5a-Hydroxy Laxogenin

Laxogenin is a plant-based steroid. It helps the plants to grow.

Laxogenin is derived from brassinosteroids. Brassinosteroids are a group of plant hormones that have been shown to increase protein synthesis and decrease protein degradation in cell cultures. This explains why laxogenin is known as a plant anabolic. [R]

In a recent study, a specific type of brassinosteroid produced a stimulatory effect on protein synthesis in muscle cells. This led to increases in lean body mass, muscle mass, and physical performance. This shows that Laxogenin holds great potential as an anabolic agent. [R]

How Does Laxogenin Work?

Plant steroids like Laxogenin have a completely different working mechanism than their human counterparts. Studies have shown that they only bind the cell surface, setting off a signal to the inside of the cell to increase muscle building. [R]

They do that by activating a protein known as AKT1 or protein kinase B. AKT1 has been proven to prevent the breakdown of muscle proteins and enhance muscle building. In a genetic model, AKT1 hypertrophic muscles also showed increased strength. [R] [R]

In a separate study, natural laxogenin derivatives inhibited the enzyme that breaks down cAMP (phosphodiesterase). This leads to an increase in cAMP levels, boosting fat breakdown and activating sympathetic (fight-or-flight) response. [R] [R]

Laxogenin Research

No clinical studies have been conducted on laxogenin to date. Only animal and cell-based research substantiates the potential effects of this plant-based steroid. But they should only guide further investigational efforts and shouldn’t be interpreted as backing any health benefit.

Laxogenin and Lean Muscle Growth

In an old Russian study, rats were fed a type of brassinosteroid with a similar structure to Laxogenin. The research found that the compound increases the total weight and protein content of the leg muscles, liver, heart, and kidneys without raising sex hormones. [R]

Oral administration of another brassinosteroid increased food intake, body weight gain, lean muscle mass, and gastrocnemius muscle mass as compared with vehicle-treated controls. Moreover, brassinosteroid treatment was associated with improved physical fitness. [R]

In another study, the effects of brassinosteroid and its synthetic derivatives were measured on the skeletal muscle mass of rats. It was found that both compounds promoted protein production. They also reduced protein degradation in muscle cells. [R]

Laxogenin and Blood Sugar

A study was conducted to determine the hypoglycemic effects of homobassinolide (a type of brassinosteroid) on healthy mice. It was reported that the oral administration of HB triggered a selective anabolic response that was associated with lower blood glucose. [R]

Similarly, another study set out to evaluate the effects of HB administration on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, body composition, and more. It was found that acute oral administration of 50 – 300mg/kg of HB to obese mice resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in fasting blood glucose. [R]

These results indicate the anti-diabetic effects of brassinosteroids.

Laxogenin and Cancer

Laxogenin was proven to have an antitumor-promoting activity in a two-stage lung carcinogenesis experiment. In two separate studies, natural and synthetic laxogenin derivatives were found to kill leukemia and colon cancer cells. [R] [R] [R]

However, in the absence of randomized, long-term clinical trials, more studies on select populations are needed to substantiate the effects of Laxogenin on cancer.

Laxogenin and Fat Breakdown

In a study, natural laxogenin derivatives blocked the enzyme that breaks down cAMP (phosphodiesterase). This inevitably leads to an increase in cAMP levels as the enzyme inhibiting its production has been blocked. [R]

Various studies have shown that an increase in cAMP levels increases lipolysis. Lipolysis is the process by which fats break down and release in the form of fatty acids. The cAMP has been found to increase lipolysis by binding and activating protein kinase A (PKA). [R]

Still, more evidence is needed to link Laxogenin with fat loss.

Laxogenin and Tissue Damage

In a cell study, a natural laxogenin derivative prevented free radicals and poor oxygen supply from causing tissue damage. This shows massive promise in the potential ability of Laxogenin to neutralize oxidative stress. Still, human and animal studies are needed. [R]