# Ecdysone **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/ecdysone **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Other **Also Known As:** (2β,3β,14α,22R,25R)-2,3,14,22,25-pentahydroxycholest-7-en-6-one, 20-Hydroxyecdysone precursor, α-Ecdysone, Ecdysterone precursor, Molting hormone, Arthropod steroid, Insect hormone ## Overview Ecdysone is a polyhydroxylated steroid hormone (C27H44O6) that functions as the primary molting hormone in arthropods, binding to the EcR/USP nuclear receptor heterodimer to trigger developmental transitions. Its biological activity in humans remains uncharacterized, as mammalian cells lack the cognate ecdysteroid receptor complex required for canonical signaling. ## Health Benefits • No human health benefits documented - research limited to arthropod physiology • Regulates molting and metamorphosis in insects only - no human clinical evidence • Functions as intracellular receptor ligand in arthropods - human effects unstudied • Induces gene expression in insect cells - no human gene expression data available • Controls developmental transitions in flies - human applications not researched ## Mechanism of Action Ecdysone binds the Ecdysone Receptor (EcR), which heterodimerizes with Ultraspiracle (USP, the arthropod RXR homolog), forming a ligand-activated transcription factor complex that drives expression of early-response genes such as E74, E75, and BR-C. In insects, this cascade activates ecdysone response elements (EcREs) in promoter regions to coordinate molting-related gene programs. Humans express RXR but lack functional EcR orthologs, meaning the primary receptor-mediated pathway operative in arthropods has no confirmed mammalian equivalent. ## Clinical Summary No peer-reviewed human clinical trials have been conducted specifically on ecdysone (20-hydroxyecdysone's immediate biosynthetic precursor). The bulk of published research derives from Drosophila melanogaster and other invertebrate models elucidating developmental biology rather than therapeutic outcomes. Some researchers have extrapolated potential anabolic or [adaptogen](/ingredients/condition/stress)ic effects to ecdysteroids broadly, but these hypotheses are primarily based on in vitro cell-culture data and rodent studies, not randomized controlled trials. Evidence quality for any human health application of ecdysone specifically is rated very low by current standards. ## Nutritional Profile Ecdysone is a steroidal prohormone (molecular formula C27H44O6, molecular weight 464.6 g/mol) belonging to the ecdysteroid class. It is not a nutritional ingredient and contributes negligible macronutrient value — 0g protein, 0g fiber, 0g conventional lipid content at physiologically relevant doses. As a polyhydroxylated steroid derived from cholesterol, it contains a cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene core with hydroxyl groups at positions C-2, C-3, C-14, C-22, and C-25, plus a ketone at C-6. Trace concentrations occur naturally in certain plant species (phytoecdysones) at approximately 0.001–0.1% dry weight. It is chemically related to 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), its more biologically active metabolite, which is present in spinach at roughly 6–9 mg/kg fresh weight. Ecdysone itself has no meaningful vitamin, mineral, or fiber contribution. Oral bioavailability in non-arthropod species is poorly characterized; limited animal data suggests partial intestinal absorption with rapid hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). No caloric value is assigned. It is not classified as a macro- or micronutrient by any regulatory body. Its biochemical relevance is restricted to its role as a ligand for arthropod nuclear ecdysone receptors (EcR/USP heterodimers), with no confirmed equivalent receptor system in mammals. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges for human use are available. The research does not address standardized extracts, powder formulations, or dosing protocols for human administration. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Ecdysone has not been evaluated in formal human safety or toxicology trials, so no established safe dosage range, NOAEL, or therapeutic index exists for humans. Because ecdysone is structurally related to steroid hormones, theoretical interactions with steroid-metabolizing enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2C9) and nuclear receptors such as RXR, LXR, and PXR cannot be excluded. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid ecdysone-containing products entirely due to the complete absence of gestational safety data. Individuals on corticosteroids, hormonal therapies, or anticoagulants should consult a physician before use given the uncharacterized pharmacological profile. ## Scientific Research The provided research contains no human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses regarding ecdysone use in humans. All available studies focus exclusively on ecdysone's role as a natural insect hormone in arthropod physiology and development. ## Historical & Cultural Context The research contains no information regarding historical use in traditional medicine systems or traditional medical applications. Ecdysone's documented use is limited to its natural biological role in arthropod development. ## Synergistic Combinations No synergistic ingredients identified due to lack of human research ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What does ecdysone do in the human body? Ecdysone's effects in the human body are essentially unstudied. Humans lack the Ecdysone Receptor (EcR) that mediates its known biological activity in arthropods, so the molecular pathways triggered in insects — including transcriptional activation of genes like E74 and E75 — have no confirmed human equivalent. Any physiological impact in humans remains speculative and unsupported by clinical data. ### Is ecdysone the same as ecdysterone? No, ecdysone (alpha-ecdysone, C27H44O6) and ecdysterone (20-hydroxyecdysone, C27H44O7) are distinct but related compounds; ecdysterone is the primary active metabolite formed when a hydroxyl group is added at the C-20 position of ecdysone. Ecdysterone has received more research attention as a potential anabolic agent in mammals, including a 2019 double-blind RCT (n=46) showing modest lean mass increases. Ecdysone itself has not been studied separately in human trials. ### Can ecdysone build muscle? There is no direct human clinical evidence that ecdysone builds muscle. Limited interest in muscle-building derives from studies on the closely related compound 20-hydroxyecdysone, which showed some anabolic signaling via the estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) pathway in vitro. Ecdysone itself has not been tested in any human resistance-training or body-composition trial. ### Is ecdysone safe to take as a supplement? Safety of ecdysone as a human supplement is unknown because no formal human toxicology, pharmacokinetic, or clinical safety studies have been published. Without an established NOAEL or therapeutic index, there is no scientifically validated dosage that can be considered safe. Regulatory agencies including the FDA have not reviewed ecdysone for use as a dietary supplement ingredient. ### What foods naturally contain ecdysone? Ecdysone and related ecdysteroids are found in trace amounts in certain plants — including spinach (Spinacia oleracea), quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), and some Rhaponticum species — where they may serve as herbivore deterrents. Spinach contains roughly 0.1 mg of total ecdysteroids per 100 g fresh weight, predominantly as 20-hydroxyecdysone rather than ecdysone itself. Dietary intake from normal food consumption delivers amounts far below any pharmacologically active threshold studied even in animal models. ### What does the research quality look like for ecdysone supplementation in humans? Clinical research on ecdysone in humans is extremely limited, with most studies focused on insect physiology rather than human health outcomes. The few studies marketed toward bodybuilders lack rigorous design and peer-reviewed publication standards. Current evidence does not support claims that ecdysone produces human health benefits comparable to its effects in arthropods. ### Who should avoid taking ecdysone supplements? Due to insufficient human safety data, ecdysone should be avoided by pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children until clinical evidence establishes safety in these populations. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions or those taking medications affecting developmental pathways should consult a healthcare provider before use, as ecdysone's mechanism as an intracellular receptor ligand remains unstudied in humans. ### How does ecdysone compare to anabolic steroids for muscle building? Unlike anabolic steroids, which have documented effects on human muscle tissue through well-characterized mechanisms, ecdysone lacks human clinical evidence demonstrating any muscle-building capacity. Ecdysone's known function is limited to insect molting and metamorphosis, with no established human equivalent target or pathway. Marketing comparisons between ecdysone and steroids are not supported by human research data. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*