What happens when you take turkesterone? Examining the hype versus the evidence

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Though anecdotal reports from bodybuilders are common, the scientific evidence on the effects of turkesterone in humans is limited and often contradictory. This natural ecdysteroid supplement, derived from plants like Ajuga turkestanica, has gained immense popularity in the fitness community with claims of boosting muscle mass and performance. But what happens when you take turkesterone, and does the science support the hype?

Quick Summary

Turkesterone, a plant-derived ecdysteroid, is believed to promote anabolic effects by enhancing protein synthesis through non-androgenic pathways, unlike traditional anabolic steroids. While user reports suggest benefits for muscle growth and recovery, human studies offer mixed and inconclusive evidence regarding its efficacy. Potential side effects are mild, and product quality is a significant concern.

Key Points

Source and Classification: Turkesterone is a natural phytoecdysteroid extracted primarily from the Ajuga turkestanica plant.
Non-Hormonal Action: Unlike anabolic steroids, it does not bind to androgen receptors and therefore does not cause hormonal side effects like testosterone suppression.
Proposed Mechanism: It is believed to work by stimulating muscle protein synthesis through non-androgenic pathways, such as the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Anecdotal vs. Scientific Evidence: While some users report benefits like increased muscle mass and improved recovery, human clinical studies have shown inconclusive or no significant effects on muscle growth.
Safety and Side Effects: Turkesterone is generally well-tolerated, with mild potential side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort when taken on an empty stomach.
Usage Recommendations: Standardized extracts are key, and it is often taken in cycles of several weeks.
Regulatory Status: Turkesterone is currently legal in many regions but is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) monitoring list.

What is Turkesterone and How Does it Work?

Turkesterone is a type of phytoecdysteroid, a naturally occurring steroid hormone found in certain plants, most notably Ajuga turkestanica, which is native to Central Asia. Unlike synthetic anabolic steroids, turkesterone is not an artificial hormone and does not bind to the body's androgen receptors. This key difference means it avoids the hormonal side effects associated with traditional steroids, such as suppressed testosterone levels or gynecomastia.

The primary proposed mechanism of action for turkesterone is the stimulation of muscle protein synthesis, the process by which muscle cells build new proteins. It is thought to influence this process by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and potentially acting on estrogen receptor beta (ER-β). This pathway is a major regulator of muscle growth and cellular repair. Additionally, some research in animal models suggests that turkesterone may improve glucose and lipid metabolism and reduce myostatin gene expression, a negative regulator of muscle growth.

Purported Benefits and the Role of Anecdotal Evidence

Much of the enthusiasm for turkesterone stems from anecdotal reports within the bodybuilding and athletic communities. Many users claim to experience significant benefits, including:

Increased Lean Muscle Mass: Some users report noticeable gains in muscle mass, attributing it to enhanced protein synthesis. Animal studies have also shown increased muscle fiber size and protein content.
Improved Strength and Performance: Anecdotal evidence suggests users experience increased strength and endurance during workouts, sometimes within the first few weeks of a cycle. The potential increase in ATP synthesis, which powers muscle contractions, could contribute to this effect.
Faster Recovery: Reports indicate that turkesterone may help repair muscle fibers after exercise and boost glycogen concentrations in muscles, which aids in reducing fatigue and promoting quicker recovery.
Adaptogenic Effects: Turkesterone is considered an adaptogen, helping the body cope with physical and mental stressors, which can contribute to a better sense of well-being and reduced fatigue.

Scientific Studies and Efficacy Concerns

While promising, the anecdotal reports are not yet strongly supported by robust human clinical trials. Scientific findings on turkesterone's effectiveness have been mixed or inconclusive:

Limited Human Efficacy: A controlled human trial found that turkesterone daily over four weeks had no significant effect on body mass, lean mass, fat mass, or body fat percentage compared to a placebo group.
Inconclusive Marker Changes: Another preliminary human study found no statistically meaningful changes in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a marker associated with muscle growth, following acute turkesterone doses, although there was a small, non-significant increase.
Product Quality Issues: A significant concern is the quality and standardization of commercially available turkesterone supplements. A 2022 report revealed that many products did not contain the amount of turkesterone claimed on the label, and some were nearly devoid of the active ingredient. Low oral bioavailability of ecdysteroids is also a known issue.

