Plant and natural anabolic agents (part one)

Author: Timko Ilya - master of the whole project and fitness trainer.
2011-02-13

Important! We do not advocate for the use of steroids and other potent substances. All information is provided so that those who still decide to take them can do so with minimal health risks.

Plant-based medications have found widespread use in sports, particularly in strength sports. They typically possess relatively mild anabolic effects, but in terms of enhancing performance, they can surpass many synthetic products. The main function of plant anabolic agents (PAAs) is to increase the activity of the body's own anabolic systems by enhancing the effects of insulin, gonadotropic hormone, and growth hormone (GH).

From these natural anabolic substances, two groups can be distinguished – adaptogens and hypoglycemic agents. Plant anabolic adaptogens, in addition to their anabolic effect, also enhance the body's resistance to various unfavorable factors: hypoxia, physical stress, toxins, and more.

Plant Anabolics - Adaptogens

Tribulus Terrestris

This perennial herb grows in temperate and tropical climates in Southern Europe, South Asia, Africa, and northern Australia. A distinctive feature of this plant is that it directly stimulates the production of endogenous testosterone without being a hormonal drug itself. This promotes increases in strength and muscle volume. There are no side effects (except for a possible increase in libido). Due to its powerful effects, dietary supplements based on this plant extract, alongside Leuzea, have gained significant popularity worldwide.

It is used to produce the medication "Tribulus."

Leuzea Safflower (Maral Root)

Leuzea has perhaps been the most widely used in sports practice. It contains phytoecdysones—polyhydroxylated steroid compounds that possess considerable anabolic activity. The use of Leuzea extract enhances protein synthesis processes, helps increase protein reserves in muscles, liver, heart, and kidneys. There is a significant increase in mental performance and physical endurance. After prolonged use, Leuzea leads to a gradual increase in vascularity, and overall blood circulation improves significantly. Due to the increased capacity of the heart muscle and the strengthening of the tone of the parasympathetic nervous system, the pulse rate slows down. This plant is available in the form of an alcoholic tincture made from the rhizomes and roots of Leuzea in 40 ml bottles. It should be taken once a day, from 15 drops to one teaspoon.

Ecdysterone (Ratilbol) is a steroid compound obtained from Leuzea Safflower. It has pronounced anabolic and tonic effects. It is released in tablets of 5 milligrams and is taken orally at a dose of 5-10 mg three times a day.

Rhodiola Rosea (Golden Root)

This plant contains substances such as rhodioloside and rhodzin. In several countries, these substances are available in pure forms. The primary feature of the Golden Root is its pronounced action on muscle tissue. It increases strength endurance and muscle strength. The size of the mitochondria and the activity of the contractile proteins actin and myosin increase. It is available in the form of an alcoholic extract made from the rhizomes and roots of Rhodiola Rosea in 30 ml bottles. It is taken once a day in the morning, with a dosage of 5 drops to one teaspoon.

Aralia Manchurian

Aralia can significantly lower blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), exceeding the levels of hypoglycemia caused by other plant anabolic adaptogens. Since hypoglycemia is accompanied by the release of somatotropin (GH), the consumption of Aralia Manchurian induces a noticeable anabolic effect, increasing appetite and body mass as a result. It is available in the form of a tincture made from the roots of Aralia Manchurian in 50 ml bottles. It should be taken at 10-20 drops once a day.

Saparal is a sum of ammonium bases of triterpenoid glycoside salts (aralosides) obtained from the roots of Aralia Manchurian. Unlike the above tincture, it does not possess such strong hypoglycemic anabolic action. The effect of the drug in stimulating the nervous system is more pronounced than in the tincture of Aralia. It significantly increases overall performance. It is available in tablet form, containing 50 mg, and is taken 1-2 times a day with 1-2 tablets each time.

Eleutherococcus Spiny

This plant contains many glycosides known as eleutherosides. Eleutherosides increase performance and enhance protein synthesis. Additionally, carbohydrate synthesis increases, while fat production is inhibited. The oxidation of fatty acids during physical activity is accelerated. Eleutherococcus also improves liver function and color vision. It is available in the form of an alcoholic extract made from the rhizomes and roots in 50 ml bottles. It should be taken from ten drops to one teaspoon in the morning, once a day.

Ginseng

The root of ginseng contains glycosides called panaxosides, which provide it with blood sugar-lowering and anabolic effects. In this respect, ginseng is comparable to eleutherococcus and, like eleutherococcus, it has the ability to enhance the action of endogenous insulin. The form of release and dosage are similar.

Schisandra Chinensis

Distinguished by a noticeable enhancement of performance, improvement of visual acuity, and elevation of mood, all these effects are caused by Schisandra's ability to enhance conductivity and sensitivity of nerve cells and improve excitation processes in the CNS. The form of release and dosage are similar.

Leuzea

Leuzea has a mild anabolic and tonic effect. Its overall strengthening effect is similar to that of ginseng. It is available in the form of an alcoholic tincture in 50 ml bottles. It should be taken at 30-60 drops once a day.

Sterculia Platanifolia

Similar to eleutherococcus and ginseng, this plant accelerates and improves overall performance and anabolic processes. It is available in the form of a tincture made from the plants in 25 ml bottles. It should be taken once a day at 10-40 drops.

It should be noted that the anabolic effect of herbal adaptogens only appears with training stimuli; therefore, they should be used in conjunction with physical activities. Since all the aforementioned preparations have properties that enhance excitation and inhibition processes in the central nervous system (CNS), it is necessary to adhere to the correct dosage and properly time the intake of the medication throughout the day.