Laxogenin (5a-Hydroxy) Review

By: Rob Miller
5 User Reviews
MD Reviewed By: Helen Okoye, MD What's This?
Fact Checked On: 3-20-2020

Laxogenin 5a-Hydroxy Review

Formally known as 5a-Hydroxy Laxogenin, this substance was officially brought to the public in 1992; however, Japanese scientists were researching it in 1963.

The most fascinating thing about this substance is that it is plant based.

Yes, it is synthetically extracted, which I’ll elaborate on later, but a powerful muscle building and fat burning ingredient such as this being derived from a plant is a rare thing.

Contents

Pro-Hormone Vs. Steroids

How Laxogenin Works

Potential Side Effects

Laxogenin Research

How To Use It

Conclusion

Pro-hormone vs. Steroid

Pro-hormone vs Steroid

Before we delve into the finer details of Laxogenin, let’s take a moment to review the major similarities and differences between pro-hormones and legal steroids.

Anabolic Steroids:

  • Synthetic substance
  • Mimics the male-dominated sex hormones (testosterone)
  • Directly influences anabolic and androgenic changes (growth)
  • Not limited by genetics

Pro-hormones:

  • Pre-cursor to steroid hormones within the body
  • Must first be activated in the liver (indirect influence)
  • Limited by genetics
  • Often has a steroidal counterpart (an illegal steroid that it mimics in benefits and side effects)

For a much more detailed explanation of the difference of anabolic steroids and pro-hormones, please check out my article on Trenavar.

How Laxogenin (5a-Hydroxy) Works

How Laxogenin WorksTo be clear, Laxogenin is NOT a prohormone.

As I mentioned above, Laxogenin is a plant-based hormone that has been synthetically isolated from the rhizomes of Smilax Sieboldii.

As you can see in this study published in the Journal of Phytochemistry, Laxogenin was successfully publicly isolated in 1992. You can also see the same positive results from this study, published in the Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society.

Native to China and Japan, the Smilax Sieboldii is called an evergreen climber that grows to an average height of seven feet.

As Laxogenin is isolated from a plant source, it is considered a steroidal sapogenin.

More importantly, Laxogenin is a part of a group called Brassinosteroids.

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Brassinosteroids, also called BRs, make up a group of 40 different steroids that are exclusively synthesized from plants.

In the plants themselves, these steroids promote growth and vitality.

While studies on Brassinosteroids are limited, this class of plant-based steroids shows excellent promise for muscle building potential.

As you can see in this recent study published in the FASEB Journal, researchers concluded that BRs trigger an anabolic, or growth, effect through increasing protein synthesis while inhibiting protein breakdown! What does this mean for you?

Total body benefits such as lean muscle mass growth, improvements in sports performance, and overall fat loss.

Let me remind you one more time: This is from… a plant!

Best of all, (and I’ll elaborate on this later as well) the study cites that you will benefit from a total body anabolic response with minimal or no side effects!

Once you ingest Laxogenin, it must first pick up the necessary enzyme in the liver to be converted into its steroidal counterpart known as Anavar, or Oxandrolone.

As I discuss in the Trenavar article, each pro-hormone has a steroidal counterpart.

While the pro-hormone may not provide benefits to the same extent as an illegal anabolic steroid would, it still shares many of those same benefits.

Quick example: Anavar is known to promote lean muscle tissue growth in those using it.

Using the illegal anabolic steroid, you may gain 10 pounds of solid, lean muscle tissue.

While using the pro-hormone, Laxogenin, you may only gain 6 to 8 pounds in one cycle.

There are a variety of factors that come into play, mainly your genetics, but keep in mind that if the steroid has a benefit, the pro-hormone will share that same benefit (even if it is to a lesser extent).

Potential Side Effects of Laxogenin

Potential Side Effects of Laxogenin

If you’ve ever completed a Google search for pro-hormones, there’s a good chance you’ve come across some pretty terrifying horror stories of hair loss, man boobs, and severe acne.

