Turkesterone has taken the internet by storm, touted as a potent muscle builder. But does this plant compound truly live up to the hype? This article delves into the scientific research surrounding turkesterone to determine its effectiveness in promoting muscle growth.
Turkesterone belongs to a group of compounds called ecdysteroids, which are essentially the plant and insect equivalent of hormones like testosterone. Given the structural similarities between turkesterone and testosterone, researchers have investigated whether turkesterone possesses anabolic properties similar to its human counterpart.
Early research on turkesterone, dating back to the 1970s, focused on its effects on protein synthesis in animals. However, these studies were often limited by small sample sizes and published in less prominent journals, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
A 2006 study involving weight-trained men examined the effects of a supplement containing an ecdysteroid structurally similar to turkesterone. The researchers found no significant differences in muscle mass or strength between the ecdysteroid group and the placebo group.
Despite these findings, interest in turkesterone resurfaced in recent years. A 2019 study showed promising results, with the turkesterone group experiencing greater muscle gains compared to the placebo group. However, a subsequent analysis revealed that the supplement used in the study contained only a small fraction of the advertised amount of turkesterone.
This discrepancy raises concerns about the validity of the study’s findings. One possibility is that the supplement contained other undisclosed anabolic substances. However, the researchers tested for prohibited substances and found none. Another explanation could be a false positive, which is not uncommon in research, especially with smaller sample sizes.
Furthermore, the 2019 study used bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure body composition, a method known for its lower accuracy compared to more sophisticated techniques like DEXA scans. This raises further questions about the reliability of the reported muscle gains.
Currently, the scientific evidence supporting the use of turkesterone for muscle growth is limited and conflicting. While anecdotal reports and marketing claims may suggest otherwise, it’s crucial to rely on well-controlled studies to determine the true efficacy of a supplement.
The excitement surrounding turkesterone highlights the desire for effective muscle-building supplements. However, it’s essential to approach such claims with a critical eye and prioritize scientific evidence over anecdotal reports and marketing hype. More research is needed to determine whether turkesterone truly holds the key to unlocking greater muscle growth.
