[20-Hydroxyecdysone--plant adaptogen: an anabolic effect, possible use in sports nutrition].

In the review the presentation about plant adaptogens--biologically active compounds is given. Its administration can help to achieve non-specific state of high resistance. The hypothetical mechanism of action: adaptogens are prostressors, reducing excessive increase of stress mediators in the following stress exposure. The features of adaptogenic effect of phytoecdysteroids, polyhydroxylated sterols, which are analogs of hormones of molting and metamorphosis of arthropodas, and are structurally similar to glucocorticoids on the example of the most widely studied phytoecdysteroid--20-hydroxyecdysone--are described. The results of studies of anabolic action of 20-hydroxyecdysone in experiments on laboratory animals and the possible explanation (existing in the modern scientific literature) of the mechanism of this phenomenon are discussed. Scientific publication testifying on the application of phytoecdysteroids to remove chronic fatigue syndrome, reducing nerve and muscle fatigue, improve memory and attention processes are presented. The prospects of using the 20-hydroxyecdysone in the composition of food supplements and specialized products for athletes are discussed.