As I discussed above, Laxogenin is a part of a group known as Brassinosteroids.

In several studies, Brassinosteroids have been shown to exhibit anabolic benefits without the typical side effects associated with pro-hormones.

Just to play devil’s advocate, let’s take a look at the potential side effects that Laxogenin’s steroidal counterpart has been known for.

This way you have a worst-case scenario guideline just in case you happen to be the guy who can’t seem to catch a break.

Anavar, or Oxandrolone, has been known to be one of the most easygoing anabolic steroids, as odd as that may sound.

The primary reason for this is because, like Laxogenin, it is also plant based.

As noted in this study from the Journal of Project Management, Anavar has been shown to promote an anabolic environment without the usual hepatotoxic effects that you would find with most other pro-hormones.

Examples of hepatoxicity include jaundice, peliosis hepatis, and neoplasms.

In other words, your liver gets a pass from the harmful symptoms associated with pro-hormones.

One very well known side effect of using pro-hormones and anabolic steroids is the eventual suppression of your natural production of testosterone and other growth hormones.

The idea behind this is that your body is in a constant struggle to achieve balance, or homeostasis.

When you begin supplementing with pro-hormones or steroids, your body senses the extreme increase in testosterone in the body and, in response, shuts down its own production.

In extreme cases, it may also increase your levels of estrogen to counterbalance the high levels of testosterone.

side effects of using pro-hormones and anabolic steroids

While Anavar does suppress your growth hormone production, it is at the bare minimum when you compare it to other, more extreme pro-hormones.

Most importantly, when you stop using pro-hormones or steroids, a post cycle therapy supplement to detoxify the liver and boost your natural production of testosterone is needed. This is the exciting part about Anavar.

As you can see in this study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, when you cease to supplement with Anavar, your body experiences a rebound effect, boosting its own natural levels of growth hormones again.

To go further down the rabbit’s hole, here is a list of extreme side effects for Anavar.

These side effects are most common in users who have ignored prescribed directions and have supplemented under the notion “more is better.”

  • Frequent Urination
  • Breast Tenderness (Very extreme cases of Anavar abuse resulted in breast enlargement)
  • Acne

The common consensus from users of Anavar is that IF side effects are experienced, they are generally so mild that you barely notice them.

Keep in mind that we are talking about Anavar and not Laxogenin.

Forums are filled with users of Laxogenin claiming that during their cycle, they experienced no side effects at all.

Naturally, I’d take it with a grain of salt and pair Laxogenin up with a PCT, as I will discuss below.

What the Research Says about Laxogenin

Laxogenin research

Brands that market Laxogenin typically focus on the supplement’s ability to increase lean muscle tissue and strength gains without the typical side effects that are associated with pro-hormones.

What’s more, if you are in a position where you will be tested for steroid or pro-hormone use, Laxogenin supposedly will not result in a positive test.

What about concrete research for this pro-hormone?

As I mention above, Laxogenin is in a class called Brassinosteroids, which are plant based, proven to increase protein synthesis, and nearly free of side effects.

While there is a decent amount of research touting the benefits of Brassinosteroids, real research and clinical trials surrounding Laxogenin are rare.

This is common in the pro-hormone industry, simply because these supplements usually get swiped off the shelves within a year of being introduced.

The trick is to look at the pro-hormone’s steroidal counterpart and base the potential benefits from that.

Due to their use for medicinal purposes and livestock, anabolic steroids have much more research that is accessible.

While a pro-hormone will never have the same extreme effect as a steroid, you can rest assured that you will certainly benefit in a very similar way.

In this case, we’ll take a look at what the research says about Anavar.

Muscle Mass & Strength

male muscle mass

Several studies have shown that Anavar is a very effective supplement for significantly boosting your lean muscle tissue as well as strength.

As you can see in this study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, Anavar was given to victims of severe burns who had lost most of their muscle mass and strength.

Those who were prescribed Anavar and exercise showed a dramatic increase in muscle mass and strength.

Another study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology showed how effective Anavar was in developing muscle WITHOUT exercise.

