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Overview: Laxogenin is a plant chemical that is sometimes used to improve athletic performance. However, very little is known about this chemical. Its benefits and risks are poorly understood. In the U.S., laxogenin is not a legal dietary ingredient. However, it may still be available for purchase online and in some products that are marketed for athletic performance. These products may contain other dangerous chemicals and substances that are not listed on the label. Talk to your health care provider before starting any performance-boosting supplement.

Uses

What is laxogenin used for?

Laxogenin is sometimes used to improve athletic performance, but its benefits are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed laxogenin for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does laxogenin work (mechanism of action)?

Laxogenin is a type of chemical known as a brassinosteroid. It is found in small amounts in certain plants, including chives and Chinese onions. In these plants, laxogenin acts as a steroid hormone, helping the plant grow and respond to issues in its environment.

Some dietary supplements that contain laxogenin refer to it as a “natural steroid.” But laxogenin is a plant steroid, which is not expected to work the same way as a human steroid. Also, most supplements that claim to contain laxogenin actually contain 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin. There is no evidence that 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin is naturally found in plants. 

Very little is known about how laxogenin or 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin may affect the human body. Their safety and efficacy are poorly understood. Products that list these ingredients on the label are more likely to contain other chemicals that are not considered legal supplement ingredients, such as anabolic steroids. Use caution when purchasing a product that claims to contain laxogenin.

How should I store laxogenin?

You should store laxogenin according to the product label. Most products should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of laxogenin?

There is not enough research to know what side effects laxogenin may cause. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of laxogenin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of laxogenin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of laxogenin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Laxogenin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking laxogenin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin calledhives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use laxogenin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take laxogenin.

  • 5-alpha-hydroxy-laxogenin
  • 5-alpha-laxogenin
  • 5-laxogenin
  • Laxogenin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Ask your health care provider if you are not sure what ingredients are in a laxogenin product.

What should I know about laxogenin before using it?

The FDA does not consider laxogenin to be a legal dietary ingredient. However, products containing laxogenin may still be available for purchase in many places. These products are not regulated and have not been tested to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels.

Keep laxogenin out of the reach of children.

Many dietary supplements that contain laxogenin have been found to contain prescription medicines or harmful chemicals, including some that are not listed on the label. These prescription medicines can cause serious side effects and can also interact with other medicines. Use caution when buying a laxogenin product because it may contain harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label. Find a list of potentially harmful products from the FDA here.

The FDA has not tested laxogenin products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using laxogenin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Laxogenin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking laxogenin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how laxogenin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if laxogenin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does laxogenin interact with foods or drinks?

There is not enough research to know if laxogenin interacts with foods or drinks, including alcohol.

Does laxogenin interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking laxogenin.

  • Estrogen or progesterone, which is a hormone found in certain forms of birth control or hormone replacement therapy
  • Testosterone, which is a hormone used to treat low testosterone levels caused by certain conditions
  • Any other medicine that contains hormones

The interactions between laxogenin and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with laxogenin is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking laxogenin with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much laxogenin?

If you or someone else has used too much laxogenin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Laxogenin cannot be legally sold as a dietary supplement in the U.S. However, it may be sold online or found in some products marketed for athletic performance. These products may contain other chemicals or substances that can cause serious side effects. Speak to a health care provider before taking any products that claim to contain laxogenin.