20-Hydroxyecdysone
An ecdysteroid shown to have modest, growth-promoting and muscle-building effects in animal experiments. 20-hydroxyecdysone (or plant extracts standardized for 20-hydroxyecdysone) is non-toxic, and used in a variety of bodybuilding supplements, but whether it actually helps increase muscle mass and strength in humans is unknown. A small, 2006 study on resistance-trained males taking a standardized, Polypodium vulgare/Suma root extract showed no effect at the dose administered.
Supplements containing 20-hydroxyecdysone (CAS 5289-74-7) use a variety of synonyms, including 20-beta-hydroxyecdysterone, beta-ecdysterone, beta-ecdysone, 20-hydroxy-ecdysterone, 20-beta-hydroxy ecdysone, hydroxyecdysone, ecdysterone, and ecdisten.
