Below is an overview of the "mildest" "steroid alternatives" (aka legal steroid alternatives or "natural anabolics").
Contents
1. Ecdysterone (20-Hydroxyecdysone)
What it is: A plant steroid (ecdysteroid) found in marine crabs and plants (Rhaponticum carthamoides).
Effect: Activates protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway, increases endurance and strength.
Dosage: 200–500 mg/day, 6–8 week cycle.
Pros:
No impact on T-levels or estrogens.
Absolutely safe for the liver and lipids.
Cons: Effect is less pronounced than oxandrolone or SARMs.
2. Epicatechin (MicroActive® Epicatechin)
What it is: A flavanol from cocoa beans that reduces myostatin activity and increases follistatin levels.
Effect: Improves muscle growth and recovery, slightly increases endurance.
Dosage: 100–300 mg/day, 8–12 week cycle.
Pros:
Completely natural compound.
Improves vascular tone and antioxidant protection.
Cons: Muscle gain is very moderate, requires a quality product with guaranteed bioavailability.
3. Phosphatidic Acid
What it is: A lipid mediator in mTOR activation.
Effect: Enhances protein synthesis, increases strength and muscle mass with adequate nutrition and training.
Dosage: 750–1,000 mg/day, 6–8 week cycle.
Pros:
Non-hormonal, does not cause water retention.
Synergizes with creatine.
Cons: Gaining "the same" 1–2 kg of muscle per cycle is highly individual.
4. HMB (β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate)
What it is: A leucine metabolite.
Effect: Protects muscles from catabolism, improves recovery, and slightly increases strength indicators.
Dosage: 3 g/day (divided into 3 doses), 4–6 week cycle (can be extended).
Pros:
Completely safe.
Suitable for strict diets and "deficit" periods.
Cons: Does not provide a significant hypertrophic "burst," rather preserves muscle mass.
5. Natural Testosterone Boosters
Key Ingredients: Tribulus Terrestris, Fenugreek extract, D-Aspartic Acid, ZMA (Zinc Magnesium B6).
Effect: Slightly increase endogenous testosterone (up to 10–15%), improve libido and motivation.
Dosages: See manufacturer instructions, usually 1–3 capsules/day.
Pros:
Safe, no blood tests required.
Complement the basic anabolic background.
Cons: Minimal gains in strength/mass, often a placebo effect.
How to Use "Steroid Alternatives"
- Combine 2–3 supplements (e.g., ecdysterone + phosphatidic acid + a natural booster) for a synergistic effect.
- Eat carefully: A calorie and protein surplus remains a prerequisite.
- Keep a training journal: Record your workouts and how you feel—this will help you assess real progress.
- Cycles and breaks: 6–8 weeks on, then 4–6 weeks off.
Conclusions
These natural anabolics won't provide the "explosive" effect of classic anabolic steroids, but with a smart approach to nutrition and training, they can slightly accelerate progress without risk to hormonal balance and without the need for blood tests.
Among those listed, Ecdysterone appears to be one of the most promising in terms of direct influence on muscle protein synthesis and increased strength indicators, although its potency doesn't compare to synthetic anabolics.
Phosphatidic Acid also acts as a muscle growth activator, but with a more pronounced individual response.
Epicatechin, HMB, and testosterone boosters are more likely to provide a moderate or specific effect (anti-catabolism, general tone improvement), but can complement the action of stronger natural anabolics in combined cycles.
