What is Turkesterone? A Complete Guide

Turkesterone, often hailed as a natural anabolic agent, has garnered attention in the world of fitness and wellness for its potential to support muscle growth and enhance athletic performance. Derived from plants such as Ajuga turkestanica, this phytoecdysteroid has piqued the interest of athletes, bodybuilders, and health enthusiasts alike. In this article, we delve into the science behind Turkesterone, exploring its purported benefits, mechanisms of action, and considerations for supplementation.

What is Turkesterone?

Turkesterone is a type of natural compound known as an ecdysteroid, which is found in some plants and insects. Its primary source is a plant called Ajuga turkestanica, found in Central Asia, with other varieties of Ajuga and some spinach also containing it.

 

Turkesterone has gained popularity in the fitness niche, as it is believed to mirror the effects of anabolic steroids, but without their legal and health risks. This connection to muscle-building hormones is where a lot of the interest in Turkesterone starts.

Benefits of Turkesterone

The potential benefits of Turkesterone, especially for those focused on fitness and strength training, are significant. Here's a closer look at what this intriguing compound might offer:

Muscle Growth and Strength: Turkesterone supports muscle synthesis through a process that mimics the body's natural growth mechanisms without the harmful effects associated with anabolic steroids. It promotes the retention of nitrogen in muscle tissue, an essential component of protein synthesis, leading to increased muscle mass and strength. [2] Unlike anabolic steroids, which can cause significant side effects and long-term health issues, Turkesterone offers a safer alternative by not binding to androgen receptors, thus avoiding the hormonal imbalances and side effects linked with steroid use. 

Exercise Performance and Recovery: One of the key advantages of Turkesterone is its role in reducing muscle recovery time, which is crucial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to maximise their training results. [3] It helps mitigate muscle soreness post-exercise by reducing inflammation and facilitating the repair of muscle fibers. This faster recovery process allows for more frequent and intensive training sessions, contributing to better performance and muscle growth over time.

Fat Loss and Metabolism: Turkesterone also impacts metabolism and fat loss, partly through its thermogenic properties, which increase the body's temperature and, consequently, its metabolic rate. [4] This process helps in burning fat more efficiently, making Turkesterone an appealing supplement for those aiming to improve body composition. Its effects on fat loss are not just about aesthetics; they also contribute to overall health by reducing the risk factors associated with excessive fat accumulation.

Natural stress relief: Turkesterone is thought to have adaptogenic effects, which means it could help the body better manage stress. [5] This could lead to improved sleep patterns, a more positive mood, and a general feeling of well-being, making it not just a supplement for the body, but for the mind as well. 

Other Potential Benefits: Beyond the gym, Turkesterone might have other health benefits, including supporting blood sugar control and maintaining cholesterol levels. While research in these areas is still in the early stages, the possibility of Turkesterone being a multi-faceted supplement adds to its appeal. [4]

How Does Turkesterone Work

Turkesterone is believed to enhance the process of protein synthesis, which is the body's way of building muscle tissue. Additionally, Turkesterone might activate various pathways within the body that lead to muscle growth, which is why it's caught the attention of those looking to enhance their physical fitness and muscle mass. [1]

 

Furthermore, turkesterone is thought to exhibit a regulatory effect on resource allocation within the muscle tissues. It promotes the construction of new muscle mass while simultaneously preserving existing muscle structures. This dual function is significant as it potentially allows for continuous muscle growth without the degradation of previously developed muscle tissues. Importantly, turkesterone achieves these effects without significant interference with hormonal balances, distinguishing it from other anabolic agents that can provoke undesirable endocrine disruptions.

Overall, turkesterone appears to support muscle development efficiently and safely, without inducing the adverse side effects commonly associated with synthetic supplements. Its mechanisms of action and impact on muscle anabolism highlight its utility as a natural supplement in sports and fitness regimes.

