Stenabolic (SR9009)

What is Stenabolic (SR9009)?

Stenabolic, also known by its research name SR9009, is a synthetic compound developed at the Scripps Research Institute. It is often mistakenly categorized as a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM), but it is, in fact, a Rev-ErbA agonist. Rev-ErbA is a nuclear receptor that plays a crucial role in regulating the body's circadian rhythm and metabolism.

By activating these receptors, SR9009 influences various physiological processes, including:

• Fatty acid oxidation: Promotes the burning of fat for energy.

• Glucose metabolism: Improves glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity.

• Mitochondrial biogenesis: Increases the number and efficiency of mitochondria in skeletal muscle, leading to higher energy output.

• Circadian rhythm: Modulates the body's internal clock.

Benefits and Side Effects

Benefits (Based on animal studies and anecdotal reports):

• Increased Endurance and Exercise Capacity: By boosting mitochondrial function and energy output, it can significantly enhance athletic performance, particularly in endurance activities.

• Fat Loss: It increases the resting metabolic rate and promotes the use of stored fat for fuel, which can lead to a leaner body composition.

• Improved Cardiovascular Health: Some studies suggest it may have protective effects on the heart.

• Potential Anti-Cancer Effects: Early research indicates it may have anti-cancer properties by interfering with tumor cell metabolism.

Side Effects:

• Lack of Human Studies: The most significant concern is the lack of formal human trials. Most of the available data comes from animal models, and the long-term effects on humans are unknown.

• Poor Oral Bioavailability: SR9009 has low absorption when taken orally. This means that many over-the-counter capsule products may be ineffective unless they use a special delivery system (e.g., liposomal) or are administered through injection.

• Short Half-Life: Its short half-life requires multiple doses per day to maintain stable blood levels, which could increase the risk of side effects.

• Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Some anecdotal reports mention potential GI issues.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Non-Hormonal: Unlike anabolic steroids, SR9009 does not act on androgen receptors, meaning it is not expected to cause hormonal suppression or related side effects.

• Performance Enhancement: It has the potential to significantly improve endurance and metabolic function.

Cons:

• Unapproved for Human Use: It is a research chemical, not a medication, and its use in humans is not approved by any regulatory body.

• Banned Substance: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has listed SR9009 as a prohibited substance.

• Safety Profile is Unknown: The long-term safety of SR9009 in humans is completely unknown.

• Effectiveness Issues: Due to its poor oral bioavailability and short half-life, its effectiveness in common oral forms is questionable.

Dosage and Frequency

There is no standardized or medically recommended dosage for SR9009. However, based on anecdotal use in the bodybuilding and athletic communities, a common protocol is to take multiple doses per day due to its short half-life. Users often divide a total daily intake into 2-3 equal doses, taken approximately every 4 to 6 hours. The specific dosage varies widely among users.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-Life: SR9009 has a very short half-life, estimated to be around 2-4 hours. This is the reason for the need for frequent dosing.

• Detection Time: As a banned substance, it can be detected in anti-doping tests. The detection time can vary depending on the testing method and the individual's metabolism, but due to its short half-life, it might not be detectable for a long period in blood tests. However, advanced testing methods can detect metabolites for a longer duration.

Hormonal Effects and Anabolic Androgenic Ratio

• Sterogenic, Progestogenic, Prolactin Effects: SR9009 is not known to have direct sterogenic, progestogenic, or prolactin effects. It does not work by increasing or manipulating these hormones. Its mechanism of action is completely different, acting on the Rev-ErbA nuclear receptor.

• Anabolic Androgenic Ratio: SR9009 does not have an anabolic androgenic ratio. This ratio is a measure used for anabolic steroids to describe their muscle-building (anabolic) and masculinizing (androgenic) effects. Since SR9009 is not a steroid and does not act on androgen receptors, this ratio is not applicable.