Muscularity resonates with masculinity. No wonder millions of men around the world spend extended sessions in the gym in pursuit of a well-toned, athletic body.
But strength training alone isn’t always sufficient to help build muscle mass. For maximum benefits, it might be best to combine your workout regimen with a suitable drug.
AC-262 has gained widespread popularity among fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders for its ability to stimulate muscle growth without subjecting users to significant adverse effects. Here’s everything you need to know before using AC-262 for muscle enhancement.
Introducing AC-262
AC-262, more accurately known as AC-262536, is a drug developed and originally manufactured by Acadia Pharmaceuticals, widely touted for its muscle-enhancing properties. The substance acts as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM).
Many AC-262 users credit the drug for providing reasonably fast and long-lasting benefits. It’s also free from most side effects associated with many conventional SARMs.
Due to its incredible muscle-enhancing abilities, it’s understandable why the demand for AC 262 supplements is on the rise. You can now access this powerful substance from a credible supplement store near you, including those not necessarily affiliated with Acadia Pharmaceuticals.
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How Does AC-262 Work?
As already stated, AC-262 is a selective androgen receptor modulator. SARMs are a class of drugs that exert their therapeutic effects by selectively stimulating the androgen receptor in certain tissues in the body.
Most SARMs target the tissues in muscles and bones, which explains their suitability for bodybuilding. In fact, these drugs were originally synthesized to aid in treating chronic muscle wasting and degenerative bone diseases like osteoporosis.
However, it’s important to note that SARMs may also enhance the tissues in other visceral organs.
AC-262 partially impacts the androgen receptor with a Ki of 5 nM. The drug has no significant effects on most other human nuclear receptors, including estrogen ERs, progesterone PR, mineraloid MR, and glucocorticoid GR.
AC-262’s ability to target specific groups of androgen receptors allows it to boost muscle strength without producing estrogenic effects. According to research, this partial binding mechanism can trigger muscle growth by altering the body’s molecular activities. And while studies on the drug are still ongoing, some animal-based findings indicate it might produce up to 66% of testosterone’s anabolic action and around 27% of its androgenic potential.
By altering the body’s molecular activity, AC-262 might also aid other aspects instrumental for healthy muscle growth, such as energy metabolism. The drug can stimulate energy production by activating mitochondrial activity. Mitochondria are the cell organelles responsible for energy synthesis.
Remember that you need a combination of exercise and SARMs for a sustained increase in muscle mass. The energy bursts triggered by AC-262 are beneficial when strength training.
Delving Further Into AC-262 Studies
Most studies investigating AC-262’s muscle-enhancing properties were conducted in animals. One such piece of research involved equine subjects.
In this study, researchers administered AC-262 to two thoroughbred horses. One horse received the drug via in vitro incubation and the other by oral administration. Researchers then collected urine, hair, and plasma samples from both subjects for a thorough analysis to establish the concentration of the parent drug and any metabolites.
After careful examination using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry, 9 phase I metabolites appeared in vitro. Four and three compounds were also identified in urine and plasma samples, respectively.
Most interestingly, researchers detected a significant presence of the parent compound in the two matrices. AC-262 was particularly high in glucuronide conjugates of the tested plasma and urine samples.
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AC-262 Side Effects
One of the significant downsides to using muscle-enhancing drugs is their propensity to trigger estrogenic effects. Fortunately, AC-262 is an exception. This drug primarily targets androgen receptors and produces negligible effects on estrogen receptors. So, you can administer it without worrying about experiencing estrogenic reactions like breast enlargement.
However, there’s no such thing as a 100% risk-free drug, especially when it comes to orally administered substances. Despite its relatively high safety profile, AC-262 may still trigger undesirable effects, including gastrointestinal irritation and hypersensitive reactions. Adverse reactions tend to be more common among first-time users.
Most importantly, note that there are no scientific studies on AC-262’s potential efficacy on humans. All research programs available have focused solely on animals. So, while AC-262 users generally recommend administering 10 – 20 milligrams (mg) of the drug for 30 days, the absence of human-based scientific data may cast aspersions on these dosage recommendations.
As with new drugs, you’re safer starting low and then working your way up gradually. You could begin with as low as 1 mg of AC-262 daily and observe how your body responds to the new substance. Increase your dosage gradually if you do not suffer significant adverse effects within 24 hours.
Is AC-262 Legal?
The legality of selective androgen receptor modulators is always a huge concern for users. That’s especially due to sustained warnings by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the potential adverse effects of SARMS.
Note that the FDA only approves AC-262 for research purposes. That means the burden of caution rests squarely on you if you choose to take the drug for personal reasons, such as muscle enhancement.
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Final Word
AC-262’s muscle-enhancing benefits may not have been directly investigated in humans. However, a growing body of animal-based research suggests that the drug delivers on its claims. As with most SARMs, consult your healthcare provider before administering AC-262. It’s also prudent to dose the drug moderately to avoid experiencing any adverse reactions to it.
