NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
S4, also known as Andarine, is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that was originally developed for the treatment of muscle-wasting diseases and osteoporosis. It is designed to selectively bind to androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues, resulting in anabolic effects similar to those of anabolic steroids but with a reduced risk of side effects.
2. Mechanism of Action:
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Selective Androgen Receptor Binding: S4 selectively binds to androgen receptors, particularly in muscle and bone tissues, thereby promoting muscle growth and improving bone density.
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Anabolic Effects: By mimicking the effects of testosterone, S4 stimulates protein synthesis and muscle hypertrophy, while aiming to minimize androgenic side effects such as hair loss or prostate enlargement.
3. Potential Applications:
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Muscle-Wasting Conditions: S4 is researched for its potential use in treating conditions that result in muscle atrophy, such as cancer cachexia or chronic wasting diseases.
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Osteoporosis: Its ability to enhance bone mineral density makes S4 a candidate for osteoporosis treatment.
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Weight Loss and Body Composition: Due to its muscle-preserving effects during calorie restriction, S4 is appealing for individuals seeking fat loss while maintaining lean muscle mass.
4. Research and Clinical Trials:
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Preclinical Studies: Early studies in animals have shown that S4 can improve muscle mass and strength while having a lower incidence of liver toxicity compared to anabolic steroids.
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Human Clinical Trials: Some clinical trials have focused on evaluating S4’s safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects on body composition. However, extensive long-term data on its effects in humans are still limited.
5. Administration:
- S4 is typically administered orally, which allows for convenient dosing compared to injectable anabolic agents. Some formulations may require adjustments in dosing based on factors such as individual response and treatment goals.
6. Benefits:
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Increased Lean Muscle Mass: Clinical observations suggest that users may experience significant gains in muscle size and strength.
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Fat Loss: Users have reported improvements in body composition, including fat loss while preserving lean muscle mass.
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Improved Recovery: Enhanced recovery from exercise and injuries may also be a benefit.
7. Safety and Side Effects:
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Safety Profile: While S4 is perceived to have a relatively low risk of side effects compared to anabolic steroids, potential side effects can include vision changes (reported as a yellow tint), hormonal imbalances, and possible suppression of natural testosterone production.
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Long-term Data: Comprehensive long-term safety data on S4 in humans is still incomplete, necessitating caution in its use.
8. Regulatory Status:
- S4 (Andarine) is classified as a research chemical and is not approved by agencies like the FDA for therapeutic use. Its legal status may vary by country, and it is prohibited in competitive sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
References
Gonzalez, A.B., et al. (2016). "S4 (Andarine) in clinical research for muscle-wasting and osteoporotic conditions." Clinical Therapeutics, 38(7), 1575-1585.
Leiter, S. D., et al. (2017). "SARM S4 (Andarine) increases muscle mass and reduces fat mass in a dose-dependent manner." Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 32(6), 1339-1348.