Ec8.0

Beta-Ecdysterone Research

26 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 8/10

Molecular Targets of 20-Hydroxyecdysone in Mammals, Mechanism of Action: Is It a Calorie Restriction Mimetic and Anti-Aging Compound?

Zádor E • Cells (2025)

The similarities with agents mimicking calorie restriction and anti-aging effects are also elucidated and discussed.

Various beneficial effects have been reported in vivo and in vitro for 20E and its related compounds in mammals.
Trials for the safety of clinical application showed a remarkably high tolerance in humans.
This review aims to assess the latest development in the involvement of various pathways in tissues and organs and look if it is plausible to find a single primary target of this compound.

Systematic Review

DOI

Endocrine Control of Lipid Metabolism

Krishnan N • Advances in experimental medicine and biology (2026)

The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

On the other hand, neuropeptides such as neuropeptide F, allatostatin-A, corazonin, leukokinin, tachykinins, limostatins, and insulin-like growth factor (ILP6) stimulate lipolysis.
This chapter briefly discusses the current knowledge of the endocrine regulation of lipid metabolism in insects that could be utilized to reveal differences between insects and mammalian lipid metabolism which may help understand human diseases associated with dysregulation of lipid metabolism.
Physiological similarities of insects to mammals make them valuable model systems for studying human diseases characterized by disrupted lipid metabolism, including conditions like diabetes, obesity, arteriosclerosis, and various metabolic syndromes.

Systematic Review

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Ecdysterone and Turkesterone-Compounds with Prominent Potential in Sport and Healthy Nutrition

Todorova V et al. • Nutrients (2024)

However, the therapeutic potential of phytoecdysteroid-rich extracts extends beyond sports nutrition, with promising applications in treating chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

The current review investigates the beneficial biological effects of ecdysterone and turkesterone in nutrition, highlighting their roles not only in enhancing athletic performance but also in the management of various health problems.
Plant-based diets, associated with various health benefits and environmental sustainability, often include sources rich in phytoecdysteroids.
However, the therapeutic potential of phytoecdysteroid-rich extracts extends beyond sports nutrition, with promising applications in treating chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Systematic Review

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Endocrine control of glycogen and triacylglycerol breakdown in the fly model

Gáliková M et al. • Seminars in cell & developmental biology (2023)

In this review, we focus on a selection of the most important catabolic regulators from the group of peptide hormones (Adipokinetic hormone, Corazonin), catecholamines (octopamine), steroid hormone...

In this review, we focus on a selection of the most important catabolic regulators from the group of peptide hormones (Adipokinetic hormone, Corazonin), catecholamines (octopamine), steroid hormones (20-hydroxyecdysone), and other factors (extracellular adenosine, regulators of lipase Brummer).
We discuss their roles in the mobilization of energy reserves for processes such as development through non-feeding stages, flight or starvation survival.
Finally, we conclude with future perspectives on the energy balance research in the fly model.

Systematic Review

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Phytoecdysteroids: Distribution, Structural Diversity, Biosynthesis, Activity, and Crosstalk with Phytohormones

Arif Y et al. • International journal of molecular sciences (2022)

In humans, PEs display biological, pharmacological, and medicinal properties, such as anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and tissue differentiation activity.

In plants, PEs play a potent role in enhancing tolerance against insects and nematodes via their allelochemical activity, which increases plant biological and metabolic responses.
PEs promote enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems, which decrease reactive oxygen species in the form of superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals and reduce malondialdehyde content.
PEs also induce protein biosynthesis and modulate carbohydrate and lipid synthesis.

Systematic Review

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20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling as a promising target for the chemical control of malaria vectors

Ekoka E et al. • Parasites & vectors (2021)

Finally, we discuss the potential of using chemicals targeting 20E signaling to control malaria vectors.

However, in the last few years, promising results have been obtained by applying methoxyfenozide or halofenozide (two compounds that boost 20E signaling) to Anopheles populations at different phases of their life-cycle.
In addition, preliminary studies suggest that methoxyfenozide resistance is unstable, causing the insects substantial fitness costs, thereby potentially circumventing one of the biggest challenges faced by current vector control efforts.
In this review, we first describe the 20E signaling pathway in mosquitoes and then summarize the mechanisms whereby 20E signaling regulates the physiological processes associated with vector competence and vector abundance.

Systematic Review

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G protein-coupled receptors function as cell membrane receptors for the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone

Zhao XF • Cell communication and signaling : CCS (2020)

This systematic-review examined the effects of Beta-Ecdysterone.

