Ajuga Turkestanica Root Extract
Also known as: Ajuga turkestanica Root Extract, Turkesterone, Ajuga turkestanica
Overview
Ajuga turkestanica is a herbaceous flowering plant belonging to the Lamiaceae (mint) family, traditionally utilized in Central Asia for its purported benefits related to cardiovascular health, muscle support, and gastrointestinal ailments. The root extract of this plant is particularly rich in phytoecdysteroids, with turkesterone being the most notable compound. These phytoecdysteroids are structurally similar to insect molting hormones but are reported to exert anabolic effects in mammals without the androgenic side effects typically associated with synthetic anabolic steroids. The extract is primarily marketed as a dietary supplement aimed at enhancing muscle mass and accelerating recovery. While preclinical research, including in vitro and animal studies, shows promising results regarding its muscle-supporting properties, human clinical data are currently limited. The overall quality of evidence is moderate, primarily stemming from preclinical investigations, with a scarcity of rigorous randomized controlled trials to substantiate its efficacy and safety in humans.
Benefits
The primary benefit of Ajuga turkestanica root extract (ATE) is its potential for muscle support and anabolic activity. In vitro studies have demonstrated that ATE can downregulate myostatin, a protein that inhibits muscle growth, and caspase-3, an enzyme involved in cellular apoptosis, suggesting a role in promoting muscle mass and reducing muscle breakdown. A significant advantage highlighted in preclinical research is its non-androgenic anabolic activity, meaning it may offer muscle benefits without the typical androgenic side effects associated with synthetic anabolic steroids. Animal studies further indicate that ATE can enhance muscle regeneration by increasing Notch and Wnt signaling pathways in aged skeletal muscle, which are crucial for muscle repair and regeneration. While traditional use and some phytochemical analyses suggest potential cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, robust clinical evidence for these secondary effects is currently lacking. ATE may be particularly beneficial for aging populations experiencing muscle loss (sarcopenia) due to its observed effects on muscle regeneration pathways. However, quantitative data are largely limited to in vitro observations, and no human randomized controlled trials with clinical endpoints have been published to confirm these benefits in humans.
How it works
Ajuga turkestanica root extract (ATE) exerts its effects primarily on skeletal muscle cells through several key biological pathways. Its main mechanism involves the downregulation of myostatin and caspase-3 genes, which collectively reduce muscle protein breakdown and cellular apoptosis, thereby promoting an anabolic environment. Additionally, ATE has been shown to activate the Notch and Wnt signaling pathways, which are critical for muscle stem cell activation and subsequent muscle regeneration. Unlike conventional anabolic steroids, ATE does not appear to activate androgen receptors, indicating a distinct mechanism of action that avoids androgenic side effects. The known molecular targets include myostatin gene expression, caspase-3, and components of the Notch and Wnt signaling pathways. Specific pharmacokinetic data regarding absorption and bioavailability in humans are not yet available, though phytoecdysteroids generally exhibit variable oral bioavailability.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Ajuga turkestanica root extract (ATE) is not fully established due to the limited availability of human clinical trials. Preclinical studies, including in vitro assays, have indicated no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 200 ppm and no androgenic activity or typical steroid-like side effects. However, common, uncommon, or rare side effects in humans are currently unknown and undocumented. There are no documented drug interactions, but caution is advised given the limited data. Contraindications for ATE use have not been established. Furthermore, the safety of ATE in special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals with chronic diseases is unknown and requires further research. Due to the lack of comprehensive human safety data, it is crucial to approach its use with caution and consult a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking other medications.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established minimum effective doses, optimal dosage ranges, or maximum safe doses for Ajuga turkestanica root extract (ATE) in humans due to the absence of clinical trials. Preclinical studies have utilized in vitro extract concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 200 ppm, which do not directly translate to human oral dosages. There are no specific timing considerations for administration, nor are there form-specific recommendations beyond the general advice to use extracts standardized for turkesterone content. Factors influencing absorption and potential cofactors that might enhance its efficacy have not been characterized. Given the lack of human data, any current dosage recommendations are speculative and based on anecdotal evidence or extrapolation from preclinical models. Users should exercise extreme caution and consult a healthcare professional before initiating supplementation, as the safety thresholds and efficacy in humans remain unconfirmed.
FAQs
Is Ajuga turkestanica extract anabolic?
Preclinical evidence suggests it has anabolic-like effects on muscle, promoting growth and reducing breakdown, but without the androgenic activity seen with traditional anabolic steroids.
Is it safe?
In vitro studies show safety at tested concentrations, but comprehensive human safety data are lacking. Its safety in humans, especially long-term, is not yet established.
How soon do effects appear?
Gene expression changes have been observed within hours in vitro. However, the time frame for noticeable clinical effects in humans is unknown due to a lack of human trials.
Does it act like steroids?
No, it does not. Preclinical research indicates no androgenic activity, meaning its mechanism of action is distinct from that of anabolic steroids, avoiding their typical side effects.
Research Sources
- https://scispace.com/pdf/phytochemical-pharmacological-and-biological-properties-of-1etm4qdcar.pdf – This is a comprehensive literature review summarizing the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and preliminary pharmacological data of Ajuga turkestanica. It supports potential muscle and cardiovascular benefits based on its bioactive compounds, but highlights the need for more clinical evidence.
- https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=26159 – This in vitro study investigated the effects of Ajuga turkestanica extract on C2C12 mouse myotube cells. It found no cytotoxicity, significant downregulation of myostatin and caspase-3, and no androgenic activity, suggesting anabolic potential without steroid-like side effects.
- https://www.europeanreview.org/article/7779 – This animal study explored the impact of Ajuga turkestanica extract on aged skeletal muscle. It demonstrated increased Notch and Wnt signaling pathways, which are crucial for muscle regeneration, providing mechanistic insight into its potential benefits for muscle repair.
