Compounds

Testosterone enanthate is a long-acting ester of testosterone, the primary endogenous androgen in men. It is a licensed medicine for male hypogonadism and the most widely used compound in non-medical performance and physique contexts — both on its own and as the base of nearly every multi-compound protocol. Because it is bioidentical to endogenous testosterone once the ester cleaves, its effect profile is the reference point against which every other anabolic compound is described.

A long-acting testosterone ester near-identical in practice to enanthate, differing only in a marginally longer half-life. The most common TRT ester in the United States.

A once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed for type 2 diabetes and obesity — the drug that defined the current weight-loss era. Large, well-evidenced weight loss with a gastrointestinal side-effect profile as the main limit.

A very long-acting testosterone ester used clinically as a long-interval depot injection (Nebido/Aveed) and as an oral preparation. Once cleaved it is bioidentical testosterone; the exceptionally long undecanoate ester allows dosing every 10-14 weeks by injection.

Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine licensed since 1963 for anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasm, and seizures. It has decades of clinical use and produces anxiolysis, sedation, and muscle relaxation, but carries substantial dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal liability.

Levothyroxine is synthetic thyroxine (T4), the standard first-line treatment for hypothyroidism and one of the most prescribed drugs in the world. It is a prohormone converted peripherally to active T3. It is a poor off-label fat-loss agent because its effects are slow, buffered by the body's conversion regulation, and supraphysiological use carries the same thyrotoxic risks as T3.

Metformin is a biguanide oral antidiabetic and first-line drug for type 2 diabetes. It lowers hepatic glucose output and improves insulin sensitivity without causing hypoglycaemia on its own. Bodybuilders use it as a glucose-disposal and nutrient-partitioning agent, and it is studied for longevity and body-composition effects.

Regular (soluble) human insulin, sold as Humulin R and Novolin R, is unmodified recombinant human insulin with a slower onset (~30 min) and longer action than rapid analogues. It is a historically popular bodybuilding insulin, available over the counter in the US, dosed post-workout for glucose disposal. Hypoglycaemia risk is severe and longer-lasting.

Sildenafil is the prototype PDE5 inhibitor, originally developed as an antianginal and repurposed as the first oral erectile-dysfunction drug. In the PED context it is used both for erectile function (androgen users on heavily suppressive cycles or 19-nor compounds frequently report ED) and as a peripheral vasodilator for the training 'pump'. It is fast-acting and short-lived, with a large clinical safety database, but is dangerous when combined with nitrates.

Tamoxifen is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) with decades of oncology trial data. It antagonises oestrogen at breast tissue (used to prevent and treat gynaecomastia) while acting as an oestrogen agonist at the hypothalamus/pituitary, raising LH, FSH and endogenous testosterone — which makes it a mainstay of post-cycle therapy (PCT).

A short-acting injectable ester of testosterone. Once the propionate ester is cleaved by serum esterases, the liberated hormone is bioidentical testosterone, so its effect and side-effect profile is that of testosterone itself. The short half-life means more frequent injections but faster clearance and easier titration.

Dexamethasone is a long-acting, extremely potent synthetic glucocorticoid — roughly 25-30 times the anti-inflammatory potency of cortisol — with essentially no mineralocorticoid activity. It is used for severe inflammation, cerebral oedema, chemotherapy nausea and (from COVID-19 trials) severe respiratory inflammation. Its long duration makes it strongly and durably HPA-suppressive, and it is markedly catabolic.

Alprazolam is a short- to intermediate-acting triazolobenzodiazepine licensed for anxiety and panic disorder. Its rapid onset and high potency make it effective but also give it one of the higher dependence and misuse liabilities among benzodiazepines.

Atorvastatin is one of the most widely prescribed statins, with extensive cardiovascular outcome data. PED users use it to control the atherogenic lipid changes of anabolic steroid cycles. It is potent and effective but is more dependent on CYP3A4 metabolism than rosuvastatin, giving it more interaction potential with drugs and supplements that inhibit that enzyme.

Synthetic, orally potent estrogen that forms the estrogen backbone of most combined oral contraceptives. The 17-alpha-ethinyl group resists hepatic metabolism, making it highly bioavailable orally but disproportionately impactful on liver-derived clotting factors.

Finasteride is a type II 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that lowers dihydrotestosterone (DHT), used for male-pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. In the PED context it is used to reduce androgenic hair loss driven by DHT and DHT-derived compounds — but it does nothing against non-DHT androgens (e.g. nandrolone, trenbolone) and can worsen some, and it approximately halves PSA, which must be accounted for in prostate screening.

Insulin aspart (NovoLog / NovoRapid) is a rapid-acting insulin analogue with a single B28 proline-to-aspartate substitution. Clinically it covers mealtime glucose; in bodybuilding it is used interchangeably with lispro for post-workout nutrient partitioning. It carries the same rapid, potentially fatal hypoglycaemia risk.

Insulin glargine (Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo) is a long-acting basal insulin analogue giving a flat ~24-hour profile. Some bodybuilders use it for continuous nutrient partitioning, but its long, non-reversible action makes any hypoglycaemia protracted and especially dangerous.

Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting recombinant human insulin analogue (brand Humalog) with onset in ~15 minutes. Bodybuilders use it post-workout or around meals to drive glucose, amino acids and creatine into muscle. Its speed makes hypoglycaemia fast and potentially fatal, making it one of the most dangerous drugs in physique circles.

Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid (13-cis-retinoic acid) that produces durable remission of severe, treatment-resistant acne. In the PED context it is used for the severe androgen-driven acne that high-dose steroids can cause. It is highly effective but carries substantial risks: it is powerfully teratogenic, raises triglycerides and liver enzymes, dries skin and mucosa, and has a debated association with mood disturbance.

Letrozole is a highly potent non-steroidal (reversible) aromatase inhibitor. It is extremely effective at lowering oestrogen — so effective that it is the AI most likely to be over-used, crashing oestradiol to symptomatic levels. It has legitimate niche uses (established gynaecomastia reversal, ovulation induction) but for routine on-cycle oestrogen control it is easy to badly over-suppress.

Lorazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine licensed for anxiety, status epilepticus, and sedation. It has no active metabolites and is metabolised by glucuronidation, making it useful in hepatic impairment, but shares the class dependence and withdrawal liability.

A first-line prescription stimulant for ADHD and narcolepsy, marketed as Ritalin and the extended-release Concerta. It blocks dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake, improving attention and impulse control. Decades of controlled trials support efficacy, but it carries dependence potential, cardiovascular load, appetite suppression and insomnia.

Midazolam is a short-acting, water-soluble benzodiazepine used mainly for procedural sedation, anaesthesia induction, and acute seizure control. Though usually given parenterally or buccally in hospital, an oral form exists; it carries strong sedation, amnestic effects, and respiratory depression risk.

NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin is an intermediate-acting suspension of human insulin with protamine, giving onset in ~1-2 hours, a peak at 4-8 hours and ~12-16 hour duration. Its pronounced peak makes it a classic but especially hazardous bodybuilding insulin.

Prednisolone is the active glucocorticoid to which prednisone is converted in the liver, so it does not require hepatic activation and is preferred where liver conversion may be impaired. It shares prednisone's roughly fourfold anti-inflammatory potency over cortisol and the same double-edged profile: excellent inflammation control but catabolic, immunosuppressive and HPA-suppressive with sustained use.

Prednisone is a synthetic oral glucocorticoid prodrug (converted in the liver to prednisolone) with roughly four times the anti-inflammatory potency of cortisol. It is one of the most widely prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs in medicine. For athletes it is double-edged: powerful for suppressing injury-related inflammation, but overtly catabolic to muscle and bone, immunosuppressive, and suppressive of the HPA axis with any sustained use.

Rosuvastatin is a potent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) with strong LDL-lowering efficacy and cardiovascular outcome data. PED users use it to manage the substantial LDL rise and HDL fall that anabolic steroids — especially oral 17aa compounds — produce. It is one of the more commonly recommended statins in the community because of its potency and relatively favourable interaction profile.

Salbutamol (albuterol in the US) is a short-acting beta-2 agonist and one of the most widely used asthma reliever medications worldwide. It is sometimes used off-label for fat loss as a milder, shorter-acting alternative to clenbuterol, but its very short half-life and weaker thermogenic effect make it far less potent for that purpose.

A licensed blend of four testosterone esters (propionate, phenylpropionate, isocaproate and decanoate) totalling 250 mg/mL, designed to give both a fast onset and a sustained release from a single injection. Pharmacodynamically it is testosterone; the blend only shapes the release curve.

Tadalafil is a long-acting PDE5 inhibitor known for its ~17.5-hour half-life, which allows once-daily low-dose use ('the weekender'). It is used for erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia, and among PED users it is popular for daily low-dose administration to support erectile function and blood pressure across a suppressive cycle without timing doses to activity.

Un-esterified testosterone suspended in an aqueous vehicle. With no ester to cleave, it is pure testosterone that acts almost immediately and clears quickly, requiring daily (or more frequent) injection. The effect and side-effect profile is testosterone's, undiluted by ester weight.

Clonazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine licensed for epilepsy and panic disorder. Its long half-life gives smooth coverage, but sustained use produces tolerance, dependence, and a withdrawal syndrome that can include seizures on abrupt cessation.

A potent second-generation 19-nortestosterone progestin, the active enantiomer of norgestrel. Backbone of many combined pills, progestin-only pills, hormonal IUDs and emergency contraception. Comparatively low VTE risk among combined-pill progestins.

Methylprednisolone is an intermediate-acting synthetic glucocorticoid about five times more anti-inflammatory potent than cortisol, with negligible mineralocorticoid (salt-retaining) activity. It is widely used as high-dose IV 'pulse' therapy and as the Medrol Dosepak oral taper, and is a common depot injection for joints. Same double-edged trade-off for athletes: strong inflammation and pain relief, but catabolic and HPA-suppressive.

A non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor used to control oestradiol on aromatising cycles. Effective and well studied — with over-suppression, not under-dosing, the more common error.

An atypical antidepressant and smoking-cessation aid (Wellbutrin, Zyban) that inhibits dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake. Combined with naltrexone in Contrave for weight management. Low abuse potential and no weight gain, but lowers seizure threshold and can cause insomnia and cardiovascular effects.

Cabergoline is a long-acting dopamine D2 receptor agonist used clinically for hyperprolactinaemia and Parkinson's disease. In the PED context it is used to lower prolactin elevated by 19-nortestosterone compounds (nandrolone, trenbolone), addressing prolactin-driven gynaecomastia and sexual dysfunction. Its long half-life allows twice-weekly dosing, but high cumulative doses carry a cardiac valve risk.

The dextrorotatory enantiomer of amphetamine, marketed as Dexedrine, used for ADHD and narcolepsy. It releases dopamine and noradrenaline and blocks their reuptake, giving potent stimulant effects. Well characterised over decades, with meaningful dependence, cardiovascular and appetite/sleep trade-offs.

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, epoetin alfa/beta) is a glycoprotein hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in bone marrow. Developed for renal anaemia and chemotherapy-induced anaemia, it became the archetypal endurance-doping agent from the 1990s onward, raising haematocrit and aerobic capacity. It is prohibited by WADA at all times.

Injectable esterified form of 17-beta-estradiol, the principal human estrogen. Widely used in feminizing hormone therapy and menopausal HRT because the valerate ester slows release, giving stable estradiol levels from weekly or biweekly intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.

Steroidal, irreversible ('suicidal') aromatase inhibitor developed for post-menopausal breast cancer. In the PED context it is used to blunt oestrogen conversion from aromatising androgens. Because it is androgenic and does not raise SHBG the way non-steroidal AIs can, it is often favoured, but the recurring error is aggressive dosing that crashes oestradiol and produces joint pain, low libido and adverse lipids.

Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic used clinically for oedema and heart failure. In the PED and physique world it is used — dangerously — for rapid water loss before contests or weigh-ins. Its efficacy is well established, but so are its risks: it causes brisk electrolyte and fluid loss that has produced hospitalisations and deaths among bodybuilders, and it is banned in sport as a masking agent.

Hydrocortisone is synthetic cortisol — the body's own primary glucocorticoid — used as physiologic replacement in adrenal insufficiency and as a low-potency anti-inflammatory. Because it is identical to endogenous cortisol it has notable mineralocorticoid (salt-retaining) activity and a short duration, making it the preferred drug for mimicking the natural cortisol rhythm. Weaker per milligram than the synthetics, but the same catabolic trade-off at supraphysiologic doses.

Liraglutide is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type-2 diabetes (Victoza) and, at a higher dose, for chronic weight management (Saxenda). It is one of the most extensively studied incretin drugs, with large cardiovascular outcome trials, though its daily dosing and more modest weight loss have since been eclipsed by weekly agents.

Minoxidil is a vasodilator repurposed as the leading topical hair-loss treatment, also used off-label at low oral doses. It is not an anti-androgen but is the standard companion to 5ARIs and AR antagonists, promoting hair growth by prolonging the follicle growth phase. Oral use adds cardiovascular and fluid-retention considerations.

Telmisartan is a long-acting angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) licensed for hypertension and cardiovascular risk reduction. Among PED users it is a favoured blood-pressure agent on cycle because of its very long half-life, once-daily control and partial PPAR-gamma agonism, which is thought to offer mild metabolic benefits. It has robust clinical trial support for its licensed indications.

A medium-short injectable testosterone ester, best known as one of the four esters in Sustanon. Once cleaved it is bioidentical testosterone, so the effect and side-effect profile is testosterone's; the phenylpropionate ester sits between propionate and enanthate in duration.

Budesonide is a potent synthetic glucocorticoid engineered for high first-pass hepatic metabolism, so it delivers strong local anti-inflammatory action in the airways or gut with comparatively low systemic exposure. It is a mainstay inhaled steroid for asthma and an oral formulation targeting ileal/colonic inflammation in Crohn's disease. Lower systemic burden than oral prednisone, but not zero — HPA suppression still occurs at higher doses.

Clomifene (clomiphene) is a SERM, a mixture of two isomers (enclomiphene and zuclomiphene). Like tamoxifen it blocks oestrogen feedback at the pituitary to raise LH, FSH and testosterone, and it is widely used in PCT and for male hypogonadism/fertility. Its distinctive drawback is oestrogenic-agonist visual side effects — blurring, floaters and flashes — driven largely by the long-lived zuclomiphene isomer.

Dutasteride is a dual (type I and type II) 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, more complete and longer-acting than finasteride. It suppresses serum DHT by more than 90%, making it a stronger option for DHT-driven hair loss and BPH — with correspondingly greater potential for DHT-dependent sexual side effects and a very long half-life that means effects persist for weeks after stopping.

Insulin glulisine (Apidra) is a rapid-acting insulin analogue with two amino-acid substitutions (B3 lysine, B29 glutamate). It behaves much like lispro and aspart and is used off-label the same way for post-workout glucose disposal. It carries identical life-threatening hypoglycaemia risk.

A prodrug of dexamfetamine (Vyvanse) that is inactive until metabolised, giving a smoother onset and lower abuse liability than immediate-release amphetamine. Approved for ADHD and binge-eating disorder. Retains amphetamine's dependence, cardiovascular and appetite/sleep trade-offs.

A potent synthetic progestin used as long-acting injectable contraception (Depo-Provera), in HRT, and as an anti-androgen/testosterone suppressant in transfeminine care and hypersexuality. Strongly suppresses gonadotropins.

Temazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine licensed primarily as a hypnotic for short-term insomnia. Its relatively short duration reduces next-day hangover but does not remove the class-wide dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal liability.

A non-stimulant ADHD medication (Strattera) that selectively inhibits noradrenaline reuptake. It has no abuse potential and is not controlled, but works more slowly than stimulants and carries its own risks including cardiovascular effects, appetite suppression and a boxed warning for suicidal ideation in youth.

Chlordiazepoxide was the first benzodiazepine, introduced in 1960, and is licensed for anxiety and, prominently, for managing alcohol withdrawal. Its long half-life and active metabolites give smooth coverage, but it retains the class dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal liability.

A potent steroidal anti-androgen and progestin. Widely used in transfeminine care (outside the US) to suppress testosterone, and for severe acne, hirsutism and prostate cancer. Effective but carries meningioma and hepatotoxicity concerns at higher cumulative doses.

Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and supported by large cardiovascular outcome trials. It lowers blood glucose and body weight modestly and reduces major cardiovascular events, backed by extensive clinical data.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone that mimics luteinising hormone (LH), directly stimulating the Leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone. It is used to maintain testicular size and function during suppressive cycles and as part of HPTA restart, preventing or reversing the testicular atrophy that exogenous androgens cause.

Insulin detemir (Levemir) is a long-acting basal analogue that binds albumin via a myristic-acid side chain to prolong action to ~12-20 hours. It is used off-label for basal nutrient partitioning; like all basal insulins its extended, irreversible action makes hypoglycaemia dangerous.

Alprostadil is synthetic prostaglandin E1 used for erectile dysfunction as an intracavernosal injection (Caverject) or intraurethral pellet (MUSE). Unlike oral PDE5 inhibitors it acts locally to relax cavernosal smooth muscle independent of nerve signalling, so it works even when PDE5 inhibitors fail — but at the cost of an invasive route and a real risk of prolonged erection.

A mixture of estrogen sulfate salts (chiefly estrone sulfate and equilin sulfate) derived from pregnant mares' urine. A long-standing menopausal HRT and one of the most-studied estrogen products, central to the Women's Health Initiative trials.

The most studied sports supplement in existence. Saturates muscle phosphocreatine stores, buffering ATP resynthesis during short, high-intensity efforts. Reliably improves strength, power and lean mass over weeks of loading plus training, with an exceptionally clean safety record in healthy adults.

Enzalutamide is a second-generation androgen-receptor antagonist for prostate cancer. Unlike older agents it also blocks receptor nuclear translocation and DNA binding, giving stronger androgen-signalling inhibition. It improves survival in castration-resistant disease but carries seizure risk and fatigue.

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol-absorption inhibitor that lowers LDL by blocking intestinal uptake of dietary and biliary cholesterol. PED users use it, often alongside or instead of a statin, to counter the LDL rise driven by anabolic steroids, particularly harsh orals. It has solid clinical trial data, including cardiovascular outcome benefit when added to statin therapy.

Follitropin is recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) produced in cell culture, used for controlled ovarian stimulation in IVF, ovulation induction, and stimulation of spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic men. It provides pure FSH activity without the LH content of urinary hMG.

Liothyronine is synthetic triiodothyronine (T3), the biologically active thyroid hormone, prescribed for hypothyroidism and myxoedema coma. It is used off-label for fat loss because it directly raises metabolic rate, but supraphysiological use causes muscle loss, cardiac strain and bone loss, and abruptly stopping it can cause a rebound suppression of the thyroid axis.

An orally active testosterone derivative bearing a 17-alpha-methyl group that resists hepatic breakdown. It delivers testosterone-like androgenic effects by mouth, but the 17-alpha-alkylation makes it distinctly hepatotoxic — the key difference from injectable esters, which are not.

A first-generation 19-nortestosterone-derived progestin, one of the earliest oral progestins. Used in contraceptives, HRT, menstrual delay and heavy bleeding. Retains mild androgenic activity and is partly converted to ethinylestradiol.

Pioglitazone (Actos) is a thiazolidinedione PPAR-gamma agonist that improves insulin sensitivity by promoting fat storage in subcutaneous adipose and improving glucose uptake. Bodybuilders occasionally use it as a partitioning agent, but water retention, weight gain and bone/heart-failure concerns limit its appeal.

Raloxifene is a second-generation SERM approved for osteoporosis and breast cancer risk reduction. In the PED context it is valued specifically for gynaecomastia: clinical data suggest it reduces established pubertal gynaecomastia more effectively than tamoxifen, making it a preferred SERM when glandular tissue has already formed.

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing aldosterone-receptor antagonist licensed as a diuretic and for heart failure and hypertension, and it is also an anti-androgen. PED users use it for fluid retention and blood-pressure support, but its anti-androgen activity makes it a poor choice for men on cycle. It has strong clinical evidence in its licensed roles.

A very short-acting injectable testosterone ester with a two-carbon acetate chain, even shorter than propionate. Once cleaved it is bioidentical testosterone; the tiny ester gives fast onset, quick clearance and a need for daily injection.

A medium-acting injectable testosterone ester, encountered chiefly as one of the four esters in Sustanon. Once cleaved it is bioidentical testosterone; the isocaproate ester gives an intermediate release rate between phenylpropionate and decanoate.

Triamcinolone is a synthetic intermediate-to-long-acting glucocorticoid, roughly five times as potent as cortisol, used heavily as a depot intra-articular and intramuscular injection (triamcinolone acetonide) and in topical/inhaled forms. In sport and recovery it is one of the most common joint-injection corticosteroids — effective for localised inflammation but chondrotoxic on repeat use and systemically suppressive from depot absorption.

Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH) is a posterior-pituitary peptide that promotes water reabsorption in the kidney and vasoconstriction. Medically it is used for diabetes insipidus, vasodilatory shock, and GI variceal bleeding. It is the parent hormone of the more selective analogue desmopressin.

Betamethasone is a very potent, long-acting synthetic glucocorticoid (roughly 25-30 times cortisol potency, similar to dexamethasone) with negligible mineralocorticoid activity. It is used topically at high potency, as a combined fast/slow depot injection (Celestone/Diprospan) for joints, and antenatally to accelerate fetal lung maturity. Same corticosteroid trade-offs: strong anti-inflammatory action, but catabolic and HPA-suppressive.

A spironolactone-derived progestin with anti-androgenic and anti-mineralocorticoid (potassium-sparing) activity. Used in combined pills (Yasmin/Yaz) and progestin-only pills; favoured where anti-androgenic effect on acne is desired.

Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon) was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes, derived from exendin-4 in Gila monster saliva. Available as twice-daily and once-weekly formulations, it lowers glucose and weight modestly, with a long track record in humans.

Insulin degludec (Tresiba) is an ultra-long-acting basal analogue with an action duration exceeding 42 hours, forming soluble multihexamer depots after injection. Its extreme duration makes it the least reversible insulin and correspondingly hazardous if hypoglycaemia occurs.

Menotropin (human menopausal gonadotropin, hMG) is a purified urinary preparation containing both FSH and LH activity, used to stimulate follicle development in fertility treatment and to induce spermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic men. It supplies the gonadotropins the pituitary would normally secrete.

Bioidentical progesterone in a micronized oral or vaginal form. Used for endometrial protection in HRT, luteal support in fertility care, and increasingly in transfeminine regimens where some seek its putative breast and mood effects.

An amphetamine-related sympathomimetic anorectic approved for short-term weight loss as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It suppresses appetite by increasing noradrenaline release. Widely used and studied, but indicated only for short courses because of tolerance, cardiovascular effects and dependence potential.

