Ecdysterone is a naturally occurring hormone that is found in some plants and arthropods, such as insects and shellfish. This hormone is used by animals to shed the outer exoskeleton and by plants as a natural insecticide. In mammals, ecdysterone acts as an anabolic steroid associated with increased muscle growth and decreased body fat. Although ecdysterone can be toxic, this compound show promise as a therapeutic aid and is generally safe if used under the supervision of an endocrinologist.
Physiological Effects
Ecdysterone has several beneficial physiological effects on degenerative diseases and offers protection of organs against adverse stress factors, according to a review article in the May 2011 issue of "Natural Product Communications." The authors noted these protective influences are derived from anabolic, gastroprotective and antioxidant effects. The study also found that ecdysterone can suppress neurodegenerative processes and offer protection against cardiovascular diseases. Although the mechanisms of these processes are currently being investigated, the authors stated that ecdysterone appears to have potential as a beneficial medical aid.
Ecdysterone as a Supplement
An article published in the December 2006 issue of the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition" investigated the effects of ecdysterone on hormone levels, body fat and performance in resistance-trained athletes. The researchers recruited 45 male athletes and assigned them to groups receiving either a placebo or one of three supplements including ecdysterone. The study found that 200 mg of ecdysterone per day for eight weeks did not influence the plasma concentrations of testosterone, cortisol or the waste product, urea. The authors concluded that ecdysterone did not influence hormone status or general markers of body fat and athletic performance.
Genetic Influences
Ecdysterone is used by the body as a gene switch that influences an unknown number of physiological processes. A study published in the December 2006 issue of the "Journal of Insect Science" investigated a number of pathways partially controlled by ecdysterone and analyzed the role of a wide array of genes for future gene therapies. The authors found that ecdysterone influences many genes involved with the regulation of glucose and cholesterol metabolism. However, the study concluded that the metabolic fate of ecdysterone is not fully understood and must be elucidated before this compound can be used for therapy.
Potential Toxicity
A study appearing in the February 2006 issue of "Life Sciences" evaluated the effects of ecdysterone on lowering glucose levels and stimulating the activity of insulin in liver cells, or hepatocytes. The researchers used hepatocytes with a relatively high level of glucose and found that ecdysterone effectively lowered glucose levels independent of insulin. The study concluded, however, that ecdysterone was toxic to the hepatocytes at some concentrations used in this study.
References
- "Life Sciences"; Effect of Ecdysterone on Glucose Metabolism in Vitro; Q. Chen, et al.; February 2006
- "Journal of Insect Science"; Practical Uses for Ecdysteroids in Mammals Including Humans: and Update; R. Lafont, et al.; March 2003
- "Journal of the International Society of Sports nutrition"; Effects of Methoxyisoflavone, Ecdysterone, and Sulfo-Polysaccharide Supplementation on Training Adaptations in Resistance-Trained Males; C. Wilborn, et al.; December 2006
- "Natural Product Communications"; Ecdysterone and Its Activity on Some Degenerative Diseases; L. Cahlikova, et al.; May 2011
