OtherOralSpirostanol saponinNon-hormonalBrassinosteroid derivative

5-Alpha-Hydroxy-Laxogenin

Also known as 5a-hydroxy laxogenin · hydroxy-laxogenin

Written by enwyReviewed 5 Aug 20262 sources0 comments

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.

01 Overview

5-Alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin is a synthetically modified spirostanol added to sports supplements as a supposed non-hormonal anabolic. Analyses of commercial 'laxogenin' products have repeatedly found this derivative rather than natural laxogenin, raising questions about ingredient labelling.

As with laxogenin, the anabolic rationale rests on brassinosteroid cell studies, and there are no controlled human trials of body composition, strength, or safety. It is non-androgenic and not a scheduled steroid, but its status as a lawful dietary ingredient is disputed.

02 Mechanism

Proposed brassinosteroid-like activation of protein-synthesis pathways (Akt/mTOR) from cell-model data; non-androgenic and does not convert to sex hormones.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Label-typical	50–100 mg/day	Oral	Common supplement dose; efficacy unproven.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Protein synthesis / recomposition (claimed)Same brassinosteroid-based rationale as laxogenin; no human data.	Unquantified in humans	Preclinical
Non-hormonalNo androgen receptor activity or sex-hormone conversion expected.	No androgenic action	Preclinical

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence	Countermeasures
Unknown safety and mislabellingNo human safety data; often sold mislabelled as natural laxogenin.	Mild	Unknown	Unconfirmed
Mild GI upsetOccasional nausea.	Mild	Uncommon	Anecdotal

06 Legal status

United States

Contested supplement status

Not a scheduled steroid; disputed as a lawful dietary ingredient. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

Analysis of laxogenin-labelled supplementsSupplement analysis literature

Brassinosteroids anabolic activityBrassinosteroid literature

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.