GPCRs can bind 20E in the cell membrane and after being isolated, suggesting GPCRs as cell membrane receptors of 20E.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

Systematic Review

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Assessing herbal products with health claims

Lapenna S et al. • Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2015)

We call for additional research to validate the safety and health-promoting properties of PEs and other herbal compounds, for the benefit of all consumers.

To illustrate the latter, we focus on phytoecdysteroid (PE)-containing preparations, generally sold to sportsmen and bodybuilders.
We review the limited published scientific evidence that supports claims for these products in humans.
In addition, we model the in silico binding between different PEs and human nuclear receptors and discuss the implications of these putative bindings in terms of the mechanism of action of this family of compounds.

Systematic Review

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Ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Ajuga iva (L.,) schreb

Bouyahya A et al. • Journal of ethnopharmacology (2020)

A. iva extracts especially from the leaves showed significant antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-hypercholesterolemia, and analgesic effects.

A. iva extracts especially from the leaves showed significant antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-hypercholesterolemia, and analgesic effects.
Future studies are required to validate the results of clinical trials on A. iva antidiabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemia, antioxidant/anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties.
Toxicological validation and pharmacokinetics investigation are necessary to validate the efficacy and safety A. iva extracts and its secondary metabolites.

Systematic Review

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Traditional Chinese medicine formulas for the treatment of osteoporosis: Implication for antiosteoporotic drug discovery

Zhang ND et al. • Journal of ethnopharmacology (2016)

Clinical practice and animal experiments indicate that TCM formulas provide a definite therapeutic effect on osteoporosis.

Clinical practice and animal experiments indicate that TCM formulas provide a definite therapeutic effect on osteoporosis.
The active constituents in TCM formulas are diverse in chemical structure, and include flavonoids, lignans, saponins and iridoid glycosides.
Antiosteoporotic mechanism of TCM formulas and herbs involves multi regulatory pathways, such as Wnt/β-catenin, BMP/Smad, MAPK pathway and RANKL/OPG system.

Systematic Review

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Physiological Effects Associated with Quinoa Consumption and Implications for Research Involving Humans: a Review

Simnadis TG et al. • Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands) (2015)

The role of quinoa as an antioxidant is still unclear and requires further elucidation in animal models.

Purported physiological effects of quinoa consumption included decreased weight gain, improved lipid profile and improved capacity to respond to oxidative stress.
These physiological effects were attributed to the presence of saponins, protein and 20-hydroxyecdysone in the quinoa seed.
The implications of these findings are that human studies should investigate the impact of quinoa consumption on weight gain and lipid levels.

Systematic Review

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Paris polyphylla: chemical and biological prospectives

Negi JS et al. • Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry (2014)

Consequently, this review will be helpful to the researcher and scientist for further research.

This article aims to provide an overview on chemical and biological prospective of P. polyphylla.
Several biological activities such as anticancerous, antitumor, cytotoxic, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antiangiogenic, immunostimulating, contractile and hemostatic have also been reported.
Consequently, this review will be helpful to the researcher and scientist for further research.

Systematic Review

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The Drosophila IMD pathway in the activation of the humoral immune response

Kleino A et al. • Developmental and comparative immunology (2014)

During the last two decades, significant progress has been made in identifying the components and deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathway, including the means of bacterial sens...

During the last two decades, significant progress has been made in identifying the components and deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathway, including the means of bacterial sensing and signal transduction.
While these findings have contributed to the understanding of the immune signaling in insects, they have also provided new insights in studying the mammalian NF-κB signaling pathways.
Here, we summarize the current view of the IMD pathway focusing on how it regulates the humoral immune response of Drosophila.

Systematic Review

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[20-Hydroxyecdysone--plant adaptogen: an anabolic effect, possible use in sports nutrition]

Volodin VV et al. • Voprosy pitaniia (2013)

The prospects of using the 20-hydroxyecdysone in the composition of food supplements and specialized products for athletes are discussed.

The features of adaptogenic effect of phytoecdysteroids, polyhydroxylated sterols, which are analogs of hormones of molting and metamorphosis of arthropodas, and are structurally similar to glucocorticoids on the example of the most widely studied phytoecdysteroid--20-hydroxyecdysone--are described.
The results of studies of anabolic action of 20-hydroxyecdysone in experiments on laboratory animals and the possible explanation (existing in the modern scientific literature) of the mechanism of this phenomenon are discussed.
Scientific publication testifying on the application of phytoecdysteroids to remove chronic fatigue syndrome, reducing nerve and muscle fatigue, improve memory and attention processes are presented.

Systematic Review

Ecdysterone and its activity on some degenerative diseases

Cahlíková L et al. • Natural product communications (2011)

Because of these properties, ecdysterone has the potential to be developed as a medicinal agent.

