Ligandrol is a nonsteroidal drug that imitates how the hormone testosterone works, making it potentially beneficial in the medical field. As a SARM (selective androgen receptor modulator), it has a very targeted mode of action, which makes it safer than steroids.
But with its rising popularity despite being still in the development stage, what are the risks that come with its use?
How promising are its touted benefits based on available data?
In this article, we’ll discuss how Ligandrol works as well as the potential benefits and risks of its use.
What Is Ligandrol (LGD – 4033)?
Ligandrol is the common name for the investigational drug LGD-4033 or VK5211. It’s
one of the many SARMs that are still under investigation for its long-term effects. Historically, it was first developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals to treat skeletal muscle wasting and osteoporosis, although the license was subsequently acquired by Viking Therapeutics.
As with any other drug, Ligandrol has side effects. But since it’s a SARM, the effects on the tissues are milder compared to steroids. In preliminary clinical trials, there have been records of muscle mass and strength improvement. However, Ligandrol is yet to gain approval for medical use. It’s currently in the second stage of clinical trials, so an FDA approval might be on the horizon.
How Does Ligandrol Work?
Ligandrol’s effects on muscle growth and muscle mass come from its ability to interact with the androgen receptors in our muscle cells. When it’s taken into the body and it binds with these receptors, it starts a series of processes in the cell.
First, it triggers the activation of the genes responsible for muscle protein synthesis. This is the process where muscles build or get new proteins, resulting in an increase in muscle mass and strength. This effect is what makes it potentially therapeutic for the treatment of muscle-wasting diseases.
Another important benefit of Ligandrol is its targeted mode of action. It binds only to target or select receptors. This is why it has fewer side effects on body tissues like the liver and prostate gland.
However, since research and investigation are still ongoing, the available information about Ligandrol’s full mechanism of action remains limited. There’s still a lot to uncover about its benefits and the risks involved.
Is Ligandrol Safe To Take?
As stated earlier, Ligandrol is still in its development stage, hence its safety is still being investigated. The current studies aren’t sufficient enough to show the long-term effects of its use on the human body. Furthermore, the available data on its effects are mostly from preliminary clinical trials only.
These first-stage trials have only succeeded in showing the short-term adverse reactions of Ligandrol in participants. Much is still unknown about how the body absorbs, utilizes, and excretes Ligandrol. Hence, studies involving a larger number of participants across diverse groups for longer periods are needed to understand its long-term effects on the body.
In terms of legalities, it is yet to gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical use. It has also been banned by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) due to its performance-enhancing qualities.
However, Ligandrol can be found as an ingredient in some bodybuilding supplements. This is because supplements are not classed as medications by the FDA, hence they aren’t subject to rigorous testing. Consequently, this raises concerns about safety, purity, and even dosage accuracy.
So, if you intend to use any supplement containing Ligandrol, it’s best to first discuss it with your healthcare provider. They can offer professional guidance on safe use or suggest more suitable alternatives for you.
Potential Medical Uses of Ligandrol
Although Ligandrol is yet to be approved, the available studies show some potential benefits. Clinical trials have recorded some significant improvement for the following medical conditions:
Treatment of Osteoporosis
The weakening of the bones that occurs in osteoporosis also results in the loss of muscle mass and strength. Due to Ligandrol’s ability to stimulate muscle growth, it may be beneficial for improving skeletal muscle health and bone density in patients with osteoporosis.
Recovery from Sarcopenia
This is a condition involving a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength often due to aging. Ligandrol may be beneficial in helping older adults maintain and improve muscle function.
Management of Cancer-Related Weight Loss
There have been some studies suggesting that SARMs like Ligandrol may be helpful in managing cancer cachexia. By increasing lean body mass, cancer patients with muscle wasting can improve their strength and physical function. This allows them to handle more intensive treatments and even improve their quality of life.
Potential Benefits of Taking Ligandrol
Despite limited studies and legal restrictions, Ligandrol has become popular among bodybuilders and biohackers. Anecdotal evidence from experimental use shows promise in providing the following benefits:
- Increasing energy
- Improving athletic performance
- Stimulating muscle growth
- Facilitating fat loss
- Speeding up muscle recovery
- Enhancing cognitive functions
- Boosting libido
- Increasing the levels of good cholesterol
Keep in mind, however, that experimenting with Ligandrol for these benefits requires professional medical guidance for safety.
Risks Involved With Ligandrol Use
Although the limited clinical trials on Ligandrol so far indicate it is generally safe to use, the small number of participants in these trials makes it difficult to fully understand its effects.
However, there are still some known potential side effects. They include:
Liver Damage
Ligandrol has the potential to cause liver damage in the long run. The risk increases with higher doses or prolonged use.
Testosterone Suppression
As a SARM, Ligandrol may decrease the natural production of testosterone. This can result in symptoms like fatigue, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction in men.
Increased Risk of Heart Problems
Some studies show that abusing SARMs like Ligandrol may lead to heart problems like high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.
Recommendations
If you’re looking for Ligandrol for sale, remember that it’s currently approved for research use only and can only be bought for experimental purposes with the guidance of a professional. We recommend that you only buy Ligandrol from reputable sellers known for high-quality products.
Our favorite source here at Wolf of Biohacking is Modern Aminos. Their products are tested for quality and they have great overall service. You can use code wolf10 at checkout to get a 10% discount.
Key Takeaways
Ligandrol is a new drug that’s currently in Phase II (of three phases) of drug development. Although considered generally safe, Ligandrol side effects have been identified mostly from misuse of the drug. So, if you’re looking to explore Ligandrol benefits to improve your health, get in touch with your healthcare provider for proper medical guidance.
