Introduction:

Ecdysteroids present unique qualities within the plant and animal kingdoms. Their similarity to endogenous mammalian steroids allows them to present biological activity on skeletal muscle tissue. However, this molecule’s action mechanism remains to be fully understood.

Method:

A narrative review was carried out using the most relevant scientific evidence. Different databases such as Medline, Google Scholar, Scielo and Wiley were consulted. Works were included or excluded according to the author´s criterium.

Results:

Ecdysteroids’ activity, mostly that of ecdysterone, might be due to the interaction with Mas receptor, a transmembrane G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR), and the subsequent indirect activation of β-Estrogen Receptor´s (β-ER) non-nuclear form. Said action mechanism induces the alternative pathway activation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), abolishing muscular degradation mechanism. Finally, through β-ER activation, the myostatin gene is supressed. This biological activity could provide ecdysteroids optimal pharmacological properties to prevent muscular protein degradation. These include tissue regeneration and repair.

Conclusions:

Due to its anticatabolic effects, Ec has shown great pharmacological properties that could make it work as an alternative treatment for degenerative muscle pathologies. Although investigations regarding Ec are still in progress, it has already been used by the sports’ industry and in several clinical trials that focus on the treatment of other diseases.

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