Ecdysterone, a naturally occurring ecdysteroid hormone, is attracting attention in health and fitness markets for what it does in non-insect animals. Although first found in insects as a hormone that controls molting, ecdysterone is also found in certain plants, suggesting it began as a plant's defense against pests and other threats. Now, because ecdysterone is in both plants and animals, it is playing a role in many supplements and sports products. It is important to know where ecdysterone comes from naturally to use it best in different sectors.
Where Is Ecdysterone Found?
One excellent source of useful botanicals is Rhaponticum carthamoides, also called maral root. Since Siberia is very cold, maral root can build up large quantities of ecdysterone in both its roots and its tall parts. In addition, Ajuga turkestanica, a perennial from Central Asia, is known for having a specific type of ecdysterone, Turkesterone, which is different from others.
The common spinach (Spinacia oleracea) contains small amounts of ecdysterone. Though the amount of the compound is smaller in culinary herbs, including them in daily eating offers it in small doses. Since Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa) has useful amounts of fiber and protein, it too contains little but detectable amounts of ecdysteroids.
Cyanotis arachnoidea, which is often used in Chinese medicine, is another strong source. Most of the ecdysterone used in supplements is standardized from its roots, as their roots contain a lot and are easy to extract.
Methods of Extraction and Standardization
Finding ecdysterone in plants needs unique methods to keep it pure and effective. Using solvent extraction followed by chromatography is the usual practice in isolation. You can find standardized extracts in many forms, but most commercial applications use those that are 2%, 10%, or stronger. The intended use for capsules, powders, beverages, or tablets influences which source and purity level manufacturers prefer.
Industrial Applications of Ecdysterone
1. Sports Nutrition
You can often find ecdysterone in supplements used both before a workout and for recovery. People choose it because it works for lean muscle and performance, without messing with hormones, unlike anabolic substances made in labs.
2. Dietary Supplements
Wellness supplements often include ecdysterone to strengthen your energy, keep metabolism balanced, and improve your body's resiliency. Most of the time, adaptogens are mixed with additional herbal extracts to produce greater results.
3. Helps Keep the Mind Sharp
These products use ecdysterone, a recent addition to skincare, which is said to strengthen the skin and keep it hydrated thanks to its adaptogenic nature.
4. The science of caring for animals' nutrition
Researchers are looking into ecdysterone for animal nutrition, mainly for animals and pets in stressful situations. Because adaptogens help animals adjust to different conditions, It has benefits for your pet's energy and well-being.
5. Agriculture and Pest Management
Because of its role in acting against insects, ecdysterone has become the subject of experiments in environment-friendly farming.
Global Market and Supply Trends
Most of the world's ecdysterone is produced by cultivating key plants and by harvesting them from nature. Raw materials are mainly collected in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, but China and India lead in extraction and large-scale supplies. Interest in using natural ways to boost performance and adaptogenic plants is increasing in demand. Many places are reviewing ecdysterone more closely, yet because it's still recognized as a natural substance in some regions, it is still easily available to buyers.
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FAQ
Q1: What plant parts have the most ecdysterone?
A1: Plants Rhaponticum carthamoides and Ajuga turkestanica naturally have high amounts and are often used in industry for their extraction.
Q2: Does spinach contain ecdysterone?
A2: Spinach does have ecdysterone, although in much smaller quantities than you'd find in specialized herbs.
Q3: Is it possible to get ecdysterone from animal products?
A3: This compound is abundant in insects naturally; however, because it is so hard to access and is frowned upon, it isn't processed from animal sources.
Q4: Is it okay to use ecdysterone every day?
A4: Yes, most people handle ecdysterone well, as long as they don't take more than recommended. Talk to a health expert before you begin a supplement.
Q5: What makes ecdysterone different from Turkesterone?
A5: The compound called Turkesterone is found mainly within Ajuga plants. Although the structure is different on a molecular level, both have similar properties.
References
Lafont, R., & Dinan, L. (2003). Practical uses for ecdysteroids in mammals including humans: An update. Journal of Insect Science, 3(7), 1–30.
Isenmann, E., Ambrosio, G., Joseph, J. F., et al. (2019). Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agents: Performance enhancement by ecdysterone supplementation. Archives of Toxicology, 93(7), 1807–1816.
Dinan, L., & Lafont, R. (2006). Effects and applications of arthropod steroid hormones in mammals. Journal of Endocrinology, 191(1), 1–8.
Sláma, K., & Lafont, R. (1995). Insect hormones-ecdysteroids: Their presence and functions in vertebrates. European Journal of Entomology, 92, 355–377.
Gorelick-Feldman, J., Maclean, D., et al. (2008). Phytoecdysteroids increase protein synthesis in skeletal muscle cells. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 56(10), 3532–3537.
