Synthetic androgens as designer supplements

Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015 Jan;13(1):89-100. doi: 10.2174/1570159X13666141210224756.

Abstract

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are some of the most common performance enhancing drugs (PED) among society. Despite the broad spectrum of adverse effects and legal consequences, AAS are illicitly marketed and distributed in many countries. To circumvent existing laws, the chemical structure of AAS is modified and these designer steroids are sold as nutritional supplements mainly over the Internet. Several side effects are linked with AAS abuse. Only little is known about the pharmacological effects and metabolism of unapproved steroids due to the absence of clinical studies. The large number of designer steroid findings in dietary supplements and the detection of new compounds combined with legal loopholes for their distribution in many countries show that stricter regulations and better information policy are needed.

Keywords: AAS; designer steroids; dietary supplements; performance enhancing drugs..

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anabolic Agents / chemistry
  • Anabolic Agents / pharmacology
  • Designer Drugs / adverse effects
  • Designer Drugs / chemistry
  • Designer Drugs / pharmacology*
  • Dietary Supplements / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Steroids / adverse effects
  • Steroids / chemistry
  • Steroids / pharmacology*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Testosterone Congeners / adverse effects
  • Testosterone Congeners / chemistry
  • Testosterone Congeners / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anabolic Agents
  • Designer Drugs
  • Steroids
  • Testosterone Congeners