Plant steroids have a weaker anabolic effect than synthetic drugs, but they can increase the overall performance of the body more than they do. Plant steroids have virtually no side effects or contraindications. They are used separately or in combination with other anabolic drugs to enhance their combined effect. Herbal preparations enhance and accelerate the effect of the body's anabolic processes. They come in two types: adaptagens and hypoglycemic ones.
Types and properties of natural anabolics
The content of the article:
- Natural adaptogens
- Anabolic steroids with hypoglycemic effects
Anabolic drugs obtained from plants are widely used in sports. All natural anabolics are, of course, inferior in strength to steroids, but in increasing performance they are often ahead. The main function of this type of drug is to increase the activity of insulin, activate the anabolic properties of the body and enhance the effects of gonadotropic hormones. Among all herbal anabolics, it is customary to distinguish two categories: adaptogens and hypoglycemic drugs.
Natural anabolic: a reliable partner
Of course, you may think that using natural anabolic steroids in your sports experience will significantly slow down your progress towards achieving your sports goals. However, research shows that even the food a person eats can have a noticeable anabolic effect. Remember: going natural gives you many more benefits in terms of longevity, health and sexual function. Looking at the bodies of athletes who use chemical steroids, you might think that they are flawless. But serious problems often lie hidden within the body. Choose safe rules of the game for yourself, enjoy your successes, knowing that they are not the result of drugs that you pumped into your body, but the result of long-term work on yourself!
Natural adaptogens
Let's take a closer look at the types and properties of plant adaptogens:
- Tribulus terrestis
. This perennial plant is native to Africa, Southern Europe, Northern Australia and Southern Asia. The main feature of the plant is its ability to stimulate the synthesis of natural testosterone. However, the drug based on Tribulus Terrestis is not considered hormonal. Thanks to the use of the product, strength indicators and muscle mass increase significantly. The high popularity of drugs based on this plant is also due to the absence of side effects. The only thing that can be considered one of them is increased libido.
Leuzea safflower
. Preparations based on Leuzea are the most used natural anabolics. The drug contains steroid compounds with relatively high anabolic activity. Thanks to the use of plant extracts, protein synthetic processes are significantly accelerated, and the reserves of protein compounds in the cells of muscle tissue and other organs are increased. With long-term use of plant extracts, an increase in the vascular bed is observed, which helps improve blood flow. The dosage of the drug is from 15 drops to one teaspoon once a day.
Rhodiola rosea
. This plant contains rhodioloside and rhodosin. In some countries these substances are sold in their pure form. This natural anabolic steroid gained popularity in sports due to its ability to enhance strength and endurance. Also, when consuming drugs based on the plant, the size of mitochondria increases. The drug should be taken in the morning in an amount of 5 drops to 1 teaspoon once a day.
Aralia Manchurian
. The drug effectively lowers blood sugar levels. This sets it apart from other natural anabolic adaptogens. This allows you to increase the synthesis of somatotropin and leads to an increase in the anabolic background in the body. The drug is available in the form of extract and tablets. In the first case, the dosage is from 10 to 20 drops once a day. The tablet form is taken one to two times a day in the amount of one or two tablets.
Eleutherococcus senticosus
. This plant contains a huge amount of glycosides, which significantly improve the performance and process of synthesis of protein compounds. With intense physical activity, the synthesis of carbohydrates and protein compounds increases, and the production of fats is reduced. The drug should be used in an amount of 10 drops to 1 teaspoon in the morning.
Ginseng
. The root of this plant is known to almost all people. It contains panaxosides, which lower sugar levels and have anabolic properties. In terms of its properties, ginseng is almost similar to Eleutherococcus. The same applies to the dosage of plant root extract.
Schisandra chinensis
. Preparations based on lemongrass can significantly increase performance, improve vision and can improve mood. The dosage for use is similar to the two previous natural anabolics.
