Nonsteroidal SARMs have been around since the late 90s. Although most SARMs are still in the development stage, many of them have shown promising outcomes in clinical settings. This perhaps best explains why its number of users has grown over the years despite being restricted to laboratory use.
In this article, we’ll talk about Andarine, one of the first and most controversial SARMs.
Let’s find out why it continues to be popular among bodybuilders despite being an abandoned SARM.
Andarine: A Quick History
First developed by GTx, Inc., Andarine is a first-generation SARM designed to be a safer alternative to steroids. Also known as S4, Andarine is not approved by the FDA for human consumption because of the health risks associated with its use.
Andarine belongs to the aryl-propionamide class of SARMs, and has completed first phase clinical trials sometime in 2003. However, its development was discontinued before it could reach phase two trials because of visual disturbances among its test participants. To replace Andarine, Ostarine was developed as its safer and better version.
Today, Andarine remains an investigational drug and can only be purchased and used for research purposes only. Nonetheless, it has become a known ingredient in bodybuilding supplements.
Some bodybuilders use the drug in capsule or powder form to enhance bulking and cutting. It’s also banned for use among athletes since it’s considered an unapproved drug in most countries around the world.
Medical Applications: What is Andarine Used For?
S4 was first developed to treat a range of medical conditions. In its initial clinical trials, it has shown promise for the following purposes:
- Repression of tumor growth from pancreatic cancer
- Inhibiting growth of hepatocellular cancer cells
- Prevention and treatment of muscle wasting
- Treatment of osteoporosis
- Management of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
- Reversal of muscle atrophy
- Treatment of androgen deficiency
Although results from most of these trials are promising, there are no sufficient data to understand the long-term effects of using Andarine. So while it may successfully treat the above conditions, there is no certainty how the drug may affect users in the long term.
What Does Andarine Do? Mechanism, Benefits, and Risks
The short-lived clinical trials on Andarine use during its developmental phase were both promising and risky. However, over the years, recreational users from the bodybuilding world and experimental users like biohackers have contributed to providing more information about this controversial drug.
Although more studies in a controlled clinical setting are recommended to reevaluate and understand the true long-term action and effects of this SARM, here are the details available to the public so far:
Mechanism of Action
Andarine attaches itself selectively to androgen receptors in bone and muscle tissues to initiate growth. This mechanism is what sets it apart from steroids, which can flood the body with testosterone. Since it is selective, Andarine side effects are fewer and typically milder than those of steroids.
Taken orally for better bioavailability, Andarine reaches peak levels in about 1 to 1.5 hours after intake, with a 4-hour half-life. Once bound to androgen receptors, it begins an anabolic process that’s tissue-specific, with higher stimulation on bones and muscles and less on the prostate.
As it builds bone and muscle health, over time, it leads to improved musculoskeletal strength. Subsequently, this enhances physical performance, which helps users last longer when working out, playing sports, or engaging in any physically demanding activity.
Potential Benefits of Using Andarine
Although Andarine is considered an abandoned SARM after its clinical studies were discontinued, it continues to be a popular performance-enhancing supplement, particularly among bodybuilders.
Based on previous research and anecdotal evidence from recreational users, the following are the potential benefits of using Andarine:
- Increasing muscle mass
- Increasing density of bone mineral
- Enhancement of fat loss
- Improving physical strength
- Improving body composition
- Anti-carcinogenic effects
While these benefits are, without a doubt, enticing for bodybuilders and anyone who wants to improve their physique, keep in mind that using Andarine comes with risks. It is important to first understand these risks and discuss your intention to use this drug with a qualified health professional.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Andarine
The adverse effects that may occur when using Andarine usually stem from misuse or overuse of the drug. This may include:
- Liver injury
- Cardiovascular disease
- Decreased levels of good cholesterol
- Visual alteration of color perception
- Depression
- Suppression of natural testosterone
- Imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels
These health risks can be minimized and even avoided if Andarine is used under the supervision of a medical professional. They can help determine how you can benefit from this drug and calculate the right Andarine dose based on your needs and personal profile.
Andarine Dosage
There is no official guidance on the proper dosages for using Andarine since there are not enough studies to support it. However, research suggests optimal dosages for Andarine should be dependent on the user’s age, lifestyle, and current health condition. This can range between 25 to 100 mg per day.
It’s also recommended to split up daily doses evenly throughout the day. This will help to maintain a stable concentration of blood serum levels since Andarine has a short half-life.
If you’re considering taking more than 50 mg a day, it’s advisable to first ask your doctor about it. Dosages beyond this amount are usually not recommended as high doses predispose users to visual disturbances, which is a known side effect of the drug.
Lastly, if you’re using this drug for experimental purposes, ensuring its unadulterated quality is just as important as seeking professional guidance. We recommend buying from trusted sources only, like Modern Aminos — our personal favorite when it comes to sourcing high-quality research chemicals. Their products are third-party tested, with top-notch customer services you can rely on. Use code wolf10 at checkout to get a 10% discount when you make a purchase.
Conclusion
As a first-generation SARM, Andarine started as a promising alternative to steroids with more targeted results and fewer side effects. However, although there are potential therapeutic uses that can prove to be useful in the medical field, its adverse effects can be serious when used without caution.
To make the most of Andarine benefits without risking your health, use the drug with strict guidance from a health professional.
