterone are not believed to suppress the body's natural hormone production, so a post cycle therapy (PCT) is typically unnecessary. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Bottom Line

Laxogenin and turkesterone are plant-derived compounds believed to have anabolic effects, potentially aiding in muscle growth and improving body composition.

While the science is promising, it's important to remember that more human data is needed to understand their effects and safety fully.

As with any supplement, it's crucial to approach these products cautiously, considering the lack of regulation in the supplement industry and the varying quality of products on the market.

Learn more about bodybuilding supplements and the best ones by visiting our ultimate guide to bodybuilding suplements.

References

1. "Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oils of three Uzbek Lamiaceae species" 
2. "The minor ecdysteroids from Ajuga turkestanica" -
3. "Neo-Clerodane Diterpenes from Ajuga turkestanica" 
4. "In Vitro Characterization of the Efficacy and Safety Profile of a Proprietary Ajuga Turkestanica Extract"
5. "Relationship between symptom severity and steroid variation in women with premenstrual syndrome" 
6. "Gas chromatographic-mass fragmentographic quantitation of 3 alpha- hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone) and its precursors in blood and brain of adrenalectomized and castrated rats" 
7. "The neurosteroid 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one induces cytoarchitectural regression in cultured fetal hippocampal neurons" 
8. "Comparison of effects of 1 alpha-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 in man"