Pregabalin is a potent gabapentinoid licensed for neuropathic pain, epilepsy and, in many countries, generalised anxiety disorder. It is more potent and more predictably absorbed than gabapentin. It has clear anxiolytic efficacy but also a recognised euphoria and dependence liability, and is now controlled in several jurisdictions.

Triazolam is a very short-acting triazolobenzodiazepine licensed as a hypnotic for short-term insomnia. Its rapid clearance minimises next-day hangover but promotes rebound insomnia, and its high potency gives significant dependence and amnestic liability.

Vardenafil is a potent second-generation PDE5 inhibitor structurally similar to sildenafil but roughly an order of magnitude more potent on a molar basis, so effective doses are lower. It offers a similar on-demand profile for erectile dysfunction and is sometimes chosen when sildenafil is ineffective or poorly tolerated.

Elagolix is an orally active, non-peptide GnRH antagonist for management of endometriosis-associated pain and, combined with add-back hormones, heavy menstrual bleeding from uterine fibroids. Being oral and dose-tunable, it produces partial-to-full estrogen suppression without an agonist flare.

Bicalutamide is a non-steroidal androgen-receptor antagonist widely used to treat prostate cancer and, off-label, in feminising hormone therapy and severe hirsutism. It blocks androgens at the receptor without lowering testosterone, and among older anti-androgens has a comparatively favourable side-effect profile aside from a risk of hepatotoxicity.

An ergot-derived dopamine D2 agonist used for hyperprolactinaemia, Parkinson's disease and type 2 diabetes. In PED contexts it suppresses prolactin to manage 19-nor (nandrolone/trenbolone) prolactin-related side effects.

Cortisone is a naturally occurring glucocorticoid prodrug, inactive until the enzyme 11-beta-HSD1 converts it to hydrocortisone (cortisol) in the liver. It was the first glucocorticoid used clinically. Today systemic cortisone is largely superseded by hydrocortisone and synthetics, but 'cortisone shot' remains a colloquial term for corticosteroid joint injections (usually other steroids). Its potency roughly equals cortisol, with mineralocorticoid activity.

Darbepoetin alfa is a hyperglycosylated, longer-acting analogue of erythropoietin with two extra N-linked carbohydrate chains, extending its half-life so it can be dosed less frequently. Licensed for anaemia, it has been detected in high-profile doping cases (notably at the 2002 Winter Olympics). Prohibited by WADA at all times.

Degarelix is a GnRH receptor antagonist for advanced prostate cancer. Unlike GnRH agonists it blocks the receptor directly, suppressing testosterone within days and without the initial hormonal flare, avoiding the need for anti-androgen cover.

A hybrid 19-nortestosterone progestin with anti-androgenic activity but no androgenicity. First-line medical therapy for endometriosis and a component of combined contraceptives; suppresses ovarian estrogen production while acting directly on endometrial lesions.

Longer-acting injectable estradiol ester. The cypionate ester releases estradiol more slowly than valerate, allowing longer dosing intervals; used in feminizing HRT and formerly in monthly combined injectable contraceptives.

Formoterol is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist with an unusually fast onset, combining LABA duration with reliever-like speed. It is used as maintenance therapy for asthma and COPD, and in maintenance-and-reliever (MART) regimens paired with an inhaled corticosteroid. Occasionally sought for physique use because of its potency, but its inhaled route and low systemic exposure make it a weak fat-loss tool relative to clenbuterol.

Gabapentin is a prescription gabapentinoid marketed for partial seizures and postherpetic neuralgia, widely used off-label for neuropathic pain, anxiety and sleep. Despite the name it does not act on GABA receptors; it binds the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels. It is calming and sedating at higher doses, has meaningful misuse potential (especially with opioids), and produces a genuine physical withdrawal syndrome on abrupt cessation.

Nebivolol is a highly beta-1-selective beta-blocker with an additional nitric-oxide-mediated vasodilating action. It is licensed for hypertension and, in Europe, heart failure. PED users favour it over older beta-blockers for on-cycle blood-pressure and heart-rate control because its vasodilation and metabolic neutrality tend to spare libido, lipids and exercise tolerance.

Nitrazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine licensed as a hypnotic for insomnia and, in some countries, for certain childhood epilepsies. Its long half-life gives sustained sedation but promotes next-day hangover and accumulation, alongside the class dependence and withdrawal liability.

Pramipexole is a non-ergot dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist used for Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome. In the PED context it is used, like cabergoline, to lower prolactin raised by 19-nortestosterone compounds. Being non-ergot it lacks the cardiac valve concern of cabergoline, but is dosed daily and is prone to nausea, somnolence and, notably, impulse-control problems.

Relugolix is an oral, non-peptide GnRH antagonist for advanced prostate cancer (Orgovyx) and, with add-back hormones, for uterine fibroids and endometriosis (Myfembree/Ryeqo). It suppresses sex steroids rapidly and without flare, with fast recovery after stopping.

Resmetirom is a liver-directed, thyroid hormone receptor beta-selective agonist approved in 2024 (as Rezdiffra) for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Its TR-beta selectivity lowers liver fat and cholesterol while sparing the heart and bone, making it of interest as a cleaner thermogenic than T3.

Rosiglitazone (Avandia) is a thiazolidinedione PPAR-gamma agonist similar to pioglitazone. It improves insulin sensitivity but became notorious for a cardiovascular safety controversy that led to restrictions. Its use as a partitioning agent is discouraged given the risk profile.

Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) used for maintenance treatment of asthma and COPD, almost always paired with an inhaled corticosteroid. Its long duration comes from a lipophilic side chain that anchors it near the receptor. It is a controller, not a rescue inhaler, and monotherapy in asthma is associated with a small increase in serious asthma events, which is why it is combined with a steroid.

Somatropin is recombinant human growth hormone (191-amino-acid), biosynthetically identical to pituitary GH. It is an approved drug for GH deficiency, Turner syndrome, chronic renal insufficiency, short stature and HIV wasting, and is the most thoroughly studied compound of the GH axis. It drives IGF-1 production, lipolysis and nitrogen retention; misuse for body composition and anti-ageing is widespread but off-label.

Bromazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine licensed for short-term anxiety in many European and other countries. It provides reliable anxiolysis but shares the class dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal liability, with seizure risk on abrupt cessation.

Acarbose (Precose, Glucobay) is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows intestinal carbohydrate digestion, blunting post-meal glucose and insulin spikes. Bodybuilders use it to reduce fat gain from high-carbohydrate meals. It does not cause hypoglycaemia alone; its main drawback is prominent gastrointestinal gas and bloating.

Apalutamide is a second-generation androgen-receptor antagonist approved for non-metastatic castration-resistant and metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Structurally related to enzalutamide, it delays metastasis and prolongs survival, with skin rash and thyroid effects among its more characteristic adverse events.

Baclofen is a GABA-B receptor agonist prescribed as a skeletal muscle relaxant for spasticity from spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. It is also used off-label for alcohol dependence and produces anxiolysis and sedation. It is not a gabapentinoid but is a core non-benzodiazepine GABAergic calming agent, with a significant and sometimes dangerous withdrawal syndrome.

Buserelin is a synthetic GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonist used for prostate cancer, endometriosis, and assisted reproduction. Like all GnRH agonists it first flares gonadotropin release, then downregulates pituitary GnRH receptors to suppress LH, FSH, and sex-steroid output. In bodybuilding circles it is sometimes misused during fertility or PCT experimentation, though its net effect is suppression, not stimulation.

Cetrorelix is a GnRH antagonist used in IVF to prevent premature LH surges during controlled ovarian stimulation. It blocks pituitary GnRH receptors immediately, giving rapid, reversible suppression without the flare of agonist protocols.

Dapoxetine is a short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor developed specifically for on-demand treatment of premature ejaculation rather than for erectile dysfunction. Its rapid absorption and short half-life make it suitable for as-needed dosing. It is approved in many countries (not the US) and is frequently combined with a PDE5 inhibitor in grey-market 'super' tablets.

Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) is the pharmacologically active d-threo enantiomer of methylphenidate, approved for ADHD. Delivering the active isomer alone allows roughly half the milligram dose for comparable effect, with a large clinical evidence base inherited from decades of methylphenidate research.

A sympathomimetic anorectic (also called amfepramone) used for short-term weight loss. It suppresses appetite via noradrenaline release and is generally considered milder than amphetamine-type anorectics. Indicated for short courses due to tolerance and cardiovascular and dependence considerations.

An orally active retroprogesterone structurally close to progesterone but more selective. Used for endometrial protection in HRT, luteal support, threatened/recurrent miscarriage and dysfunctional bleeding, with minimal androgenic or estrogenic activity.

A selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) given by intramuscular injection for ER-positive breast cancer. Unlike SERMs it has no agonist activity — it binds, blocks and degrades the oestrogen receptor outright.

Ganirelix is a GnRH antagonist used in IVF to prevent premature LH surges during ovarian stimulation. It gives immediate, dose-dependent pituitary suppression and is a mainstay of the shorter antagonist stimulation protocol.

Ketamine is a clinically established dissociative anaesthetic, an arylcyclohexylamine and NMDA-receptor antagonist used since the 1970s for anaesthesia and analgesia. Since the 2000s it has been studied and licensed (as the S-enantiomer esketamine) for treatment-resistant depression. It is also a widely used recreational dissociative, where chronic heavy use is strongly associated with ulcerative cystitis and bladder damage.

A synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist that, after an initial flare, desensitises the pituitary to suppress LH, FSH and sex-steroid production. Licensed depot drug for prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, central precocious puberty and as part of gender-affirming and fertility protocols.

Nitrous oxide (N2O, laughing gas) is an inhaled gas used for over a century as an analgesic and anaesthetic adjunct in medicine and dentistry. It acts largely as an NMDA receptor antagonist, producing brief euphoria, analgesia and dissociation. Recreational use from cream chargers is widespread, and repeated heavy use causes serious vitamin B12-related neuropathy.

A mild oral DHT-derived steroid with a genuine clinical history in burns and wasting. Popular for strength and definition without water retention — with a worse lipid profile than its gentle reputation suggests.

A pegylated GH-receptor antagonist approved for acromegaly. Unlike secretagogues it blocks GH signalling, lowering IGF-1 in patients with excess GH resistant to other therapies.

A fixed-dose combination of the stimulant anorectic phentermine with the anticonvulsant topiramate, FDA-approved as Qsymia in 2012 for chronic weight management. It is one of the more effective oral anti-obesity drugs, but carries stimulant effects, cognitive side effects and clear teratogenic (cleft palate) risk requiring pregnancy precautions.

Approved synthetic amylin analog used as adjunct mealtime therapy in insulin-treated diabetes. Slows gastric emptying and suppresses glucagon, with modest weight loss.

Terbutaline is a short-acting beta-2 agonist used as a bronchodilator and, off-label, as a tocolytic to slow premature labour. It is occasionally used off-label for fat loss as a clenbuterol alternative, but its short half-life, appreciable beta-1 cross-reactivity and cardiovascular effects limit its appeal. Prolonged tocolytic use has been linked to serious maternal cardiac events, prompting regulatory warnings.

A once-weekly dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Produces the largest mean weight loss of any approved agent to date, at the cost of a dose-limiting gastrointestinal side-effect profile.

Urofollitropin is highly purified FSH extracted from the urine of postmenopausal women, with LH activity largely removed. It is used for ovulation induction and controlled ovarian stimulation, particularly where a pure FSH effect is wanted, such as PCOS-related ovulation induction.

A highly purified, rapidly digested milk-derived protein rich in leucine. Well-evidenced as a convenient way to meet protein targets and stimulate muscle protein synthesis, supporting lean-mass and strength gains when total protein intake would otherwise fall short.

A fixed-dose combination of the opioid antagonist naltrexone and the dopamine-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor bupropion, approved as Contrave (Mysimba in Europe) in 2014 for weight management. It targets appetite and reward pathways, giving modest weight loss with characteristic nausea and a boxed warning around bupropion's psychiatric effects.

The longer-acting R-enantiomer of modafinil, approved for the same wakefulness indications. It produces comparable clinical benefits with a slightly more sustained plasma profile, and shares modafinil's relatively favourable tolerability.

Avanafil is a newer, highly selective PDE5 inhibitor designed for rapid onset — often effective within 15-30 minutes — and a short duration, which limits the persistence of side effects. Its high PDE5 selectivity (low PDE1/PDE6 activity) reduces visual disturbance and flushing relative to sildenafil.

A sympathomimetic anorectic (Didrex) used for short-term weight loss. It is metabolised to amphetamine and methamphetamine and suppresses appetite through central catecholamine release. Reserved for short courses given tolerance, cardiovascular effects and dependence potential.

Corifollitropin alfa is a long-acting recombinant FSH analogue: a single injection provides about a week of sustained follicle-stimulating activity, replacing the first seven daily FSH injections in an IVF antagonist protocol. It reduces injection burden during controlled ovarian stimulation.

Darolutamide is a second-generation androgen-receptor antagonist for prostate cancer with a distinct chemical structure and low blood-brain-barrier penetration. This gives it a favourable CNS side-effect profile, with less fatigue, seizure, and fall risk than other agents in its class.

A synthetic analogue of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, selective for the V2 receptor. Widely licensed for central diabetes insipidus, nocturnal enuresis, nocturia, and certain bleeding disorders (mild haemophilia A, von Willebrand disease). Available as tablet, nasal spray and injection.

Enclomiphene is the trans-isomer of clomifene, isolated from the mixed drug to keep the potent oestrogen-antagonist activity while dropping the long-lived zuclomiphene isomer responsible for many of clomifene's side effects. It raises LH, FSH and testosterone in men with secondary hypogonadism and clears quickly, making it a cleaner SERM for raising testosterone while preserving fertility.

Flutamide is a first-generation non-steroidal androgen-receptor antagonist once used for prostate cancer and hirsutism/acne. Its use has fallen sharply because of a well-documented risk of severe, sometimes fatal hepatotoxicity, and it has been largely replaced by bicalutamide and safer agents.

A GnRH-agonist decapeptide delivered as a subcutaneous biodegradable implant. Licensed for prostate and hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, endometriosis and endometrial thinning, working — like leuprolide — by suppressing gonadotropins and sex-steroid production after an initial flare.

Histrelin is a potent GnRH agonist most often delivered as a 12-month subcutaneous implant (Vantas, Supprelin LA) for advanced prostate cancer and central precocious puberty. It provides sustained pituitary downregulation from a single implant, suppressing sex steroids to castrate or prepubertal levels.

Indacaterol is an ultra-long-acting beta-2 agonist (ultra-LABA) that provides 24-hour bronchodilation from a single inhaled daily dose, used for maintenance treatment of COPD, often combined with a long-acting muscarinic antagonist. Its once-daily dosing is its main advantage. It has no physique or fat-loss application.

Isoproterenol is a non-selective beta-adrenergic agonist (beta-1 and beta-2) used clinically as an intravenous drug for bradycardia, heart block and certain diagnostic tests. Its strong beta-1 cardiac stimulation makes it potent but hazardous, and it has essentially no role as a physique or fat-loss drug because its cardiovascular effects dominate and it is not orally bioavailable in a useful way.

A selective heart-rate-lowering drug that blocks the sinoatrial node's If ('funny') current, slowing heart rate without affecting contractility or blood pressure. Approved for chronic stable angina and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Not WADA-banned.

Approved short-acting, once-daily exendin-based GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes. Strong postprandial glucose effect; more modest weight loss than long-acting agents.

A tricyclic anorectic that suppresses appetite by inhibiting noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake. Historically prescribed for short-term weight loss, it has been withdrawn in many markets but is under renewed study for narcolepsy and ADHD. Carries cardiovascular, insomnia and dependence considerations.

Recombinant human IGF-1, approved for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency and growth failure that GH cannot treat. It bypasses the GH axis by supplying IGF-1 directly, promoting linear growth in children.

Memantine is a low-to-moderate affinity, voltage-dependent, uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist approved for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease. Its fast off-rate lets it dampen pathological glutamate excitotoxicity while largely preserving normal synaptic transmission, so it is essentially non-psychoactive at therapeutic doses.

Mircera is a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA): epoetin beta conjugated to a large methoxy-PEG polymer, giving a very long half-life and monthly dosing for renal anaemia. Its stability made it a doping target, and it featured in cycling positives at the 2008 Tour de France. Prohibited by WADA at all times.

A prescription wakefulness-promoting agent approved for narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnoea and shift-work sleep disorder. It reliably reduces sleepiness and is among the most rigorously studied off-label cognitive enhancers, with modest but replicable effects on alertness and some executive functions.

A sympathomimetic anorectic prescribed for short-term management of obesity. It acts largely as a prodrug for phenmetrazine, releasing noradrenaline to suppress appetite. Indicated only for short courses because of tolerance, cardiovascular effects and dependence potential.

A serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor marketed as Meridia/Reductil for weight loss from 1997. It produced modest, sustained weight loss but was withdrawn worldwide around 2010 after the SCOUT trial showed increased non-fatal heart attacks and strokes. It remains a common illegal adulterant in 'herbal' slimming products.

Common baking soda used as an extracellular buffer. Acute doses raise blood bicarbonate, improving performance in high-intensity efforts lasting roughly 1-10 minutes. Well-evidenced ergogenic effect, offset by a high rate of gastrointestinal distress at effective doses.

First-in-class dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) approved for insomnia. Promotes sleep by blocking wake-promoting orexin signalling rather than sedating via GABA, with lower dependence risk than Z-drugs but notable next-day somnolence and rare sleep paralysis / cataplexy-like effects.

A synthetic steroid whose metabolites have estrogenic, progestogenic and androgenic activity, giving tissue-selective effects. Used as single-agent menopausal HRT for vasomotor symptoms, bone protection and libido without needing a separate progestogen.

Zolpidem is a licensed imidazopyridine hypnotic (Ambien), one of the most widely used Z-drugs for short-term insomnia. It selectively targets alpha-1 GABA-A subunits to induce sleep. It is well studied but notable for dependence and for complex sleep behaviours such as sleep-driving.

Tricyclic antidepressant used at very low doses (3-6 mg) as a selective histamine H1 antagonist for sleep-maintenance insomnia. Non-scheduled and non-habit-forming, targeting early-morning awakenings with minimal anticholinergic burden at hypnotic doses.

A selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist marketed as Belviq, approved by the FDA in 2012 for chronic weight management. Designed to avoid the 5-HT2B valvulopathy of older serotonergic anorectics, it was nonetheless withdrawn in 2020 after a long-term trial suggested a small excess of cancer.

Amantadine is an adamantane drug originally licensed as an antiviral and later widely used in Parkinson's disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms. It is a weak non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist with additional dopaminergic actions, and is essentially non-psychoactive at therapeutic doses.

The weakest of the three principal human estrogens, dominant in pregnancy. Used mainly as low-dose vaginal therapy for urogenital atrophy, where its short action and low potency give a favourable safety profile with minimal systemic effect.

A serotonin-releasing anorectic used from the 1970s, most infamous as the 'fen' in the fen-phen combination. It was withdrawn in 1997 after being linked to cardiac valvulopathy and pulmonary hypertension. Its d-enantiomer was later re-approved at low doses as an anticonvulsant for Dravet syndrome under strict monitoring.

Dual orexin receptor antagonist approved for insomnia in 2019. Similar mechanism to suvorexant with a somewhat shorter effective duration, improving both sleep onset and maintenance; Schedule IV with dose-dependent next-day somnolence.

Olodaterol is a once-daily ultra-long-acting beta-2 agonist for the maintenance treatment of COPD, delivered by soft-mist inhaler and frequently combined with the long-acting muscarinic antagonist tiotropium. Its 24-hour duration supports once-daily dosing. It has no established physique or fat-loss role.

Pentoxifylline is a methylxanthine haemorheologic agent that improves microcirculatory blood flow, licensed for intermittent claudication. It is a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor and is used off-label in the PED and men's-health space for erectile support, vascular 'pump' and, on weaker evidence, to soften Peyronie's plaques. It is oral, well tolerated and not a controlled substance.

Vilanterol is a once-daily ultra-long-acting beta-2 agonist used only in fixed-combination inhalers — with the corticosteroid fluticasone furoate (Breo/Relvar) for asthma and COPD, and with the muscarinic antagonist umeclidinium for COPD. It is not sold as a standalone product and has no physique or fat-loss use.

Formerly approved once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes, withdrawn commercially for business reasons despite a positive cardiovascular-outcomes trial (HARMONY).

Arformoterol is the (R,R)-enantiomer of formoterol, a long-acting beta-2 agonist delivered by nebulised solution for the maintenance treatment of COPD. It offers the same 12-hour bronchodilation as racemic formoterol in a single-isomer nebulised form. It has no meaningful physique or fat-loss use; its role is COPD maintenance in patients who benefit from nebulisation.

Rate-limiting precursor to muscle carnosine, an intracellular pH buffer. Chronic supplementation raises carnosine and modestly improves performance in efforts lasting roughly 1-4 minutes. Well studied, with a characteristic harmless tingling (paraesthesia) as its main noticeable effect.

Newest dual orexin receptor antagonist, approved 2022, engineered with a shorter half-life to improve sleep while minimising next-morning residual effects. Schedule IV; improves both onset and maintenance with daytime functioning benefits.

A 19-norprogesterone-derived progestin with moderate anti-androgenic and no estrogenic or androgenic activity. Paired with estradiol in a monophasic combined contraceptive (Zoely/Naemis) and used in HRT and gynaecological indications.

An FDA-approved anti-anginal that inhibits the late sodium current in cardiac myocytes, reducing calcium overload during ischaemia. Originally proposed as a fatty-acid oxidation inhibitor, its main clinical action is now attributed to late-sodium-current blockade. It is not WADA-banned.

Esketamine is the S(+) enantiomer of ketamine, marketed as the intranasal spray Spravato for treatment-resistant depression and depression with acute suicidal ideation. It is a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist with roughly twice the anaesthetic potency of racemic ketamine and a rapid, transient antidepressant effect.

Eszopiclone is the active (S)-enantiomer of zopiclone, licensed (as Lunesta) for insomnia. It reduces sleep latency and improves sleep maintenance and is one of the Z-drugs studied for somewhat longer-term use. It shares the class risks of dependence and complex sleep behaviours.

Lutropin alfa is recombinant human luteinizing hormone (LH), used with FSH to support follicular development in women with severe LH and FSH deficiency (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism). It supplies the LH activity that pure FSH preparations lack.

A long-acting ester of nandrolone (19-nortestosterone), the most-studied 19-nor anabolic. Added to testosterone protocols for lean mass and joint comfort, with a progestogenic side-effect profile and a very long detection window as the cost.

