| Ajuga turkestanica | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Ajuga |
| Species: | A. turkestanica |
| Binomial name | |
| Ajuga turkestanica | |
| Synonyms [1] | |
| |
Ajuga turkestanica is a herbaceous flowering plant native to Central Asia. It was first described in 1894. [1]
A. turkestanica is a perennial herbaceous plant reaching heights between 40 and 60 cm. [2] The plant is typically found in populations between 10 and 300, and appear more frequent within Artemisia complexes. The leaves are an elliptical oblong shape, straight-edged and with a pointed tip. It will flower between May and June. The flowers are small, pink, and located within the axil of two leaves. The fruit consists of four nuts, a characteristic of the Lamiaceae family, and emerges by the end of May.[ citation needed ]
A. turkestanica is native to the Pamir-Alay mountain ranges of Central Asia, notably within the Surxondaryo Region of Uzbekistan. The species has also been observed within the low mountain regions of southern Tajikistan. It grows in rocky clay conditions up to elevations of approximately 2500 metres.[ citation needed ]
Although A. turkestanica, alongside many other Ajuga species, is claimed to have medicinal effects, [3] [4] there is no scientific evidence that it has clinical uses as a therapeutic.
Bodybuilding supplements containing extracts of A. turkestanica can be found on the Internet. [2] A. turkestanica contains ecdysteroid derivatives such as turkesterone, though whether these produce anabolic effects in mammals is unclear, and there is no clear evidence of effects on muscle. [5] [6] Some proponents claim it promotes muscle growth and enhances recovery, although a study published in 2024 concluded that four weeks of supplementation with 500 mg of turkesterone did not affect body composition in active, healthy males and females. [7]