The Effects of Turkesterone Supplementation on Body Composition

The Effects of Turkesterone Supplementation on Body Composition

Alvin Sherman Library

It has been proposed that turkesterone supplementation can cause an increase in muscle mass and overall improvements in body composition. Turkesterone is a phytoecdysteroid derived from plants such as common wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Vitex plants (sage and mint). The purpose of this study was to determine if turkesterone supplementation in healthy, active males and females can increase lean muscle mass. This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial consisted of thirty-one physically active males (n=14) and females (n=17). Muscle mass was determined pre-test and post-test using a dual-energy Xray absorptiometry machine (DEXA). The treatment group ingested 500 milligrams of turkesterone daily for four weeks while the placebo group ingested rice flour capsules daily. Subjects were instructed to maintain their normal diet and exercise routines. The scores for both treatment and control groups were compared pre and post-test using an independent samples t-test. There were no between-group differences (p>0.05) between treatment and placebo groups for body mass (p=0.38), lean body mass (p=0.68), fat mass (p=0.06), or percent body fat (p=0.14). 500 milligram turkesterone supplementation for four weeks had no effect on body composition in healthy, active males and females.