InfoSynergy
Creatine
Creatine has stronger evidence and may complement any experimental anabolic signaling from ecdysterone.
Recommendation: Use creatine as the evidence-based foundation and treat ecdysterone as optional experimental add-on.
Ecdysterone
Other ·Emerging evidence ·Reviewed May 2026
Ecdysterone is a plant and insect steroid-like compound marketed for strength and lean mass gains. Human evidence is limited and product quality is a major concern, with some studies finding label inaccuracies. Competitive athletes should note that ecdysterone is on the WADA 2026 Monitoring Program, not the Prohibited List, and should still check sport-specific rules and contamination risk before use.
What it's good for
What to watch for
- GI upset
- Headache
- Unknown endocrine or long-term effects
- Competitive athletes should check current WADA and sport-specific rules before use
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data
The bottom line
Evidence rating emerging. Most-documented uses: may support lean mass or strength in limited human research, non-stimulant performance supplement, may influence protein synthesis signaling in preclinical studies. 3 sources indexed (2015–2026), with 3 interaction records on file.
The science
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Ecdysterone does not act like classic androgenic anabolic steroids, but preclinical work suggests effects on estrogen receptor beta, PI3K/Akt signaling, and protein synthesis pathways. Human data are sparse and complicated by supplement standardization problems. Potential anabolic signaling does not establish long-term safety or freedom from anti-doping concerns.1,2
Class
Phytoecdysteroid anabolic-signaling compound
Found in food
Spinach contains very small amounts, Quinoa contains trace phytoecdysteroids, Rhaponticum and Cyanotis extracts are supplement sources
Low-status signs
None - ecdysterone is not an essential nutrient and has no deficiency state
Absorption
Water-soluble; take with food
Dosing
Dosing & protocol.
Common range
100-500 mg/day ecdysterone is common in supplements, but product content is often unreliable
Recommended form
Third-party-tested product with verified ecdysterone content
Human pharmacokinetics and optimal timing are not well established. Take with food for tolerability and use only verified products.1
Forms
Forms & what to buy.
Ranked by evidence and value.
Verified Ecdysterone Capsule Recommended
Third-party assay is essential because labels can be inaccurate. Take with meals.
Rhaponticum Extract
May contain ecdysteroids but standardization varies. Take with food.
Cyanotis Extract
Often marketed as high ecdysterone; adulteration and assay concerns exist. Take with meals.
Cost
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Verified ecdysterone capsule.
BudgetBest value
$18 /mo
$0.60 per dose
Mid
$39 /mo
$1.30 per dose
Premium
$84 /mo
$2.80 per dose
Assayed products cost more; unverified inexpensive products may not contain label-claimed ecdysterone. Updated 2026-06-04.
Goals
Goal-based dosing.
Experimental Strength Support
Dose: 100-500 mg/day verified ecdysterone1
Timing: Daily with meals during training block
Evidence is limited and should not replace protein, creatine, or training fundamentals.
Lean Mass Support
Dose: 200 mg/day verified content1
Timing: With a protein-containing meal
Track body composition and strength objectively.
Why people use it
Symptoms it's matched to.
Where this appears in the symptom-to-supplement map, ranked by relevance.
Difficulty gaining muscle
28% relevance
May influence anabolic signaling, but human evidence is limited.1,2
MusculoskeletalEmerging evidenceVerified ecdysterone capsule
Protein, creatine, and training have stronger support.
Low strength gains
25% relevance
Limited trial evidence suggests possible strength support.1
AthleticEmerging evidenceThird-party-tested product
Track objective performance.
Stimulant-free performance support
20% relevance
Non-stimulant but experimental anabolic-marketed ingredient.1,2
AthleticInsufficient evidenceVerified capsule
Consider anti-doping context.
Safety
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- GI upset
- Headache
- Unknown endocrine or long-term effects
- Risk of adulteration or inaccurate label content
- Potential anti-doping concern for tested athletes
Contraindications
- Competitive athletes should check current WADA and sport-specific rules before use
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data
- Hormone-sensitive conditions should use caution because human endocrine safety is not well defined
- Adolescents should avoid anabolic-marketed supplements1,2
- Avoid products without independent testing3
Interactions
Interaction records.
InfoSynergy
Vitamin D3
Adequate vitamin D supports muscle function when deficient, but direct ecdysterone synergy is unproven.
Recommendation: Correct deficiency rather than using high-dose vitamin D indiscriminately.
ModerateCaution
Green Tea Extract
Stacking multiple concentrated performance extracts increases uncertainty around liver safety and product adulteration.
Recommendation: Use third-party-tested products and avoid high-dose extract stacks if liver risk is present.
Sources
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Randomized controlled trials
1- 1Ecdysteroids as non-conventional anabolic agent: performance enhancement by ecdysterone supplementation in humansNeeds sourceNo linkIsenmann E et al. · Archives of Toxicology · 2019
Ecdysterone supplementation was associated with performance and body composition changes, but supplement content and regulatory implications require caution.
Reviews & position papers
1- 2Ecdysteroids: a novel class of anabolic agents?Needs sourceNo linkParr MK et al. · Biology of Sport · 2015
Review summarized anabolic potential and the rationale for anti-doping monitoring.
Reference material
1- 3The 2026 Monitoring ProgramNeeds sourceNo linkWorld Anti-Doping Agency · WADA · 2026
Ecdysterone is monitored for misuse potential in 2026 but is not listed as prohibited by WADA.
Keep exploring
Deep dives & adjacent profiles.
This page is educational. Do not start, stop, or change a supplement or medication based on it without checking with a qualified healthcare professional.
Use this with your stack
Ecdysterone in NutriStack.
Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.