Phentolamine is a non-selective alpha-adrenergic blocker used in erectile dysfunction primarily as a component of intracavernosal injection mixtures (bimix/trimix), where it blocks the sympathetic tone that keeps the penis flaccid. It has also been studied as an oral ED agent (Vasomax) and is used medically to reverse dental anaesthesia and manage catecholamine crises.

Selective MT1/MT2 melatonin receptor agonist approved for sleep-onset insomnia. Non-scheduled and non-habit-forming with no meaningful abuse potential, but the hypnotic effect is modest and it does little for sleep maintenance.

The first selective CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, marketed in Europe as Acomplia from 2006 for obesity. It produced real weight loss and metabolic improvement but was withdrawn in 2008-2009 after it roughly doubled the risk of depression, anxiety and suicidality. It was never approved in the US.

Roxadustat is an orally active hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI) that raises endogenous erythropoietin and improves iron handling. Approved for CKD anaemia in China, Europe, Japan and elsewhere (FDA rejected in 2021 over safety), it is an attractive oral doping agent and is prohibited by WADA at all times.

Solriamfetol (Sunosi) is a dual dopamine-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor approved in 2019 to improve wakefulness in adults with excessive daytime sleepiness from narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnoea. It is well studied in placebo-controlled trials and shows a dose-dependent wakefulness effect with a comparatively low abuse signal for a DNRI.

A once-weekly albumin-binding GH derivative approved for adult and pediatric GH deficiency. A fatty-acid side chain reversibly binds albumin to extend half-life for weekly dosing.

A long-acting recombinant GH fusion protein approved for pediatric GH deficiency, allowing once-weekly instead of daily injection. It fuses human GH to C-terminal peptide domains of hCG beta to extend half-life.

A once-weekly prodrug of somatropin using TransCon technology, approved for pediatric GH deficiency. It releases unmodified GH gradually from a pegylated carrier, matching daily GH exposure with weekly dosing.

Antidepressant that combines MT1/MT2 melatonin agonism with 5-HT2C antagonism. Used in Europe for major depression, valued for restoring sleep architecture without sexual dysfunction or dependence, but carries a real risk of hepatotoxicity requiring liver monitoring.

Daprodustat is an oral HIF prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor approved by the FDA in 2023 for anaemia of chronic kidney disease in dialysis patients, and earlier in Japan. Like other HIF-PHIs it raises endogenous erythropoietin, making it a doping concern. WADA prohibits HIF activating agents at all times.

The purified d-enantiomer of fenfluramine, marketed as Redux and approved by the FDA in 1996 for obesity. It was withdrawn alongside fenfluramine in 1997 after the same serotonin-mediated valvular heart disease and pulmonary hypertension emerged.

Inorganic nitrate, usually from concentrated beetroot juice, reduced in the body to nitrite and nitric oxide. Improves exercise economy and endurance performance, with the strongest effects in recreationally trained rather than elite athletes. A well-studied, food-derived ergogenic aid.

Long-acting injectable estradiol ester, historically paired with dihydroxyprogesterone acetophenide in the monthly injectable contraceptive Perlutal/Topasel. Provides extended estradiol release for HRT and feminization.

Long-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic approved for insomnia. Effective for sleep onset and maintenance but its very long-lived active metabolite causes pronounced day-after sedation and drug accumulation, and it carries the full benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal profile.

Linzagolix is an oral, non-peptide GnRH antagonist approved in Europe for uterine fibroids and studied for endometriosis. Its distinguishing feature is a low dose that gives partial estrogen suppression usable without add-back, plus a higher dose with add-back for greater effect.

Liotrix is a fixed 4:1 combination of synthetic levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3), marketed as Thyrolar for hypothyroidism. In bodybuilding it is used off-label as a cutting aid to raise metabolic rate, prized for delivering both storage and active thyroid hormone in a single tablet.

Mifepristone is a potent antagonist of both the progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors. At high doses (Korlym) it blocks cortisol's action at the receptor and is approved to control hyperglycaemia in endogenous Cushing's syndrome. In a cortisol context it does not lower cortisol production — it blocks its effect — which can paradoxically raise circulating cortisol and cause potassium loss. Better known separately as an abortifacient (Mifeprex).

Fast-acting ester of nandrolone (19-nortestosterone), the same active steroid found in the better-studied decanoate. NPP delivers the classic nandrolone profile — strong lean-mass gains, joint-comfort and collagen effects, mild aromatisation and notable progestogenic activity — but with a short half-life allowing more frequent dosing and quicker clearance. Prized for its favourable anabolic-to-androgenic ratio relative to testosterone.

A nine-amino-acid neurohypophyseal hormone that drives uterine contraction and milk let-down, and modulates social and affiliative behaviour. Long-established as an injectable obstetric drug (labour induction, postpartum haemorrhage); intranasal oxytocin is widely studied for social cognition but remains investigational there.

Papaverine is a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor and opium-poppy alkaloid used as an intracavernosal vasodilator for erectile dysfunction, usually as part of bimix/trimix injection mixtures alongside phentolamine and alprostadil. It predates the oral PDE5 inhibitors and remains a workhorse of injection therapy for men who fail oral drugs.

Pitolisant (Wakix) is a histamine H3 receptor inverse agonist/antagonist approved for excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in narcolepsy. It is the first non-controlled wakefulness promoter of its class, boosting histaminergic tone rather than acting as a catecholamine stimulant, and carries no abuse scheduling.

Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine and stereoisomer of ephedrine, used as an oral decongestant. It is milder than ephedrine but shares its cardiovascular and stimulant effects, and is used off-label and in supplements as a modest thermogenic and appetite suppressant. Because it is a methamphetamine precursor, its retail sale is legally restricted in many countries.

Retatrutide is an investigational once-weekly triple agonist acting at GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors. In phase-2 obesity trials it produced the largest mean weight loss reported for any incretin-based drug to date (~24% at the highest dose over 48 weeks), and it is in phase-3 development. Not yet approved for any indication.

A triphenylethylene SERM closely related to tamoxifen, approved for metastatic breast cancer. In PED contexts it is used to blunt estrogenic side effects and to restart the HPTA during post-cycle therapy, raising LH, FSH and endogenous testosterone.

Zopiclone is a licensed cyclopyrrolone hypnotic (a 'Z-drug') used for short-term treatment of insomnia. It shortens sleep latency and reduces night waking. Despite being non-benzodiazepine, it acts on the same receptor and carries dependence potential and a risk of complex sleep behaviours.

Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) used off-label at low doses (7.5-15 mg) as a sedating sleep aid. Strongly promotes sleep continuity via H1 blockade, but reliably causes weight gain, increased appetite, and next-day sedation, with the paradox that sedation is strongest at the lowest doses.

Bambuterol is an oral prodrug of terbutaline, designed for once-daily dosing in asthma. It is slowly hydrolysed to active terbutaline, giving prolonged bronchodilation from a single tablet. It also inhibits plasma cholinesterase, which is a clinically relevant interaction. It has no established physique or fat-loss use.

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a morphinan cough suppressant available over the counter in many countries. At therapeutic doses it is antitussive; at much higher recreational doses it acts as a dissociative NMDA antagonist ('robo-tripping'). It carries a significant risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs or MAOIs.

Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine that raises metabolic rate and suppresses appetite. It is the classic basis of the ECA stack (ephedrine, caffeine, aspirin), which has the best human evidence of any over-the-counter-style fat-loss combination. It reliably works but raises blood pressure and heart rate, and its sale is restricted because it is a precursor for methamphetamine synthesis.

Gabapentin enacarbil is a prodrug of gabapentin designed to overcome gabapentin's erratic, saturable absorption. It is absorbed by high-capacity intestinal transporters and hydrolysed to gabapentin, giving more predictable, sustained exposure. It is approved for moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome and postherpetic neuralgia, and shares gabapentin's dependence and withdrawal profile.

Ketoconazole is an antifungal that, at higher doses, potently inhibits several cytochrome P450 steroidogenic enzymes, lowering both cortisol and testosterone. This off-label steroidogenesis inhibition (marketed as Ketoconazole HRA in Europe for Cushing's) makes it a cortisol-lowering agent. Its major liabilities are hepatotoxicity and suppression of testosterone — the latter making it counterproductive for physique goals.

A GnRH-agonist decapeptide delivered as a nasal spray, licensed for endometriosis and central precocious puberty. Like other GnRH agonists it suppresses gonadotropins and sex-steroid output after an initial flare, but its intranasal route gives it a distinct, convenient dosing profile.

Nilutamide is a first-generation non-steroidal androgen-receptor antagonist used with surgical or medical castration in metastatic prostate cancer. It is distinguished by unusual side effects — delayed dark adaptation, alcohol intolerance, and interstitial pneumonitis — and is now rarely chosen over newer agents.

A sympathomimetic amine once ubiquitous in over-the-counter decongestants and appetite suppressants (e.g. Dexatrim, Acutrim). It was withdrawn from US human use around 2000 after a study linked it to hemorrhagic stroke, especially in young women using it for weight loss.

Tesamorelin is a stabilised GHRH(1-44) analogue and the only GH-axis secretagogue with a modern FDA approval — for reducing excess visceral (abdominal) fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Multiple phase-3 trials show it selectively lowers visceral adipose tissue while raising GH/IGF-1. It carries the expected GH-axis side effects, chiefly fluid retention and glucose effects.

Sedating antidepressant used off-label at low doses (25-100 mg) as one of the most commonly prescribed non-controlled hypnotics. Improves sleep continuity without dependence, but carries next-day sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and the rare but serious risk of priapism in men.

An anti-anginal metabolic agent that partially inhibits fatty-acid oxidation, shifting cardiac energy production toward glucose. Prescribed for stable angina in Europe and Asia, it is WADA-banned and has produced high-profile positive tests, including Kamila Valieva at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Viloxazine (Qelbree) is a non-stimulant norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with serotonergic modulation, re-purposed from a discontinued antidepressant and approved in 2021 for ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. It offers a non-controlled alternative to stimulants with efficacy demonstrated in placebo-controlled trials.

Zaleplon is a licensed pyrazolopyrimidine hypnotic (Sonata) with a very short half-life, used for sleep-onset insomnia. Its brief duration limits next-day sedation and even permits middle-of-the-night dosing. It still carries the Z-drug risks of dependence and complex sleep behaviours.

Abarelix was the first GnRH antagonist approved for advanced prostate cancer, achieving flare-free testosterone suppression. It was largely withdrawn from many markets due to rare but serious systemic allergic reactions, and has been superseded by degarelix and oral relugolix.

Desiccated thyroid extract is dried porcine (or bovine) thyroid gland standardised to thyroid hormone content, containing both T4 and T3. Marketed as Armour Thyroid and others for hypothyroidism, it is used off-label as a natural-source thyroid aid for cutting.

Orally active ghrelin-receptor (GHSR) agonist approved as a single-dose diagnostic test for adult growth hormone deficiency. It provokes a transient GH surge; peak GH below a threshold confirms deficiency.

A synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) that binds the melanocortin-1 receptor to stimulate eumelanin production. Licensed as afamelanotide (Scenesse) via a slow-release implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare light-sensitivity disorder. Distinct from the more androgenic, appetite/erection-affecting Melanotan II.

Metyrapone is a cortisol-synthesis inhibitor that blocks the adrenal enzyme 11-beta-hydroxylase, the final step in cortisol production. It is used both diagnostically (the metyrapone test of HPA axis integrity) and therapeutically to lower cortisol in Cushing's syndrome. Unlike receptor blockers it genuinely reduces cortisol output, but it diverts steroid synthesis toward androgens and mineralocorticoid precursors.

A dual-action anti-anginal that combines nitrate-like venodilation with ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel opening, producing arterial and coronary vasodilation. Widely used for angina in Europe and Japan. Not WADA-banned. Notable for causing painful mucosal ulceration with chronic use.

A SERM and active metabolite of toremifene, approved for dyspareunia from vulvovaginal atrophy. It shows oestrogen-agonist activity on vaginal and bone tissue while antagonising breast, and has been explored as a PCT-style gonadotropin stimulant.

Oxymetholone ('Anadrol', 'A-bombs') is a potent 17α-methylated oral DHT-derived steroid used clinically for anaemia and wasting and recreationally for extreme mass and strength. It causes strong water retention and marked hepatic strain, and despite not aromatising it produces pronounced oestrogen-like effects through a poorly understood mechanism.

Pemoline (Cylert) was an oxazolidinone CNS stimulant used for ADHD from the 1970s until it was withdrawn from most markets in the 2000s over fatal hepatotoxicity. It has substantial historical clinical data but is now largely obsolete because of the liver-failure risk.

Procaterol is a selective beta-2 agonist bronchodilator used mainly in Japan and parts of Asia for asthma and COPD, available in oral and inhaled forms. It has an intermediate duration of action. It is not marketed in the US or much of Europe and has no established physique or fat-loss use, though its oral availability makes it a beta-agonist of the same general class as clenbuterol.

Dual MT1/MT2 melatonin receptor agonist approved specifically for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder in blind individuals and for Smith-Magenis syndrome sleep disturbances. A niche circadian entraining agent rather than a general hypnotic.

Triptorelin is a long-acting GnRH agonist and an approved pharmaceutical used for prostate cancer, endometriosis, precocious puberty and other conditions. After an initial flare, continuous receptor stimulation profoundly suppresses LH, FSH and sex-hormone production (medical castration). In bodybuilding it is sometimes used off-label as a single-dose attempt to restart the axis after a cycle, a use with far less evidence than its licensed indications.

Vadadustat is an oral HIF prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor for anaemia of chronic kidney disease, approved in Japan (2020) and by the FDA in 2024 for dialysis patients after an initial 2022 rejection. It raises endogenous erythropoietin and is prohibited by WADA as a HIF activating agent.

Orally active ghrelin-receptor agonist developed for cancer cachexia. It increases appetite, lean body mass and body weight, and is approved in Japan for cachexia in several cancers, though it did not improve handgrip strength in trials.

A third-generation indole SERM used for osteoporosis, often combined with conjugated oestrogens. It antagonises oestrogen in breast and uterus while acting as an agonist on bone, and is discussed in PED circles for anti-estrogenic bone protection.

Gonadorelin is synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), an approved pharmaceutical. Given in pulses it stimulates pituitary release of LH and FSH; it has been used diagnostically to test pituitary function and therapeutically (via pump) for hypothalamic infertility. In hormone-replacement circles it is used to maintain testicular function, though hCG is more commonly chosen for that role.

First-generation sedating antihistamine (H1 antagonist) prescribed for anxiety, pruritus, and as a non-habit-forming sleep aid. Reliably sedating and non-scheduled, but anticholinergic, causes next-day drowsiness, and carries a dose-dependent QT-prolongation warning.

Osilodrostat is a newer oral cortisol-synthesis inhibitor approved for Cushing's disease. It potently inhibits 11-beta-hydroxylase (and, higher up, aldosterone synthase), normalising cortisol in the majority of patients in trials. Like metyrapone it lowers cortisol production rather than blocking the receptor, and diverts precursors toward androgens and mineralocorticoids, with attendant side effects. No physique use.

A melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist licensed for obesity driven by specific rare genetic defects in the leptin-melanocortin pathway (POMC, PCSK1, LEPR deficiency, and Bardet-Biedl syndrome). Administered as a daily subcutaneous injection, it restores appetite-suppressing signalling in patients whose obesity has a defined monogenic cause.

A melanocortin receptor agonist and metabolite of Melanotan II, developed specifically for sexual dysfunction. Under the name bremelanotide (Vyleesi) it is FDA-approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women, giving it real randomised-controlled-trial evidence that most peptides on this site lack. Common side effects are nausea, flushing and transient blood-pressure elevation.

Stanozolol ('Winstrol', 'Winny') is a 17α-methylated DHT-derived steroid with a fused pyrazole ring, available orally and as an aqueous injectable. It does not aromatise and produces a dry, hardened look with strength gains rather than mass, making it a classic cutting and athletic-performance compound. It notably lowers HDL, strains the liver and is associated with joint discomfort.

A non-ergot dopamine D2 agonist for hyperprolactinaemia, dosed once daily. As a non-ergot compound it avoids ergot-related fibrotic valve risks and is used in PED contexts to control prolactin from 19-nor steroids.

The potent active metabolite of tamoxifen (4-hydroxy-N-desmethyltamoxifen), formed via CYP2D6. Given directly it bypasses variable tamoxifen metabolism and is under clinical study for breast cancer and mania.

Clascoterone is a topical androgen-receptor antagonist. It is FDA-approved as Winlevi (1% cream) for acne and is in late-stage trials as Breezula for androgenetic alopecia. It locally blocks DHT at the follicle and sebaceous gland while being rapidly metabolised to spare systemic androgen signalling.

First-generation sedating antihistamine and the most common OTC sleep aid. Effective for occasional short-term use but tolerance to the hypnotic effect develops within days, and its strong anticholinergic action makes it a poor choice for regular or elderly use.

Fluoxymesterone ('Halotestin', 'Halo') is a 17α-methylated, 9α-fluoro, 11β-hydroxy derivative of testosterone with very high androgenic potency and negligible mass-building effect. It is prized among strength and combat athletes for sharp increases in strength, aggression and hardness at low body-weight impact, but is strongly hepatotoxic and harsh on lipids.

A first-generation steroidal (type I) aromatase inhibitor, once marketed by injection for breast cancer. It irreversibly inactivates aromatase and has been sold in transdermal 'legal' forms and as a prohormone anti-estrogen.

A cardioprotective anti-ischaemic drug developed in Latvia and widely prescribed across the former Soviet bloc. It shifts myocardial energy metabolism away from fatty-acid oxidation toward glucose oxidation, which lowers oxygen demand during ischaemia. It became infamous in sport after WADA banned it in 2016 and dozens of athletes, including Maria Sharapova, tested positive.

Mirogabalin is a newer gabapentinoid approved in Japan and several Asian markets for peripheral neuropathic pain. It binds the same alpha-2-delta subunit as pregabalin but with reported selectivity for the alpha-2-delta-1 isoform, which its developer argues may separate analgesia from CNS side effects. It carries the class dependence and withdrawal considerations.

Orforglipron is an oral, non-peptide small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly, notable for being taken as a daily pill without food or water restrictions. Phase II and Phase III trials show clinically meaningful weight loss and glucose lowering comparable to injectable GLP-1 agonists.

A macrolide mTOR inhibitor approved as an immunosuppressant and in drug-eluting stents, repurposed off-label as the flagship geroprotector. It has the strongest and most reproducible lifespan-extension data of any small molecule in mammals, but human longevity outcome trials do not yet exist; interest rests on animal data and short-term human biomarker work.

Serdexmethylphenidate is a prodrug of dexmethylphenidate, co-formulated with immediate-release dexmethylphenidate as Azstarys (approved 2021) for ADHD. The prodrug is cleaved in the gut to release active drug gradually, giving a long, smooth duration with a lower peak and a reduced abuse signal that earned it Schedule III rather than II.

Dextrothyroxine is the D-isomer of thyroxine, formerly marketed as Choloxin for hypercholesterolaemia. It lowers LDL via thyroid-hormone-like hepatic effects but was withdrawn after a trial showed increased cardiac mortality, illustrating the risk of non-selective thyromimetics.

First-generation sedating antihistamine sold OTC for insomnia (Unisom SleepTabs) and, with pyridoxine, for pregnancy nausea. Longer-acting and more sedating than diphenhydramine, with the same anticholinergic drawbacks and rapid tolerance.

Long-acting exendin-based GLP-1 receptor agonist studied in a large cardiovascular-outcomes trial (AMPLITUDE-O), where it reduced cardiovascular events in high-risk type 2 diabetes.

A leucine metabolite marketed to reduce muscle protein breakdown. Evidence is strongest in catabolic or untrained/elderly populations; in trained athletes the anti-catabolic benefit is small and disputed. Extraordinary early claims did not replicate in well-controlled trials.

A potent third-generation SERM studied for osteoporosis and, more recently, ER-positive metastatic breast cancer with ESR1 mutations. It has high oral bioavailability and strong bone-agonist, breast-antagonist activity.

Methandienone (methandrostenolone, 'Dianabol') is a 17α-methylated oral derivative of testosterone and one of the oldest and most widely used oral anabolic steroids. It produces rapid gains in mass and strength, driven substantially by water retention, and aromatises to a methylated oestrogen. Its speed made it a bodybuilding and strength-sport staple despite pronounced hepatic strain and oestrogenic side effects.

Stanolone is pharmaceutical dihydrotestosterone (DHT) itself, the most potent natural androgen, available medically as a transdermal gel or injection (androstanolone) for androgen deficiency. It is a strong androgen but weak systemic anabolic, cannot aromatise, and is used clinically where avoiding oestrogen conversion is desired. Its side-effect profile is androgenic — prostate, hair and skin — rather than oestrogenic.

Udenafil is a long-acting PDE5 inhibitor developed and approved in South Korea (as Zydena) but not marketed in the US or most of Europe. It combines a relatively fast onset with a long half-life, positioning it between sildenafil and tadalafil, and supports both on-demand and once-daily dosing.

A synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and the [Nle4, D-Phe7] linear form of what is loosely called Melanotan-1. Unlike the grey-market injectable, afamelanotide is an approved prescription drug (Scenesse), delivered as a subcutaneous slow-release implant to increase eumelanin and reduce phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Endogenous pineal hormone sold OTC as a sleep aid and chronobiotic. Modest effect on sleep onset latency but a well-established phase-shifting agent for jet lag and circadian rhythm disorders. Very low toxicity; consumer products are frequently mislabelled for content.

An orally active DHT derivative (Proviron) used clinically for androgen deficiency and male infertility. It is weakly anabolic but a strong androgen-receptor binder and a modest anti-oestrogen, so it is used less to build muscle than to raise free testosterone by displacing it from SHBG, add a 'dry' hardening effect, and support libido. Not 17-alpha-alkylated, so low liver toxicity.

A potent metabolic anti-anginal that inhibits carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1), shifting cardiac metabolism from fatty acids to glucose. Highly effective but with a narrow therapeutic window: it caused hepatotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy in the past, and modern use requires plasma-level monitoring.

A first-generation aromatase inhibitor derived from testosterone, formerly marketed as Teslac for breast cancer. Despite steroidal structure it is non-androgenic and irreversibly inhibits aromatase; used historically for gynecomastia and precocious puberty.

Tiratricol (3,3',5-triiodothyroacetic acid, TRIAC) is a naturally occurring metabolite of T3 with high affinity for thyroid receptor beta. Clinically used in thyroid hormone resistance and MCT8 deficiency, it is used in bodybuilding as a fat-loss agent claimed to spare the heart relative to T3.

Topical finasteride is a scalp-applied formulation of the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride, developed to treat androgenetic alopecia with lower systemic DHT suppression than the oral tablet. Trials show comparable scalp DHT reduction and hair benefit with reduced, but not absent, systemic exposure.

