Ecdysterone vs MK-677
Moderate Research vs Well Studied
avoid Mechanism-based · 64% Both Ecdysterone and MK-677 carry hepatotoxic risk. Combining hepatotoxic compounds significantly increases liver damage potential. If unavoidable, include liver support (TUDCA/NAC) and monitor ALT/AST frequently.
Molecular Data
Ecdysterone MK-677
Weight 480.64 Da 624.77 Da
Half-life ~4-9 hours ~24 hours
Type Ecdysteroid (C27H44O7) Non-peptide ghrelin receptor agonist
Key Benefits
Ecdysterone
01 Activation of muscle protein synthesis through ERbeta/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling without androgen receptor binding
02 Statistically significant increases in lean muscle mass demonstrated in a controlled human trial in trained subjects
03 No hormonal suppression -- does not affect testosterone, LH, or FSH levels, eliminating the need for post-cycle therapy
04 No androgenic side effects (no hair loss, acne, prostate issues, or virilization in women)
05 No hepatotoxicity, unlike oral anabolic steroids that undergo 17-alpha alkylation
06 Naturally occurring in common foods (spinach, quinoa), with a long history of safe dietary exposure
07 Compatible with other performance compounds due to its non-hormonal mechanism
08 Available as a dietary supplement without prescription in most jurisdictions
MK-677
01 97% increase in 24-hour growth hormone secretion
02 40-72% elevation in IGF-1 levels
03 Enhanced sleep quality with improved REM patterns
04 Preferential lean tissue gains of 1.1-2.7kg over 8-12 months
05 15% basal metabolic rate increase within 2 weeks
06 Oral administration (no injections required)
Dosing Protocols
Ecdysterone
500-1000 mg/day (oral) or 50-100 mg/day (injectable) / 1-2x daily
Enhanced Anabolic Effect / Higher Bioavailability 50-100 mg/day Once daily
MK-677
Start 12.5mg daily, increase to 25mg based on tolerance / Once daily, preferably at bedtime on empty stomach
Side Effects
Ecdysterone
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, bloating, or stomach upset) with oral doses, particularly at higher dosages taken without food
Injection site pain, redness, or mild swelling with injectable administration
MK-677
Appetite stimulation (>50% of users)
Water retention (30-40%)
Lethargy (20-30%)
Fasting glucose elevation (5-15mg/dL)
Note on testosterone suppression: at doses up to 20 mg daily, MK-677 is unlikely to cause significant testosterone suppression on its own. Above 20 mg daily, the likelihood of suppression and other side effects (insulin resistance, water retention, lethargy) increases. The case report documenting 85.7% testosterone suppression involved co-administration with LGD-4033, a SARM known to be profoundly suppressive, making the SARM the likely primary driver of that suppression.
Contraindications
Known allergy to ecdysteroids or spinach-derived compounds
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
Individuals with estrogen-sensitive conditions should consult a physician, though ERbeta activation is generally considered protective rather than proliferative
Heart disease or congestive heart failure
Diabetes or pre-diabetes
Active cancer
Severe cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Research Evidence
Ecdysterone MK-677
Status Moderate Research Well Studied
References 5 studies 7 studies
Latest 2020 July 2024
FDA Approved No No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.