- The bait is high
. Plant extracts have low anabolic properties and have a tonic effect. The drug should be taken in an amount of 30 to 60 drops 1 time per day.
Natural anabolics with hypoglycemic effects
The following are considered herbal anabolic steroids with hypoglycemic effects:
Soy
. All types of this plant can reduce sugar levels by about 45%. Soy flour is widely used in cooking. Soy isolate is also produced, which is a protein concentrate of the plant. 98% of this drug consists of protein compounds. It is the basis of a large number of sports nutritional supplements. Due to the high content of protein compounds in the plant and the ability to reduce sugar levels, a strong anabolic background is created in the body. Soy straw, which is consumed in the form of a decoction, is also used as a hypoglycemic agent.
Beans
. This well-known natural anabolic has a strong hypoglycemic effect. To a greater extent this applies to grass plants. With its help you can reduce your sugar levels by 30%.
Peas
The pods and fruits of the plant collected at the milk stage of ripening have hypoglycemic properties. As you can see, almost all legumes have the ability to reduce sugar levels. This is due to the high content of arginine and guanidine. It should be remembered that ripened peas and beans can no longer reduce their sugar content. For these purposes, only fruits that are at an early stage of maturity should be used.
Blueberry
. The well-known blueberry is also a natural anabolic steroid. Blueberry leaves have anabolic properties, which should first be dried, then brewed and consumed as tea. Blueberries can reduce sugar levels by 40% and maintain them throughout the day.
. Dried and then crushed acorns are used as an anabolic agent. You should consume acorn powder three times a day, one teaspoon at a time. Thanks to this, you can reduce your sugar levels by 20%.
Watch a video about herbal anabolics:
Brazilian ginseng
The second name of this natural steroid is suma grass. It was first discovered in South America. Its properties are quite close to those of Rhodiola and ginseng: this plant increases both physical and mental performance. Despite the fact that suma has been used for quite a long time in South America, most of its anabolic effects were discovered only in the USSR. By the way, the specialists who conducted research on this herb applied their knowledge to the Olympic team. They found that Brazilian ginseng has an effect that is similar to dianabol.
In reviews of this herbal anabolic, bodybuilders note that they experience less pain when lifting heavy weights and recover faster after grueling workouts. The composition of suma grass includes B vitamins, vitamin A, amino acids, various minerals, including germanium, which enriches the body's cells with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from them.
Natural anabolics
Natural anabolics are analogues of synthetic anabolic steroids, the effect of which is similar to the effect of the use of synthetic steroid drugs. The main function of anabolic steroids is to artificially increase testosterone levels above the natural level, which cannot be achieved with the help of “natural anabolic steroids”, but with their help, testosterone levels can be brought to the highest possible natural level. Steroids also improve the absorption of nitrogen, that is, they increase the level of protein absorption, another important property is the acceleration of blood flow and an increase in the level of nitrogen in the blood, due to which muscle cells receive more nutrients and oxygen on the one hand, and on the other hand the body quickly gets rid of from breakdown products, which together accelerates the synthesis of organic tissues and increases the rate of muscle recovery.
Wild oats
One of the classic bodybuilding products is wild oats, also called wild oats. It contains saponins with a steroid effect. Actually, this explains the popularity of this product among bodybuilders. However, it should be noted that in order to obtain the greatest anabolic effect with the help of this herbal anabolic, it is necessary to use exclusively wild oats. As a dietary supplement, there is a particular extract known on the market called Avena Sativa. In reviews of this extract and oats in general, bodybuilders say that saponins increase testosterone levels due to the fact that their consumption increases the level of luteinizing hormone, which is responsible for the onset of testosterone production.
