Ecdysterone

The 2019 Isenmann study showed striking hypertrophy results, but it has not been independently replicated and WADA added it to the monitoring list. Promising but unconfirmed.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

The Isenmann et al. 2019 RCT reported significant lean mass and bench press gains at 800 mg/day over 10 weeks—effect sizes that rivalled anabolic agents. However, the study had limitations and has not been replicated. WADA placed ecdysterone on its 2020 monitoring programme.

• Significant lean mass gains in one RCT
• Non-hormonal mechanism (doesn't bind androgen receptor)
• Good safety profile in available data

200–800 mg/day in the Isenmann study. Product standardisation is unreliable.

• No significant side effects reported
• Product quality concerns

Product purity varies wildly—independent testing shows many products contain far less ecdysterone than labelled.

A single unreplicated study with unusually large effect sizes should be interpreted cautiously. WADA monitoring does not mean it's banned or proven effective.

• Muscle38