Ecdysteroid
Group of steroid hormones
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ecdysteroids are arthropod steroid hormones that are mainly responsible for molting (ecdysis), development and, to a lesser extent, reproduction;[1][2][3][4] examples of ecdysteroids include ecdysone, 20-hydroxyecdysone (ecdysterone), turkesterone and 2-deoxyecdysone.[5] These compounds are synthesized in arthropods from dietary cholesterol via the Halloween family of cytochrome P450 enzymes.[6]
Compounds with ecdysteroid activity in arthropods are not only produced by these animals (zooecdysteroids). Phytoecdysteroids appear in many plants, mostly as protection agents (toxins or antifeedants) against herbivorous insects.[7][8] Fungi produce a handful of mycoecdysteroids.[9] In addition, synthetic ecdysteroid pesticides such as methoxyfenozide have been produced.[10]
Supposed dietary supplements
Extracts of A. turkestanica, including ecdysteroid, are marketed on the Internet with the presumption they are useful as bodybuilding supplements.[11] A. turkestanica contains ecdysteroid derivatives,[12] such as turkesterone, although these compounds have no proven anabolic effects on muscle in mammals, and no approval as a drug in any country.[11]