What is the use of ecdysone?

What Is Ecdysone?

Ecdysteroids are naturally occurring steroids belonging to the class of phytosterones, usually found in herbaceous plants (dewweed). Studies have found that dewweed is one of the plants with the highest ecdysteroid content in nature.

Ecdysteroids are a class of substances with strong molting activity, which have the effect of promoting cell growth, stimulating dermal cell division, producing new epidermis and causing insects to molt, and they have the effect of promoting protein synthesis in the human body. They also have biological activities such as eliminating cholesterol in the body, lowering blood lipids and inhibiting blood sugar rise.

This class of compounds was first discovered in insects, but it was first reported in 1966 that ecdysteroids also exist in the plant kingdom. Many ferns and higher plants contain this class of compounds in their roots and leaves. For example, hydroxyecdysteroids and hyacinthosterone were found in the roots of Achyranthes bidentata produced in Taiwan, and hyacinthosterone was isolated from the roots of Achyranthes bidentata.

The main structural characteristics of ecdysteroids are that the steroid nucleus has a 7-position double bond and a 6-keto group, and there are also multiple hydroxyl groups, so it is more soluble in water.

The activity of this type of hormone is related to the A/B ring being cis, i.e. 5β-, because the 5α-epicysterone has no allergic hormone activity.

What Are The Functions Of Ecdysone?

Ecdysone inhibits hepatic glucose synthesis and therefore has insulin-independent hypoglycemic effects. Can induce phosphorylation of protein kinase (AKT) in hepatocytes. Ecdysone synthesizes protein by increasing amino acids. This process is fast, effective, and can last for a long time. Its ability to stimulate muscle cells to synthesize protein is very significant. Stabilizes the state of damaged cells affected by cortisol (high levels of cortisol can lead to increased blood sugar, increased appetite, weight gain, decreased libido and extreme fatigue), normalizes the process of energy synthesis (ATP and creatine), and Improves liver function so the body can quickly adapt to changes in environment and stress. There is no interaction with hormones during this process. By promoting the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, ecdysone has shown potential as a cholesterol-lowering agent. Studies have found that its cholesterol-lowering effect is 2.5mg per kilogram of body weight.

Ecdysone has strong permeability and can be quickly absorbed by the skin in a liquid state, enhancing cell metabolism and activity. It has good exfoliation, freckle removal and whitening effects, and has a good repair effect on facial chloasma, traumatic dark spots, freckles, melanin pigmentation, etc. It also has obvious effects on acne. The functional principle of ecdysone is to act on the skin itself, causing cells to divide and grow, increasing collagen, removing freckles, whitening, and repairing skin texture from a deep perspective. Therefore, it is different from other products that supplement collagen from the outside and can fundamentally improve the skin. status effect.

What Is The Application Of Ecdysone?

Medical Applications

Since the advent of Dewweed Ecdysone in 1976, occasional tablets, injections, and ointments have been developed.

Cosmetic Applications

In cosmetics, ecdysone can effectively exfoliate, remove spots and whiten skin. It has a good repair effect on facial chloasma, traumatic dark spots, freckles, melanin, etc. It also has a significant effect on acne. It is far superior to any product currently on the market in promoting collagen synthesis.

Agricultural Applications

Ecdysone can promote the molting and metamorphosis of insects. High doses of ecdysone can disrupt the normal metabolic process in insects, causing insects to molt or metamorphose early and become tiny adults or deformed individuals.

In sericulture, ecdysone is used to shorten the age of silkworms, make the clusters neat, and promote silk spinning and cocooning; ecdysone can significantly improve the survival rate of aquatic crustaceans - shrimps and crabs.