Ajuga Turkestanica Extract
Ajuga turkestanica is a perennial herb found in the Pamir Alay mountain range growing in the wilderness. It is best collected from the wild as this is the best environment where Ajuga Turkestanica has shown the highest synthesis of ecdysteroids and other bioactives which are only produced in the presence of environmental stressors.
As a means to protect this species, we only use the aerial parts of the plant and leave the roots to remain in the ground to allow the plant to continue thriving each year. We are also working with Paradise Flora LLC to cultivate Ajuga Turkestanica in villages with similar soil quality found in its natural habitat. Sustainability is one of our greatest considerations.
In the aerial component, Ajuga Turkestanica contains ecdysterone, turkesterone, cyasterone, ajugalactone and ajugasterone B. Many of these ecdysteroids are unique and only found in authentic Ajuga Turkestanica. The plant also contains a significant amount of iridoid glycosides.
Human trials on Ajuga Turkestanica Extract from clinics in Uzbekistan show antidiabetic properties in addition to improvements in erythropoiesis in the setting of iron deficiency anemia [2,3]. These human trials did not find any signs of toxicity, end organ damage or adverse effects from administering Ajuga Turkestanica Extract for a duration of 20 days [2,3].
Randomized controlled trials on pure ecdysterone show promise in promoting athleticism, with a strong signal being detected showing anti catabolic effects, in addition to its ability to promote body recomposition as evidenced by a decrease bodyfat measured via increases in extensor/flexor muscle mass without concurrent loss in bodyweight or strength after detraining athletes (where they would be expected to lose significant muscle mass and strength) [4]. Significant reductions in cortisol were also noted compared to placebo in this trial (providing some explanation onto the anti catabolic mechanism) [4].
At the time of writing this, the latest randomized controlled trial on pure ecdysterone sourced from asparagus showed a great improvement in pulmonary function measurements and heart rate variability in obese participants undergoing a structured exercise program [14]. This is a remarkable finding as it is understood that obesity can mimic a restrictive lung disorder, and the potential for dietary ingredients to improve forced vital capacity and inspiratory measurements (assessed via chest wall expansion) during exercise is a unique effect which is not seen in other dietary sport supplements. This is in a series of recent findings on the effect of ecdysteroids on cardiopulmonary reserves, in line with the findings of a recent phase 2 clinical trial showing that 20-Hydroxyecdysone led to favorable outcomes in severe C*VID19 patients; finding a 44% relative risk reduction of respiratory failure and death compared to placebo [15].
We do not make any claims to assert our product should ever be used as a replacement for medical care, we rather highlight these findings to hypothesize the mechanism which are not yet entirely clear, in addition to highlighting the prospects of ecdysteroids in promoting positive health outcomes.
Finally, pure Ecdysterone has undergone phase two clinical trials as an intervention for improving the functional capacity in geriatric populations at risk of sarcopenia, showing clinically significant improvements in their walking speed; a measurement which is objectively used to measure frailty and functional capacity in the elderly; with no noted adverse effects [5].
Rhodiola Heterodonta Extract (1-3% Salidroside)
Rhodiola Heterodonta is a perennial herb harvested from the high altitudes of the wilderness in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. It is a different species from the commonly known Rhodiola Rosea, grows in a different region and contains a unique spectrum of bioactive ingredients.
According to Yousef et al. (2006) “R. heterodonta contained a newly detected phenylethanoid glycoside, heterodontoside, in addition to the known compounds tyrosol, viridoside, salidroside, and rhodiocyanoside A.” [13].
Rhodiola Heterodonta extract contains a high concentration of salidroside, as well as other compounds with potential biological activity (Heterodontoside, flavonoids, organic acids, triterpenoids amongst others). Rhodiola Heterodonta may feel more stimulating than generic Rhodiola preparations on the market.
Rhodiola Heterodonta is traditionally consumed as a stimulating agent during periods of exhaustive physical demand, Khojimatov et al (2023) states: “(it is) recommended as a herbal supplement in persons with an inclination to asthenia (especially in work requiring an increased mental load)” [11].
This ingredient may potentiate the effects of Ajuga Turkestanica and compliment it well as they both are indicated for improving athletic performance and reducing fatigue. By expert opinion and dose experimentation, it is supported that Rhodiola Heterodonta is synergistic with Ajuga Turkestanica Extract and thus emerged as a popular combo with athletes in Uzbekistan.
Note on quality control:
The quality of ecdysteroids in this extract is unmatched, all of the botanicals are kept in stable storage conditions and extracted in the least invasive methods possible to avoid autoxidation and unwanted chemical reactions from occurring in the extract. This is important as the use of high heat, harsh chemical solvents and poor storage can create by-products and ecdysteroid artifacts which may impair the efficacy of major active components of ecdysteroid containing extracts [1].
Purity is our top priority, these full spectrum extracts are produced in the least invasive methods possible minimizing the amount of heat and harsh chemical solvents, only using ethanol and water-based extraction. This makes a great difference in the composition of the extracts, being more favorable for human consumption [1].

LC-MS/MS Fingerprinting Analysis of Cyanotis arachnoidea Extracts: Process-Related Artifacts in Anabolic Food Supplements
Dávid Laczkó et Al., ACS Omega 2025 10 (18), 18605-18614. DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c10908
Laczkó and colleagues state that: “The autoxidation of 20-hydroxyecdysone leads to the formation of various unknown or uncharacterized ecdysteroid compounds, which can significantly impact the quality and efficacy of commercial ecdysteroid-containing supplements, potentially affecting their regulatory status and consumer safety… our results are of importance regarding the efficacy and safety of commercially available ecdysteroid-containing food supplements”
Sodium Caprate
Sodium caprate, a medium chain fatty acid, is one of the most effective pharmaceutical-grade absorption enhancers amongst its class. It increases tight junction permeability in the intestinal epithelium, thereby allowing for greater absorption of drugs/supplements with poor oral bioavailability.
Black Pepper Fruit Extract
Black pepper is used to enhance bioavailability in supplements. There is no direct research that Black Pepper Extract directly helps the absorption of Ecdysteroids, but it has been shown to increase absorption of vitamins and other nutrients.
Piperine is a component of black pepper extract which is an established bioenhancer of many different nutraceuticals, it works by enhancing intestinal absorption of many poorly absorbed compounds and slowing the rate at which certain compounds are broken down by the liver; leading to increased serum concentrations and a greater AUC (area under the curve, related to pharmacokinetics).*