Ecdysterone is a natural compound proposed as an alternative to anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) due to its comparable ergogenic potential and more favorable safety profile. This narrative review summarizes current evidence using a standardized search protocol. Although many plants synthesize ecdysteroids, only a few cultivated species—emphasizing quinoa and spinach—contribute meaningfully to dietary intake, while wild species such as those from the Ajuga genus contain substantially higher concentrations. Experimental studies indicate that ecdysterone enhances protein synthesis and physical performance through estrogen receptor-beta activation, avoiding the adverse effects typically associated with AAS. Additional pharmacological effects, including potential roles in breast cancer therapy and Alzheimer’s disease, have also been described. Ecdysteroids are generally considered non-toxic in humans; however, analysis of commercial supplements frequently reveals poor quality control and discrepancies between labeled and actual ecdysterone content. Although prevalence of use among athletes appears low, establishing urinary reference ranges to differentiate dietary exposure from supplement-derived intake is essential. Ecdysterone and its metabolites, 14-deoxy-ecdisterone and 14-deoxy-poststerone, are detectable in urine for more than two days depending on dosage. Given its ergogenic potential and detectability, ecdysterone may pose risks for unethical use and should be considered for inclusion in initial anti-doping testing procedures. Further research on ecdysteroids is required to elucidate their mechanisms of action, confirm the absence of adverse effects, and establish reference urinary concentration ranges that allow differentiation between diet-related metabolites and those derived from drug use.
León et al. (Thu,) studied this question.