A second-generation non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor marketed in Japan (Afema) for breast cancer. It potently lowers estradiol but at higher doses can affect adrenal steroidogenesis, a limitation that later inhibitors overcame.

An anorectic marketed in central Europe in the mid-1960s that was withdrawn after it triggered an epidemic of primary pulmonary hypertension. It is a landmark cautionary tale linking serotonergic appetite suppressants to fatal pulmonary vascular disease, and a structural relative of the later fenfluramines.

Bimagrumab (BYM338) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks activin type II receptors (ActRIIA/B), the shared receptors for myostatin and activin. Originally tested in muscle-wasting conditions, it gained attention when trials in obesity and type 2 diabetes showed simultaneous loss of fat mass and gain in lean mass.

Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analogue given once weekly for weight management. It is most studied in combination with semaglutide (as CagriSema), where the pairing produces greater weight loss than either agent alone. As monotherapy and in combination it is in late-stage development but not yet approved.

Chlorodehydromethyltestosterone ('Oral Turinabol', 'Tbol') is a 17α-methylated, 4-chloro derivative of methandienone. The chlorine at the 4 position blocks aromatisation, giving steady, oestrogen-free lean gains without water retention. It is infamous as the core agent of the East German state doping programme, and has an unusually long detection window from long-lived metabolites.

Clenbuterol is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist licensed in some countries as a bronchodilator (mainly veterinary) but widely used off-label for fat loss and physique purposes. It modestly raises metabolic rate and has mild anti-catabolic effects, at the cost of pronounced sympathomimetic side effects and evidence of cardiac hypertrophy with sustained use.

Denopamine is a selective beta-1 adrenergic agonist used, mainly in Japan, as an oral inotropic agent for chronic heart failure. Unlike the beta-2 cutting agents in this family, its selectivity is for the beta-1 cardiac receptor, so it increases cardiac contractility rather than promoting fat loss. It is included as a contrasting, cardiac-selective member of the beta-agonist class.

Eprotirome is a liver-selective thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist developed for dyslipidaemia. It sharply lowered LDL cholesterol in trials but development was halted after cartilage damage appeared in a long-term dog study, ending its clinical path.

Free-form blends of the nine essential amino acids taken to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Effective acutely, especially when whole-protein intake is inadequate, but offer no clear advantage over sufficient dietary protein or whey for people already meeting protein needs.

Fish oil supplies the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, taken for triglyceride lowering, cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory support. PED users use it as general cardiovascular support during cycles and specifically to lower triglycerides. Evidence is clear for triglyceride reduction; the cardiovascular-outcome data are mixed and depend heavily on dose and formulation.

Experimental extrasynaptic GABA-A agonist (super-agonist at delta-subunit receptors) once developed as a hypnotic that enhanced slow-wave sleep. Development for insomnia was halted in 2007 over efficacy and psychiatric/perceptual adverse effects; later revived in a rare-disease programme.

An osmotic agent used to expand body-fluid stores before exercise in the heat. When co-ingested with a large fluid load it increases fluid retention and can modestly improve endurance and thermoregulation. Once WADA-banned as a plasma expander, now permitted.

A synthetic CoQ10 analogue approved in Europe for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy and studied in Friedreich's ataxia. It has genuine clinical development for mitochondrial disease; nootropic use in healthy people is off-label and less supported.

Topical ketoconazole is an antifungal shampoo (1-2%) widely used off-label as an adjunct for androgenetic alopecia. Beyond treating scalp seborrhea, it appears to exert a mild local anti-androgen effect and reduce scalp inflammation, supporting hair density when combined with finasteride or minoxidil.

Citrulline bonded to malate, taken to raise plasma arginine and nitric-oxide precursors more effectively than arginine itself. Some evidence for reduced muscle soreness and modest gains in training volume; ergogenic effects are real but smaller than the marketing implies.

Investigational once-monthly peptide-antibody conjugate combining GLP-1 receptor agonism with GIP receptor antagonism. Phase 2 produced up to ~20% weight loss at 52 weeks with no plateau; six Phase 3 trials are underway.

Mirodenafil is another South Korean PDE5 inhibitor (marketed as Mvix) developed for erectile dysfunction. It is highly PDE5-selective, which is associated with a lower incidence of visual side effects, and has a short-to-intermediate half-life. Like udenafil, its evidence and availability are concentrated in Asian markets.

NAC is a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione and an established antidote for paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose. PED users take it as general liver and antioxidant support and, less well founded, for blood-pressure and lipid benefit. It has genuine clinical pedigree in overdose and as a mucolytic, but its value as a routine on-cycle hepatoprotectant is extrapolated rather than proven.

A four-ester testosterone blend of Polish/Jelfa origin, historically analogous to Sustanon. Original formulations combined testosterone propionate, phenylpropionate, and two longer esters; the modern reformulation mirrors Sustanon 250 exactly. Delivers the full testosterone effect profile with a staggered release from fast to slow esters.

Peginesatide was a synthetic, PEGylated dimeric peptide that activated the EPO receptor despite having no sequence homology to erythropoietin. Approved in the US in 2012 for dialysis anaemia, it was withdrawn in 2013 after fatal anaphylaxis reports. Because it evaded EPO immunoassays, it drew anti-doping concern. Prohibited by WADA as an EPO-receptor agonist.

The prototypical racetam, in clinical use in parts of Europe for cognitive decline, myoclonus and vertigo. Evidence for cognitive benefit in healthy adults is weak and inconsistent, but it is well studied for a nootropic and has a benign safety record.

Prasterone is the pharmaceutical name for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an endogenous adrenal prohormone available orally as a supplement and, in some regions, as a prescription product. Taken by mouth it is a weak androgen precursor that partly converts to testosterone and estrogens.

Relacorilant is an investigational selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator (antagonist) in late-stage development for Cushing's syndrome. Unlike mifepristone it does not bind the progesterone receptor, avoiding antiprogestin effects, and does not raise cortisol-driven mineralocorticoid activity the same way, aiming for fewer of mifepristone's downsides. Human data come from Cushing's trials; it is not approved and has no physique application.

Survodutide is an investigational dual GLP-1 and glucagon receptor agonist developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma for obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Phase II trials show strong weight loss and improvement in liver disease, adding glucagon-driven energy expenditure to GLP-1 effects.

Oral testosterone ester (undecanoate) formulated in oleic acid to be absorbed via the intestinal lymphatics, bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism. Marketed as Andriol/Restandol for testosterone replacement, it avoids the 17-alpha-alkylation hepatotoxicity of older oral androgens but delivers erratic, food-dependent, short-lived serum levels.

A 28-amino-acid immunomodulatory peptide derived from the thymus. Unlike most peptides on this site it has substantial clinical use: as the licensed drug thymalfasin (Zadaxin) it is approved in several countries for chronic hepatitis B and C and as a vaccine adjuvant, and has been studied in sepsis and cancer. Grey-market 'immune-boosting' use for general wellness is far less well supported than these specific indications.

7-alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MENT), an extremely potent 19-nor androgen originally developed as a male hormonal contraceptive and hormone-replacement candidate. It is many times more anabolic and androgenic than testosterone, cannot be 5-alpha reduced (staying active in prostate and skin), and aromatises to a potent oestrogen, producing rapid mass gains alongside a heavy oestrogenic and suppressive burden.

The long-acting, more oestrogenic geometric isomer of clomifene (roughly 38% of Clomid). It is the more strongly agonist enantiomer, with a long tissue half-life, and is relevant to PED users who separate clomifene's isomers.

This entry covers the oral tablet formulation of oxymetholone, a potent 17-alpha-alkylated dihydrotestosterone derivative (2-hydroxymethylene modification) marketed as Anadrol-50. It is one of the strongest oral bulking steroids, clinically used for anaemia and HIV wasting, and is notable for rapid mass and strength gains alongside pronounced hepatic and estrogenic side effects.

This entry covers the oral tablet form of fluoxymesterone, a potent 9-fluoro, 11-beta-hydroxy, 17-alpha-methyl testosterone derivative marketed as Halotestin. It is one of the most androgenic oral steroids per milligram, clinically used for hypogonadism and inoperable breast cancer, and favoured non-medically for aggression and strength with minimal mass gain.

Apitegromab (SRK-015) is a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds the pro- and latent forms of myostatin, blocking its activation rather than the mature ligand. Developed for spinal muscular atrophy, it showed improvements in motor function in trials and represents the most clinically advanced selective myostatin inhibitor.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic root extract from Withania somnifera, standardised to withanolides, used for stress reduction, sleep and modest ergogenic and hormonal effects. It has more human RCT support than almost any other herbal 'T-booster', but the testosterone signal is small and inconsistent, and the strongest, most reproducible finding is lowered cortisol and self-reported stress. Marketed heavily under branded extracts such as KSM-66 and Sensoril.

A chlorinated phentermine analogue marketed as an appetite suppressant from the late 1950s. Unlike phentermine it has minimal central stimulant/euphoric action, acting largely as a serotonin releaser, which is why it was later implicated in the same drug-induced phospholipidosis and valvulopathy/pulmonary concerns as other serotonergic anorectics. Long withdrawn from most markets.

A choline/cytidine compound used as a nootropic and, historically, as a stroke and dementia therapy. It has a relatively large human trial base, though results for acute stroke were disappointing; it is generally well tolerated.

An older non-steroidal SERM historically used as an ovulation inducer and for menstrual disorders. It weakly antagonises oestrogen and raises gonadotropins, and has been used off-label as a milder PCT gonadotropin stimulant.

The most abundant circulating steroid in humans and a direct precursor to both androgens and estrogens. Sold widely as an over-the-counter supplement in the US, DHEA has genuine human trial data for age-related decline and adrenal insufficiency, but its performance and body-composition effects in healthy adults are weak to absent.

Dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU) is an orally active, long-chain ester of dimethandrolone (7alpha,11beta-dimethyl-19-nortestosterone) under clinical development as a once-daily male hormonal contraceptive. It combines androgenic and progestogenic activity to suppress gonadotropins, is non-aromatising, and — unusually for an oral androgen — has been evaluated in modern controlled human trials with a comparatively favourable liver profile.

Molidustat is an oral HIF prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor developed for renal anaemia, approved in Japan (Mochida/Bayer, Mobix) but not in the US or EU. It stimulates endogenous erythropoietin and is a doping concern within WADA's prohibited HIF activating agents class.

A mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide (D-Arg-dimethylTyr-Lys-Phe-NH2) that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin, aiming to stabilise cristae and improve energy production. Unlike most peptides here it has been through multiple human trials in mitochondrial and cardiovascular disease, though pivotal efficacy has been mixed.

A 28-amino-acid immunomodulatory peptide derived from thymic tissue. Marketed in several countries (as Zadaxin) for chronic hepatitis B and C and as an immune adjuvant, and studied in sepsis and as a vaccine enhancer, though it is not FDA-approved in the US.

VK2809 is a liver-targeted thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist prodrug in clinical development for MASH and dyslipidaemia. A phosphonate prodrug cleaved in hepatocytes, it concentrates its thyromimetic action in the liver, lowering liver fat and LDL with little systemic exposure.

This entry covers the oral tablet form of mesterolone, a 1-methyl dihydrotestosterone derivative marketed as Proviron. It is an orally active, non-17-alkylated androgen used clinically for hypogonadism and low libido, and non-medically as an anti-estrogenic ancillary and free-testosterone booster rather than a mass-building steroid.

An osmolyte and methyl donor (trimethylglycine) taken for modest strength and power benefits. Human trials are mixed but lean slightly positive for resistance-training outcomes. Also reliably lowers homocysteine, a separate, well-established metabolic effect.

A mild natural stimulant, (+)-norpseudoephedrine, that is one of the active principles of the khat plant and has been used as a prescription appetite suppressant. It is weaker than amphetamine but shares sympathomimetic effects; it is internationally controlled and is a WADA-banned stimulant above a urinary threshold.

Ibutamoren (MK-677) is a non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue, not a SARM, that raises GH and IGF-1 by mimicking ghrelin. It is the most human-studied compound in this group, with trials in older adults, GH-deficient patients and others. Its hallmark effects are increased appetite, water retention and higher IGF-1; it does not suppress testosterone, so no steroid profile applies.

Lodenafil (as lodenafil carbonate) is a PDE5 inhibitor developed and marketed in Brazil. It is formulated as a prodrug dimer — lodenafil carbonate — that splits in vivo into two active lodenafil molecules. Its clinical evidence base is much smaller than the globally marketed PDE5 inhibitors and largely confined to Brazilian trials.

This entry covers the oral acetate tablet form of methenolone, a 1-methylated dihydrotestosterone derivative marketed as Primobolan. Unusually for an oral steroid it is not 17-alpha-alkylated, relying instead on 1-methylation for partial oral activity, which makes it comparatively mild on the liver but poorly bioavailable and expensive.

A mild, DHT-derived injectable (Primobolan) with a reputation as one of the 'safest' anabolic steroids. It is non-aromatising with a low androgenic burden, giving slow, lean gains with minimal oestrogenic or hepatic effects. It has genuine clinical history for anaemia and wasting, but its mildness means modest muscle-building relative to stronger compounds, and it remains fully suppressive.

The phosphorylated form of creatine that serves as the muscle's rapid-turnover energy reserve, regenerating ATP during short bursts of intense effort. As an intravenous drug (exogenous phosphocreatine) it is used in some countries for cardiac protection; as a supplement, ordinary creatine monohydrate is the practical way to raise muscle phosphocreatine.

A phosphate salt loaded over several days to raise phosphate availability, proposed to enhance oxygen delivery and aerobic capacity. Trials are mixed but lean toward small improvements in VO2max and endurance. Evidence is older and less consistent than for creatine or bicarbonate.

Tongkat ali is a root extract of Eurycoma longifolia standardised to eurycomanone and glycosaponins, used as an aphrodisiac and testosterone-support supplement. Several small human trials suggest it can modestly raise testosterone in men with low baseline levels and improve stress hormones and libido, but the evidence base is small and much of it is industry-linked. Marketed under branded extracts such as LJ100 and Physta.

Yohimbine is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist derived from the bark of Pausinystalia johimbe. By blocking alpha-2 receptors it increases noradrenaline release and can promote mobilisation of stubborn fat, particularly when fasted. Its use is limited by anxiety, raised blood pressure and heart rate, and it interacts significantly with other stimulants and several drug classes.

A choline-containing phospholipid used as a cholinergic precursor and ergogenic aid. It has moderate human data for cognition in dementia and for power output, though a disputed observational signal links high choline intake to cardiovascular risk.

Berberine is a plant alkaloid (from Berberis and related species) taken as a supplement for glucose control, lipids and general metabolic support, sometimes dubbed 'natural metformin'. PED users use it on cycle for insulin sensitivity and lipid support and off cycle as a metabolic aid. Human data are moderate for glycaemia and lipids but limited by poor bioavailability and variable study quality.

A veterinary anabolic steroid (1-dehydrotestosterone) with a very long undecylenate ester, marketed for horses as Equipoise. Known for slow, lean, steady gains, marked appetite stimulation and a pronounced rise in red blood cell count. It aromatises at roughly half the rate of testosterone and is not progestogenic, giving a comparatively mild oestrogenic profile.

Orally active ghrelin-receptor agonist that reached human trials for age-related functional decline but is now FDA-approved as a veterinary appetite stimulant for dogs and cats. Human data exist but development was discontinued.

Epristeride is a selective, non-competitive (uncompetitive) type II 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor used mainly in parts of Asia for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Unlike finasteride it inhibits the enzyme by a different mechanism, and it has been explored for androgenetic alopecia.

Fenugreek seed extract, most studied as the branded Testofen (standardised to Fenuside/saponin glycosides), is a popular libido and 'testosterone-support' supplement. Human trials fairly consistently report improved sexual function and body-composition measures, but effects on actual testosterone are mixed — some studies show a small rise, others none, and free testosterone may reflect DHT-pathway changes rather than true androgen elevation.

A naturally occurring amino-acid derivative essential for transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation. Marketed as a fat-loss and endurance supplement; genuine clinical benefit is limited to deficiency states and modest recovery effects, with the fat-burning claims largely unsupported at oral doses.

Mestanolone (17alpha-methyl-dihydrotestosterone) is an orally active, C17-alpha-alkylated derivative of DHT, marketed medically for decades as a mild androgen (e.g. Androstalone, Ermalone). It is strongly androgenic relative to its anabolic effect, does not aromatise, and confers a 'hard, dry' phenotype favoured pre-contest but is notable for pronounced neuro-androgenic stimulation and hepatotoxicity.

The oral form of methenolone (Primobolan tablets). Unusually among orals it is not 17-alpha-alkylated, so it is far less hepatotoxic than typical oral steroids, but this also gives it poor oral bioavailability, requiring relatively large daily doses. It shares methenolone's mild, non-aromatising, DHT-derived profile: gentle lean gains with a low side-effect burden.

Sermorelin is GHRH(1-29), the shortest fully active fragment of growth-hormone-releasing hormone. It was an FDA-approved product (Geref) used as a diagnostic agent for GH secretion and to treat childhood GH deficiency before being discontinued for commercial reasons. It stimulates pulsatile endogenous GH release and is now popular in anti-ageing/wellness clinics. Human data exists but is older.

An investigational triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine) originally studied for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, then repurposed for obesity after weight loss was noticed in trials. Phase II data showed strong weight loss, but it is not approved anywhere and remains investigational with dose-dependent cardiovascular and mood concerns.

A long-chain (10-carbon) ester of testosterone best known as one of the four components of Sustanon. As a standalone raw ester it is uncommon, but its slow release makes it a component of choice in blends and some long-acting testosterone preparations. Effects are identical to any testosterone preparation once the ester is cleaved; the decanoate chain simply stretches the release window.

Tianeptine is an atypical antidepressant prescribed in parts of Europe, Asia and Latin America, with an unusual glutamatergic and mu-opioid mechanism. At therapeutic doses it treats depression, but at supratherapeutic doses it acts as a mu-opioid agonist, and it is increasingly sold in the US as an unregulated "gas station" supplement with a clear potential for opioid-like dependence and withdrawal.

A third-generation non-steroidal triazole aromatase inhibitor (Rivizor) studied for breast cancer but never widely marketed. It is highly selective and potent, structurally related to anastrozole and letrozole.

A plant alkaloid and potent, reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor studied for Alzheimer's disease, mainly in China. It has real cholinergic pharmacology and moderate human data, but its potency means cholinergic side effects and interaction risks are genuine.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb used for stress, anxiety and sleep, and marketed to athletes for recovery and testosterone support. Its withanolides have GABA-mimetic and cortisol-lowering effects. Several randomised trials show reductions in perceived stress and cortisol, with a favourable safety profile, though rare liver injury has been reported.

An amphetamine prodrug anorectic still sold in parts of Latin America (notably Mexico) under names such as Asenlix. It is metabolised to d-amphetamine, which drives both its appetite-suppressing effect and its abuse potential and its notoriety as a cause of positive amphetamine drug tests.

An amphetamine prodrug anorectic historically popular in Brazil and parts of Europe. It is metabolised to amphetamine, giving it real appetite-suppressing power alongside amphetamine-type cardiovascular and dependence risks; it too causes positive amphetamine drug screens.

Panax ginseng is an adaptogenic root standardised to ginsenosides, with the broadest evidence base among ergogenic botanicals for erectile function, fatigue and mild cognitive effects. It has fairly good human data for erectile dysfunction and subjective energy, but its reputation as a direct testosterone booster is weakly supported.

A propionyl ester of carnitine with particular affinity for cardiac and skeletal muscle, studied mainly for peripheral arterial disease (intermittent claudication) and cardiac ischaemia. It supports fatty-acid metabolism and anaplerosis and can improve pain-free walking distance in claudication.

Alfatradiol (17-alpha-estradiol) is a topical epimer of estradiol used for androgenetic alopecia. It inhibits 5-alpha-reductase locally in the scalp while carrying only weak systemic estrogenic activity, making it a milder alternative to finasteride for people wary of systemic anti-androgen effects.

An investigational oral steroidal (type I) aromatase inhibitor studied for breast cancer, sometimes in combination with the SERM toremifene. It irreversibly inhibits aromatase but never reached broad market approval.

Investigational fixed-dose combination of the amylin analog cagrilintide and the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide from Novo Nordisk, developed to deliver additive weight loss beyond either alone.

Calusterone (7beta,17alpha-dimethyltestosterone) is an orally active 17-alpha-methylated androgen that was investigated as an antineoplastic agent for advanced breast cancer in the 1970s under the brand Methosarb. It is a moderately anabolic, weakly aromatising oral with documented human clinical exposure in oncology, alongside the hepatotoxicity typical of methylated orals.

A prescription tyrosine-kinase inhibitor approved for leukaemia, repurposed off-label as the 'D' half of the dasatinib-plus-quercetin senolytic combination. It clears senescent cells in animals and reduced senescent-cell burden in early human trials, but it carries the meaningful toxicity profile of a cancer drug.

A DHT-derived, non-aromatising injectable (2-alpha-methyl-dihydrotestosterone) historically used to treat breast cancer for its anti-oestrogenic effect. In bodybuilding it is valued for a hard, dry, defined look near contest time rather than raw mass, with a short propionate ester requiring frequent injection. Androgenic side effects (hair loss, acne) predominate; oestrogenic effects are essentially absent.

A 54-amino-acid product of the KISS1 gene that stimulates hypothalamic GnRH neurons, making it a master regulator of reproductive hormone release. Investigational only: studied for triggering egg maturation in IVF and probing hypothalamic reproductive disorders, with no marketed product.

Kratom is a herbal product from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a Southeast Asian tree. Its principal active alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, act at opioid and monoamine receptors, giving stimulant-like effects at low doses and opioid-like sedation and analgesia at higher doses. It is used for pain, energy, mood and opioid-withdrawal self-management. Regular use can cause dependence, and it interacts with opioids and other sedatives.

L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid and dietary supplement that raises plasma arginine and nitric-oxide availability more effectively than oral arginine itself. It is used for the training 'pump', modest blood-pressure and endurance effects, and as a mild erectile-function aid. Effects are real but small; it is a food-grade supplement, not a drug.

The most abundant free amino acid in muscle, heavily marketed for recovery and immunity. In healthy, well-fed athletes controlled trials show little to no ergogenic or recovery benefit; genuine value is largely limited to clinical catabolic states such as gut injury or critical illness.

L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves, sold as a supplement for calm focus and stress reduction. It promotes relaxation without sedation, is often paired with caffeine to smooth stimulation, and increases alpha brainwave activity. Human evidence is modest but positive, and its safety margin is wide with no known dependence.

Amino-acid precursor to dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline, taken to defend cognitive performance under acute stress. Best evidence is for preserving working memory and mood during stressors like cold, sleep loss or heavy multitasking, not for physical performance per se.

