PRICE: $13.95 for each 60 capsule bottle (1/2 gram per vegi-capsule) Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs is pleased to offer a very high quality, Polypodium Vulgare (Female Fern) Extract standardized to 8% 20-Hydroxyecdysone.  Polypodium Vulgare is a fern that contains a group of substances called ecdysteroids. Studies on animals have found ecdysteroids to be androgen like and to have anabolic (muscle building) effects. This androgen-anabolic function is thought to actively support the contractile activity of erectile proteins associated with sexual activity. Polypodium Vulgare has also traditionally been utilized for treatment of respiratory problems such as asthma, colds and the flu. Click on this link: Polypodium Vulgare COA, to view the Certificate of Analysis of this particular batch. These vegetable-derived capsules (Vegan, Kosher and Halal certified) are filled by hand with a manual machine, not with a high speed automatic machine, and thus, only pure Polypodium Vulgare Extract is in the capsules. Capsules produced with high speed machines in herbal remedy and vitamin "factories" contain several other ingredients, including preservatives because so many bottles of product are produced at one time, and lubricants to ensure that the machines will run faster and more efficiently. Check their labels! Barlowe's Herbal Elixirs is one of the very few manufacturers that still pack their products in glass whenever possible, even though glass is more expensive. Barlowe believes that chemicals can leach out of plastic containers and contaminate the contents, and that the use of glass is much better for the environment. Research: Studies on Beta Ecdysterone:  Research by Russian scientists Syrov and Kurmukov (1976) found that Ecdysterone had anabolic activity and increased protein synthesis. Animal studies in  rats and Japanese quail have demonstrated significant anabolic effects (Slama et al., 1996; Dinan, 2001).  Ecdysterone is also believed to have an anabolic effect in humans (Chermynkh et al., 1988; Simakin et al., 1988; Bizec et al., 2002; Chen et al., 2005). A Russian research study (Chermynkh et al., 1988) compared the muscle building activities of methandrostenolone, a powerful anabolic steroid, and Ecdysterone.  They demonstrated that ecdysterone had a wider anabolic action than methandrostenolone on muscle contractile proteins. Another group of Russian researchers (Simakin et al., 1998) looked at the combined effects of Ecdysterone and a high protein diet.  They found that when athletes combined a high protein diet with Ecdysterone, lean muscle mass increased by 6-7% and body-fat decreased by 10%. Bizec, B. L., Antigna, J-P., Monteau, F. and Andre, F. (2002) Ecdysteroids: one potential new anabolic family in breeding animals. Analytica Cimica Acta. 473, 89-97. Chermynkh, N. S., Shimanovskii, N. L., Shutko, G. V. and Syrov, V. N. (1988) The action of methandrostenolone and ecdysterone on the physical endurance of animals and on protein metabolism in the skeletal muscles. Farmakologia I Toksikogia.  51 (6), 57-60. Slama, K., Koudela, K., tenora, J. and Mathova, A. (1996) Insect hormones in vertebrates: anabolic effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone in Japanese quail. Experientia 52 (7), 702-706. Syrov, V. N. and Kurmukov, A. G. (1976) Anabolic activity of phytoecdyserone-ecdysterone isolated from Rhaponticum carthamoides. Farmakologia I Toksikogia. 39 (6), 690-691 Caution: Barlowe's Polypodium Vulgare Extract uses only the finest quality standardized 8% 20-Hydroxyecdysone Polypodium Vulgare Extract from the United States. It is generally safe, but it is potent and should be utilized with care. This product is for dietary use. If side-effects occur, discontinue use immediately! The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Directions For Use: Take one or two (1/2 gram) capsules daily.  Results and usage amounts may vary based on body type and weight. Polypodium Vulgare (Female Fern) Extract 8% 20-Hydroxyecdysone Standardized PRICE: $13.95 for each 60 capsule bottle (1/2 gram per vegi-capsule)