Identification of Metabolites of the Dietary Supplement Ingredient 5α-Hydroxy-Laxogenin.

Our assessment

This 2026 study examined 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin, a substance illegally added to some dietary supplements. Researchers identified its metabolites, meaning the compounds the body creates when it breaks the substance down. The study notes that while this ingredient is not yet prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), it is considered an illegal, undeclared additive. A key finding from an in vitro bioassay (a lab test, not on humans) showed that 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin activates the androgen receptor. What this means for you: if you take a supplement containing this undeclared ingredient, it may produce effects similar to anabolic steroids, which can pose both health risks and the risk of an anti-doping rule violation for athletes. The study design is a laboratory analysis, and no human participants or study duration was provided in the data. Because no human sample size is available, this is considered a preliminary, lab-based finding.

How it works

Think of the androgen receptor as a lock that natural hormones like testosterone use to signal muscle growth and other body functions. The lab test found that 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin can turn that lock, activating the receptor NIH ODS ↗. This means the substance may act as a weak anabolic agent in the body. For you, this explains why the substance is being monitored and why it could be risky for athletes and casual supplement users alike.

Safety profile

Data not available. The provided data does not include any FDA adverse event reports or specific side effect information for 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin. The study notes that adulterated dietary supplements can be a health risk for elite and recreational athletes, but no specific side effect counts or severity data were provided.

Our recommendation

Based on the data, avoid any supplement that lists 5α-hydroxy-laxogenin as an ingredient or that is suspected of being adulterated. Because the substance is illegally added and undeclared, you cannot verify its presence or dose. For athletes, this poses a clear anti-doping rule violation risk. For all consumers, the unknown safety profile and potential androgenic effects make this a substance to avoid entirely. Always choose supplements from reputable manufacturers that undergo third-party testing for purity.