Laxogenin (5a-Hydroxy) is an anabolic building block that is derived from plants, and it can be used by the body to create its own anabolics. It does this by increasing protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, creating an anabolic environment in the body that gives the effects of increased muscle strength and mass, endurance, recovery, and lean gains. What's more, laxogenin also inhibits cortisol - a nasty hormone we get from both mental and physical stress, which signals the body to store fat and burn muscle.
Interestingly, people may not be aware that laxogenin was studied by the Japanese as far back as the early 1960's, but it was not brought to the public attention until the 90's. Since then, supplement companies have used this compound in their products in order to give athletes a boost.
Basic info of 5a-hydroxy laxogenin
Product Name: 5a-hydroxy laxogenin,Spirostan-6-one, 3,5-dihydroxy-, (3b,5a,25R)-
Synonyms: Spirostan-6-one, 3,5-dihydroxy-, (3b,5a,25R)-;5a-hydroxy laxogenin
MF: C27H42O5
MW: 446.619
CAS: 56786-63-1
How 5a-hydroxy laxogenin works
Laxogenin was isolated in 1992 from rhizomes of smilax sieboldii (a plant species found throughout the world, but native to Asia). It is considered to be a type of steroidal sapogenin, and part of a group called brassinosteroids, which are part of a group of 40 different steroids that are synthesized from species of plants. Within the plant, these amazing compounds promote growth and vitality.
smilax sieboldii seeds
Fig 2. Smilax Sieboldii seeds
However, a study from the FASEB journal in 2010 showed that these brassinosteroids actually trigger anabolic effects by increasing protein synthesis, while halting protein breakdown. As we all know, protein is the building block of muscle, but with laxogenin you also get such benefits as fat loss and performance enhancement.
As a matter of fact, laxogenin is known to be the only product available that can give you anabolic gains in mass and strength without the steroidal suppression, or other side effects. Therefore, athletes can use it on a caloric restricted diet to prevent loss of muscle and strength. Furthermore, it will also help control glucose and increase thyroid function (metabolism). Besides, according to one experiment from the late 80's in Japan, laxogenin has been shown to have anti inflammatory benefits and a prominent anti-tumor potential.
5a-hydroxy laxogenin Benefits
The benefits of laxogenin are not as strong as anabolic steroids, but they do have some advantages:
It will not show up on any narcotic, or anabolic, drug screens. Tested athletes need not worry about being busted for this compound.
It has no effects on the HPTA (hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis) or estrogen levels, so it is not necessary to run a post cycle therapy (PCT) or use an aromatase inhibitor. Meanwhile, anabolic steroids cause LH (luteinizing hormone) suppression of about 95%, and require a strong PCT for a proper recovery.
Results can be very fast with laxogenin, unlike some injectable steroids, which take time to give any considerable results.
Just like anabolic androgenic steroids, laxogenin also inhibits cortisol without other side effects. Hence, it can prevent fat gain.
This compound increases protein synthesis by over 200%, giving you the advantages of steroid use, without the harsh side effects found with steroids.
It does not cause liver strain like oral anabolic steroids or pro-hormones do.
Laxogenin does not cause increases in DHT, which can fry your head hair follicles. Thus, your hairline will stay intact.