Turkesterone and ecdysterone have both become some of the most talked-about supplements of 2022, which leads to a natural question: which is better?
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Top Tier Turkesterone
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Best Value Turkesterone
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#1 Ecdysterone
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4.5
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4.5
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4.5
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Side effects:
None observed
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Side effects:
None observed
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Side effects:
None observed
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Servings:
60
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Servings:
120
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Servings:
30
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Coupon Code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
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Coupon Code:
n/a
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Coupon Code:
n/a
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- excellent quality
- 500 mg turkesterone per serving
- complexed for enhanced absorption
- 120 servings
- 500 mg turkesterone per serving
- Supported by a human trial showing a significant increase in maximum bench press strength
- Complexed with cyclodextrin for enhanced absorption
- 98% ecdysterone
- 500 mg ecdysterone per serving
- Doesn't require post cycle therapy (PCT)
The main differences:
- Ecdysterone has a published human trial
- Turkesterone may be slightly more anabolic
The main similarities:
- They are both ecdysteroids
- They are both not anabolic-androgenic steroids
- They both have similar benefits
- Neither have significant toxicity side effects
- Turkesterone is an analog of ecdysterone
Ultimately, ecdysterone and turkesterone have more similarities than differences and can both help build lean muscle mass and increase muscle protein synthesis.
However, we only recommend ecdysterone or turkesterone for individuals that are already optimizing every other part of their training regiment.
This means that programming, diet, recovery, and sleep must already be optimized 100%.
If they are not, then you’re probably wasting your money.
If they are, then ecdysterone and turkesterone may be able to help you reach new heights.
Top Recommended Products:
- Dark Labs – Turkesterone
- Huge Supplements – Ecdysterone
- DNM Nutra – EpyTurk (Turkesterone + Ecdysterone Stack)
Table of Contents
Turkesterone vs Ecdysterone
The biggest difference between turkesterone and ecdysterone is that ecdysterone has a successful human study, while turkesterone does not. Both turkesterone and ecdysterone may help facilitate muscle protein synthesis and increase lean muscle mass growth.
Don't want to choose between turkesterone and ecdysterone? Now you don't have to.
EpyTurk from DNM Nutra offers a turkesterone + ecdysterone stack to cover all your bases.
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
Turkesterone and Ecdysterone Differences
Ecdysterone Has a Published Human Trial
Published in 2019 in Archives of Toxicology, “Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agent: performance enhancement by ecdysterone supplementation in humans” describes a small (n=46) 10 week trial on the effects of ecdysterone supplementation on muscle mass and one rep max strength in the bench press.
Interestingly enough, the study “strongly” suggested the inclusion of ecdysterone in the list of prohibited substances in sports.
As of 2022, turkesterone studies have only involved rodents or in-vitro observation.
Related:
- Best Turkesterone Supplements
- Best Ecdysterone Supplements
- Turkesterone Review: Before & After
- Ecdysterone Before and After Reviews
- Turkesterone vs Laxogenin
- Creatine vs Turkesterone
- Best Tongkat Ali Supplements
Ecdysterone (20-Hydroxyecdysone) is a naturally occurring muscle-building compound found in spinach, mushrooms, and asparagus. It can help support lean muscle mass.
Some research suggests it is even more effective than turkesterone.
Huge Supplements uses high-quality raw ingredient sourcing and complexes their ecdysterone with cyclodextrin to aid absorption.
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
Turkesterone May Be Slightly More Anabolic
One of the most notorious turkesterone studies is “Comparative experimental investigation of the anabolic activity of phytoecdysteroids and steranabols.”
This involved administering various compounds to rats in a range of ages and hormonal states (e.g. castrated and intact).
The study found that turkesterone led to the largest amount of weight gain in the test group, even more than dianabol (nerobol) and ecdysterone.
But not by that much.
Turkesterone led to a 63.5% increase in weight for puberal rats, while ecdysterone led to a 51.9% increase in weight.
So turkesterone may be slightly more anabolic than ecdysterone, but this comes with an important disclaimer.
Does this mean turkesterone is better than ecdysterone? Not necessarily.
Individuals respond differently to interventions and there is absolutely not enough research available at the moment to declare one is better than the other.
With the data and anecdotal accounts available to us, it’s reasonable to say that turkesterone and ecdysterone are roughly equivalent in terms of effects.
Finally restocked!
Dark Labs' Turkesterone supplement is standardized to 10% turkesterone, yielding 50 mg of pure turkesterone per 500 mg serving.
Dark Labs has provided a certificate of analysis for their product, proving its potency and that it is sourced directly from the turkesterone capital of the world: Uzbekistan.
Discount codes:
LV15 = 15% off at Muscle Factory
Turkesterone and Ecdysterone Similarities
Here are some of the similarities between turkesterone and ecdysterone.
They are Both Ecdysteroids
Ecdysteroids are steroid hormones primarily responsible for molting and development. Ecdysteroids are most commonly found in insections and some plants, like spinach and quinoa.
They are Both Not Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids
Neither turkesterone or ecdysterone are anabolic-androgenic steroids, meaning they do not bind to the androgen receptors and have fewer side effects, like liver toxicity.
They Both Have Similar Benefits
Turkesterone and ecdysterone both have some degree of research showing that they can promote lean muscle growth and increase muscle protein synthesis.
Turkesterone may be more anabolic than ecdysterone, but this needs to be studied further. There is no well-established consensus on this and an individual’s response to either compound may vary.
Turkesterone is an Analog of Ecdysterone
Turkesterone is actually an analog of 20-hydroxyecdysone, more commonly referred to as ecdysterone. In fact, it’s easy to see how similar these two compounds are by comparing their chemical structures.
Video: Turkesterone vs. Ecdysterone
If you’re inclined to watch than read, check out this video from Derek at More Plates More Dates on turkesterone vs ecdysterone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stack turkesterone and ecdysterone?
Yes, turkesterone and ecdysterone can be taken at the same time as a stack.
What are ecdysteroids?
Ecdysteroids are a class of steroid hormones primarily found in plants and insects. They have spiked interest in the bodybuilding and strength training communities for their potential to appear “…similar to anabolic steroids putatively without the androgenic effect.”
Do ecdysterone or turkesterone require PCT?
No, because neither ecdysterone or turkesterone are anabolic androgenic steroids, they do not need post cycle therapy supplements.
Do I need to cycle ecdysterone or turkesterone?
Based on available evidence, ecdysterone and turkesterone do not need to be cycled. With that said, they are expensive, and realistically they will offer diminishing returns over time. For that reason, many people do take breaks from using both supplements.
Is turkesterone different than creatine?
Yes, turkesterone and creatine are different types of compounds with different mechanisms of action. To learn more, check out our turkesterone vs creatine article.
Ecdysterone (20-Hydroxyecdysone) is a naturally occurring muscle-building compound found in spinach, mushrooms, and asparagus. It can help support lean muscle mass.
Some research suggests it is even more effective than turkesterone.
Huge Supplements uses high-quality raw ingredient sourcing and complexes their ecdysterone with cyclodextrin to aid absorption.
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