Investigational GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist (an OXM analog) in late-stage development, primarily in China. Phase 3 data show meaningful weight loss with the added glucagon-driven energy expenditure component.

Methasterone ('Superdrol') is a 17α-methylated DHT-derived steroid (2α,17α-dimethyl) that emerged as a 'prohormone'/designer steroid sold over the counter in the 2000s before being scheduled. It delivers rapid, dry strength and lean mass, but is notably hepatotoxic with multiple documented cases of severe cholestatic liver injury even at label doses.

A very long-acting ester of nandrolone marketed in Europe as Anadur (Anadurine), used clinically for anaemia, osteoporosis and cachexia with dosing intervals of up to several weeks. It delivers the well-characterised nandrolone profile — lean mass, collagen and erythropoietic effects with progestogenic sexual side effects — with an unusually slow release even relative to the decanoate.

Ostarine (enobosarm, MK-2866) is a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator investigated for muscle wasting and cachexia. It is the most clinically studied SARM, having reached Phase II/III trials, yet it remains unapproved for any indication and is banned in sport. Anecdotal recreational use targets lean-mass gains at low doses, with testosterone suppression and lipid changes as the main documented downsides.

An older anti-anginal agent with partial beta-adrenergic agonist and coronary vasodilator activity, used historically in some European and Asian markets. It aims to improve coronary blood flow while providing mild positive inotropy, an unusual profile among anti-anginals.

A GABA-B receptor agonist developed in the Soviet Union and used there as an anxiolytic. It produces calming and pro-social effects, but carries a well-documented risk of tolerance, dependence and a severe, sometimes protracted withdrawal syndrome — the most important fact about it.

Psilocybin is the principal psychoactive prodrug found in Psilocybe and related mushroom genera. It is dephosphorylated in the body to psilocin, which drives its effects at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. Among classic tryptamine psychedelics it has the strongest modern clinical evidence base, with randomised controlled trials in treatment-resistant depression, major depressive disorder, and end-of-life distress.

Sodium 2,4-dinitrophenolate is the water-soluble sodium salt of DNP, a mitochondrial uncoupler used illicitly for extreme fat loss. It dissipates the proton gradient as heat, producing very rapid weight loss and a narrow, dangerous therapeutic window with a real risk of fatal hyperthermia.

Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid taken by PED users mainly to relieve the muscle cramps associated with stimulants, diuretics and compounds like clenbuterol, and for general cardiovascular and cellular support. It is very well tolerated and cheap. Evidence for cramp relief is largely anecdotal, though there is genuine physiological rationale and some cardiovascular trial data.

An ultra-long-acting testosterone ester (trans-4-n-butylcyclohexane carboxylate) developed as a candidate depot for hormonal male contraception and hypogonadism, with a single injection sustaining levels for many weeks. Its effects are those of testosterone; it was studied in small human trials but never widely marketed.

Tiletamine is a dissociative anaesthetic arylcyclohexylamine used almost exclusively in veterinary medicine, combined with the benzodiazepine zolazepam as the product Telazol/Zoletil. It is a potent, longer-acting NMDA antagonist related to ketamine, not approved for human use.

TUDCA is the taurine conjugate of ursodeoxycholic acid, a hydrophilic bile acid marketed as a liver-support supplement. PED users take it primarily on oral 17-alpha-alkylated steroid cycles to relieve cholestasis — the bile-flow impairment that drives raised bilirubin, jaundice and itching. Human evidence for its use in AAS-induced cholestasis is largely anecdotal and extrapolated from cholestatic-liver-disease trials of its parent compound UDCA.

A semi-synthetic vincamine derivative used for cerebrovascular disorders and cognitive decline, mainly in Europe and Asia. It has moderate human data but the FDA has warned it is not a lawful dietary supplement and may harm pregnancy.

The acetylated ester of L-carnitine, more readily absorbed and able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Marketed as a nootropic and for peripheral neuropathy and fatigue; the strongest human evidence is for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, with mood and cognition benefits more modest.

An injectable mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides derived from porcine brain, marketed for stroke, dementia and traumatic brain injury. It has a moderate but contested trial base; benefit signals are inconsistent across meta-analyses.

Glycine is a simple amino acid and inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brainstem and spinal cord, used as a supplement for sleep quality and calm. Small trials show that a few grams before bed improve subjective sleep and reduce next-day fatigue. It is inexpensive, well tolerated, and carries no dependence risk.

An amphetamine prodrug anorectic from the 1970s that is metabolised to amphetamine. Like clobenzorex and fenproporex, its weight-loss effect and its stimulant/dependence risks come from the amphetamine it liberates. It is now largely withdrawn.

Taldefgrobep alfa (BMS-986089) is an engineered anti-myostatin adnectin-Fc fusion protein — not a conventional antibody — that binds and neutralises myostatin. It was studied in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and later in spinal muscular atrophy and obesity, but a large SMA trial failed its primary endpoint.

Testosterone propionate is the androgenic component of steer-specific cattle growth implants such as Synovex-S and Revalor-S, usually paired with estradiol benzoate. In the implant it drives weight gain in feedlot steers; the same short-ester testosterone is also the classic diverted androgen for human PED use.

ZMA is a branded combination of zinc monomethionine/aspartate, magnesium aspartate and vitamin B6, marketed for testosterone, recovery and sleep. Its real value is correcting zinc and magnesium deficiency, which can genuinely impair testosterone; in already-replete athletes it does not raise testosterone or performance. It is a deficiency-correction and sleep aid more than a booster.

Trenbolone attached to a hexahydrobenzylcarbonate ester, the only trenbolone form ever sold as a human pharmaceutical (Parabolan, France) before withdrawal. Pharmacologically it is trenbolone — extremely potent, non-aromatising, strongly progestogenic — with a long-acting ester. It shares the same severe side-effect burden and the same thin, mostly veterinary/anecdotal evidence base.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an endogenous antioxidant cofactor sold as a glucose-disposal agent. It is claimed to improve insulin sensitivity and shuttle nutrients into muscle, and has genuine clinical use for diabetic neuropathy. Evidence for body-composition benefit is modest and largely anecdotal.

Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble compound central to mitochondrial energy production and a lipid-phase antioxidant. PED users take it for general cardiovascular and cellular support, and specifically to offset the fall in CoQ10 levels that statins cause. Human evidence is strongest for the statin-depletion rationale and heart failure, and weaker for most other claimed benefits.

Domagrozumab (PF-06252616) is a humanised anti-myostatin monoclonal antibody developed for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Despite increasing muscle volume on MRI in a Phase 2 trial, it failed to meet its primary functional endpoint (4-stair climb time), and the programme was discontinued.

GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a second-generation growth-hormone-releasing peptide and ghrelin-receptor agonist, more potent at releasing GH than GHRP-6 and with somewhat less appetite stimulation. It is approved in Japan as a diagnostic agent for GH secretion, giving it more human data than most secretagogues. Non-medical physique use remains anecdotal.

Kava is a Pacific Island beverage and extract from Piper methysticum root, used traditionally and as a supplement for anxiety and relaxation. Its active kavalactones produce anxiolysis and muscle relaxation. Several trials support short-term anxiety relief, but concerns about rare severe hepatotoxicity have driven regulatory restrictions in some countries.

Glycyrrhizin (and its metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid) is the active compound in licorice root. Rather than lowering cortisol, it inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-HSD2 in the kidney, preventing local breakdown of cortisol to inactive cortisone — so cortisol lingers and acts on mineralocorticoid receptors. This raises effective cortisol activity, causing pseudohyperaldosteronism: hypertension, sodium retention and potassium loss. Relevant as something athletes should be careful with, not a cortisol-lowering aid.

A generic multi-ester testosterone blend modelled on the Sustanon concept, combining short, medium and long esters (typically propionate, phenylpropionate, isocaproate and decanoate) in one oil solution. The staggered esters give a fast onset from the short fractions and a sustained tail from the long ones, allowing less frequent dosing than a single short ester. Widely counterfeited, so exact ratios vary between products.

Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) is a legume whose seeds contain natural L-DOPA, the dopamine precursor. It is used for libido, mood, fertility and as a supposed growth-hormone and testosterone aid. Its dopaminergic activity is real and it has genuine data in male infertility, but its use as a mainstream muscle/testosterone booster is only loosely supported.

A moderately long-acting nandrolone ester using the cypionate (cyclopentylpropionate) chain, giving release kinetics similar to nandrolone decanoate. Effects match nandrolone (deca); it is less commonly manufactured than decanoate or phenylpropionate, so ester-specific human data are thin.

Oxymesterone (4-hydroxy-17α-methyltestosterone) is a 17α-methylated oral androgen once marketed as a pharmaceutical (Oranabol) in some countries. It has a moderate, relatively balanced anabolic-androgenic profile with weak oestrogenic activity, and like other 17α-alkylated orals carries meaningful hepatotoxicity. It is little-used today and has thin modern human data.

Pipradrol (Meratran) is a piperidine-based CNS stimulant from the 1950s, historically used for fatigue, mild depression, obesity and cognitive decline in the elderly. It is the structural parent of methylphenidate's diphenyl class and is now a controlled substance with little modern use.

Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic root standardised to rosavins and salidroside, used for fatigue resistance, stress and endurance. Its best-supported use is reducing mental and physical fatigue under stress; it is not a testosterone booster and any direct ergogenic performance effect is small and inconsistent.

Winstrol-V is the veterinary formulation of stanozolol, a DHT-derived anabolic marketed for horses and dogs to improve appetite, condition and recovery. Both the injectable aqueous suspension and oral forms have been heavily diverted to human PED use, giving stanozolol its long-standing 'cutting' reputation.

A synthetic, lipophilic thiamine (vitamin B1) derivative used for asthenia (fatigue) and taken as a nootropic for energy and mood. It crosses the blood-brain barrier better than thiamine; some users report tolerance and mild dependence-like patterns.

A long-ester form of trenbolone, an extremely potent 19-nor androgen that does not aromatise but is strongly progestogenic. It produces dramatic strength and recomposition effects but carries the heaviest side-effect burden of common anabolic steroids — night sweats, insomnia, aggression, cardiovascular strain and 'tren cough'. Almost all data are veterinary or anecdotal; no human trials exist.

Landogrozumab (LY2495655) is a humanised anti-myostatin monoclonal antibody studied by Eli Lilly for sarcopenia, post-surgical muscle loss and cancer cachexia. Trials showed increases in lean mass and some functional measures in older adults, but overall benefits were modest and development did not continue to approval.

2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP) is a mitochondrial uncoupler that dramatically increases metabolic rate and produces rapid fat loss. It was briefly used as a diet drug in the 1930s before being withdrawn as unsafe. It has a narrow margin between an effective dose and a lethal one: overdose causes uncontrollable hyperthermia that is frequently fatal, and there is no antidote. It is genuinely dangerous.

A prodrug that the liver converts to modafinil, producing similar wakefulness effects after a delay. Because conversion loads the liver and it is largely unregulated as a supplement, it is generally considered a less controlled and less clean route to modafinil's effects.

An 11-amino-acid peptide derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin that activates the tissue-protective innate repair receptor without stimulating red-cell production. Studied mainly for neuropathic pain in sarcoidosis and diabetes, giving it modest but real early-phase human data.

Boron is a trace mineral, usually taken as boron citrate, glycinate or calcium fructoborate, that has a small but real effect on sex-hormone chemistry. Short human studies show it can lower sex-hormone-binding globulin and raise free testosterone and free estradiol, while also reducing inflammatory markers. Effects are modest, and it is a supporting mineral rather than a standalone testosterone drug.

4-chlorotestosterone, a testosterone derivative whose 4-chloro substitution blocks aromatisation and 5-alpha reduction, yielding a mild, non-estrogenic anabolic. Best known today via its acetate ester in topical wound-healing creams (Trofodermin), which have caused several high-profile inadvertent doping positives.

A creatine salt marketed for higher water solubility and smaller effective doses than monohydrate. The solubility claim is real, but head-to-head evidence that it outperforms monohydrate on performance is lacking. Effectively a more expensive delivery form of the same molecule.

A small molecule that inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), reactivating pyruvate dehydrogenase and forcing glucose oxidation over glycolysis and fatty-acid oxidation. Studied for congenital lactic acidosis, pulmonary hypertension and cancer metabolism, but limited by dose-related reversible peripheral neuropathy.

The long-ester version of drostanolone (Masteron), pharmacologically identical to the propionate but with a slower release allowing less frequent injection. It shares the same DHT-derived, non-aromatising, dry-hardening profile and the same androgenic side-effect pattern; only the ester and dosing frequency differ. Human clinical data are limited to the older propionate breast-cancer use.

Fencamfamine (Reactivan) is a norbornane-derived CNS stimulant developed in the 1960s as an appetite/fatigue agent and mild antidepressant. It acts as an indirect dopaminergic and is a Schedule IV controlled substance; it is now little used and has limited modern clinical data.

Forskolin is a diterpene from Coleus forskohlii sold as a fat-loss and body-composition supplement. It directly activates adenylate cyclase, raising cyclic AMP and, in theory, promoting lipolysis and thermogenesis; human trials show modest and inconsistent body-composition effects.

Gaboxadol is a GABA-A agonist selective for extrasynaptic delta-subunit receptors, originally developed as a hypnotic for insomnia and later studied in Angelman and Fragile X syndromes. It reached late-stage insomnia trials but was discontinued over efficacy and psychiatric side effects at higher doses. It is not approved, and appears on the grey market as a research chemical.

Garetosmab (REGN2477) is a fully human anti-activin A monoclonal antibody from Regeneron. Developed for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, it is also studied alongside the anti-myostatin antibody trevogrumab as a body-composition combination to preserve lean mass during weight loss.

GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is a CNS depressant that occurs naturally in the body and is used medically as sodium oxybate for narcolepsy. Recreationally it produces euphoria, sedation and disinhibition, but it has an unusually narrow dose-response: the gap between a recreational dose and one causing unconsciousness, coma or respiratory arrest is small, and it is measured in millilitres or grams that are easy to misjudge. Combining GHB with alcohol sharply raises the risk of coma and death.

GHRP-6 is a first-generation growth-hormone-releasing hexapeptide and ghrelin-receptor agonist. It reliably releases GH but is notable for causing strong hunger via ghrelin signalling, and it modestly raises cortisol and prolactin. Studied in older human GH-secretion trials; non-medical physique use is anecdotal.

Kisspeptin-10 is a 10-amino-acid fragment of kisspeptin, an upstream regulator of GnRH release. In controlled human physiology studies it reliably stimulates LH and FSH secretion, and it is being investigated for reproductive and hypothalamic disorders. Its use as a self-administered testosterone-support peptide is off-label and far less validated than its research use.

Larazotide acetate (AT-1001) is an oral 8-amino-acid tight-junction regulator investigated for celiac disease. Unlike most peptides in this list it reached phase 3 trials, giving it comparatively more human data — though the pivotal trial was halted and it remains unapproved.

Ligandrol (LGD-4033) is a non-steroidal SARM with higher potency than ostarine, studied in small Phase I trials for safety and lean-mass effects. It is popular in anecdotal recreational use for strength and size but reliably suppresses testosterone even at low milligram doses. It is unapproved, prohibited in sport, and linked to case reports of liver injury.

Maca is a Peruvian cruciferous root used for libido, energy and mood. It has reasonably consistent human evidence for improving subjective sexual desire, but notably it does this without changing testosterone or other sex hormones. It is a libido and wellbeing supplement rather than a hormonal booster.

Methyl-1-testosterone (M1T) is a 17α-methylated derivative of 1-testosterone (dihydroboldenone) that was sold as a 'prohormone' in the mid-2000s. It is extremely potent by milligram, giving fast dry mass and strength, but is correspondingly harsh: strongly hepatotoxic, heavily suppressive and often accompanied by lethargy and malaise.

Methyltrienolone ('Metribolone', 'oral tren', R1881) is a 17α-methylated derivative of trenbolone and one of the most potent androgens known. Its extreme AR affinity and non-aromatising, non-5AR-reduced profile make it a benchmark androgen in laboratory research, but as a human drug it is regarded as extraordinarily hepatotoxic and toxic overall, used only at microgram doses if at all.

Mibolerone ('Cheque Drops') is a 17α-methylated 19-nortestosterone (nandrolone) derivative originally a veterinary drug used to prevent oestrus in dogs. It is extraordinarily potent and androgenic, used by some strength and combat athletes for a very short-lived surge of aggression before competition. It is progestogenic, strongly hepatotoxic and considered one of the harshest steroids in use.

A very long-acting (12-carbon laurate) ester of nandrolone, marketed for veterinary use as Laurabolin. Effects mirror nandrolone (deca) but the long ester gives an extended, flat release requiring infrequent injection. Human data are limited; most evidence is veterinary and anecdotal.

A long-acting nandrolone ester using the 11-carbon undecanoate chain, giving a slow, extended release similar to (or slightly beyond) decanoate. Effects match nandrolone; it is an uncommon preparation with limited ester-specific human data.

Neramexane is an aminocyclohexane derivative and moderate-affinity, uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, structurally and pharmacologically related to memantine. It was investigated in humans for tinnitus, Alzheimer's disease and other conditions but was not brought to market after mixed trial results.

Investigational GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist in Phase 2 development for obesity and MASH (fatty liver disease). Designed with a balanced ratio to drive both weight loss and liver-fat reduction.

Phencyclidine (PCP, 'angel dust') is the prototype arylcyclohexylamine dissociative, developed in the 1950s as a surgical anaesthetic before withdrawal due to severe emergence reactions. It is an NMDA receptor antagonist producing dissociation, analgesia and, at higher doses, marked agitation, psychosis and anaesthesia. Among this class it has one of the larger human data sets, drawn mostly from clinical anaesthesia trials and decades of emergency-department case reports.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid found in cell membranes, sold as a supplement (soy- or sunflower-derived) marketed to blunt exercise-induced cortisol and support cognition. Small studies suggest high doses can attenuate the cortisol response to intense exercise and overtraining, but effects on performance and body composition are modest and inconsistent. Well tolerated; a genuine supplement rather than a drug.

Psilocin (4-HO-DMT) is the active metabolite of psilocybin and the molecule directly responsible for the psychedelic effects of Psilocybe mushrooms. It is a 5-HT2A receptor agonist. Because it is what psilocybin becomes in the body, human pharmacological data come largely from psilocybin trials, in which psilocin is the measured active species.

A vitamin B6-derived nootropic (two pyridoxine molecules bridged by a disulfide) marketed in some countries for cognitive impairment. It carries a notable risk of rare but serious hepatic and pancreatic reactions.

A polyphenol from grapes and Japanese knotweed that launched the sirtuin-activation hypothesis of aging. Despite enormous animal and mechanistic literature and reasonable human trial numbers, results in people are inconsistent and often null, and poor oral bioavailability limits its effects.

Saw palmetto is an extract of Serenoa repens berries widely marketed as a natural 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor for benign prostatic hyperplasia and hair loss. Evidence is mixed: some trials suggest modest symptom benefit in BPH, but rigorous studies often find effects no better than placebo, and hair-loss data are weak.

Silymarin is a flavonolignan complex extracted from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seeds, of which silybin is the principal active constituent. It is one of the oldest and most popular herbal liver-support supplements and a near-universal inclusion in on-cycle 'liver stacks'. Despite very heavy use, controlled evidence of benefit in most liver conditions is weak and inconsistent.

Stamulumab (MYO-029) was the first anti-myostatin monoclonal antibody tested in humans, a recombinant human IgG1 designed to neutralise circulating myostatin in adults with muscular dystrophy. A Phase 1/2 safety trial found it well tolerated but showed no significant improvement in muscle strength or function, and development was discontinued.

The injectable microcrystalline aqueous suspension form of stanozolol, the DHT-derived oral/injectable steroid sold pharmaceutically as Winstrol Depot. Because stanozolol is not esterified, the aqueous suspension releases the same molecule found in the tablets, only via a slow-dissolving crystal depot. It is prized for lean, dry mass gains without aromatisation but retains oral-type 17-alpha-alkyl hepatotoxicity even by injection.

Synephrine (p-synephrine) is a sympathomimetic alkaloid from bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), widely used in weight-loss and pre-workout supplements after the ephedra ban. It has mild stimulant and thermogenic effects, and while less potent than ephedrine, cardiovascular concerns rise when it is combined with caffeine and other stimulants.

A medium-length hexanoate ester of testosterone, historically a component of some combination testosterone injectables and depot preparations. Pharmacologically it is bioidentical testosterone with a release rate between propionate and enanthate. It is uncommon as a standalone product and is best known as one of the esters blended into legacy multi-ester testosterone mixtures.

A potent 19-nor androgen originally developed for cattle, never approved for human use. Produces dramatic recomposition alongside the heaviest side-effect burden of any compound in common use.

The veterinary trenbolone acetate implant (Finaplix, Component TE) is the cattle growth-promotant form of trenbolone acetate, marketed as compressed subcutaneous ear pellets. Diversion of these pellets to make injectable trenbolone for human use is the classic route by which a cattle drug entered bodybuilding.

The veterinary Equipoise product is boldenone undecylenate formulated for horses, and it is the single most-diverted veterinary anabolic in bodybuilding. Approved to improve appetite, weight and coat in debilitated horses, its long-ester boldenone gives slow, steady lean gains that made it a staple of illicit human cycles.

An older cholinergic/antioxidant drug (a DMAE ester) marketed in some countries for age-related cognitive decline. Human data is mostly old and small; it is popular in anti-ageing nootropic circles.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) polyphenol extract is a supplement promoted for lipid and glucose support. Among PED users it is taken to blunt the adverse cholesterol shifts — falling HDL, rising LDL — caused by anabolic steroids, particularly orals. Small human trials suggest modest lipid-lowering, but the evidence base is limited, heterogeneous and largely from a small number of research groups.

D-aspartic acid is an amino acid that acts as a signalling molecule in the hypothalamus and testes, and it became a popular testosterone booster after an early positive human study. Follow-up trials, especially in resistance-trained men, largely failed to replicate a testosterone increase, and some found free testosterone actually fell at higher doses. The overall evidence is now mixed-to-negative.

Investigational cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonist in clinical development for obesity and type 2 diabetes, mainly in China. Early/mid-stage human data show dose-dependent weight loss.

Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth-hormone-releasing peptide (GHS-R agonist), more potent than GHRP-6 at releasing GH. It has been studied in small human trials for GH secretion and cardiovascular effects, but tachyphylaxis (desensitisation with continued use) and cortisol/prolactin stimulation limit it. Non-medical physique use is anecdotal.

The short-ester injectable form of methenolone (Primobolan), using the propionate chain for a fast, short release requiring frequent injection. Effects mirror methenolone: mild, non-aromatising, DHT-derived anabolic favoured for lean gains and cutting, with low androgenicity and no estrogenic activity.