With a focus on thigh muscle, the study showed a remarkable increase in those taking Anavar compared with those taking the placebo.

The most amazing thing is that none of the men exercised during the study, yet still gained a good amount of lean muscle tissue.

Fat Loss

fat loss Laxogenin

While gaining muscle mass may be your primary goal, reducing body fat at the same time would be ideal so that you can effectively sculpt your muscles.

Anavar is very well known for its fat-burning potential as demonstrated in a number of studies. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism featured a study that showed abdominal and visceral fat were both significantly reduced when supplementing with Anavar.

Wound Healing

wound healing Laxogenin

In conjunction with the study mentioned above, Anavar has been used in the medical field as a potent supplement for healing wounds. A study published in Wound Repair and Regeneration shows how effective Anavar can be at speeding up the healing process, making it more efficient. Why would this be relevant to you?

When you are in the weight room performing set after set, you are causing micro tears in your muscle.

If you are taking a pro-hormone that mimics the healing benefits of its steroidal counterpart, then you may experience faster recovery rates.

The faster you recover, the faster you can get back in the gym.

Remember that the research above is for Laxogenin’s steroidal counterpart, Anavar.

Since Laxogenin is structurally very similar to Anavar, the idea is to base your potential benefits from this research. You can safely assume that when supplementing with Laxogenin, you will see gains in lean muscle tissue and rapid recovery along with reduced body fat.

Best Way to Use Laxogenin

Best Way to Use Laxogenin

Depending on the brand you buy, directions and serving sizes may vary slightly but I’m going to cover the general usage instructions that you can expect.

Dosage:

  • This will range between 60 mg and 100 mg with the latter being the clinical dosage.

Cycle Length

  • Again, this will vary by company.

    I have seen recommended cycles of 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

    The one thing in common was the required off-cycle of 4 weeks.

    If you’re new to the pro-hormone world, my recommendation would be an on-cycle of 4 weeks and an off-cycle of 4 weeks.

    Evaluate how you feel then try another cycle if you are up to it.

Cycle Support

  • Every brand you find will tell you the same thing: Since Laxogenin is not toxic to the liver, a cycle support supplement is unnecessary.

    However, you CAN safely take a cycle support supplement without jeopardizing your gains.

    With that said, I would recommend using cycle support, even if it’s the lowest dosage on the market.

    Better to be safe than sorry.
  • On another note, if you decide to stack with Laxogenin then you WILL need cycle support.

    If you stack Laxogenin with another pro-hormone such as Epistane, which is liver toxic, a cycle support is required.

Stacking Method

stacking method Laxogenin

The nice thing about Laxogenin is that it is able to be stacked with a variety of different supplements such as natural testosterone boosters, thermogenics, pro-hormones, and intra or post cycle support.

As I mention above, if you decide to stack with another pro-hormone, make sure you are using support during and after your Laxogenin cycle.

Don’t forget about that 4 week off-cycle!

Popular Brands of Laxogenin

Conclusion

plant-based pro-hormone Laxogenin

Laxogenin sounds almost too good to be true.

A plant-based pro-hormone that has been proven to increase lean muscle mass without the added risk of side effects such as man boobs or hair loss.

Compared to some similar options, Laxogenin is definitely fairly low risk and giving it a shot yourself should not have any negative consequences unless you are allergic or on meds that interact with it.

If you’ve been naturally supporting your testosterone levels and you’re looking to take your gains to the next stage without the potential side effects, Laxogenin may be an excellent choice.

Have You Used Laxogenin? Leave Your Review Below!



User Reviews


Have you used this supplement?

Laxogenin 100mg daily


By Mick,  Oct 19, 2018
In Short: I would recommend this to a friend.

I am currently running Laxogenin at 100mg daily in 1 capsule daily either pre-workout or first thing in the morning. I have been using it for nearly two weeks now.  The main thing I feel from it is an overall body pump whether using it pre-workout or on non-workout days. It does give very good blood flow throughout a workout though.  I haven't seen any strength gains as of yet, nobody composition change yet either.