Natural anabolic steroids: products
Herring is not so much a source of high-quality protein that increases nitrogen balance, but a source of creatine, and creatine is a very important substance in bodybuilding. The bottom line is that creatine blocks the action of a protein called myostatin, which blocks protein synthesis so that muscles do not hypertrophy excessively. At the moment, they are even developing drugs that would be able to locally block its actions, since if myostatin is completely blocked, this will lead to D-hypertrophy of the heart and, as a consequence, myocardial infarction. But creatine is quite safe, so take this supplement, or eat herring, which, unlike the supplement, does not need to be taken in courses.
Herbs: There is a wide range of different decoctions and tinctures that work, but are not nearly as effective as many people think. In principle, two types of decoctions can be distinguished: central nervous system stimulants and testosterone secretion stimulants. In turn, decoctions can stimulate both the restoration of the central nervous system and its activity. Restoration of the central nervous system can be stimulated by a decoction of a liter of water, half a glass of rose hips and 10 juniper berries. By the way, such a decoction will allow you to sleep better and more soundly, and sleep is the best natural stimulator of somatotropin. A tincture of Rhodiola roots, which is best purchased at a pharmacy, can stimulate the central nervous system. To increase testosterone levels by stimulating the action of the hypothalamus, use Tribulus.
Simple carbohydrates: It may seem strange to you that ordinary candy can be classified as “natural anabolic steroids,” but, nevertheless, this is true, since they stimulate insulin secretion. The bottom line is that any carbohydrates with a high glycemic index can increase blood sugar and insulin levels. That is why you should not get carried away with them, since excessive and frequent consumption of simple carbohydrates often leads to type 2 diabetes, when a person loses sensitivity to insulin. But, as for the competent use of simple carbohydrates, it may be appropriate, for example, it is very effective to eat honey after taking creatine.
Natural anabolics: drugs
Complex vitamins are a source of vitamins that allow you to bring their content in the body to normal natural levels in order to bring the functioning of all organs in order. You should drink vitamins not only during the “course” of natural anabolic steroids, but in general, it is advisable to take them 3-4 times a year; taking complex vitamins in winter is especially useful, when the body is deficient in them. Directions for use: according to the instructions on the package.
Riboxin or inosine are enzyme-energy drugs with a similar effect, it’s just that inosine contains more active substance. Accordingly, both drugs accelerate metabolism, have a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system and, in general, accelerate the recovery process. It is also important to note the ability of these drugs to positively influence the quality of endurance, which is due to energy accumulation. Directions for use: 2 tablets after meals, 3 times a day, course 30-40 days.
Methionine is an essential amino acid found in cottage cheese, so, by and large, if you have good lactose tolerance, you can simply eat half a kilo of cottage cheese a day as a source of protein and methionine. If you are very sensitive about possible side effects, then you should still take the drug separately, since methionine removes fat from the liver and also activates the action of a number of hormones, enzymes and vitamins. Directions for use: 1g 2 times a day, course 30 days.
Ecdysterone is, in fact, the main drug of the course, which provides an anabolic effect comparable to the effect of using “methane”. The effectiveness of the drug, of course, is much lower and is approximately 30-40%, but this is not small, considering that ecdysterone is almost completely harmless. Its properties are the same as those of anabolic steroids, namely, it affects the synthesis of nucleic acids in muscle cells. Directions for use: 2 tablets 3 times a day after meals, course 30 days.
Glutamic acid is a substance that normalizes nitrogen balance, in addition, it affects the functioning of the central nervous system, which is especially important in this case, since ecdysterone accelerates the process of muscle recovery and hypertrophy, as a result of which the athlete can train more often and in greater volume, but, If the central nervous system does not have time to recover, then this may become impossible. Directions for use: 0.5g 2 times a day after meals, course 25-30 days.
Naprosyn is a non-steroidal drug that is usually used either after an injury or during intense training to prevent injury. Accordingly, since you decide to take natural anabolic steroids, you will most likely train a lot and intensively, so, firstly, you should take care of safety. Secondly, by ensuring safety, you will thereby ensure a more intensive increase in strength indicators, since the body, feeling safe, is more willing to issue stronger nerve impulses, which, in turn, provide innervation to muscle fibers. Directions for use: 2 tablets 2 times a day, taken in courses of 10 days, with breaks between them for a week.