One of the earliest commercial oral anabolic steroids, marketed as Nilevar from the mid-1950s. A 17-alpha-ethylated 19-nortestosterone derivative, it was used for wasting and osteoporosis but developed a reputation for pronounced hepatotoxicity, virilisation and progestogenic side effects, and was largely superseded by cleaner agents.

A vitamin B3-derived NAD+ precursor sold as a supplement (e.g. Niagen). It is among the best-studied NAD+ boosters in humans, reliably and dose-dependently raising blood NAD+, but placebo-controlled trials have generally failed to show meaningful improvements in metabolic or functional aging endpoints.

An oil- or water-based injectable preparation of oxymetholone (Anadrol), a powerful 17-alpha-alkylated DHT-derived oral steroid. Injecting the unesterified molecule aims to reduce the digestive burden of high oral tablet doses, but because oxymetholone retains its 17-alpha-alkyl group it remains hepatotoxic by injection. It produces dramatic mass and strength gains alongside significant water retention and side effects.

Ramatercept is a soluble activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB) fusion protein — the ActRIIB extracellular domain linked to a human IgG1 Fc — engineered to act as a ligand trap for myostatin, activin and related GDFs. It reached Phase 2 in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where it increased lean mass but was halted over vascular safety signals (nosebleeds and telangiectasias).

Sobetirome (GC-1) is a synthetic thyroid hormone receptor beta-selective agonist investigated for dyslipidaemia and, later, demyelinating disease. It lowers cholesterol and raises metabolic rate in animals with reduced cardiac effect, and circulates in the fat-loss grey market.

An isothiocyanate from broccoli sprouts and the most potent natural activator of the NRF2 antioxidant-response pathway. Human trials support benefits for detoxification enzymes and some metabolic and inflammatory markers; it is a well-studied phytochemical, though direct aging-outcome data are absent.

Orally active ghrelin-receptor agonist studied for adult GH deficiency and as a GH secretagogue. Development was discontinued after chronic dosing showed liver enzyme elevations and CYP3A4 induction.

Valerian is a herbal extract from Valeriana officinalis root used for insomnia and mild anxiety. Its constituents interact with GABA signalling and adenosine receptors. Evidence for sleep benefit is inconsistent, with many trials showing small or non-significant effects, but it is generally well tolerated with low dependence risk.

A widely consumed dietary flavonoid used both as a general antioxidant/anti-inflammatory supplement and, combined with dasatinib, as the canonical senolytic cocktail in aging research. Human data support modest anti-inflammatory and blood-pressure effects; the senolytic outcome data in humans are still early.

Fenozolone (Ordinator) is an oxazolone CNS stimulant related to pemoline, marketed historically in parts of Europe for fatigue, attention and mild depression. It shares the oxazolidinone/oxazolone stimulant lineage and is now largely obsolete with sparse modern data.

Trenbolone hexahydrobenzylcarbonate is the long-ester veterinary/human-grey form of trenbolone (Parabolan, originally Finajet/Hexabolan lineage), releasing the same potent 19-nor trienolone androgen slowly over weeks. It is among the most sought-after diverted trenbolone esters, with a powerful anabolic effect and a harsh side-effect profile.

Trevogrumab (REGN1033) is a fully human anti-myostatin monoclonal antibody from Regeneron, evaluated for sarcopenia and later combined with an anti-activin antibody and GLP-1 agonists to preserve lean mass during weight loss. It selectively neutralises myostatin and has been explored as a muscle-sparing adjunct.

A gut-microbiome metabolite of ellagitannins (from pomegranate and walnuts) that induces mitophagy — the recycling of damaged mitochondria. Because many people cannot produce it from food, it is sold as a standardised supplement, and human trials show it improves mitochondrial and muscle biomarkers, though effects on hard outcomes are modest.

A fat-soluble racetam reported to have anxiolytic as well as cognitive properties. Human evidence is limited and mostly older, drawn from studies in cognitive impairment; use in healthy adults rests largely on anecdote.

Chromium picolinate is a supplemental form of trivalent chromium widely marketed for insulin sensitivity, body composition and appetite. Despite huge popularity, controlled human evidence for meaningful fat loss or muscle gain is weak and largely negative in well-designed trials.

CJC-1295 with DAC is a GHRH(1-29) analogue bearing a Drug Affinity Complex (a maleimidoproprionic acid group) that binds circulating albumin, extending its half-life to roughly a week. This produces a sustained 'GH bleed' rather than discrete pulses. Small early-phase human trials exist; broader clinical evidence is limited and non-medical use is off-label.

The acetate ester of clostebol (4-chlorotestosterone), a mild anabolic steroid used in some countries in injectable and topical medicinal preparations, including wound-healing ointments. The 4-chloro substitution blocks aromatisation and 5-alpha reduction, giving a mild, non-oestrogenic profile. It is best known in anti-doping circles for causing positive tests via contaminated topical products.

An esterified creatine once marketed as more bioavailable than monohydrate. Controlled trials found it actually degrades rapidly to creatinine and is inferior to monohydrate for raising muscle creatine. A cautionary example of a marketing claim not surviving testing.

Investigational oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Pfizer. Showed weight-loss efficacy in trials but development was complicated by tolerability and a liver-safety signal.

Efaproxiral (RSR13) is a synthetic allosteric modifier of haemoglobin that reduces oxygen affinity, increasing oxygen release to tissues. Trialled as a radiosensitiser for brain metastases, it failed to gain broad approval. It is explicitly named on the WADA Prohibited List as an oxygen-delivery modifying agent.

Investigational GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist being studied primarily for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD/NAFLD), with weight-loss effects as well.

GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) is an industrial solvent and a prodrug of GHB: once ingested it is rapidly converted to GHB by the body. It shares GHB's effects and its dangerously narrow dose-response, but is absorbed faster and is more potent by volume, making misdosing even easier. As with GHB, the combination with alcohol markedly raises the risk of coma and death.

A combination of the two glutathione precursor amino acids, glycine and N-acetylcysteine, designed to restore the age-related decline in cellular glutathione. Small controlled trials in older adults report broad improvements in oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and several aging markers, though the studies are small and from a single research group.

Guggulsterone is a plant sterol from the guggul tree (Commiphora mukul) sold in fat-loss and cholesterol supplements. It is a bile-acid receptor (FXR) antagonist with claimed thyroid-stimulating and lipid-lowering effects, though controlled human trials have been largely disappointing.

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring indole alkaloid from the West African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. It is an atypical, long-acting psychoactive with anti-addiction properties: observational and open-label studies report it can interrupt opioid withdrawal and reduce craving. It is also cardiotoxic, causing QT-interval prolongation and dangerous arrhythmias, and has been associated with multiple deaths.

Mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine) is the classic naturally occurring psychedelic phenethylamine found in peyote, San Pedro and related cacti. It produces a long, gradual visual and emotional psychedelic experience and is the archetype from which the entire scaline family is derived.

A water-soluble racetam studied mainly in older adults with cognitive impairment. It is sometimes described as more 'stimulating' than piracetam. Human data exist but are dated and limited, and it is not approved in most Western markets.

A phenylated racetam developed in Russia with more pronounced stimulant and physical-performance effects than piracetam. It is banned in competitive sport and its cognitive claims rest largely on limited Russian clinical literature and anecdote.

A long-acting trenbolone ester (cyclohexylmethylcarbonate), historically the active ingredient in the veterinary product Parabolan. Effects mirror trenbolone: powerful, non-aromatising anabolism with strong androgenic and progestogenic activity and pronounced side effects. Human data are limited and largely anecdotal.

Cordyceps is a medicinal fungus (cultivated Cordyceps militaris or the traditional Ophiocordyceps sinensis), standardised to cordycepin and adenosine, used for endurance, oxygen utilisation and general vitality. Some small human trials suggest modest improvements in aerobic capacity in older or untrained people, but data in trained athletes are weak and it is not a hormonal booster.

A weakly androgenic oral 19-nortestosterone derivative that lacks the 3-keto group, marketed under names such as Maxibolin and Orabolin for wasting and as a veterinary agent. It is essentially a prodrug-like relative of norethandrolone and is considered mild but hepatotoxic due to 17-alpha-alkylation.

A hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue (also known as hexarelin's development name in some contexts, but a distinct GHRP-class peptide) studied as a diagnostic and therapeutic GH stimulus in small human trials. Limited human data.

A molecular complex of propionyl-L-carnitine and the amino acid glycine, marketed as a pre-workout 'nitric oxide' and endurance supplement. A few small trials report modest increases in nitric oxide markers and peak power, but the human evidence base is thin.

Ipamorelin is a selective pentapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue (a ghrelin/GHS-R agonist) that triggers a clean GH pulse with little effect on cortisol, prolactin or appetite. This selectivity makes it the most commonly used GHRP for body-composition purposes, usually stacked with a GHRH analogue. Human evidence is limited to early pharmacology; physique use is anecdotal.

Lemon balm is a mint-family herb used as a calming supplement for mild anxiety, stress and sleep, often combined with valerian. Small studies suggest it can reduce subjective stress and improve calmness and mood. Its constituents inhibit GABA transaminase, raising brain GABA. It is well tolerated with negligible dependence risk.

An injectable oil solution of methenolone acetate, the short-acting acetate ester of primobolan's parent DHT-derived steroid. Acetate esterification of methenolone is more commonly encountered orally, but an injectable oil form gives fast onset with frequent dosing. It shares primobolan's reputation as a mild, non-aromatising, well-tolerated cutting steroid with a favourable side-effect profile at the cost of modest potency.

Nandrolone laurate (Laurabolin) is a very long-ester veterinary form of nandrolone used in horses, dogs and cattle to improve appetite, condition and recovery. Its slow-release laurate ester gives prolonged nandrolone exposure from infrequent injections, and it has been diverted to human PED use.

A direct NAD+ precursor marketed heavily as an anti-aging supplement. It reliably raises NAD+ in animals and shows striking metabolic benefits in aged mice, but human trials are small, short, and mostly report modest biomarker changes rather than clinical outcomes. US regulatory status has been contested by the FDA.

A lipophilic racetam derivative marketed as a potent nootropic, dosed in the low milligram range. Human data is limited to small trials in elderly cognitive impairment and post-traumatic memory deficits; broad cognitive-enhancement claims in healthy users rest on anecdote.

The upstream 'mother' steroid synthesised from cholesterol from which all other steroid hormones derive. Sold as a nootropic and hormone-support supplement, it is chiefly a neurosteroid; systemic conversion to downstream sex hormones after oral dosing is limited and its cognitive claims are largely preclinical.

Shilajit is a mineral-rich exudate from Himalayan and other mountain rocks, standardised to fulvic acid, marketed for energy, testosterone support and fertility. A few small human trials suggest purified shilajit may modestly raise testosterone and improve sperm parameters, but the evidence base is thin. The dominant practical risk is heavy-metal and contaminant load in unpurified products.

Sydnocarb (mesocarb) is a sydnone-imine psychostimulant developed in the Soviet Union as a milder, longer-acting amphetamine alternative. It has some historical Russian clinical use for asthenia and ADHD-like indications, but little Western data; grey-market interest treats it as a gentler stimulant.

Theacrine is a purine alkaloid structurally related to caffeine, found in Camellia assamica var. kucha and sold as 'TeaCrine'. It provides energy and mood support with a slower onset and reportedly less tolerance and jitteriness than caffeine, and has modest human trial support.

AICAR (acadesine) is an AMPK activator studied clinically for cardioprotection and famous as an 'exercise mimetic'. By switching on AMPK it boosts fatty-acid oxidation and glucose uptake, making it a research-grade metabolic and endurance agent that is banned in sport.

A racetam studied for post-stroke apathy and depression and for cognitive impairment. Some randomised human data exists, but development was limited partly by preclinical toxicity signals in animals.

A natural polyamine and potent autophagy inducer, obtained from foods like wheat germ and natto or as a supplement. It extends lifespan across multiple model organisms and has intriguing human observational data linking dietary intake to lower mortality, but interventional human outcome trials remain small and preliminary.

Stinging nettle root extract is used in 'test-booster' stacks on the theory that it binds sex-hormone-binding globulin and inhibits 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase, freeing testosterone. Its stronger, better-evidenced use is actually for benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms. Direct human evidence for raising free testosterone is weak.

A testosterone precursor that converts to testosterone in one enzymatic step, popular in the late-1990s/early-2000s prohormone era. It raises testosterone but a large fraction also aromatises to estrogen. Now a DASCA-scheduled controlled substance in the US.

ACE-031 (ramatercept) is a soluble activin receptor type IIB fused to an antibody Fc fragment, designed to act as a decoy trap for myostatin and related ligands. It was tested clinically for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where it increased muscle volume but trials were halted over safety signals including nosebleeds and gum bleeding (telangiectasias). It is a large biologic, not a peptide suited to casual subcutaneous dosing.

A short-ester version of boldenone, the anabolic behind Equipoise (EQ). The propionate chain gives a fast, short release requiring frequent injection, unlike the long-acting undecylenate. Effects mirror boldenone: steady lean gains, appetite and red-cell stimulation with modest estrogenic activity. Ester-specific data are minimal.

CJC-1295 without DAC, commonly sold as modified GRF(1-29), is a short-acting growth-hormone-releasing hormone analogue. Four amino-acid substitutions on the GHRH(1-29) fragment resist enzymatic degradation, giving a brief but potent GH pulse. It is frequently paired with a GHRP (e.g. ipamorelin) for synergistic release. Human evidence is limited; use is largely anecdotal.

A five-carbon sugar that forms the backbone of ATP and is the rate-limiting substrate for the de-novo synthesis of adenine nucleotides. Marketed for energy, heart failure and fibromyalgia recovery; genuine clinical benefit is limited and best supported in rare myoadenylate deaminase deficiency, with mainstream ergogenic claims largely unsupported.

A very short-acting acetate ester of drostanolone (Masteron), requiring daily or every-other-day injection. Effects mirror drostanolone: a mild, non-aromatising DHT-derived anabolic with mild anti-estrogenic activity, favoured for hardening and cutting. Ester-specific human data are minimal.

A Russian antioxidant drug (a pyridine derivative related to vitamin B6) used for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular conditions. Nearly all clinical data is Russian-language; it is unfamiliar to Western regulators and sold as a research chemical.

Estradiol benzoate is the estrogenic component of many combination cattle growth-promotant implants (e.g. Synovex, Revalor), usually paired with an androgen such as testosterone propionate or trenbolone acetate. It drives weight gain in cattle through the GH/IGF-1 axis and has no androgenic PED value in humans.

A tripeptide antioxidant (glutamate-cysteine-glycine) central to cellular redox balance and detoxification. Injectable/IV glutathione is heavily marketed for skin lightening and general 'wellness', but robust clinical evidence for these cosmetic uses is weak; its established roles are biochemical and in specific medical settings.

HBOCs are cell-free oxygen carriers made from chemically modified or cross-linked haemoglobin (human, bovine or recombinant), developed as blood substitutes. A landmark meta-analysis linked them to increased death and heart attack, ending most programmes. Their direct oxygen-carrying action makes them a doping concern; WADA prohibits artificial oxygen carriers.

A lipidated cosmetic signal peptide (palmitoyl-Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser) marketed to stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce fine lines. Among the better-studied anti-ageing cosmetic peptides, though trials remain small and largely industry-linked.

The enanthate ester of 7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MENT/trestolone), a long-acting injectable form of the Population Council's male-contraceptive androgen. About 10x more potent than testosterone, prostate-sparing, but strongly suppressive and progestogenic. The acetate is separately catalogued; this is the longer ester used off-label.

Mepitiostane is an orally active anabolic steroid and antiestrogen derived from epitiostanol (a thioether DHT derivative), used in Japan under the brand Thioderon for breast cancer and to raise erythropoietin production. It is a prodrug of epitiostanol and behaves as both a mild androgen and an estrogen-receptor antagonist.

Methylnortestosterone (17alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone, MENT's oral relative) is an orally active 19-nor androgen investigated in the context of male hormonal contraception via its acetate/enanthate injectable cousins. The 17-alpha-methylated oral form is a potent, non-aromatising (weakly aromatising) androgen with progestogenic activity, oral hepatotoxicity, and strong gonadotropin suppression.

Tribulus terrestris is a saponin-containing plant (standardised to protodioscin) marketed for decades as a testosterone booster. Despite its popularity, controlled human trials in healthy men consistently fail to show any meaningful rise in testosterone or muscle mass. There is weak evidence for a libido effect, likely independent of androgens.

A rare sulfur-containing amino acid from mushrooms that accumulates in cells via a dedicated transporter and acts as a cytoprotective antioxidant. Nicknamed a 'longevity vitamin,' it is backed by strong observational data linking higher blood levels to lower mortality, but interventional human outcome trials are lacking.

1,4-Butanediol (BDO) is an industrial solvent and a prodrug of GHB: it is metabolised in the liver to GHB via alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Its effects, narrow dose-response and dependence risk mirror GHB, but onset is delayed and variable, and its shared metabolism with ethanol produces a dangerous interaction with alcohol.

A non-feminising stereoisomer of estradiol that reproducibly extends lifespan in male (but not female) mice in the NIA Interventions Testing Program. Because it lacks strong classical estrogenic activity, it is of high interest as a geroprotector, but there is essentially no human longevity data.

A nandrolone precursor that converts to nandrolone (19-nortestosterone) rather than testosterone. Famous for triggering nandrolone-positive doping tests in athletes who took over-the-counter supplements in the late 1990s. Now a DASCA-scheduled controlled substance.

3,5-Diiodo-L-thyronine (T2) is an endogenous iodothyronine metabolite marketed as a fat-loss supplement. It is claimed to raise metabolic rate through a rapid, largely non-genomic action on mitochondria without the strong TSH suppression of T3, though human evidence is thin.

A DHEA metabolite marketed for fat loss that, unlike DHEA, does not convert to androgens or estrogens. Human evidence for weight loss is limited to a few small industry-linked trials; the appeal is that it sidesteps the hormonal side effects of DHEA.

Early-stage investigational unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor co-agonist from Novo Nordisk, generating attention for very large weight loss in early trials, available in both oral and injectable forms.

Androstenedione (4-Andro) is a naturally occurring steroid hormone and direct precursor to testosterone, marketed as a testosterone-boosting prohormone. Despite early clinical study, oral supplementation raises estradiol at least as much as testosterone and confers little anabolic benefit — it was banned as a supplement in the US in 2004.

A weak endogenous androgen and DHT metabolite that also serves as a prohormone, back-converting in part to DHT and downstream androgens. Sold as a 'hardening' prohormone for a dry, aggressive look. Non-aromatising and DASCA-scheduled in the US.

AOD-9604 is a synthetic fragment of the C-terminus of human growth hormone (residues 176-191 plus a tyrosine) developed as an anti-obesity agent. It reached human clinical trials, which found it was well tolerated but produced no meaningful weight loss versus placebo. It is now marketed as a peptide for fat loss and joint repair despite the negative efficacy data.

A topical cosmetic hexapeptide marketed as a 'needle-free Botox alternative' that is claimed to reduce expression wrinkles by interfering with neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. Small cosmetic studies show modest wrinkle-depth reductions; systemic effects from topical use are negligible.

A very short-acting acetate ester of boldenone, requiring near-daily injection. Effects mirror boldenone (Equipoise): gradual quality lean gains, appetite and red-cell stimulation, moderate estrogenic activity. Ester-specific human data are essentially absent.

A shorter-ester alternative to the familiar boldenone undecylenate (Equipoise), pairing the same 1-dehydrotestosterone steroid with a cyclopentylpropionate ester. It offers the boldenone profile — slow lean gains, appetite stimulation and pronounced erythropoiesis with modest aromatisation and no progestogenic activity — but with faster clearance than the undecylenate. Human data are minimal; it exists almost entirely as an underground product.

A Russian-developed 'actoprotector' combining mild stimulant and anxiolytic (so-called adaptogenic) properties, intended to improve physical and mental performance under stress. Human data are mostly Russian, and it is banned in competitive sport.

Cardarine (GW-501516) is not a SARM but a PPARδ agonist, developed for dyslipidaemia and studied for its effects on fat metabolism and endurance. Development was halted after long-term rodent studies showed dose-dependent cancers in multiple organs. This carcinogenicity signal is the dominant safety concern; whether it translates to humans is disputed and unresolved.

Cobalt chloride is an inorganic salt that stabilises HIF and stimulates erythropoietin, historically used as a treatment for anaemia before EPO existed. It is a cheap, orally available hypoxia mimetic exploited in doping, but is toxic — causing cardiomyopathy, thyroid dysfunction and neurotoxicity. WADA prohibits cobalt as a HIF activating agent.

Dextrorphan (DXO) is the active O-demethylated metabolite of dextromethorphan and a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist. It is responsible for much of dextromethorphan's dissociative effects at high doses and was studied as a neuroprotectant, but is not marketed as a drug in its own right.

1-testosterone (5-alpha-dihydroboldenone), a non-aromatising androgen usually sold as the cypionate ester. It combines a strong anabolic effect with a lean, 'dry' physique and is not oestrogenic, but is notorious for severe post-injection pain and lethargy. Human data are minimal, so its profile is drawn largely from anecdote and structural analogy.

DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) is a synthetic aliphatic amine stimulant once marketed as a nasal decongestant and later sold widely in pre-workout and weight-loss supplements. It raises blood pressure and heart rate and has been linked in case reports to hypertension, cardiac events, cerebral haemorrhage and stroke, prompting regulators including the FDA to warn against it and remove it from supplements.

An irreversible carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) inhibitor developed as a metabolic drug for diabetes and heart failure. Clinical development was halted after unacceptable hepatotoxicity. It is now used almost exclusively as a laboratory tool to block fatty-acid oxidation in research.

A Japanese DHT-derived oral steroid (Miotolan) bearing a furazan (oxadiazole) ring fused to the A-ring, structurally akin to stanozolol. Studied and used partly for its reputed cholesterol-lowering effect, it is a non-aromatising, 17-alpha-methylated oral with the usual hepatic and lipid liabilities.

A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with copper) used topically and by injection for skin regeneration, wound healing and hair growth. It has genuine in-vitro and some small topical clinical support for cosmetic skin benefits, but injectable 'anti-aging' use rests on preclinical work and anecdote.

One of the original synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptides, a ghrelin-receptor agonist that provokes GH release. It was largely superseded by GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 and has only limited early human data.

GSK2881078 is a non-steroidal SARM developed by GlaxoSmithKline that reached early-phase human trials for muscle wasting and sarcopenia, including studies in older adults and patients with COPD. It produced modest measurable increases in lean mass and is one of the better-characterised experimental SARMs, though still far from approval.

Gymnema sylvestre is an Ayurvedic herb standardised for gymnemic acids, marketed for blood-sugar support and reduced sugar cravings. It can transiently blunt sweet taste and shows some glucose-lowering signals in small studies, but rigorous human evidence remains limited.