I am considering using 2 capsules daily (200mg) at one in the morning and one in the evening. On workout days the morning one will be my pre-workout capsule.  As there isn't much information on Laxogenin regarding human results then preloading might be an idea to work with and then drop the dosage back to the 100mg daily.

I will come back and put up another quick review in a few weeks whether I up it to 200mg or not just for feedback and reference.
At present it might be too early to determine the benefits and overall efficacy of Laxogenin BUT as I stated it seems to help definitely with the pumps in and out of the gym at present.


Mick

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7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Fantastic while the Jury's still out now


By Stephen,  Apr 4, 2018

I've taken 125mg/day for only a few days. I'd read articles and decided to try it.  I will say that I feel more intensity, like when I was a young man in my twenties. My nasal passages have also cleared, which means that I am less fatigued.  I feel less fatigued, ready to chew into physical work, rather than do office work in my multi-moded job. I am excited to continue, and believe this is an excellent adjunct to combat the low testosterone syndrome in society today.  I stack this with Inhibit E by SNS, which I heard was the replacement for the Novedex XT by Gespari nutrition. Laxogenin completes the effect and certainly is testosterogenic, subjectively.  In a few weeks, I'll see if I build more muscle than usual for the summer. I can't wait!
 

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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Made most massive gains quick


By Justin,  Apr 12, 2022
In Short: I would recommend this to a friend.

I tried it last year for just 2 weeks and stopped, because I was literally gaining so fast I thought there is no way this is just herbal supplements. I had trued many herbs and they might help lean you up and give a bit more aggression, none helped put on muscle like laxo.  No joke I went from 177-194 in just over 2weeks so I guess I’m a hyper responder to it. I’m talking solid gains staying lean too.  Still a bit Leary to start again because although I didn’t have side effects the gains seemed unreal for natty product.

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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Lot's of stamina and energy with low but decent gains


By Steve W,  Jul 27, 2023
In Short: I would recommend this to a friend.

First time using this I did a 6 weeks cycle 100mg. It kicked in very fast, felt like almost immediately.  After 6 weeks I gained 9 pounds and was quite ripped. I was cutting anyway but I will definitely do it again as I had literally no side effects at all.  It gave serious energy and stamina and the pump was always there. I'm quite frankly blown away by this product.  I wish there was more research on it but from personal experience it gets the thumbs up. Very happy with it.
 

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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Laxogenin


By TK Factory,  May 2, 2016

So basically after taking Laxogenin, I felt virtually nothing. I typically am a person who sees something and MUST have it.  This was the case for Laxogenin. I was so curious about it and tried researching for months and found little to nothing on how the product affects the body.  Once I actually took this product(1 pill for breakfast and dinner) I expected great results. About 3 weeks in, the only "gains" I really noticed where from my brain messing with me.  I felt no real strength, and pumps where average. In all, I personally think Laxogenin will best work with another product that is stronger.
 

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24 out of 48 people found this review helpful.



Ask A Question

User Questions and Answers



Hi there. Just read your piece on Laxogenin. Thinking of trying Laxogenin now but I worry about hair loss. Isn't it a known side effect of many pro hormones? Thanks. Best. -Brando


I haven't heard of that as a side effect specifically of Laxogenin, but if can be caused by steroid use.- Rob

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5 out of 7 people found this question helpful.
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What Does Laxogenin Do? -Mike


The end result is that it will help to promote lean muscle gains, improved performance on the playing field, and enhanced fat loss.  Some users have reported as much as a 10 lb. gain in lean muscle in one cycle.- Rob

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Is Laxogenin a Prohormone or a steroid? -Todd


No, it is not a prohormone or a steroid.  With that said, it can produce steroid-like effects, without the usual side effects associated with steroid use.- Rob

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Where can I buy Laxogenin? -George T.