Tamoxifen
This drug blocks extragen receptors and stimulates the production of gonadolebyrin, which results in increased testosterone production. As a result, a person who regularly takes tamoxifen, according to the instructions, experiences significant growth in muscle tissue, which contributes to a certain definition of the body.
Tamoxifen is taken 20 mg, 1-2 times a day for 2 weeks. The drug acts, although slowly, but steadily.
When taking this drug, you should expect side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and possible development of venous thrombosis.
Quinoa
Another product rich in androgens and carbohydrates is quinoa seeds. They were the staple food of the indigenous people of South America three thousand years ago. Like oats, quinoa contains steroid-like saponins. Due to the fact that a fifty-gram serving contains about 18 milligrams of ecdysterone and high protein content, this product is ideal for taking both before training and after serious physical activity. The substances contained in quinoa release luteinizing hormone, thereby increasing testosterone production. Plus, quinoa is one of the best plant-based sources of carbohydrates.
Are there steroids without side effects?
Most anabolic steroids have a number of negative effects. Their influence primarily affects the cardiovascular system and liver. It is also difficult to avoid hormonal and metabolic disruptions in the body. Manufacturers are releasing more and more new drugs.
Moreover, such products are often aimed at beginners who simply do not understand what can be taken and what to be wary of. Inexperienced athletes think that without taking anabolic steroids, their muscles will not grow. At best, they follow the advice of their colleagues in the room; at worst, they choose drugs on the Internet, without taking into account their dangers.
Ecdysterone
The basis of this drug are natural hormone-like substances that are secreted by some arthropods. In addition, a similar substance is released from plants such as Leuzea safflower. Entering the human body, this substance causes protein synthesis, which leads to an increase in muscle volume.
Side effects are possible only in cases of overdose, which causes allergic reactions in the form of skin rashes, disturbances in the digestive tract, and headaches.
What should be a safe steroid cycle?
Despite the lack of absolute safety and confidence in steroids for gaining muscle mass, there are a number of proven drugs that inspire confidence and, if the dosage is observed, do not cause harm to health.
Let’s go through the list of “steroids without side effects” and find out their characteristics.
1. Oxandrolone. The most powerful safe steroid in all respects. It has long taken the position of a drug that gives maximum progress with minimal side effects. At the same time, the athlete’s muscle mass increases without disturbing the structure of the muscles.
"Excellently burns subcutaneous fat; » does not spread its burning effect to the joints; » has no effect on the liver, subject to dosage; » is well excreted from the athlete’s body.
Oxandrolone is a synthetic analogue of male testosterone. It has a very low androgenic index, that is, the tendency to side effects is almost zero. But it should be remembered that very high doses and use of the drug on an ongoing basis can still cause a number of negative consequences for the athlete’s body.
2. Stanazolol (Winstrol). This steroid comes to the rescue when an athlete needs to improve the visual image of his body. Muscle definition is the main goal of the drug. It does not increase muscle mass in the body, but at the same time it strives for aesthetics.
» helps increase overall body endurance; »works on the strength qualities of the body; » makes the muscles dry; » acts as an active burner of fat cells.
Despite the positive image of the drug, taking Stanazolol has pitfalls. Along with drying the muscles, the joints and ligaments dry out. With long-term use of steroids of this type, injuries cannot be avoided. Side effects, such as acne, occur after taking large doses.
3. Oral-turinabol. This drug, although considered safe, nevertheless, in excess of the norm, has a negative effect on the liver. Its main goal is to actively gain muscle mass. Unlike other anabolic steroids, Turinabol is persistent: after stopping the drug, loss of muscle mass in the body is not observed for up to 1 month. Athletes respect the product for this feature.
