Cyanotis Vaga

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Cyanotis vaga is a flowering plant in the Commelinaceae family native to Asia. Its main commercial relevance is as a source of beta-ecdysterone (20-hydroxyecdysone), an insect molting hormone that has been studied for anabolic and adaptogenic effects.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Muscle mass and strength

Limited Evidence

One 10-week human RCT showed modest gains in lean mass vs placebo; broader evidence is limited.

How it works

Beta-ecdysterone is the principal active compound in Cyanotis vaga. Mechanistic studies suggest it may bind estrogen receptor beta and activate downstream protein synthesis pathways. In one rodent study, ecdysterone increased muscle growth comparably to dianabol, though human evidence is limited. A 2019 human trial in resistance-trained men showed modest increases in muscle mass with ecdysterone supplementation compared with placebo, leading to its inclusion on the WADA Monitoring Program (not banned but monitored).

Dosage

Doses used in research range 30-200 mg/day of beta-ecdysterone equivalent. Cyanotis vaga extracts standardized to 5-10% beta-ecdysterone are common.

When and how to take it

Often taken twice daily with meals.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Cyanotis vaga extract standardized to beta-ecdysterone

Most common supplement source.

Variable; bioavailability of ecdysterone is generally low.

Isolated beta-ecdysterone (often from spinach extracts)

Sometimes from Rhaponticum carthamoides or spinach.

Similar bioavailability.

Safety

Generally well tolerated in available studies. No significant adverse effects reported in short-term trials. Long-term safety is not characterized.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in hormone-sensitive cancers. Competitive athletes should check current WADA status.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported. Theoretical interactions with hormone-modulating medications.

Food sources

Spinach (small amounts of ecdysterone)

Amount
100 g
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is ecdysterone a steroid?⌄

It is a phytoecdysteroid, structurally related to insect molting hormones but different from mammalian anabolic steroids.

Is it banned in sport?⌄

Not banned but on the WADA Monitoring Program as of recent updates; check current status.

References

Cyanotis Vaga on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Cyanotis Vaga on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Cyanotis Vaga (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.