What are SARMs?

Disclaimer: All references to “research subjects” or “test subjects” or and reference to “research” throughout this article refer to research conducted on non human non veterinary research subjects such as rats and mice.

SARM is an acronym for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. In geek speak these compounds are known as Ligands. The definition in biochemical terms is simply a molecule that binds to another, usually larger, molecule.  I know, I know, please hold your applause. If you want a great exploration of the “Current Knowledge and Clinical Applications” of these exciting new compounds this is a great place to start.. 

However, if you’re not super current on your molecular biology credits, the simple explanation is they are compounds that stimulate specific anabolic pathways in the body.

I know anabolic is a bit of a charged word, but from a scientific standpoint it just means “to build”. This can be building muscle, which shows great promise for wasting diseases. It could also refer to bones and certain immune cells that research is showing allows these compounds to hopefully help with issues like osteoporosis and cancers. 

Let’s dive a little further into the title here.

Word By Word Breakdown

Androgen Receptor Modulator. What a freakin’ mouthful huh? Modulation simply refers to control and adjusting the balance between stimulation and suppression. Mood disorders are often discussed in terms of an inability to “modulate” one’s mood. So what do SARM’s regulate the modulation of? You guessed it, the Androgen Receptors. Most anabolic activities in living organisms are regulated by receptors. These are like the spot of the tv that can’t be blocked for the remote control to work. The receptors receive signals and respond accordingly. These signals tell the body to build more bone, muscle, connective tissue, and even nerve cells. Old fashioned methods of stimulating anabolic pathways often carry with it more signal than desired, impacting other systems in the process. In terms of osteoporosis, anabolic activity in tissues other than bone is not necessarily desirable, which brings us back to the first letter. S is for Selective, and this is truly where the magic happens. 

The Power Of Precision

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. Like I mentioned previously, brute force methods for stimulating the androgen receptors have been used for a long time. The problem has always been with unwanted additional effects which occur when androgen receptors are stimulated systematically. Of all the possible ways these compounds may prove effective, such as treating conditions like osteoporosis, cancer, heart failure, and HIV, none of the outcomes are resolved if progress in one area deters another. No matter how grateful a patient may be when they successfully treat an issue, they will likely be unhappy about a bunch of hair on their chest or knuckles afterwards. 

So… What Is A SARM?

So let’s bring it back around now. What have we learned? Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators are cutting edge compounds that are being researched for their ability to selectively stimulate anabolic activity in living cells. Essentially, they maximize the benefits and minimize the peripheral activity of antiquated approaches. For the highest quality and purity research SARMs look no further than SAF Research..