One of the more trusted brands of Laxogenin is Repp Sports, here's a link to pick some up on A1supplements:  www.a1supplements.com/repp-sports-laxogenin- Rob

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Can Laxogenin Cause Gyno? -Jerry


No, and I'm glad you asked because we get that question at least 2 - 3 times per month.  If you want to be on the safe side you could take a PCT, but in my opinion it's really unnecessary.- Rob

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Author: Rob Miller

Supplement Critique

Rob Miller founded SupplementCritique.com over 7 years ago, and has been the chief editor ever since. He has a diploma in Advanced Dietary Supplements Advisor, and worked at GNC for 3 years. He KNOWS supplements, both inside and out. Rob currently resides in Jupiter, FL, with his wife of 4 years.  Learn more about him in his Bio here. Follow him on Twitter , Facebook, LinkedIn, or find him on Google +.

Medical Reviewer: Helen Okoye, MD

Dr Okoye

Dr. Helen Okoye is an American Public Health Physician, Health Care Executive, Researcher, Entrepreneur with a Doctor of Medicine Degree (MD), an MBA in Healthcare Management, and a Masters in Epidemiology/Public Health). Her specific responsibilities for Supplement Critique including reviewing previously published articles for accuracy and relevancy. Her expert opinion was featured on NBC News for the President’s physical exam. Learn more about Dr. Okoye here. Follow here on Twitter and Instagram.

26 comments on “Laxogenin (5a-Hydroxy) Review”

Leave A New Comment

  1. Hi. I’m 61 years, weight train 4-6 times each week, but seem to have
    ‘Hit a ceiling’ with my training!

    You refer to ‘cycle support’ when using Laxogenin. However, i can’t seem to find anywhere in the article, what this actually means, or what supplement you’d recommend.

    Also, would it be OK to use Laxogenin with Creatine? Many thanks and i look forward to hearing back from you!

    1. Hey Garry,
      Sorry for the late reply, your comment seemed to slip through the cracks. Cycle support basically means another supplement that you take concurrently with the Laxogenin to help reduce any potential side effects and protect the liver.

      You’re totally right, I should have included a recommendation or two.

      Check out Iron Labs On Cycle Protection & Liver assist. You can pick it up on Amazon relatively cheap (around $20 last time I checked), and it’s totally suitable.

      As for the Laxogenin / Creatine combo, yeah you can definitely stack it with creatine.

      Hope this helps and be sure to come back and leave a review if you end up trying it!
    2. Hi Garry,

      I have been in the supplement game for over 20 years now and have used some very good but also some very bad products.
      Cycle support are products that people use when they are on a prohormone or steroid cycle to help their Liver toxicity.
      To be honest i would say that when running Laxogenin at the clinical dose it wouldnt cause much, if any, liver issues.

      But it is always good to have a liver product anyway in todays supplement usage.
      A good Cycle support supplement is AD Livermilk.


      Creatine is probably the most natural scientific backed supplement to date and works. I use it and are running the Laxogenin at present.

      It is a good product to run with any stack.

      Hope this helps a little.

      Regards

      Mick
  2. Hi, I’ve just bought some laxogenin and was looking at your review (in order to maximise any placebo effect lol).
    I’ve seen you give some great advice so thought you might be able to help me.


    I’m nearly 50 but not yet showing signs of menopause, but I’m having trouble losing body fat. I count calories and protein intake etc, have increased my muscle size which has improved my body composition.

    I can’t seem to budge the abdominal fat though.
    Any recommendationss please?

  3. Hi Rob, 60 yr young male with many years of w/o experience…I have tried supplementation and experienced both the good and bad results…the most disappointing being some glyco in the breasts. I am presently not using any supplements but I am on blood pressure meds…low dose…I have a good muscle content but do need to lose some fat…mostly visceral in the belly…I w/o at least 5 days a week, not as hard as previous years, but I still push some limits I currently weigh in at 215 lbs, down from 228 lbs…looking to drop to about 198-200 lbs…I would of course like to keep my strength but really would like to up the weight loss and T…thank you for your time…Chris

    1. Hey Chris,
      Yeah I know the feeling. You’re pushing hard in the gym, and not seeing the results you’re expecting. No worries, there’s hope. First off, I’m sending you my free “How To Get Ripped Quick” ebook, as well as some bonuses, to your email. It’s packed with tons of tips on diet and exercise to help you break through those plateaus.

