Performance Enhancement by Ecdysteroids: A Double-blind and Placebo Controlled Study on the Training Efficacy of Ecdysterone

Code: 25T03MP

Ecdysterone was demonstrated to exhibit anabolic properties in-vitro and in-vivo (doi10.3390/nu16091382). Thus, ecdysterone supplements are gaining more and more attention in the sports community. In humans, a study funded by WADA (WADA15C18MP, doi10.1007/s00204-019-02490-x) already demonstrated performance enhancement in young man.

To further substantiate the effects and to support an inclusion of ecdysterone in the Prohibited List, the ListEAG suggested to perform additional experiments. A double-blind placebo-controlled intervention trial in humans will be conducted with ecdysterone supplementation in combination with a structured supervised resistance training over 12 weeks in resistance-trained males. Based on previous findings, the study will focus on resistance training and anabolic effects of ecdysterone. A standardized test battery for muscle strength will be used to evaluate potential performance enhancement based on the recommendations of NSCA recommendations with additional on individual muscle thickness etc.

Recovery measures and mechanistic investigations are also added to complement the study. Nutrition will be monitored and all groups are explicitly checked for sufficient protein intake.