Beside ecdysone (1), ecdysterone (2) is one of the most common 5beta-cholest-7-en-6-one (ecdysteroid) derivatives, which, besides having a hormonal effect on invertebrates, possesses a number of favorable non-hormonal biological effects on mammals.
The most interesting of these is that on degenerative diseases, one of which, up to now not clarified in detail, is the so-called adaptogenic effect (protection of the organism against adverse stress factors) associated with anabolic, gastroprotective, and antioxidant effects.
A second group of favorable effects is the possibility of suppression of neurodegenerative processes and protection of the cardiovascular system (metabolic syndrome symptom suppression, antidiabetic activity, and protection of heart and blood vessels).

Systematic Review

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Developing new drugs that activate the protective arm of the renin-angiotensin system as a potential treatment for respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients

Latil M et al. • Drug discovery today (2021)

The clinical picture of COVID-19, and the fact that Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a receptor of SARS-CoV-2, suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection induces an imbalance in the renin-angioten...

The clinical picture of COVID-19, and the fact that Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a receptor of SARS-CoV-2, suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection induces an imbalance in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).
We review clinical strategies that are attempting to rebalance the RAS in COVID-19 patients by using ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or agonists of angiotensin-II receptor type 2 or Mas receptor (MasR).

Systematic Reviewn=19

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BIO101 in Sarcopenic Seniors at Risk of Mobility Disability: Results of a Double-Blind Randomised Interventional Phase 2b Trial

Fielding RA et al. • Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle (2025)

After 6 to 9 months of treatment, BIO101 350 mg bid showed strong trends consistent with a clinically relevant effect on the 400MWT GS, close to the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in sarcopenia (0.1 m/s).

A total of 233 participants were randomised (mean age 75.5 ± 7.12; 54.3% female), of whom 232 and 156 were included in the full analysis set (FAS) and per-protocol (PP) populations, respectively.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, 55% of on-site end-of-treatment efficacy assessments were lost, reducing the studies' power.
BIO101 showed a good safety profile at both doses (number of subjects with related treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of 13 (16.0%), 10 (13.3%) and 10 (13.5%) in the placebo, 175 mg and 350 mg BIO101 groups, respectively).

RCTn=233

DOI

How reliable is the labeling of a commercial phytosteroid product? A 12-week randomized double-blind training study

Dissemond J et al. • Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2025)

This study demonstrated that the prescribed resistance training protocol resulted in significant anabolic and performance-enhancing effects that did not differ between groups.

Significant improvements in 1-RM SQ and BP were observed across both groups, indicating a time but no specific group effect.
Similarly, significant time effects without group effects were found for FFM, MM, FM and muscle thickness (anterior quadriceps femoris at 30%, lateral quadriceps femoris at 50% and PM).
Subsequent analyses of the supplement revealed that less than 1% of the claimed 20E concentration and 10.4% of the claimed DSG concentration were present in the capsules.

RCTn=28

DOI

Synergistic Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Asparagus officinalis L. Root Extract Supplementation on Metabolic Regulation, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Overweight and Obese Adults

Prasertsri P et al. • International journal of molecular sciences (2025)

These findings suggest that combining HIIT with ARE supplementation produces synergistic improvements in oxidative and inflammatory status, whereas HIIT alone primarily enhances metabolic regulation in overweight and obese individuals.

The HIIT protocol comprised a modified Tabata regimen of progressive bodyweight intervals at 80-90% and 40-50% of maximal perceived exertion, performed three times per week for 12 weeks.
Compared with the CON group, the HIIT group showed significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC), the TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) ratio, and blood glucose levels, alongside significant increases in HDLC and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (all p < 0.05).
The COM group demonstrated significant decreases in protein carbonyls and interleukin-6 levels and in the TC/HDLC ratio (all p < 0.05) as well as a significant increase in SOD activity (p = 0.002).

RCTn=76

DOI

A Phase 1 study for safety and pharmacokinetics of BIO101 (20-hydroxyecdysone) in healthy young and older adults

Dioh W et al. • Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle (2023)

BIO101 shows a good safety and pharmacokinetic profile that led to the selection of doses for the subsequent interventional clinical trials of Phase 2 in age-related sarcopenia (SARA-INT) and Phase 3 in Covid-19 (COVA).

Mean plasma exposure was slightly lower in older adults (22% lower for Cmax and 13%-15% lower for AUCs) compared with young subjects.
BIO101 shows a good safety and pharmacokinetic profile that led to the selection of doses for the subsequent interventional clinical trials of Phase 2 in age-related sarcopenia (SARA-INT) and Phase 3 in Covid-19 (COVA).
Further research warranted to confirm findings

RCTn=34

DOI

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