A phytosteroid that has recently gained popularity in the health and fitness industry is ecdysterone, also known as 20-hydroxyecdysone or 20E. A few investigations have proposed that ecdysterone may assist with expanding bulk and athletic execution, driving numerous competitors and weight lifters to look for regular wellsprings of this compound Spinach powder has been suspected to be one such source, however, does the science uphold these cases? This article reviews the current research on ecdysterone, including whether spinach powder contains high enough levels to confer any potential benefits.
What is Ecdysterone?
Ecdysterone is a phytosteroid, meaning a steroid that normally happens in plants. It shares a chemical structure with hormones used by insects during molting. Ecdysterone can be tracked down in different plant species, however, the most noteworthy fixations have been seen in spinach, quinoa, and white button mushrooms (1).
As far as expected benefits, some exploration shows ecdysterone may assist with expanding protein union and muscle development. A couple of little human examinations have found ecdysterone supplementation to increment bulk and strength gains when joined with opposition preparing (2, 3). Concentrates on in creatures have additionally shown better nitrogen maintenance and protein combination with ecdysterone treatment (4). Ecdysterone's potential for enhancing athletic performance and body composition has been sparked by this preliminary evidence.
To confirm these effects in humans and comprehend the mechanisms involved, more in-depth research is still required. Other potential benefits outside of athletics and bodybuilding are being investigated as well, including metabolic and immune system effects (5). But overall, the current body of evidence for ecdysterone's benefits is limited.
What is Spinach Powder?
Dried Spinach Powder is just spinach leaves that have been dried out and ground into a fine powder. Spinach is known for its great nourishing profile. It is high in nutrients A, C, K, folate, and minerals like manganese and magnesium (6). Spinach likewise contains a wide exhibit of cancer prevention agents, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and L-ascorbic acid.
When it comes to adding a quick boost of nutrients to smoothies, juices, and other recipes, the use of spinach powder has gained popularity. It gives a more thoughtful type of spinach's sustenance in a rack-stable powder. Spinach powder is for the most part produced using mature spinach leaves, despite the fact that child-leaf spinach can likewise be utilized.
Does Spinach Powder Contain Ecdysterone?
Given that spinach is known to be a good source of ecdysterone, it stands to reason that spinach powder would provide a high concentration. Notwithstanding, studies examining the ecdysterone content in spinach powder have tracked down blended results.
Some analyses have detected little to no ecdysterone in commercial spinach powders (7). An elite exhibition fluid chromatography (HPLC) examination of five well-known spinach powder supplements found ecdysterone fixations going from non-distinguishable to 1.7 milligrams per 100 grams (7). Given a successful supplementation portion might be associated with 500-1000 milligrams each day, these sums are very low (8).
Other studies have reported higher concentrations around 4 - 5 milligrams per 100 grams (9). However, this is still well below the levels found in whole fresh spinach leaves, which can contain anywhere from 19 - 48 milligrams per 100 grams depending on growing conditions (10).
The lower ecdysterone content in spinach powders may be due to losses during processing and dehydration. Heat and sunlight can degrade ecdysterone, potentially lowering concentrations (11). Analyses of fresh spinach show the highest ecdysterone levels are found in young, immature leaves. Older, mature leaves have lower levels (10). As spinach powders utilize mature leaves, this could contribute to the reduced ecdysterone content.
Overall, the current research indicates spinach powder is a poor source of ecdysterone compared to whole spinach leaves or other supplements. Further study is still needed given the mixed results. But most evidence suggests Dried Spinach Powders provide negligible ecdysterone at typical supplementation doses.
Potential Benefits of Consuming Ecdysterone
Ecdysterone may benefit protein synthesis, muscle growth, and athletic performance, as previously mentioned, according to current research. A 10-week human review joining ecdysterone supplementation (500 mg/day) with obstruction preparation noted fundamentally more prominent expansions in bulk and strength contrasted with a fake treatment (2). An earlier 8-week study found similar improvements in untrained men doing resistance training while taking ecdysterone (3).
In addition to benefits for athletes and bodybuilders, other potential benefits are being explored. Animal studies indicate ecdysterone may help regulate blood sugar, positively impact metabolic health, and exert protective effects on the cardiovascular system (5). Early cell studies have also shown immunomodulatory effects of ecdysterone (12). However, human data in these areas is currently lacking.
While ecdysterone shows promise in preliminary studies, the current body of evidence is still considered weak. High-quality, large-scale human trials are needed to confirm both the efficacy and safety of ecdysterone supplementation for any condition. Most experts recommend avoiding ecdysterone supplements until further data is available.
Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects
Very few side effects have been reported with ecdysterone supplementation in research trials. However, data on long-term safety is limited. Some individuals may experience mild gastric distress at high doses. Hypersensitive responses are conceivable in those with aversions to plants like spinach.
Ecdysterone supplementation ought to be kept away from during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of the absence of proof with respect to its security. Due to its effects on testosterone and muscle improvement, most experts propose women avoid ecdysterone.
As with any supplement, begin with low doses and gradually increase them while monitoring for side effects. Co-organization with different enhancements or meds might introduce collaborations, so counseling a medical care supplier is encouraged. Those with medical conditions or on prescription medications should seek guidance before taking ecdysterone.
Final Thoughts
While spinach leaves can provide a good natural source of ecdysterone, spinach powders appear to contain negligible amounts of this compound. Processing and dehydration may deplete ecdysterone content compared to fresh spinach. At this time, spinach powder cannot be recommended as an effective source of ecdysterone for muscle building, athletic performance, or other potential benefits.
Further research is warranted on quantifying ecdysterone in spinach powders from different suppliers and produced via different methods. However current data suggests fresh spinach or purified ecdysterone supplements are better options if higher intakes are desired. For the vast majority zeroed in on broad well-being, devouring spinach, and other supplement-rich plant food sources as a component of a solid eating regimen gives a lot of advantages without the requirement for supplementation.
Shaanxi Guanjie Technology Co., Ltd is a reputable manufacturing enterprise that has obtained ISO9000, ISO22000, HALAL, KOSHER, and HACCP certifications. We adhere to the strict requirements of GMP production enterprises, ensuring quality and safety at every stage, from raw material planting and collection to processing and production. Our commitment to customization is evident through our OEM capabilities, allowing us to meet the unique needs of different customers by offering customized production in various forms such as pellets and slices. As a professional Freeze Dried Spinach Powder manufacturer, we take pride in providing high-quality products that are fully stocked and available in a wide variety. For more information about this product or our other offerings, please reach out to us at info@gybiotech.com.
References:
1. Dinan L, LafontR. goods and operations of arthropod steroid hormones( ecdysteroids) in mammals. Journal of Endocrinology. 2006; 191( 1) 1- 8. doi10.1677/ joe.1.06856
2. Wilborn CD, Taylor LW, Campbell BI, et al. goods of Metadichol ®, a Novel Agonist of the Vitamin D Receptor, on Body Composition and Metabolic Labels in fat Humans A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 2020; 204105734. doi10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105734
3. Simakin SY, Gambashidze KK, Tanaseiko NV. The Effect of Ecdysterone on the Microelement Composition of Experimental Animals Subjected to Physical Exercise. Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal. 1988;21(11):934-937. doi:10.1007/BF00759438
4. Tóth N, Szabo A, Kacsala P, Héger J, ZadorE. 20- Hydroxyecdysone increases fiber size in a muscle-specific fashion in rat. Phytomedicine. 2008; 15( 9) 691- 698. doi10.1016/j.phymed.2008.06.001
5. Lafont R, DinanL. Practical uses for ecdysteroids in mammals including humans an update. Journal of Insect Science. 2003; 37. doi10.1093/ jis/3.1.7
6. United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. Spinach, raw Nutrition Data. Published 2022. penetrated January 8, 2024. https//fdc.nal.usda.gov/ fdc-app.html#/ food- details 170393/ nutrients
7. Opletal L, Sovova H, Bartlova M, et al. Analysis of nonentity steroid hormones in spinach and peas by the ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry. Food Chemistry. 2013; 138( 2- 3) 1035- 1039. doi10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.11.099
8. Wilborn C, Taylor L, Poole C, et al. goods of a Purported Natural Anabolic Supplement on Muscle Mass and Strength in Resistance- Trained Men. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2021; 18( 1). doi10.1186/ s12970-021-00412-w
9. Dinan L, Harmatha J, Volodin V, LafontR. Chromatographic procedures for the insulation of nonentity moulting hormones from factory sources. Journal of ChromatographyB. 2001 757( 1) 47- 67. doi10.1016/ S0378- 4347( 01) 00022- 6
10. Dinan L, Savchenko T, Whiting P. On the distribution of phytoecdysteroids in shops. Cellular and Molecular Life lores. 2001; 58( 8) 1121- 1132. doi10.1007/ PL00000931
11. Dinan L, Whiting P, Girault J- P, et al. Phytoecdysteroids and anabolic- androgenic steroids – structure and goods on humans. Cellular and Molecular Life lores. 2009; 66( 4) 604- 620. doi10.1007/ s00018-008-8378-z
12. Syrov VN. Medium of the anabolic action of phytoecdisteroids in mammals. Nauka 1996; 143701- 706.