Why Most Turkesterone Supplements Don’t Contain What you Think

Not all turkesterone supplements give you what the label implies. An example of this is if the label says something like Ajuga turkestanica (10% turkesterone) 500mg, the actual dose of turkesterone is not 500mg but 50mg (10% of 500mg).
To understand how much turkesterone you are getting then it is about taking the percentage extract into account. For example, a supplement with 200mg of Ajuga turkestanica using a 40% extract would deliver 200*0.40 = 80mg of turkesterone per capsule. 
So a 60% higher dose is found in the product whose amount per capsule is only 200mg. A lesson for all consumers who are trying to get the best bang for their buck! By the way this is by no means an issue with turkesterone supplements, all herbal supplements will rely on the same maths for you to work out the difference between what the label suggests and what it really contains!
You may see some turkesterone supplements not mention anything at all about an extract percentage and just say something like Ajuga turkestanica herb 500mg or Ajuga turkestanica extract 500mg. These companies will almost all be using the 10% extract which is both the cheapest and most widely used form. As discussed the dose shown can be divided by ten to get the real turkesterone dose.
You might be thinking the above sounds great, thank you predator, I will use it to find the best turkesterone for myself now, hold your horses cos there's a much bigger issue to resolve still…

Cyclodextrins are Needed to Enhance Turkesterone Bioavailability

While increasing the amount of turkesterone delivered by using a high quality extract helps, a bigger issue is that herbal supplements tend to be poorly absorbed so to use the previous example, even if your turkesterone contained 80mg per capsule, only a small fraction would actually be bioavailable to the body. The vast majority of turkesterone supplements do nothing to address this.
What is needed is a method to increase the uptake of turkesterone in the body and in this regard the strongest evidence supports the use of cyclodextrins to increase absorption with innumerable studies having been conducted to demonstrate that using cyclodextrins vastly increases the amount of an ingredient your body ultimately absorbs [6,7,8] and of most importance, the use of cyclodextrins with ecdysteroids like turkesterone [9,10]:
The study "Bioavailability and structural study of 20-hydroxyecdysone complexes with cyclodextrins" revealed that complexation with β-cyclodextrin significantly enhanced the solubility of 20-hydroxyecdysone, a phytoecdysteroid, increasing it by 100 times compared to its uncomplexed form.
While the study "Preparation and characterisation of ecdysterone/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex with enhanced oral and transdermal bioavailability," it was found that the complexation with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) improved both the water solubility and bioavailability of ecdysterone.
Only Turkesterone Elite combines a 40% Ajuga turkestanica with a cyclodextrin, the combination needed to maximise turkesterone uptake by the body but other methods to improve bioavailability to a lesser degree are available also.

Comparison of methods to increase supplement bioavailability

Bioavailability enhancement strategies across various studies involving drugs, nutraceuticals, and herbal compounds can yield a broad range of improvements. The actual increase can depend heavily on the specific compound and the method used to enhance bioavailability. Here are some typical ballpark figures based on common bioavailability enhancement techniques:
Cyclodextrin Complexation: As seen with substances like 20-hydroxyecdysone, complexation with cyclodextrins can increase solubility and potentially bioavailability by up to 100-fold.
Nanoparticle Formation: Techniques involving the reduction of drug particles to nanoscale can enhance bioavailability by increasing the surface area, which improves dissolution rates. Studies have reported improvements ranging from 2 to 10 times the bioavailability of non-nanoparticulated forms.
Lipid-Based Delivery Systems: These include liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and microemulsions, which have been used to increase the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs significantly. Improvements can range widely, from about 2-5 times in most cases.
Salt Formations: Converting an active substance into a more soluble salt form can increase bioavailability often by 1.5 to 3 times, depending on the substance’s properties and salt used.
Chemical Modifications and Structural Analogues: Chemical alterations or the use of structural analogues can also enhance bioavailability. This could range from moderate improvements (e.g., 20-50% increases) to several times the original bioavailability depending on the substance and modification.
pH Adjustment and Buffering Agents: Simple techniques like adjusting the pH of the formulation or including buffering agents can improve the stability and solubility of the substance, typically enhancing bioavailability by up to 2 times.

Dosage and Usage

Typical Dosages: You should have realised by now that there is no such thing as a typical dose due to variations between how different turkesterone supplements are created. 

Forms and Administration: Turkesterone most commonly comes in capsules and spreading out your intake across the day helps maintain potentially more consistent levels of the compound in your body. Think of it like topping up your fuel tank periodically instead of one big fill-up, potentially aiding absorption and utilization.

Cycling: There is no practical reason to cycle turkesterone. It does not work less effectively or impact your body’s natural hormones but a common approach might be 8-12 weeks on, followed by a few weeks off while you try some other natural supplement such as a testosterone booster.