      Supplements wise, I would recommend you stack a fat burner called Instant Knockout along with a testosterone booster called Prime Male. The 2 work great when combined, and will help you get faster results than with diet and exercise alone. Here’s my reviews of each:

      Instant Knockout – https://www.supplementcritique.com/instant-knockout-fat-burner-review/

      Prime Male – https://www.supplementcritique.com/prime-male-testosterone-booster-review/

      Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions.
    2. Hey Chris,

      Just sent you an email.

      For anyone else looking for the free ebook, click here to sign up for your free ebook.

      Rob
      SupplementCritique.com
  4. Rob.
    I am,68,years old and have been,training since I was 14 years old
    In have competed in powerlifting and,bodybuilding,in
    80s and,will,continue to train until,they,put that last shovel,if dirt,on,my face.

    I would love to,take lax.but i,am,on a beta blocker and calcium channel blocker because of heredity hypertension
    That being said,can,i,take,lax.thanks
    Bernie d.
    1. Hey Bernie,

      Not being trained as a doctor or pharmacist, I can’t really comment on how your medication may or may not interfere with supplements or vice versa. Give your doctor a call.

  5. I am 53 and have been working out and slowly building
    MM and losing some weight want to tone and look more ripped will this work for me Laxogenin work for me
    1. Hey Kos,
      Yup Laxogenin can def help in that regard. I would also recommend stacking it with a fat burner called Instant Knockout and a testosterone booster called Testofuel to get the best possible results. Here’s my reviews of each:

      Instant Knockout – https://www.supplementcritique.com/instant-knockout-fat-burner-review/

      Testofuel – https://www.supplementcritique.com/my-personal-testo-fuel-review-and-results

      Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions.
  6. 51 female gym rat but can’t get toned. I have low testosterone and have pellets.

    When I first got the pellets I had great results in town and weight loss. Now I am back to little tone extremely difficult to gain any muscle, tone or lose weight.

    Thinking of trying laxogenin. I was told by vitamin guy at natural grocers to be wary if it is manufactured in Asia.

    Also that people have had side effects of rapid heart rate and migraines?? Have you heard of that?
  7. I’ve taken only two pills once a day, a week ago. Some muscle weakness went away but my liver started itching.

    Now, I’m afraid to take another pill. I don’t need to spend any more time researching anything.

    I need a more active lifestyle. I wish the product had 25 mg of Laogenin instead of 50 mg because maybe it would have been mild enough for me.

    What has it done to my liver? I took some GEC Inner Steel and some Milk Thistle but I don’t know if that is going to get my liver back to normal.

    I also wonder if something else is the cause of the liver itching that happened to coincide with taking GEC Laxoplex.
    1. Hey Stephen,

      Laxogenin does interact with your liver so it could be the culprit. I haven’t heard of people having this effect before, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

      It’s tough to know for sure. You may want to consult your doctor.

    1. Hey Sebastian,

      Yeah it’s not a prohormone per se, but it give results similar to Anavar without the side effects.

      Rob
      SupplementCritique.com
  8. yes im takeing a supplement that has laxogenin 70mg ,long jack,tribulus and also taking gear support with it am i on the right trac and should cycle 4 weeks off
    1. Hey Joe,

      Let me know what your situation and your goals are, and I’ll be better able to answer if you’re on the right track or potentially recommend something else for you.
      Rob
      SupplementCritique.com

      1. thank you for your respond yes my goal is to put on some mass on me befor i get to old iv come a long way from where i stared i am stacking natural strengh alpha male by xcel nutrition , an gear support by blackstone labs iv on it for aweek i do have a litte high blood presure but i have not had issues with this stack yes im on meds im 48 yrs love to lift

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