Ecdysterone
Also known as: 20-hydroxyecdysone, 20E, ecdysteroid
Three randomized controlled trials in humans are available. One 10-week resistance-training trial reported increased muscle mass and greater bench-press gains with ecdysterone-containing supplements versus control. A 12-week trial using a commercial 20E + diosgenin product found no supplement-specific benefit over placebo for strength or body-composition changes. A 12-week trial of asparagus root extract (providing ~1.71 mg/kg/day 20E) in overweight adults reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomarker changes when combined with high-intensity interval training. Overall the evidence is mixed and heterogeneous in formulations and populations.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 3 indexed studies
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Overview
Ecdysterone (20-hydroxyecdysone, 20E) is a plant- and insect-derived phytosteroid marketed in supplements for muscle growth and performance. Human trials show mixed results for anabolic and performance effects and some evidence for effects on oxidative/inflammatory markers when given as part of botanical extracts.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Preclinical and human-study abstracts indicate ecdysterone may act via estrogen receptor binding and related anabolic signalling pathways; it also has reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties when present in plant extracts.
Physiological Role
Not an essential nutrient; proposed to modulate muscle protein metabolism and cellular redox/inflammatory pathways via steroid receptor interactions and downstream signalling.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Potential anabolic and strength benefits have been reported in at least one resistance-training trial, but findings are inconsistent between trials and may depend on formulation, dose and population.
Evidence Review
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- Not established from human trials (one trial used asparagus extract providing ~1.71 mg/kg/day 20E; other trials did not report clear 20E doses in abstracts).
- Optimal Range
- Not established.
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established.
- Timing
- Varied by study; one commercial product was dosed three times daily per label in the abstract.
- Best Format
- Oral extract or isolated 20-hydroxyecdysone as used in supplements.
- Bioavailability
- Human data on absorption not reported in the provided abstracts.
- Absorption Considerations
- Formulation and co-ingredients likely affect delivered 20E dose; one trial measured actual 20E content by LC–MS/MS.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •No liver or kidney toxicity reported in one trial; other trials report standard blood monitoring but no specific adverse events in abstracts.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — safety not established.
- Hormone-sensitive conditions — potential ER interaction suggests caution.
Drug Interactions
- •Potential interaction with medications affected by oestrogen signalling or endocrine therapies — not characterised in trials.
Who Should Avoid
- •People on endocrine therapies
- •Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- •Those seeking only evidence-backed, reproducible anabolic agents.
Monitoring
Trials reported blood chemistry and endocrine monitoring; consider liver/kidney and endocrine checks if used at higher doses or long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Ecdysterone typically used or indicated?
Ecdysterone is most commonly used for: Support muscle mass, Enhance strength/performance, Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory adjunct in metabolic contexts. Not an essential nutrient; proposed to modulate muscle protein metabolism and cellular redox/inflammatory pathways via steroid receptor interactions and downstream signalling.
How does Ecdysterone work?
Preclinical and human-study abstracts indicate ecdysterone may act via estrogen receptor binding and related anabolic signalling pathways; it also has reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties when present in plant extracts.
What is the recommended dose of Ecdysterone?
The optimal range is Not established.. with a minimum effective dose of Not established from human trials (one trial used asparagus extract providing ~1.71 mg/kg/day 20E; other trials did not report clear 20E doses in abstracts).. Best taken: Varied by study; one commercial product was dosed three times daily per label in the abstract.. Upper / caution level: Not established..
What are the side effects of Ecdysterone?
Reported side effects include: No liver or kidney toxicity reported in one trial; other trials report standard blood monitoring but no specific adverse events in abstracts.. Monitoring: Trials reported blood chemistry and endocrine monitoring; consider liver/kidney and endocrine checks if used at higher doses or long term.
Does Ecdysterone interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Potential interaction with medications affected by oestrogen signalling or endocrine therapies — not characterised in trials.. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Ecdysterone?
Ecdysterone is generally not recommended for: People on endocrine therapies; Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals; Those seeking only evidence-backed, reproducible anabolic agents.; Pregnancy and breastfeeding — safety not established.; and Hormone-sensitive conditions — potential ER interaction suggests caution..
How strong is the evidence for Ecdysterone?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 48/100), based on 3 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (3)
Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agent: performance enhancement by ecdysterone supplementation in humans.
Randomized 10-week resistance-training trial in young men (n=46) testing ecdysterone-containing supplements. Blood/urine screened for contaminants and biomarkers; supplements tested for absence of anabolic steroid contamination.
How reliable is the labeling of a commercial phytosteroid product? A 12-week randomized double-blind training study.
12-week randomized double-blind trial in resistance-trained young men (n=28 recruited, 24 completed) comparing a commercial 20E + diosgenin product (label dosing three times daily) to placebo during free-weight training.
Synergistic Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Asparagus officinalis L. Root Extract Supplementation on Metabolic Regulation, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Overweight and Obese Adults.
12-week randomized trial in overweight/obese adults (n=72) testing asparagus root extract (ARE) rich in 20E (provided ~1.71 ± 0.24 mg/kg/day 20E) alone, HIIT alone, combined HIIT+ARE, or control.
Related Ingredients
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Creatine Monohydrate
94/100A naturally occurring nitrogenous organic acid that facilitates recycling of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in muscle and brain tissue via the phosphocreatine shuttle.
Maltodextrin
78/100Short-chain α-1,4 linked glucose polymer that is rapidly hydrolysed by brush-border maltase to glucose; near-equivalent glycaemic response to glucose but lower osmolality at concentration.
Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD)
72/100Produced via cyclic-glucanotransferase action on amylopectin, HBCD forms cluster-like macromolecules ~160 kDa that solubilise at low osmolality (≈4 mOsm/L) and clear the stomach faster than maltodextrin or glucose polymers.
Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/ecdysterone
SuppIndex. (2026). Ecdysterone: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/ecdysterone
Based on 3 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Often combined with other phytosteroids (e.g. diosgenin) in commercial products; effects may differ from isolated 20E and labelling can be unreliable.