Potential Side Effects

Generally Well-Tolerated: The good news is that there are no known serious side effects with turkesterone. Unlike anabolic steroids, it doesn't seem to mess with your hormonal balance in the same dramatic way [3]. So, no need to worry about any wild mood swings or sudden hair growth where you don't want it.

Common Mild Side Effects:  However, like any supplement, it's not without potential downsides. Some folks might experience nausea, an upset stomach, or headaches, especially when starting out or with higher doses [2]. If things get uncomfortable, it's usually a sign to scale your dose back or take a break from supplementation.

Potential Interactions: We're still learning about how turkesterone plays with other medications  or supplements.  If you're taking any prescribed medications, or have any health conditions, it's absolutely vital to check in with a medical professional before experimenting with turkesterone.

Purchasing Guide

When looking to purchase a Turkesterone supplement, it's crucial to focus on a few key criteria to ensure you're getting a high-quality product. First, check for purity and concentration. The supplement should clearly state how much Turkesterone it contains per serving and list the extract percentage. Second, look for such a supplement to contain a mechanism to enhance absorption.
Our Turkesterone Elite features Ajuga turkestanica extract standardized to 40% Turkesterone, combined with Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin for enhanced solubility and absorption. What sets this product apart is its innovative formulation that ensures maximum bioavailability, allowing for better uptake by the body compared to standard Turkesterone supplements. This advanced complex not only meets all the high-quality criteria, but also leverages cutting-edge science to deliver superior efficacy. Its unique composition makes it a top choice for those seeking the most effective Turkesterone supplement on the market.

Conclusion

We've covered Turkesterone, highlighting its role in muscle growth, enhanced recovery, fat loss, and other health benefits. We explored how it works at the cellular level, offering a safer alternative to anabolic steroids without hormonal side effects. We navigated through choosing high-quality supplements and pointed you to our top-drawer Turkesterone Elite, because why settle for less when you're aiming for the best? Remember, finding the right Turkesterone is like dating – it's all about compatibility and avoiding the ones that give you unwanted side effects. So, go on, give your muscles the treat they deserve, and maybe, just maybe, your fitness journey will be as smooth as our shameless plug!

Turkesterone FAQs

What is turkesterone used for?
Turkesterone is mainly used as a dietary supplement to facilitate muscle growth and improve overall physical performance. The interest towards this supplement stems from its purported ability to enhance protein synthesis and activate anabolic pathways within muscle cells. These actions should contribute to increased muscle mass and strength, appealing to athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking natural supplementation options.

Does turkesterone help performance in the gym?
Some evidence suggests that turkesterone may improve gym performance by promoting muscle hypertrophy and enhancing endurance. The compound is thought to stimulate protein synthesis and support the muscular system's adaptation to physical stress, potentially leading to improved strength and stamina.

When should I take turkesterone?
Turkesterone should ideally be taken as per the guidance provided on the supplement label or under the advice of a healthcare professional. For optimal absorption and effectiveness, it is commonly recommended to consume turkesterone with meals. The timing could also be aligned with workout schedules, such as before or after exercise, to potentially maximise its muscle-building and performance-enhancing benefits.

How much turkesterone should I take per day?
The optimal dosage of turkesterone will vary based on the product you buy but to give you a sense of our own testing with Turkesterone Elite, we have found dose-dependent increases in results such that while you will get benefits from as little as two capsules daily, there will be noticeable improvements in results when you increase the dose higher. Experiment to find the dose that best suits your own body.

Is turkesterone safe?
There have been no significant reports of adverse effects in the available literature. With that being said, users should monitor for any potential side effects and consult healthcare providers as necessary.

Is turkesterone legal?
As of the time of writing this article (April 2024), turkesterone is legal to purchase and use in most countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, where it is sold as a dietary supplement. It does not fall under the list of controlled substances or banned anabolic agents. However, users should verify the legal status in their specific jurisdiction and in the context of athletic competition, as regulations can vary.

Can turkesterone be stacked?
Turkesterone can be stacked with other supplements, such as protein powders, testosterone boosters, creatine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), to potentially enhance muscle growth and recovery. The compatibility of turkesterone with other supplements makes it a versatile addition to fitness regimens.