4. Trenbolone. The steroid is designed to increase the body's strength characteristics. Used to build muscle mass. If the dosage is not observed, the drug increases blood pressure in athletes. May cause attacks of aggression and disruption of proper sleep. Do not be alarmed, such consequences are only possible when taking decent doses of Trenbolone.
5. Boldelon. Like most steroids, it is used to gain muscle mass. The drug copes with this task quite quickly, and it does not retain excess fluid in the body.
» increases the level of red blood cells in the blood, stimulates the formation of new ones; » is involved in protein synthesis; "Improves the athlete's appetite.
The following can be said about the side effects: negative consequences are observed extremely rarely; if the rules of administration are not followed, baldness may occur.
Celery
Celery root contains two powerful plant sterols: androstenol and androstenone. Modern research suggests that both of these sterols are so strong that even the simple scent of celery can trigger the body's testosterone production process!
In order to see the result, you need to consume 3-4 celery sticks daily for two weeks. Experts note that celery root contains quite strong anti-estrogenic compounds. Their presence allows you to block the overall level of hormones, so that the bodybuilder can maintain the correct ratio of estrogen and testosterone. It should also be said that eating celery is recommended as a snack between main meals.
Safinor
This is a combination drug based on herbal components that has a positive effect on the human body. It is used by bodybuilders to increase muscle volume, which is associated with the activation of metabolic and neuroregulatory processes, as well as stimulation of repair processes and improvement of myocardial function.
The drug is taken 2-4 times a day, 1-2 tablets after meals. The course of treatment can be about 5 weeks, with a minimum period of treatment of up to 7 days. There must be a break of at least 3 weeks between each course of treatment.
While taking the drug, a negative effect is possible, which manifests itself in the form of skin itching, insomnia and irritability. If such negative effects occur, the dose of the drug should be reduced or discontinued completely.
The effect of testosterone on muscle growth
Do not forget that herbal anabolics are just nutritional supplements.
Adaptogens slightly accelerate muscle growth, but the mechanism of muscle synthesis itself is triggered only by performing strength exercises.
There are many theories about what exactly causes muscle growth. But the most plausible one is related to testosterone levels.
Performing basic strength exercises with free weights (barbell, dumbbells, your own body weight) provokes a maximum release of this hormone into the bloodstream.
Testosterone penetrates the muscles and acts as a signal to begin muscle synthesis.
For this process to take place, energy (in the form of creatine phosphate) and building material (in the form of amino acids) are required. Therefore, it is so important to get enough protein food , which is the main source of amino acids and creatine.
A high level of testosterone in the body is an important condition for the onset of muscle growth. And this is where taking herbal anabolic steroids, which increase its production, can help in accelerating muscle synthesis.
Alvezin
This is also a combination drug based on herbal components, which has a pronounced anabolic effect. At the same time, there is a drug obtained on the basis of artificial components.
The basis of the drug are vital amino acids, which help increase the volume of muscle tissue as a result of stimulating protein synthesis and controlling this process.
The drug is administered into the human body intramuscularly or intravenously, although the latter option is more preferable. The dose of this drug is limited to 400 ml, divided over 2-3 days. It is possible to take the drug in courses of 5 weeks, with breaks of 3 weeks or no less.
List of the most dangerous anabolic steroids
There are a decent amount of dangerous anabolic steroids. Their negative impact on the athlete’s body and health has been proven. At the same time, many athletes, in pursuit of muscle growth and the beauty of the relief, put themselves in danger. Let's look at the 5 most dangerous steroids that have serious side effects.
1. Synthol. This aggressive anabolic steroid should not be used by beginners. Professionals use the drug to “pump up” muscles. The injection is given into the desired muscle, but this can damage the vessel. Such manipulations threaten the loss of motor abilities of different parts of the body.
