Sanabolicum

What is Sanabolicum?

Sanabolicum is a brand name for the anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) Nandrolone Cyclohexylpropionate. It is a long-acting ester of nandrolone. Nandrolone is a synthetic version of testosterone, but with a different chemical structure that gives it a higher anabolic to androgenic ratio.

Other names:

• Nandrolone cyclohexanepropionate

• 19-nortestosterone 17β-(3-cyclohexyl)propionate

• NTHCP

• Andol, Fherbolico, Megabolin, Megabolin Retar, Pluropon, Proteron-Depot

Benefits and Side Effects

Benefits: In medical settings, nandrolone and its esters (like Sanabolicum) have been used for:

• Treating anemia by promoting red blood cell production.

• Combating muscle wasting in chronic conditions like AIDS and cancer.

• Increasing bone density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

• Aiding in weight gain following surgery or physical trauma.

In an athletic context, users seek the following benefits:

• Increased lean muscle mass and strength: Nandrolone is highly anabolic, promoting tissue growth and muscle hypertrophy.

• Enhanced endurance and recovery: It can improve red blood cell count, leading to better oxygen transport and faster healing from injuries.

Side Effects: The side effects of Sanabolicum are similar to other anabolic steroids and are highly dependent on the dosage, duration of use, and individual factors. They can be severe and, in some cases, irreversible.

• For Men: Testicular atrophy, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), and changes in libido.

• For Women: Virilization (development of male characteristics) such as clitoral enlargement, a deeper voice, irregular menstrual cycles, and increased body and facial hair.

• General side effects:

  • Cardiovascular: Harmful changes in cholesterol levels (increased LDL, decreased HDL), high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

  • Hepatic (Liver): Liver damage, including blood-filled cysts (peliosis hepatis) and tumors.

  • Dermatological: Acne and oily skin.

  • Psychological: Mood swings, irritability, aggression ("roid rage"), and depression.

  • Endocrine: Disruption of the natural hormone production, leading to hypogonadism (reduced function of the testes or ovaries).

Pros and Cons

This is a subjective assessment, as the "pros" are typically sought by individuals misusing the drug, while the "cons" are the widely documented health risks.

Pros (from a user's perspective):

• Significant increase in muscle mass and strength.

• Improved athletic performance.

• Enhanced recovery from workouts and injuries.

Cons (from a medical and safety perspective):

• Serious health risks: The long list of side effects, including cardiovascular, hepatic, and hormonal damage, makes the cons far outweigh the pros for non-medical use.

• Legal implications: It is a controlled substance in many places, and its non-prescribed use is illegal.

• Potential for dependence and addiction: Users may become psychologically dependent and experience withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.

Dosage and Frequency

There is no standard "safe" dosage for non-medical use. Medical dosages for nandrolone are typically 50 to 200 mg per week, administered via deep intramuscular injection. However, individuals misusing these substances often use much higher, supraphysiological doses, which increases the risk of adverse effects. The frequency is typically weekly due to the long-acting nature of the cyclohexylpropionate ester.

Half-Life and Detection Time

The half-life of nandrolone esters can vary, but nandrolone decanoate (a similar nandrolone ester) has a half-life of approximately 6 days. This means it takes a significant amount of time for the body to eliminate the drug.

The detection time for nandrolone is notoriously long. Nandrolone metabolites can be detected in urine for a very extended period, with some studies showing detection for up to 9 months after a single injection. This makes it a high-risk substance for athletes subject to drug testing.

Sterogenic, Progestogenic, and Prolactin Effects

• Sterogenic: This term is not a standard pharmacological classification. The correct term is estrogenic. Nandrolone is a progestin, not a steroid with estrogenic properties. It does not aromatize (convert to estrogen) at the same rate as testosterone.

• Progestogenic: Nandrolone is a potent progestogen, meaning it binds to and activates the progesterone receptor. This can lead to progestogenic side effects such as gynecomastia, especially when used with other steroids or in individuals with pre-existing hormonal imbalances.

• Prolactin: Nandrolone can significantly increase prolactin levels. High prolactin can lead to several side effects, including gynecomastia (often referred to as "deca-dick" in bodybuilding circles due to the combination of high prolactin and suppressed testosterone), erectile dysfunction, and lactation in men. This is due to the progestogenic activity of nandrolone.

Anabolic-Androgenic Ratio

The anabolic-androgenic ratio is a measure of a steroid's ability to promote muscle growth (anabolic) versus its ability to cause male characteristics (androgenic), with testosterone serving as the baseline at 100:100.

For nandrolone, the ratio is approximately 150:30. This indicates that it is significantly more anabolic than testosterone while being much less androgenic. This is the reason it is favored by some users for its muscle-building properties with a perceived lower risk of androgenic side effects like male pattern baldness or acne. However, this lower androgenic activity does not mean it is without risk.