An injectable preparation of fluoxymesterone (Halotestin), a fluorinated 17-alpha-alkylated testosterone derivative normally taken orally. It is one of the most androgenic-per-milligram steroids, prized by strength and combat athletes for aggression and strength without weight gain. Injecting the unesterified molecule does not lessen its notorious hepatotoxicity, and it remains a harsh, poorly characterised compound in injectable form.

Horny goat weed is the traditional Chinese herb Epimedium, whose principal active flavonoid icariin acts as a weak PDE5 inhibitor. It is used as an aphrodisiac and mild erectile aid. Human clinical data on the whole herb are sparse; the mechanistic rationale rests largely on preclinical PDE5-inhibition work on isolated icariin.

The active fragment of the human cathelicidin antimicrobial protein hCAP18, a 37-residue host-defence peptide with broad antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and wound-healing roles. Widely studied as an endogenous molecule, but as an injected or topical therapeutic it is early-stage and mostly preclinical.

Honokiol is a bioactive lignan from magnolia bark, used in traditional medicine and supplements for anxiety, stress and sleep. It positively modulates GABA-A receptors at a site distinct from benzodiazepines and shows anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects in animals. Human evidence is limited to small studies and combination products, largely for stress and cortisol.

Mefexamide (Timodine, Perno) is a psychostimulant and purported nootropic developed in the mid-20th century, promoted for fatigue, apathy and cognitive complaints. It has limited, mostly older clinical documentation and is now essentially obsolete outside legacy prescribing.

A synthetic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) used to darken skin (tanning) and, as a side effect, increase libido and cause spontaneous erections. It has some early human study data but was never brought to market, and is sold illegally as an unlicensed injectable. Notable for nausea, facial flushing, and darkening or proliferation of moles.

Methylsynephrine (oxilofrine / p-hydroxyephedrine) is a synthetic sympathomimetic stimulant historically used as a cardiac drug in a few countries and sold illicitly in weight-loss and pre-workout supplements. It is more potent than synephrine and is not a legal dietary-supplement ingredient in the US. It raises heart rate and blood pressure, has caused adverse-event reports, and is banned in sport.

Mibolerone (Cheque Drops) is an extremely potent orally active 19-nortestosterone androgen originally marketed as an oral liquid to prevent estrus in female dogs. Diverted to bodybuilding, it is used in tiny microgram doses as a short-acting pre-competition aggression booster, with a harsh side-effect profile and no human approval.

Mibolerone (7alpha,17alpha-dimethyl-19-nortestosterone) is an extremely potent orally active 19-nor androgen originally licensed in veterinary medicine (Cheque Drops) to suppress estrus in dogs. In humans it is used non-medically in tiny sublingual/oral doses shortly before competition or heavy training for a short-lived surge in aggression; it is highly androgenic, progestogenic, hepatotoxic and dangerous at above micro-doses.

A tetra-substituted GHRH(1-29) analogue (often called mod GRF 1-29 or CJC-1295 without DAC) widely used in the research-peptide community with GHRPs to stimulate pulsatile GH release. Human data are limited to the parent GHRH analogue class.

The central redox coenzyme itself, sold and administered directly (usually by IV infusion or injection) as an anti-aging and recovery therapy. Tissue NAD+ decline is a genuine hallmark of aging, but evidence that infusing exogenous NAD+ meaningfully raises intracellular levels or improves outcomes in humans is weak; oral bioavailability is poor.

A synthetic dipeptide, active at very low doses, developed in Russia and structurally distinct from the racetams though often grouped with them. Human evidence is limited to Russian clinical studies in cognitive impairment; use in healthy adults is largely anecdotal.

Oxendolone is a steroidal antiandrogen and weak anabolic-androgenic steroid (16-beta-ethyl-19-nortestosterone) developed in Japan as TSAA-291 and marketed as Prostetin for benign prostatic hyperplasia. It combines weak androgenic activity with antiandrogen and progestogenic properties.

Penmesterol (methyltestosterone 3-cyclopentyl enol ether) is an orally/parenterally used androgen ester-ether prodrug of methyltestosterone, marketed historically in some European markets. As a methyltestosterone derivative it is aromatisable, moderately androgenic, and shares the hepatotoxicity of 17-alpha-methylated orals; documented human medical use is limited and dated.

Perfluorocarbons are inert synthetic fluids that dissolve large volumes of oxygen and carbon dioxide, investigated as blood substitutes and infused as emulsions. First-generation products like Fluosol and later Oxygent reached trials but none achieved lasting approval. Their oxygen-carrying capacity makes them a doping concern; WADA prohibits artificial oxygen carriers.

Beta-phenylethylamine (PEA) is an endogenous trace amine sold as PEA HCl for a brief, intense mood-and-focus lift in pre-workouts. Its effects are very short-lived because monoamine oxidase rapidly degrades it, so it is often combined with MAO-B inhibitors like hordenine.

A Soviet-developed conjugate of niacin and GABA designed to carry GABA across the blood-brain barrier, used for anxiety and cerebrovascular conditions. The FDA has ruled it is not a lawful dietary ingredient.

Pyrilutamide (KX-826) is a topical non-steroidal androgen-receptor antagonist in clinical development (Kintor Pharmaceutical) for androgenetic alopecia and acne. Despite ongoing trials, it is already widely sold on the grey market, where quality and effective dosing are unverified.

Ractopamine is a beta-adrenergic agonist used as a livestock feed additive to increase lean muscle and reduce fat in pigs, cattle and turkeys. It is not a human medicine; human data are limited to a small pharmacology study and toxicology. Many countries and the EU, China and Russia ban residues in meat over safety concerns, while the US and Canada permit its use in food animals.

Testolone (RAD-140) is a potent non-steroidal SARM originally explored for breast cancer and muscle wasting. Human data are minimal, limited largely to an early oncology trial, so most claims are preclinical or anecdotal. Recreational users report strong strength and size gains alongside marked testosterone suppression, and case reports link it to liver injury.

An obscure testosterone ester formed with nicotinic acid (niacin). Historically appearing in a handful of mid-20th-century preparations, it is essentially absent from modern medicine and sport. Its effects are those of testosterone; ester-specific human data are extremely sparse, so it is characterised largely by inference from the parent hormone.

An unusual and rarely encountered presentation of testosterone undecanoate as a fine aqueous microcrystalline suspension rather than the standard castor-oil depot. The undecanoate ester and poor water solubility make a true aqueous suspension impractical, so most products sold under this description are either mislabelled oil solutions or crude micronised preparations with erratic release. Where genuine, it behaves as a long ester with slow, unpredictable absorption from the injection depot.

Vanadyl sulfate is a vanadium compound popular in the 1990s as an insulin-mimetic glucose-disposal agent claimed to increase muscle fullness and glucose uptake. It has insulin-like activity in animal and cell models, but human body-composition evidence is weak and high doses raise toxicity concerns.

VIP is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide with real physiology (vasodilation, immune modulation) that is used off-label as an intranasal spray, notably in the CIRS/mold-illness community following Shoemaker protocols. Human evidence outside its natural role is limited to small case series and open-label reports.

Zeranol (Ralgro) is a non-steroidal resorcylic acid lactone growth promotant derived from the fungal mycotoxin zearalenone. It is a potent, orally and subcutaneously active estrogen agonist implanted in beef cattle and sheep to increase weight gain and feed efficiency. It has no legitimate human use and is banned as a growth promotant in the EU.

A plant flavonoid (found in strawberries) that emerged as one of the most potent natural senolytics in screening studies. It cleared senescent cells and extended lifespan in mice, and is used off-label in intermittent 'hit-and-run' senolytic protocols, but human outcome data are essentially absent and trials are ongoing.

1-Androsterone (1-DHEA) is a non-methylated prohormone that converts to 1-testosterone (dihydroboldenone), a non-aromatising DHT-like androgen. Popular in legal-until-2014 supplements, it produces dry lean gains anecdotally but suppresses natural testosterone and can lower HDL; human data is limited to case reports and one small pharmacokinetic study.

A DHEA-adjacent diol with the double bond in the 5-position, requiring two enzymatic steps to reach testosterone and therefore a weaker testosterone precursor than 4-androstenediol. Notable separately for radioprotective/immune research. A DASCA-scheduled controlled substance in the US.

Agmatine is a decarboxylation product of arginine sold as a supplement and marketed for nitric-oxide 'pump', neuropathic pain and mood. Its proposed vasodilatory role rests on modulation of nitric-oxide synthase and imidazoline receptors, but human evidence is thin and mostly limited to small pain studies; ergogenic and erectile claims are essentially anecdotal.

Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) leaf extract, standardised for corosolic acid, is a botanical glucose-disposal supplement claimed to lower blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. Human evidence is limited to small short-term studies, so its real-world effect is uncertain.

Boldione (androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione) is the direct prohormone of boldenone (Equipoise). It is a weak androgen in its own right that converts in vivo to boldenone, and was widely sold as an oral 'prohormone' supplement before being scheduled as an anabolic steroid in the US in 2005.

A racetam originally developed as a candidate for Alzheimer's disease and later trialled for major depression with anxiety. Human efficacy for cognitive enhancement is unproven; it is sold as a research chemical.

Higenamine (norcoclaurine) is a plant-derived beta-adrenergic agonist found in species such as Nandina and Aconitum and sold in pre-workout and fat-burner supplements. It raises heart rate and is promoted for stimulation and fat loss, but its cardiac stimulant activity raises safety concerns and it is banned in sport at all times by WADA.

Hordenine (N,N-dimethyltyramine) is a naturally occurring phenethylamine found in barley and certain cacti, marketed in pre-workouts as a mild, long-acting stimulant and MAO-B inhibitor intended to prolong the effects of other amines. Human data is limited and it is banned in equine sport.

A 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, studied preclinically for cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic and metabolic effects. Essentially all human relevance is associational (circulating levels vs ageing and disease); there is no approved therapeutic and no established dosing.

The IGF-1 Ec splice variant, whose E-domain-derived peptide is marketed as Mechano Growth Factor. It is proposed to activate satellite cells after muscle damage. Human evidence is minimal; use is largely preclinical and anecdotal.

IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 IGF-1) is an 83-amino-acid analogue of insulin-like growth factor 1 with an Arg substitution and an N-terminal extension that sharply reduce binding to IGF-binding proteins, giving a much longer half-life and higher free activity. It is a research reagent used in cell culture; human data for physique/performance use is essentially absent, and use is anecdotal.

KB-141 is a synthetic thyroid hormone receptor beta-selective agonist studied preclinically for obesity and dyslipidaemia. In primates it lowered cholesterol and increased metabolic rate with a wide margin over cardiac effects, but it never advanced to substantial human trials.

Discontinued once-daily oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist from Pfizer, halted after elevated liver enzymes were observed in trial participants.

17-alpha-methylandrostenediol, a mild anabolic that is a methylated derivative of the testosterone precursor androstenediol. Sold historically for human use and still found in veterinary products, often as the dipropionate ester, it is regarded as weak but with a reputation for synergising other steroids.

Methylandrostenediol (17-alpha-methyl-5-androstene-3-beta,17-beta-diol) is an orally active anabolic steroid and a testosterone prohormone, historically studied as an anabolic agent and later sold as a 'prohormone' supplement. It is the 17-alpha-methylated analogue of androstenediol.

Methyltrienolone (metribolone, R1881; 17alpha-methyl-trenbolone) is an extraordinarily potent orally active 19-nor androgen used mainly as a laboratory radioligand for the androgen receptor. Its non-medical use is limited to tiny doses because of extreme hepatotoxicity; it has one of the highest anabolic/androgenic ratings on record but is regarded as one of the most liver-toxic AAS known.

Noribogaine is the principal active metabolite of ibogaine, formed by demethylation. It is longer-lived than ibogaine and has been studied for opioid withdrawal and addiction interruption. Like ibogaine it carries a documented risk of QT prolongation and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia.

A redox-active quinone compound marketed as a mitochondrial-biogenesis and antioxidant supplement, often paired with CoQ10. Preclinical work shows it can stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1alpha, but robust human data on energy, cognition or cardiovascular endpoints are limited.

A dimethylated analogue of resveratrol found in blueberries, with substantially better oral bioavailability. Often paired with NAD+ precursors as a sirtuin activator, but direct human longevity or outcome data are minimal and rest largely on preclinical work.

A zinc-dependent nonapeptide thymic hormone that supports T-lymphocyte differentiation and immune regulation. A genuine endogenous immunomodulator with an older research literature, but limited modern controlled trials of exogenous administration.

Xenon is an inert anaesthetic noble gas reported to stabilise HIF and raise erythropoietin when inhaled. Publicised after claims of use by Russian athletes around 2014, it was added to the WADA Prohibited List as a HIF activating agent. Human performance evidence is weak and detection is difficult.

A calcium salt of the Krebs-cycle intermediate alpha-ketoglutarate, promoted as a geroprotector after it extended lifespan and compressed morbidity in mice. Human data are limited to a small uncontrolled study reporting a reduction in biological-age (methylation) markers.

A popular post-2014-scheduling-era prohormone that converts to 1-androsterone and ultimately 1-testosterone, a non-aromatising DHT-derived androgen. Prized in the community for 'dry' lean gains without estrogen conversion, but suppressive and unstudied in humans. DASCA-scheduled in the US.

A 4-ene DHEA analog that converts through androstenedione/androstenediol to testosterone, marketed as a mild 'bulking' prohormone that mimics low-dose testosterone. Aromatises, so estrogen management matters. DASCA-scheduled in the US.

Clofenciclan is an obscure CNS stimulant developed in the mid-20th century as an activating agent for fatigue and depressive states. It has minimal published data and is effectively obsolete; it is included here for completeness as a legacy focus/wakefulness stimulant.

The cypionate ester of dihydroboldenone (1-testosterone), a potent DHT-class injectable often marketed as '1-Test Cyp' or DHB. It is essentially the 5-alpha reduced form of boldenone and cannot aromatise, giving strong, dry strength and mass gains without estrogenic bloat. It is notorious for painful injections and pronounced lethargy, and has little formal human characterisation.

Methylliberine, sold as 'Dynamine', is a purine alkaloid related to theacrine and caffeine found in kucha tea. It is marketed for fast-onset, short-duration energy and focus and is frequently combined with theacrine and caffeine. Human data is limited to a few small safety and pharmacokinetic studies.

Hydroxymesterone (typically the 11-beta-hydroxy analogue of methyltestosterone, closely related to fluoxymesterone without the 9-fluoro) is a 17-alpha-methylated oral androgen. It is strongly androgenic with limited aromatisation, and shares the hepatotoxicity and suppression of the fluoxymesterone family. Human data are sparse and largely historical.

A broadly marketed analytical/receptor-grade recombinant IGF-1 preparation (distinct from the approved mecasermin product) used in research settings and diverted for physique use. Human safety and efficacy for the marketed use are essentially uncharacterised.

IGF-1 DES (DES(1-3)IGF-1) is a truncated IGF-1 lacking the first three N-terminal amino acids. This removal further lowers IGFBP binding and, in some tissues, makes it more potent than native IGF-1 while giving a very short half-life. It is a laboratory reagent; physique use is anecdotal with no controlled human data.

PF-06260414 is a non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulator developed by Pfizer that reached a single-dose Phase 1 study in healthy men. It is one of the few SARMs with any published human pharmacokinetic and safety data, though characterisation remains early and limited to short exposure.

Thiomesterone (tiomesterone) is an orally active anabolic-androgenic steroid, a 1,7-bis(acetylthio) derivative of methyltestosterone, marketed historically in Europe as Emdabol. It behaves as a 17-alpha-methylated oral androgen with the two acetylthio groups distinguishing it from the parent compound.

The diol form of the 1-testosterone pathway, converting to 1-testosterone (dihydroboldenone) via one fewer oxidation step than 1-DHEA. A non-aromatising, dry-gain prohormone with the same DHT-type side effect and suppression profile. DASCA-scheduled in the US.

An injectable cypionate ester of 1-testosterone (dihydroboldenone, DHB), a highly anabolic non-aromatising steroid structurally related to boldenone but 5-alpha reduced. It is valued for lean, dry gains and a strong anabolic-to-androgenic ratio, but is notorious for severe, prolonged post-injection pain that limits its practical use. Human evidence is essentially anecdotal.

Actovegin is a deproteinised ultrafiltrate of calf blood marketed in some countries for wound healing, peripheral vascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. Popular in sports medicine for injury recovery and claimed to improve tissue oxygen utilisation, its performance benefit is unproven. It is not currently on the WADA Prohibited List but sits in a grey area and is banned as a blood product in some countries.

A synthetic hexapeptide GH secretagogue in the GHRP family, structurally related to hexarelin. It stimulates GH release via the ghrelin receptor but has very limited human data and never advanced to approval.

Andarine (S-4) is an early non-steroidal SARM studied mainly in animals for muscle and bone. Human evidence is essentially absent, so claims rest on preclinical work and anecdote. It is notable for a distinctive, reversible visual side effect (yellow tinting and night-vision problems) at higher doses, alongside the usual testosterone suppression.

A potent opioid heptapeptide originally isolated from the skin of South American Phyllomedusa frogs, containing an unusual D-alanine residue. It is a strong mu-opioid agonist most notorious as a doping agent in horse racing rather than a cosmetic or approved therapeutic.

Epiandrosterone (3β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-17-one) is a naturally occurring DHEA metabolite and non-methylated prohormone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Marketed for 'dry, hard' physique effects, it is one of the milder prohormones with low hepatotoxicity, but efficacy rests almost entirely on anecdote.

A racetam-class compound acting on glutamate metabotropic receptors and the cholinergic system, more recently investigated as a candidate treatment for ADHD. Human data are limited to early clinical trials; general nootropic use rests on anecdote.

Melengestrol acetate (MGA) is a highly potent orally active progestin fed to feedlot heifers to suppress estrus and improve weight gain and feed efficiency. It is a growth-promoting progestational agent with no human therapeutic use; its relevance here is as a feed-additive growth promotant and a residue/detection concern.

An injectable diester of methandriol (17-alpha-methylandrostenediol), a weakly anabolic steroid historically used both on its own and as an adjunct thought to potentiate other steroids. The dipropionate ester provides a depot release. It is mild, dated and lightly studied, better known as a vintage veterinary and combination product than as a standalone mass-builder.

Methoxetamine (MXE) is an arylcyclohexylamine dissociative that emerged around 2010 as a 'research chemical' analogue of ketamine, marketed as bladder-friendly though this was never established. It has a longer duration and higher potency than ketamine and was linked to several deaths and hospitalisations before being widely banned.

Methylone (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylcathinone, bk-MDMA) is the beta-keto analogue of MDMA and a monoamine releaser with entactogenic and stimulant effects. It was briefly sold as 'Explosion' and as an MDMA substitute. It is among the better-studied cathinones, though human data remain limited to pharmacology studies, surveys and toxicology rather than therapeutic trials.

Octopamine is a trace amine and adrenergic-related compound sold as a fat-burner supplement ingredient, often derived from bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) alongside synephrine. It is claimed to promote lipolysis via beta-3 adrenergic-like activity, but human evidence is minimal and largely anecdotal, and oral bioavailability is poor. Its main documented risk is additive cardiovascular stimulation when stacked with other stimulants.

Phenmetrazine is a classic stimulant appetite suppressant formerly marketed as Preludin. It is a potent catecholamine releaser with recognised abuse liability, and was withdrawn from most markets after widespread misuse.

Propylhexedrine is a cyclohexyl analogue of methamphetamine, sold legally in some countries as a nasal decongestant inhaler but also misused as a stimulant. Its recreational and misuse pharmacology is better documented than most items in this set, including case reports of cardiovascular and psychiatric toxicity from abuse.

An orally active cyclopentenyl enol ether of boldenone, marketed in Italy as Anabolicum Vister. It is essentially an oral prodrug of boldenone (Dianabol's non-methylated relative) and was used for geriatric and paediatric anabolic therapy, but it is weakly effective orally and has largely vanished.

A synthetic heptapeptide developed in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic, based on the immunopeptide tuftsin. It is used in Russia clinically for anxiety, but the supporting human trials are small, mostly Russian, and not widely replicated internationally. Often taken intranasally; marketed for anxiety relief and focus without the sedation or dependence of benzodiazepines.

A synthetic peptide derived from a fragment of ACTH (4-10) developed in Russia as a nootropic and neuroprotective agent. It is used clinically in Russia for stroke, cognitive disorders and attention, but the supporting trials are largely Russian and not widely replicated internationally. Typically taken intranasally; claimed to improve focus, memory and recovery from neurological insults.

The 'Clear' at the centre of the BALCO doping scandal — a non-esterified oral progestin-derived steroid engineered to be undetectable until anti-doping chemists reverse-engineered it in 2003. Potent androgen and progesterone receptor activity in vitro, but no legitimate human trials.

Thymogen (Glu-Trp, glutamyl-tryptophan) is a synthetic dipeptide immunomodulator derived from thymic peptides, used clinically in Russia as an immunostimulant. Some Russian clinical data exist, but Western independent trials are lacking, keeping the evidence base thin.

19-Nor-DHEA (19-nor-androst-4-ene-3β-ol,17-one) is a non-methylated prohormone that converts to nandrolone (19-nortestosterone). Marketed for lean-mass gains, it carries nandrolone's progestogenic risk profile — potential libido loss and mood effects — with efficacy resting entirely on anecdote.

Altrenogest (Regu-Mate) is a potent orally active progestin used to control the estrous cycle in mares and to synchronise breeding in swine. It is a 19-nortestosterone-derived progestogen with no anabolic bodybuilding role; it appears in doping and residue contexts and is hazardous through skin contact for handlers.

Androisoxazole is an orally active anabolic-androgenic steroid derived from dihydrotestosterone in which an isoxazole ring is fused to the A-ring, structurally analogous to danazol and to the isoxazole-fused compound azolol. It saw limited use in Europe under the brand Neo-Ponden but was never widely studied, so human data are sparse.

Etizolam is a thienodiazepine — a benzodiazepine analogue in which the benzene ring is replaced by a thiophene ring. It is a licensed medicine in Japan, Italy and India for anxiety and short-term insomnia, but elsewhere it circulates as an unregulated research chemical and is widely misused. It produces the familiar benzodiazepine profile of anxiolysis, sedation and muscle relaxation, with rapid onset and a relatively short half-life that encourages redosing.

Formyldienolone, a methandienone-derived steroid marketed in Italy and Spain (Esiclene, Hubernol). Injected locally by bodybuilders to create short-term muscle swelling for stage cosmetics rather than for real mass, because it induces local inflammation.

