If you’ve been exploring natural supplements to enhance your weightlifting performance, you’ve likely encountered turkesterone – a plant-derived compound that’s generated significant buzz in fitness communities. But, does turkesterone actually increase testosterone levels, or is this claim based more on marketing than science?
The Bottom Line: Current scientific evidence shows that turkesterone does not increase testosterone levels in humans. Instead, this plant steroid appears to work through entirely different pathways, and even then, research suggests its effects may be minimal or nonexistent.
This comprehensive guide examines the latest research on turkesterone’s relationship with testosterone and hormone levels, helping you make an informed decision about whether this supplement deserves a place in your fitness regimen. We’ll explore the mechanisms behind turkesterone, analyze human studies, and separate fact from fiction in the supplement industry’s latest trend.
Does Turkesterone Increase Testosterone Levels?
The straightforward answer is no – turkesterone does not increase testosterone levels. This conclusion is supported by multiple lines of evidence:
Human Study Evidence
The first human study specifically examining turkesterone was published in 2024, involving 31 active individuals who took 500mg daily for four weeks. This investigation found no physiologic effect from turkesterone supplementation on body composition.
Earlier research on related compounds supports this finding. In 2006, a study with 45 lifters compared ecdysteroids to placebo over 8 weeks of supplementation. There was no improvement in muscle or strength versus placebo, and importantly, there was no change in testosterone either.
Turkesterone Mechanisms of Action
Turkesterone doesn’t increase testosterone but instead works by activating the Estrogen Receptor Beta. Different studies have actually proven that the Estrogen Receptor Beta is responsible for muscle growth and regeneration when activated.
This represents a fundamentally different pathway than testosterone enhancement. Unlike traditional anabolic steroids, turkesterone does not amplify testosterone levels, meaning no suppression occurs following use, which eliminates risk of certain side effects.
Expert Consensus on Test Levels and Turkesterone Supplements
Derek from More Plates More Dates highlighted that turkesterone doesn’t increase testosterone, which goes against claims made by some influencers. Anecdotal bloodwork shows no change in testosterone, and it also has not been found to suppress natural production either.
Recent research specifically investigating turkesterone’s effects on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and resting metabolic rate failed to reveal any significant effects for serum IGF-1, RMR, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism.
What Is Turkesterone and How Does It Work?
Turkesterone is a phytoecdysteroid – essentially a plant version of steroid hormones found in insects and arthropods. Naturally occurring in plants including Rhaponticum carthamoides, Spinacia oleracea (spinach), Chenopodium quinoa (quinoa), and Ajuga turkestanica, turkesterone has been recognized for its potential advantages in both general health and athletic performance.
The compound’s structure bears a resemblance to testosterone, which has led to speculation about its anabolic properties. When we look at the chemical structure of phytoecdysteroids, specifically turkesterone and testosterone, they look very similar since turkesterone is synthesized by plants from cholesterol – the same backbone of steroid hormones found in humans.
However, similarity in structure doesn’t guarantee similarity in function. It was found that phytoecdysteroids do not bind to steroid receptors in humans or alter natural production, instead they act as influencers to signal pathways like protein synthesis.
How Does Turkesterone Affect Hormone Levels?
While turkesterone doesn’t boost testosterone, understanding its interaction with other hormonal pathways provides insight into how this compound might theoretically work.
Although not statistically significant, serum IGF-1 concentrations showed non-significant increases with both turkesterone conditions and remained elevated when compared with placebo. IGF-1 is an important hormone for muscle growth and recovery, though these preliminary findings require more robust research for confirmation.
Stress Response
In a stress-induced mouse model, ecdysterone and turkesterone were found to prevent stress-related consequences and restore immunological activity. This suggests potential benefits for managing exercise-induced stress, though human applications remain unproven.
Metabolic Effects of Turkesterone
Turkesterone exhibited beneficial effects on the endocrine and exocrine function in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, suggesting its potential therapeutic application in diabetes management. However, translating animal research to human applications requires significant caution.
The Reality of Turkesterone Research
The current state of turkesterone research reveals a significant gap between marketing claims and scientific evidence.
The current investigation is the first to assess the effects of turkesterone, a type of ecdysteroid, on humans. Based on the current investigation, there is no evidence that turkesterone supplementation improves body composition.
This lack of human research is particularly concerning given the supplement’s popularity. Since there is no human research on turkesterone, all we can do is look at animal research or research on ecdysteroids.
Questionable Study Quality of Turkesterone
The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) considers many ecdysteroid studies unreliable because they weren’t published in reputable journals, the design of the studies was subpar, the results were poorly presented, and they weren’t conducted on humans.
Common Misconceptions About Turkesterone
Several myths have emerged around turkesterone that deserve clarification:
Myth 1: Turkesterone works like anabolic steroids
Despite turkesterone having a similar structure to other steroids, it may not interact with human androgen receptors in the same way.
Myth 2: More expensive means more effective
As of 2021, turkesterone is an expensive supplement to produce and purchase, but manufacturers believe that in the coming years technological advances should allow for the price to come down. High cost doesn’t correlate with proven efficacy.
Myth 3: Animal studies guarantee human benefits
There is no definitive evidence on the translation of animal study results to human studies. What works in rodents doesn’t automatically work in humans.
Alternative Approaches for Natural Testosterone Support
Since turkesterone doesn’t increase testosterone, consider evidence-based alternatives:
Lifestyle Factors:
- Adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly)
- Resistance training with compound movements
- Maintaining healthy body weight
- Stress management techniques
Nutritional Support:
- Sufficient protein intake (0.8-1.2g per pound of body weight)
- Adequate healthy fats (20-35% of total calories)
- Zinc and vitamin D optimization through diet or supplementation
Proven Supplements:
- Creatine monohydrate for strength and power
- Whey protein for muscle protein synthesis
- Vitamin D3 if deficient
Should You Use Turkesterone For Hormone Enhancement?
Given the current evidence, turkesterone appears to be another example of supplement industry hype outpacing scientific validation. Dr. Eric Trexler, who has published over 30 strength and hypertrophy studies, states: “At this time, there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that turkesterone enhances increases in strength or muscle mass in humans.”
While turkesterone doesn’t increase testosterone and shows minimal evidence for other benefits, the supplement industry continues to market it aggressively. The perceived benefits of turkesterone may in part be attributed to the placebo effect. Individual responses to supplements can vary widely due to genetics, diet, training regimen, and other lifestyle factors.
Before considering turkesterone:
- Focus on proven fundamentals: consistent training, adequate nutrition, and proper recovery
- Consider established supplements with robust human research
- Consult with a healthcare provider familiar with sports nutrition
- Be skeptical of bold claims lacking peer-reviewed human studies
