Stenabolic (SR-9009, REV-ERB agonist)
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.
01 Overview
SR-9009 activates REV-ERB, a nuclear receptor tied to the circadian clock and metabolic gene expression. In mice it increased mitochondrial content, endurance and fat metabolism, generating strong recreational interest as an exercise-mimetic.
However, published pharmacology indicates SR-9009 has poor oral bioavailability, so orally dosed effects in humans are questionable and unproven. There are no human trials of efficacy or safety. It is banned in sport and sold only as a research chemical, with all dosing based on anecdote.
02 Mechanism
Agonist of the REV-ERB nuclear receptors, modulating circadian and metabolic gene programs to increase fatty-acid oxidation and mitochondrial activity in animal models.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common | 20–30 mg/day | Oral | Anecdotal; often split into several doses because of the short half-life and poor oral absorption. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Increased enduranceMice showed improved running endurance and mitochondrial function; not shown in humans and undermined by poor oral bioavailability. | Preclinical | ||
| Enhanced fat metabolismAnimal data show increased fat oxidation and weight loss. | Preclinical | ||
| Subjective energy and fat lossSome users report effects, though these are hard to reconcile with the poor oral absorption. | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circadian and sleep disruptionBecause it targets the circadian clock, effects on sleep and rhythm are plausible; unconfirmed in humans. | Mild | Unknown | Preclinical | |
| Unknown human safety profileNo human trials exist; short- and long-term safety are uncharacterised. | Moderate | Unknown | Unconfirmed |
06 Commonly used with
What stenabolic is combined with, and why. This is about intent rather than safety — the interactions table below covers what is dangerous. Nothing here is listed without what it costs.
| Compound | Frequency | Purpose & trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Stacked compounds | ||
| Cardarineendurance | The go-to non-hormonal endurance and fat-loss pairing, combining stenabolic's metabolic action with cardarine's stamina effect.Trade-off: Both are non-suppressive so no PCT is required, but stenabolic's poor oral bioavailability and cardarine's rodent tumour signal remain unresolved. | |
| Ostarinecutting | Stenabolic is bolted onto an ostarine cut as a non-hormonal fat-loss and endurance add-on to preserve muscle while leaning out.Trade-off: Ostarine adds the suppression stenabolic lacks, while stenabolic's very short half-life makes consistent dosing impractical. | |
| Andarineshredding | Used together in a shredding stack where stenabolic supplies endurance and andarine supplies hardening.Trade-off: Andarine brings suppression and vision side effects, whereas stenabolic's real-world effectiveness is doubtful given its pharmacokinetics. | |
| IbutamorenMK-677 | Ibutamoren is added for recovery and sleep during a cut, complementing stenabolic's non-hormonal fat-loss aim.Trade-off: Ibutamoren increases appetite and water retention, which partly works against the lean, dry goal of a stenabolic-led cut. | |