GW0742 is a potent, selective PPAR-delta agonist studied preclinically for metabolic and endurance effects. Closely related to the better-known GW501516, it shifts muscle toward fatty-acid oxidation, and is sold in the research grey market as an endurance and fat-loss agent despite no human data.

mCPP (meta-chlorophenylpiperazine) is a serotonergic piperazine and a metabolite of the antidepressant trazodone. It is widely studied as a pharmacological probe of serotonin function and is notably anxiogenic, commonly provoking anxiety, migraine and nausea rather than euphoria.

Methandriol diacetate is the 3,17-diacetate ester of methandriol (17-alpha-methylandrostenediol), an oral/injectable anabolic-androgenic steroid used historically as a veterinary and human anabolic. The diacetate ester alters solubility and duration relative to the parent methandriol and its dipropionate ester.

Methylepitiostanol ('Epistane', 2,3-epithio-17alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-17beta-ol) is a 17-alpha-methylated epithio (2,3-epithio) DHT-derived designer steroid that also has anti-estrogenic activity. It provides dry lean gains and mild aromatase/estrogen-antagonist effects, with the hepatotoxicity and suppression typical of methylated orals and only anecdotal human data.

A 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. In animals it activates AMPK and improves insulin sensitivity and exercise capacity, driving interest as a metabolic and 'exercise-mimetic' peptide. Human data are early and largely observational.

Rauwolfia extracts standardised for alpha-yohimbine (rauwolscine) are used in fat-burners as an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist to promote fat mobilisation and energy. Human evidence for the standardised supplement is thin, and it carries anxiety and blood-pressure risks similar to yohimbine.

An injectable oil suspension of methasterone (methyldrostanolone, 'Superdrol'), a highly potent 17-alpha-alkylated DHT-derived steroid usually taken orally. Injecting the unesterified compound does not remove its 17-alpha-alkyl group, so it remains strongly hepatotoxic while delivering large, dry strength and mass gains. It is a harsh compound with minimal formal human study, favoured for short, aggressive cycles.

Epistane (methylepitiostanol) is a 17α-methylated designer steroid derived from epitiostanol, with anti-estrogenic and 'dry, hard' effects. Widely used as a lean-gain/recomp prohormone, it is hepatotoxic and suppressive, and has been linked to cholestatic liver injury case reports.

Norgestomet is a potent synthetic progestin delivered by subcutaneous ear implant (Crestar/Syncro-Mate-B) to synchronise estrus in cattle, often combined with estradiol. It is a 19-nortestosterone-derived progestagen used for reproductive management and growth-linked programmes, with no anabolic PED value.

An 11-oxygenated DHEA analog positioned as a precursor to 11-keto androgens (the 11-oxyandrogen pathway now recognised as clinically relevant). Marketed as a mild recomposition prohormone with limited human data and an uncertain regulatory footing.

4-Fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) is a fluorinated amphetamine used recreationally as a stimulant with mild entactogenic qualities, sitting between amphetamine and MDMA in subjective profile. Human data is limited to surveys, poisoning case reports and small pharmacology studies; it has been associated with cardiovascular events including haemorrhagic stroke.

5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is an extremely potent, short-acting psychedelic tryptamine found in some plants and toad venom and produced synthetically. Vaporised or insufflated, it produces a rapid, overwhelming experience. Human data are mostly observational and anecdotal, with emerging clinical trials; the very steep dose-response and intensity make it high-risk.

A copper-binding tripeptide (alanine-histidine-lysine) complexed with copper, marketed in topical cosmetic serums for hair growth and skin conditioning. Related to the better-known GHK-Cu but with far thinner published evidence; most claims rest on in-vitro work and manufacturer data.

Argon is an inert noble gas that, like xenon, was reported in animal studies to activate HIF and potentially raise erythropoietin. It was added to the WADA Prohibited List alongside xenon in 2014 as a HIF activating agent, though evidence for any human performance benefit is very limited.

A potent 7-alpha,17-alpha-dimethyl testosterone derivative developed in the 1960s (Myagen). It is strongly anabolic and androgenic and orally active, but was withdrawn early and is essentially uncharacterised in the modern literature, surviving mainly as a doping-control reference and grey-market curiosity.

Bolenol is an orally active anabolic-androgenic steroid, a 19-nortestosterone (estrene) derivative bearing a 17-alpha-ethyl group and lacking the 3-keto function. It is closely related to ethylestrenol and was described in older pharmacological literature as a weakly androgenic oral anabolic agent.

Bufotenin (5-hydroxy-DMT) is a naturally occurring tryptamine found in some toads (Bufo species), plants and mushrooms. It was studied in early human experiments that reported strong cardiovascular and physical effects; its psychedelic status has long been debated.

BZP (benzylpiperazine) is a synthetic piperazine stimulant historically marketed as a legal 'party pill', frequently combined with TFMPP to mimic MDMA-like effects. It produces amphetamine-like stimulation with a poor side-effect profile, including anxiety, insomnia and, rarely, seizures.

A synthetic oral androgen ('Madol', DMT) with no ester and no 3-keto group, identified by anti-doping labs in 2005 after being distributed as a designer steroid intended to evade detection. Preclinical assays suggested strong anabolic activity, but essentially no controlled human data exist.

DMAA is a sympathomimetic amine marketed in the late 2000s and early 2010s as a potent pre-workout stimulant and fat-burner ingredient, often as 'geranium extract'. It produces stimulant euphoria and appetite suppression but has been tied to hypertensive crises, cerebral haemorrhage and several deaths. The FDA declared it an illegal dietary ingredient and issued warning letters; it is banned in sport by WADA.

DMHA (2-aminoisoheptane, octodrine) is a synthetic aliphatic amine stimulant used in pre-workout and fat-burner supplements, often as a successor to DMAA. It is a sympathomimetic that raises energy, focus and blood pressure. Human safety data are limited, but its close similarity to DMAA raises comparable cardiovascular concerns, and regulators including the FDA consider it an unlawful supplement ingredient.

DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a potent, short-acting psychedelic tryptamine found in many plants (and used in ayahuasca) and produced synthetically. Vaporised or injected it produces a rapid, intense, short experience; orally it is inactive without an MAOI. It is among the better-studied psychedelics, with controlled human research, though non-medical use data remain largely observational.

DOM (2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine, street name STP) is a potent, very long-acting DOx amphetamine psychedelic. Notorious from 1960s mass-poisonings when high doses caused prolonged, distressing trips, it is active in the low-milligram range with effects lasting 14-20+ hours.

Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from the pineal peptide extract epithalamin, marketed for anti-aging and telomerase activation. Human data are limited to older Russian studies from a single research group; independent replication is essentially absent.

Fadogia agrestis is a West African shrub extract that surged in popularity as a testosterone and libido booster after being featured in podcast culture, usually stacked with tongkat ali. Its reputation rests almost entirely on a single rat study showing raised testosterone; there are essentially no controlled human data, and animal work also flagged testicular toxicity at higher doses.

Flmodafinil (lauflumide, CRL-40,940) is a bis-fluoro analogue of modafinil sold grey-market as a nootropic. It shares modafinil's dopamine-transporter mechanism and is claimed to have higher bioavailability, but it has essentially no human clinical data — its profile is inferred from modafinil and anecdote.

Follistatin-315 is the shorter, circulating isoform of the endogenous glycoprotein follistatin, produced by alternative splicing. It binds and neutralises members of the TGF-beta superfamily — most notably myostatin (GDF-8) and activin A — and is marketed in the grey research-peptide market on the promise of muscle growth. Human data specific to exogenously administered FS-315 is essentially absent; nearly all supporting evidence is animal or in-vitro.

Halodrol (4-chloro-17α-methyl-androst-1,4-diene-3β,17β-diol) is a 17α-methylated designer steroid structurally related to turinabol. Sold as a 'prohormone' but effectively an oral anabolic steroid, it produces lean gains anecdotally at the cost of notable hepatotoxicity and HPTA suppression.

Hydroxynorketamine (HNK), specifically the 2R,6R enantiomer, is a major metabolite of ketamine that has drawn intense research interest as a possible antidepressant that works without NMDA blockade or dissociation. It remains preclinical/early-clinical and is not an approved drug, but is sold grey-market as a research chemical.

Icariin is a flavonoid extracted from Epimedium ('horny goat weed') and marketed as a natural PDE5 inhibitor for erectile function and libido. It does inhibit PDE5 in vitro, but far more weakly than pharmaceutical agents, and human evidence is minimal — the supporting data are overwhelmingly preclinical, with concern that some 'icariin' products are spiked with real PDE5 drugs.

A tripeptide (lysine-proline-valine) corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of alpha-MSH, valued for its anti-inflammatory action without the pigmentary or melanocortin-agonist effects of the full hormone. Explored for gut and skin inflammation; human clinical data are minimal.

MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine) is the amphetamine homolog of MDMA and one of the oldest known entactogens. It is longer-acting and more overtly psychedelic and stimulating than MDMA, with visual effects at higher doses. It shares MDMA's serotonergic mechanism and carries the same neurotoxicity, hyperthermia, and serotonin-syndrome concerns, arguably to a greater degree.

Mebolazine (dimethazine's chemical cousin; the azine dimer of mestanolone, also called dymethazine in some literature) is an orally active designer steroid formed by joining two mestanolone-like units via a nitrogen-nitrogen azine bridge that hydrolyses in vivo to release active 17-alpha-methyl-DHT. It is a non-aromatising, dry, strongly androgenic and hepatotoxic oral with essentially no controlled human data.

Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC) is a synthetic cathinone that acts as a combined stimulant and entactogen, releasing dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin. It became widely used from around 2009 as a 'legal high' before scheduling in most jurisdictions. Human data are limited to surveys, emergency-department case series and post-hoc pharmacology; there are no controlled dosing trials.

Methylboldenone (17-alpha-methylboldenone) is an orally active, C17-alpha-alkylated derivative of boldenone. It combines boldenone's diene structure with a methyl group for oral bioavailability, producing a hepatotoxic oral anabolic that surfaced in the grey-market designer/prohormone scene. Human study is essentially absent.

A long-acting decanoate ester of 7-alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MENT), a potent synthetic androgen that resists both aromatisation to a normal estrogen pattern and 5-alpha reduction. The parent MENT was investigated as a male contraceptive and androgen replacement agent; the decanoate ester extends its duration for depot delivery. It is a research-grade compound with very limited human characterisation in this esterified form.

N-Acetyl Semax Amidate is a chemically modified, longer-acting analogue of the Russian nootropic peptide Semax, used intranasally for focus and neuroprotection. Human evidence rests on Russian studies of parent Semax plus user anecdote; the modified analogue itself lacks dedicated trials.

An obscure racetam with cholinergic and reported muscarinic-agonist activity, studied preclinically for ischaemia and cognitive deficits. Essentially uncharacterised in humans and rarely available.

An obscure injectable 19-nortestosterone derivative (4-hydroxynandrolone cipionate) once marketed in Europe under names such as Steranabol. It is a metabolite-like relative of nandrolone with mild anabolic activity and low androgenicity, of interest mainly historically and to anti-doping laboratories. Human performance data are essentially nonexistent.

Rauwolscine (alpha-yohimbine) is a stereoisomer of yohimbine and a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist found in Rauvolfia and Pausinystalia species. It is sold in fat-burner and pre-workout supplements for stimulation and fat loss, sharing yohimbine's anxiogenic and cardiovascular side-effect profile with little dedicated human research.

RU58841 is a non-steroidal androgen-receptor antagonist developed for topical treatment of androgenetic alopecia and acne, later abandoned in clinical development. It survives as a grey-market research chemical popular among hair-loss forum users seeking DHT blockade at the follicle without systemic anti-androgen exposure.

A non-aromatising DHT-derived injectable anabolic (2-methyl-1-dehydro-DHT), closely related to methenolone (Primobolan). Marketed briefly as the acetate (Anatrofin/Stenbolone), it is a mild, dry, non-estrogenic compound that never gained a foothold and is essentially uncharacterised in modern studies.

A long-acting testosterone ester using the hexahydrobenzylcarbonate (cyclohexylmethyl carbonate) group, the same carbonate ester used in the veterinary trenbolone product Parabolan. Applied to testosterone it would give a slow, extended depot release comparable to enanthate or slightly longer, allowing infrequent dosing. It has no pharmaceutical history and is essentially a theoretical/underground testosterone ester.

A long-acting decanoate ester of trenbolone, a potent non-aromatising 19-nor androgen. Trenbolone is normally esterified as acetate (short), enanthate (medium) or hexahydrobenzylcarbonate (long); a decanoate ester would give one of the longest release profiles, allowing infrequent injection of this powerful compound. It has no pharmaceutical history and is an underground extension of the trenbolone-ester family.

Penmesterol is an orally active anabolic-androgenic steroid, a 17-alpha-methyltestosterone derivative bearing a 3-cyclopentyl enol ether, described in older European pharmacological literature. It behaves as a long-acting methyltestosterone-type oral androgen and is of largely historical interest.

A spirostanol saponin closely related to laxogenin, marketed in the same 'natural anabolic' category with claims of enhanced protein synthesis. It is non-hormonal and, like the rest of this class, lacks any meaningful human evidence.

2C-B is a psychedelic phenethylamine of the 2C-x family, first synthesised by Alexander Shulgin. It produces a mix of psychedelic visual effects and mild entactogenic warmth, sitting between classic psychedelics and MDMA in character, with a moderate duration of around 4-6 hours. It is the best known and most widely used 2C compound.

A semi-synthetic derivative of laxogenin that constitutes most of what is actually sold under the 'laxogenin' name. Marketed as a natural anabolic with the same protein-synthesis claims, and with the same near-total absence of human evidence.

ACP-105 is a non-steroidal SARM characterised only in preclinical studies, including work on muscle, bone and cognition in animals. There is no human data, so all claims are preclinical or anecdotal. It is expected to share the SARM class profile of testosterone suppression and lipid changes and is unapproved and prohibited in sport.

An experimental pro-apoptotic peptide (a homing sequence fused to a mitochondrial-disrupting KLA motif) designed to selectively kill the blood vessels feeding white adipose tissue, causing fat loss. Demonstrated weight loss in obese primates, but with dose-limiting kidney toxicity and no completed human efficacy trials.

Amfonelic acid is a potent, selective dopamine reuptake inhibitor originally investigated as an antibacterial and later as a research stimulant. It has strong preclinical dopaminergic activity but essentially no human clinical development; it circulates only as a research chemical.

Androstanazole is a pyrazole-fused dihydrotestosterone derivative belonging to the same heterocyclic-steroid family as stanozolol, described in older medicinal-chemistry literature as an orally active anabolic candidate. Human data are essentially absent and it is of historical/chemical interest.

A synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a sequence in human gastric juice, marketed for accelerated healing of tendon, ligament, muscle and gut tissue. Despite an enormous online following, there are essentially no controlled human trials — the entire evidence base is rodent studies and user anecdote. Sold only as a research chemical; not approved for human use anywhere.

Chlorodehydromethylandrostenediol (CDMA, marketed as 'Halodrol' prohormone versions and 'Promagnon') is the 3-beta-hydroxy diol precursor to 4-chlorodehydromethyltestosterone (oral turinabol). It is an orally active designer prohormone that converts partially in vivo toward a turinabol-like non-aromatising androgen, giving dry lean gains with 17-alpha-alkylated hepatotoxicity and no human trial data.

Dizocilpine (MK-801) is a potent, selective, high-affinity non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist used extensively as a laboratory tool to model NMDA hypofunction and glutamatergic mechanisms. It was investigated as a neuroprotectant and anticonvulsant but abandoned for human therapy due to neurotoxicity; it is not a clinical or recreational drug.

A very long-acting undecanoate ester of drostanolone (Masteron), a non-aromatising DHT-derived steroid. While the propionate and enanthate esters of drostanolone are common, the undecanoate would extend release to allow much less frequent injection. It has no pharmaceutical precedent and is a niche underground ester within the drostanolone family, offering Masteron's dry, hardening effect over a longer duration.

Ethylamphetamine (N-ethylamphetamine, etilamfetamine) is the N-ethyl homologue of amphetamine, briefly marketed as an anorectic under names such as Apetinil before falling out of use. It is a weaker, shorter-acting stimulant relative than amphetamine, with modest older clinical exposure but little modern data.

Ethylphenidate is a close analogue of methylphenidate (Ritalin) and an active metabolite formed when methylphenidate and alcohol are co-used. As a research chemical it is a dopaminergic stimulant reported to have strong redosing potential; insufflation has been linked to local tissue and vascular injury.

Follistatin-344 is a form of the natural protein follistatin, which binds and inhibits myostatin and related TGF-beta family ligands that limit muscle growth. It is marketed to bodybuilders for rapid muscle gain based on dramatic myostatin-knockout animal phenotypes. There are no controlled human trials of the injectable research peptide, and it is a large protein poorly suited to the crude subcutaneous dosing used.

Formyltrienolone (RU-2341) is a highly potent trenbolone-family (estra-4,9,11-triene) synthetic steroid characterised chiefly in preclinical endocrine research. It is an extremely strong androgen-receptor and progesterone-receptor ligand from the same Roussel-Uclaf lineage as metribolone and trenbolone, with no clinical use and essentially no human data.

Peptides sold as GDF-8 (myostatin) inhibitors are marketed to block myostatin and increase muscle mass. While myostatin blockade is a validated biological target, the specific peptides sold in this space lack any human trial data, and approved biologic myostatin inhibitors have repeatedly failed to improve function in trials.

ITPP is an experimental allosteric effector of haemoglobin that shifts the oxygen dissociation curve, making haemoglobin release oxygen to tissues more readily. Studied preclinically for hypoxic tumours and heart failure, it has never been approved for humans, yet the term 'Oxymo' circulated in doping contexts. WADA prohibits efaproxiral and agents affecting oxygen delivery.

A plant-derived brassinosteroid/spirostanol saponin marketed as a 'natural anabolic' that supposedly boosts protein synthesis without hormonal action. Despite heavy supplement marketing, there are essentially no human trials, and most sold products are actually a synthetic derivative rather than laxogenin itself.

LGD-3303 is a non-steroidal SARM studied preclinically for muscle and bone, notably in osteoporosis models. It has no human data, so all information is preclinical or anecdotal. It shows good oral bioavailability in animals and is expected to share the class effects of testosterone suppression and lipid changes.

MDPV (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone) is a potent pyrrolidine synthetic cathinone and dopamine/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. It was a principal component of early 'bath salts' products linked to severe agitation, psychosis and excited-delirium cases. Human knowledge is from emergency toxicology and animal studies rather than trials; it is among the most compulsive cathinones.

A hypothetical/underground injectable enanthate ester of mesterolone (Proviron), a 1-methyl DHT derivative normally taken orally without a 17-alpha-alkyl group. Esterifying mesterolone as an enanthate would allow a depot injection, converting an ordinarily weak, non-hepatotoxic oral androgen into a longer-acting injectable. It is essentially unstudied in this form and rarely encountered.

Methylstenbolone (M-Sten) is a potent 17α-methylated designer steroid, a methylated analogue of stenbolone. Reputed for strong dry mass and strength gains, it is highly hepatotoxic and strongly suppressive, with efficacy and safety data limited to anecdote and case reports.

N-Methyltyramine (NMT) is a trace amine found in bitter orange and barley, used in fat-burners for mild adrenergic stimulation and appetite/gastric effects. It is often paired with synephrine and hordenine; human data is limited.

An early synthetic anabolic steroid first investigated in the 1960s and later resurfacing as the first BALCO-era designer steroid identified in an athlete sample (2002). Some limited mid-century human data exist for growth applications; modern doping use is essentially uncharacterised.

Oxabolone cypionate (4-hydroxy-19-nortestosterone cypionate), an obscure injectable 19-nortestosterone derivative and a metabolite of the older steroid oxabolone. Marketed historically in a few European combination products, it is a mild nandrolone-family anabolic essentially uncharacterised in modern controlled studies.

Phenazepam is a potent, long-acting benzodiazepine developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s and still used medically in Russia and some post-Soviet states. Elsewhere it spread as a research chemical and drug of misuse. It is strongly sedating with a long half-life, and has been implicated in many intoxication and overdose deaths, especially in combination with opioids or alcohol.

Pyrovalerone is the original pyrrolidinophenone stimulant, developed in the 1960s for fatigue and obesity before withdrawal due to abuse and dependence. It is the structural parent of alpha-PVP and related cathinones and acts as a potent norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Older clinical use gives it slightly more human data than its designer descendants.

S-23 is a potent non-steroidal SARM studied in animals partly as a candidate for male hormonal contraception because it strongly suppresses sperm production. Human data are absent. It is considered one of the more suppressive SARMs anecdotally, with the usual lipid and endocrine downsides and no established dosing.

An elongated relative of Argireline — an acetylated octapeptide topical cosmetic marketed to reduce expression wrinkles by attenuating neurotransmitter release. Even thinner evidence than Argireline, with claims resting mainly on manufacturer data.

Stenabolic (SR-9009) is not a SARM but a REV-ERB agonist studied in mice for effects on circadian metabolism, endurance and fat loss. It has essentially no human data and, critically, very poor oral bioavailability, casting doubt on whether oral use produces meaningful effects. It does not act on the androgen receptor, so no steroid profile applies.

A rare injectable derivative of dihydrotestosterone (2-methyl-1-dehydro-DHT) with an acetate ester, briefly marketed as Anatrofin. It is a moderately anabolic, non-aromatising DHT-class steroid conceptually similar to a boldenone-flavoured masteron, giving dry, lean effects. It saw little clinical use and has essentially no modern human data.

The propionate ester of stenbolone (2-methyl-DHB), a mild non-aromatising injectable DHT-derivative. Historically a rare veterinary/human anabolic; the propionate ester gives a short-acting depot. Dry, low-estrogen gains with modest potency.

An experimental piperazine compound structurally related to the racetams, reported in animal studies to enhance memory at very low doses. There is essentially no human clinical data; its use is entirely anecdotal and its safety profile uncharacterised.

Testolone enanthate is a purported esterified, injectable prodrug of the SARM testolone (RAD-140), sold on the grey market as a longer-acting alternative to oral RAD-140. It is distinct from the marketed RAD-150 (a benzoate ester also sold as "testolone ester"). There is essentially no published human pharmacology for an enanthate ester of RAD-140.

A very long-ester form of trenbolone using the undecanoate ester, giving the slowest release of the common trenbolone preparations. It offers the same extremely potent, non-aromatising trenbolone activity with far less frequent injection, at the cost of a very long time to clear and delayed offset of side effects. It has no clinical history and only anecdotal human data.

YK-11 is a synthetic steroidal compound often grouped with SARMs but structurally a steroid derived from DHT. Its main proposed action is inhibition of myostatin signalling via follistatin, based only on cell-culture work. There is no human data; all effects and risks are preclinical or anecdotal, and it carries steroid-like suppression and possible hepatotoxicity.