Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has become popular worldwide because it supplies protein, fiber, and many vital micronutrients. Researchers have become particularly interested in learning whether quinoa contains ecdysterone, a natural compound found in plants that is believed to aid muscle growth and help with metabolism. Does quinoa contain ecdysterone?
What Is Ecdysterone?
Ecdysterone is one of the phytoecdysteroids that resemble the hormones that control the molt cycle in insects. The main task of phytochemicals in plants is to keep herbivores away. Human studies suggest that ecdysterone might increase muscle endurance and recovery without the harmful side effects seen with other synthetic drugs.
People have identified phytoecdysteroids mainly in Rhaponticum carthamoides (Leuzea), Spinacia oleracea (spinach), and Cyanotis vaga. While quinoa has been certified organic, recent research shows it is also rich in ecdysterone.
Ecdysterone in Quinoa
Multiple studies have confirmed that quinoa contains ecdysterone in its seeds and leaves, though Laboratory research has proven that quinoa seeds and leaves carry ecdysterone, with the amount differing according to plant selection, how the plant was grown, and when it was picked. Analytical methods using HPLC and mass spectrometry reveal that ecdysterone is the main phytoecdysteroid in quinoa.
Even though quinoa has fewer active substances than extracts found in other plants, it still has enough to be considered a helpful food with unusual health benefits. It was also observed that various species of quinoa seeds included measurable amounts of ecdysterone, from 138 to 276 µg per 100 grams of dry material, depending on the cultivar and growing situations.
Functional Benefits Beyond Nutrition
Although quinoa is already known for its amino acid quality, fiber, and minerals, ecdysterone gives it additional qualities. Many studies have explored what ecdysterone can do.
Increase the production of lean muscle and protein in your body
Improve your ability to exercise for longer and recover quicker
assists in controlling how the body uses energy.
Adjust how stress and the immune system function
Because of these benefits, quinoa is popular as a daily staple for plant-based eaters and is also being added to sports nutrition and wellness products.
Comparison to Other Ecdysterone Sources
Whereas ecdysterone can be found in quinoa, its quantity is much lower than in special botanical extracts. For example:
Cyanotis vaga root may include up to 2% ecdysterone.
Usually, Leuzea carthamoides root powder is found to contain somewhere between 0.5 and 1.0% ecdysterone.
Spinach leaves bought fresh may hold up to 10–20 mg/kg of ecdysterone.
Quinoa provides a naturally occurring and food-grade supply of this compound. Though it's not a good source for high-dose use, including it in your diet regularly improves the function of foods over time.
Implications for Product Development
For companies making food and nutraceuticals, quinoa's healthy ecdysterone can help create formulations that active consumers are looking for. Quinoa in high-protein bars or recovery drinks, as well as plant-based meal replacements, can give consumers much-needed macronutrients, fiber, and bioactives all at one time.
Furthermore, since quinoa is so often tolerated, it gives product developers a chance to make their items suited for people with gluten restrictions, vegetarians, or those with allergies and benefit from the grain's added health benefits.
Does quinoa contain ecdysterone?
Quinoa does include ecdysterone, but the levels found are much less than what's present in official ecdysterone extracts. However, its availability gives quinoa both better taste and more important nutrients. People looking for natural solutions and product makers recognize that quinoa naturally contains ecdysterone, helping to achieve better muscle health and healthy metabolism.
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References
Baltaev, U. A. (2020). Ecdysteroids: Structure, biological activity, and biosynthesis in plants. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology, 67(3), 461–475. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1021443720030022
Parshad, O., & Caputo, L. (2019). Phytoecdysteroids in quinoa: Detection and quantification. Food Chemistry, 298, 125022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125022
Isenmann, E., et al. (2019). Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agents: Performance-enhancing effects of spinach-derived 20-hydroxyecdysone. Archives of Toxicology, 93, 1807–1816. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-019-02490-x
Zhou, X., et al. (2021). Determination of phytoecdysteroids in cereals using LC-MS/MS. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 69(17), 5123–5131. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.1c00590
