I don't give a fuck about rat studies. Are you a rat? These studies have zero relevance.
There is zero scientific evidence your supplements do anything for a bodybuilder. The end.
Complete garbage.
HUMAN STUDIES!!Increase Protein Synthesis
Studies conducted in the Soviet Union in 1988 suggested ecdysterone helps "increase hepatic protein synthesis and subsequently promote positive nitrogen balance". How does this lead to more muscle mass? Simply: "the more nitrogen your body maintains and the greater rate of protein synthesis, the more mass, period." How, exactly, does ecdysterone do this? V. Smetanin, researcher of the Smolenk State Medical Institute in Russia speculates that ecdysterone decreases urea concentration in the body and increases hemoglobin levels by increasing a process called erythropoiesis. Erythropoiesis is the development of mature red blood cells. This leads to a stimulation of the anabolic process in protein metabolism, which in turn leads to a positive nitrogen balance in the body.
Increase Lean Muscle While Reducing Body Fat:
The most often quoted ecdysterone scientific study was published in Scientific Sports Bulletin by S. Simakin in 1988. The objective of Simakin's famous study was to determine the effect of ecdysterone on muscle tissue mass and fat mass, while testing for hormonal changes in the subjects. For the study, three control factors were used: a placebo, protein, and ecdysterone with protein. The results were significantly in favor of the third factor. Of the 78 highly trained male and female athletes who consumed just protein, they suggested only a slight increase in muscle mass.
Those who used a placebo lost a slight amount of lean muscle, while those who used protein plus ecdysterone saw an increase in lean muscle tissue with nearly a reduction in fat! Let me say that again: A reduction in fat and an increase in lean muscle tissue. Safety testing was conducted during the same time period which saw no difference in hormonal balance. Wow, if ecdysterone plus protein can do this for highly trained athletes, just think what it can do for the average person!
Increase Stamina, Endurance, And Energy:
Ecdysterone was tested in another study performed in 1986 by B.Ya Smetanin. For this research, 117 highly trained speed skaters between the ages of 18 and 28 were tested for work capacity, body weight, lung capacity and VO2 max. The results speak for themselves: all of the said parameters increased as well as an increase in the O2 pulse max and an increase in the exhalation of CO2. Basically, they received more oxygen to their cells! This equates to decreasing recovery time, maximizing performance, permitting optimal muscle anabolism and maximum fat reduction. It also means the athletes using ecdysterone compared to those on a placebo experienced increased stamina, endurance and energy.
That's not all! A study conducted using 112 athletes performed by B.G. Fadeev in Russia suggested some very impressive overall results. However, by this time, the results should come as no surprise. 89% of those who supplemented with ecdysterone versus a placebo reported less fatigue, greater performance, more motivation, greater speed, and improved strength. How long did it take before these athletes reported these effects? Months? Weeks? No, five days. To make matters even better, no adverse side effects were reported.