Comparing Turkesterone and Anabolic Steroids


Feature	Turkesterone (Phytoecdysteroid)	Anabolic Steroids (Synthetic Androgens)
Mechanism	Stimulates protein synthesis via non-androgenic pathways (e.g., PI3K/Akt/mTOR and ERβ).	Binds directly to androgen receptors to promote muscle growth.
Hormonal Impact	Does not affect natural hormone levels like testosterone, LH, or FSH.	Can significantly suppress natural hormone production.
Side Effects	Generally considered mild and limited to digestive issues like nausea if taken on an empty stomach.	Associated with severe side effects, including liver damage, hormonal imbalance, cardiovascular issues, and prostate enlargement.
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT)	Not required, as it does not cause hormonal suppression.	Required to help restore natural hormone levels and mitigate side effects.
Legality	Legal to purchase and use, though on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) monitoring list.	Often illegal without a prescription and banned in competitive sports.

Safety Considerations and Usage

Turkesterone is generally considered safe for most healthy individuals when used responsibly. Many users recommend splitting daily intake and taking it with food to enhance absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or an upset stomach.

Individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those on other medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid its use due to limited research on these populations. A common pattern of use involves cycles of several weeks, followed by a break.

List of Key Considerations for Turkesterone Use:

Prioritize a High-Quality Source: Look for supplements derived from the Ajuga turkestanica plant that are standardized to a specific percentage of turkesterone, often around 10%.
Check for Enhanced Absorption: Some products complex turkesterone with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin to improve its low bioavailability and absorption.
Start with a Conservative Approach: To assess your body's tolerance, begin with a lower amount and gradually increase if needed, staying within recommended guidelines.
Maintain Consistency: For best results, take the supplement consistently every day during your period of use, even on rest days.
Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider or a sports nutrition expert before adding any new supplement to your routine, especially if you have health concerns or are an athlete subject to doping regulations.

Conclusion: Navigating the Evidence

While anecdotal accounts suggest a range of potential benefits from improved muscle growth and recovery to reduced fatigue, the existing human research on turkesterone is inconclusive and does not provide strong evidence of its anabolic effects. This is further complicated by product quality and bioavailability issues in the supplement market. Unlike anabolic steroids, turkesterone does not cause significant hormonal disruption or severe side effects, making it a safer alternative for those seeking a performance edge. It is not a magic bullet for muscle building and is not a substitute for proper nutrition and a consistent training regimen. For individuals considering turkesterone, focusing on high-quality, standardized products and managing expectations based on the current scientific understanding is paramount. Ongoing research is necessary to fully clarify the benefits and efficacy of this compound in humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference is their mechanism of action. Turkesterone promotes muscle protein synthesis through non-hormonal pathways and does not bind to androgen receptors, which means it does not cause the hormonal side effects associated with anabolic steroids.

Turkesterone is generally well-tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects are mild, such as nausea or stomach discomfort, especially if taken on an empty stomach.

Scientific research on turkesterone in humans is limited and has shown mixed or inconclusive results. While animal studies and anecdotal reports suggest muscle-building effects, robust evidence is lacking in humans.

Yes, turkesterone is generally legal and does not cause a failed drug test. However, it is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) monitoring list, so its status could change in the future.

Common usage patterns involve taking a standardized extract, often split into doses and taken with food. Cycles often last for a period of several weeks, followed by a break.

As it does not cause androgenic effects or disrupt hormone levels, turkesterone is considered equally safe for women and men. Any potential benefits would apply similarly, though effectiveness remains subject to more research.

Product quality is crucial, as some market analyses have found that many supplements are significantly underdosed or fake. Looking for products from reputable brands that undergo third-party testing and use a standardized extract (e.g., from Ajuga turkestanica) is highly recommended.