2. Fluoxymesterone. The drug cannot increase the volume of muscle mass, but it can destroy the liver and prostate gland.
3. Growth hormone. The biggest danger in this remedy is the growth of not only muscle mass, but also all neoplasms in the body. If an athlete has a predisposition to the occurrence of malignant tumors, growth hormone will contribute to their development.
4. Insulin. All the beneficial and effective qualities of this hormone are canceled out by side effects in the form of fat gain, primarily visceral fat.
5. Nandrolol. The excellent results from the action of this anabolic steroid are undeniable. But at the same time, the drug causes a negative effect on the athlete’s reproductive system.
It may be interesting: Steroids with minimal rebound phenomenon
conclusions
There are no completely harmless anabolic steroids for both beginners and professionals. When choosing medications, always focus on the minimum number of side effects. Weed out products with toxic effects, leave those that bring the desired effect, but do not endanger your health.
Plant steroids adaptogens
At the moment, adaptogens are often used by athletes, since a lot of objective theoretical and practical data have been obtained about them.
These herbal anabolics, despite not having such a pronounced effect as artificial ones, have a wide range of positive effects on the body.
We will look at the use of adaptogens from a bodybuilding perspective, mentioning the most famous ones.
Tribulus terrestis or Tribestan
Every reputable manufacturing company has Tribestan in its line of sporting goods, which is available in the form of tablets and capsules. It is the most abundant herbal steroid in the world.
It is marketed as a testosterone booster . That is, as a supplement that increases the level of this hormone.
Theoretically, increasing the production of your own testosterone should accelerate muscle growth and strength indicators.
But in practice, if this occurs from taking Tribestan, it is to an insignificant extent.
Although those who take this drug note an increase in libido, improved sleep quality and well-being. But the effect of Tribestan on the rate of muscle growth is modest.
Ecdisten or Ecdysterone
The mechanism of influence on the body is very similar to Tribestan. The only difference is that instead of the active substance, the plant Leuzea safflower . Available in the form of tablets and capsules.
Ecdisten was the basis for the training of USSR athletes in many sports. What modern supplement manufacturers always write about in their annotations. And this still explains its popularity.
Ecdisten improves appetite, increases performance during training and speeds up recovery after strength training.
However, this is a fairly “mild” supplement, which in its effect is far from anabolic steroids.
Leuzea safflower
Ecdisten is an extract from Leuzea safflower. But there is also an alcohol tincture, where the adaptogen is taken in the form of drops.
The effect on the body is approximately the same as that of Ecdisten. The only difference is that the alcohol solution is not very suitable for athletes.
Other adaptogens
Other well-known adaptogens include:
- Aralia Manchurian
- Eleutherococcus senticosus
- Ginseng
- Schisandra chinensis
- Zamanikha high
- Rhodiola rosea (golden root)
All of the plants listed above have anabolic properties. But it makes no sense to describe the effect on the body of each of them separately, since all their annotations and instructions for use are written as if they were carbon copies.
Most often, these natural steroids are presented in the form of alcohol tinctures.
The only distinguishing feature when taking adaptogens is sensitivity to a specific drug.
For example, eleutherococcus is more suitable for some, Rhodiola for others, and so on.
To find an adaptogen that will work in a particular case, you will have to try everything sequentially.
It’s better to start with Tribestan and Ecdisten, because these two versions of herbal anabolics were created specifically for athletes.
Potassium orotate
The drug has a metabolic effect, with the regulation of endogenous processes in the athlete’s body. The product is not highly effective, but is used very actively in bodybuilding. This is due to its stable effect, which helps to increase muscle volume and increase endurance.
In general, it has a very positive effect on humans, improving protein metabolism processes, restoring liver function and stopping some changes in the myocardium.
Potassium orotate intake is limited to a dose of 3 grams per day. The substance is taken 3-4 times a day 1 hour before meals. In order for the effect of taking this drug to appear, it should be taken for up to 40 days. In case of severe overdose, side effects may occur in the form of dermatoses and disruptions in the digestive tract.