Laxogenin

PhytochemicalSpirostanic saponin

What is it

Laxogenin (and its derivative 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin) is a plant steroid (spirostane saponin aglycone) originally found in Smilax sieboldii, marketed in bodybuilding supplements for anabolic claims.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Muscle growth / strength

Mixed Evidence

No high-quality human clinical evidence supports marketing claims. Mechanistic rationale is weak.

How it works

Laxogenin is structurally similar to plant brassinosteroids and animal ecdysteroids. Marketing claims include increased protein synthesis and anabolic effects via the PI3K/Akt pathway, with comparisons made to anabolic steroids. However, robust human clinical evidence is absent. Mechanistic claims rely on extrapolation from animal or cell studies of related compounds. Products labeled 'laxogenin' have been found to contain other undeclared compounds in some quality testing.

Dosage

No established human dose. Product labels typically suggest 25-100 mg/day, but doses are not validated.

When and how to take it

Not recommended; if used, follow product label.

1 commercial form

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

Bodybuilding supplement

Often paired with other 'natural anabolic' ingredients.

Variable; gray market quality issues.

Safety

Limited human safety data. Products in this category have a history of adulteration and case reports of liver injury when combined with other compounds. Quality control is inconsistent.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid in anyone under 21 and people with liver disease. Some athletic governing bodies may flag this.

Interactions

Insufficient data. Avoid combining with hepatotoxic substances and other anabolic compounds.

Food sources

Not a food source

Amount
N/A
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Does laxogenin actually build muscle?⌄

No robust human evidence supports the claims. Quality control in this product category is also a concern.

References

Laxogenin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Laxogenin (PubChem CID 10950057) — PubChem link

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

Research on Laxogenin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Laxogenin with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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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.