6 Types of SARMs, Differences, Benefits, and Drawbacks
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Sports Technology Labs - Last Updated: April 15, 2024
Table of Contents
A Quick-Start Guide to The 6 Different Types of SARMs
There are a number of types of SARMs on the market that vary depending on their physical and chemical properties. These variations determine both their potential benefits in research as well as their side effects.
Preliminary research has shown the potential of SARMs in sports medicine and other therapeutic areas that are under investigation. Some SARMs have attracted the interest of researchers more than others due to their potential benefits which are now emerging from animal studies.
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are unlike anabolic steroids as they are nonsteroidal compounds that act as modulators of androgen receptors (ARS).
When these substances attach to androgen receptors, they initiate anabolic effects. Researchers have shown significant interest in these compounds, examining their potential for enhancing performance and as therapeutic agents for combating muscle loss conditions like sarcopenia
Their effect on muscle tissue and muscle mass are being studied. SARMs have not been approved by the FDA for personal use. Instead, they are currently categorized as investigational compounds and are not dietary supplements.
This guide will help you understand the different types of SARMs in the U.S. and what each one does.
Three Things to Know about SARMS
SARMs are a largely misconstrued class of compounds. What they are, and what they do are not fully understood. These three points will hopefully bring some clarity to SARMs.
SARMs versus Steroids
SARMs are similar to the natural ligands for androgen receptors (male hormones: testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) but are tissue-selective. SARMs are not anabolic steroids.
According to research, they are not known to cause the virilizing side effects that are typically associated with steroids, such as hair loss, acne, and prostate enlargement. Most SARMs are also orally bioavailable. This is unlike steroids, which have minimal oral bioavailability and hence must be injected.
Those utilizing SARMs for investigational purposes may therefore find them easier to administer to test subjects.
SARMS Research Is Ongoing
SARMs and Disease
A number of benefits of SARMs are now emerging. A 2019 review that was published in Sexual Medicine Reviews showed that SARMs may be useful in managing a variety of conditions, including breast cancer, cancer-related cachexia, hypogonadism, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate gland enlargement.
SARMs and Healing
Researchers are also exploring the potential usefulness of SARMs in sports medicine. According to research, SARMs may enhance sports performance and facilitate tissue recovery after injury. More studies must be conducted to validate these claims.
SARMs Are Legal to Buy in the U.S.
SARMs are approved in the U.S. as investigational compounds. They are not approved as supplements or medicines but can be purchased legally for research purposes only.
Types of SARMs
There is a wide variety of SARMs currently on the market. They are similar because of their anabolic properties but have different mechanisms of action and therefore have different effects. SARMs are not anabolic steroids. Below we have listed and expounded on five types of SARMs with significant research potential.
1. Liquid Testolone (RAD140)
Liquid Testolone is a typical SARM that selectively binds to androgen receptors. It’s widely sought after because of its anabolic properties with a high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio of 90:1. It is not hard to find RAD 140 for sale online.
According to a recent study, it may eventually be used in sports medicine to increase lean muscle mass and endurance and to trigger weight loss. Researchers are exploring its neuroprotective properties that may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
- Cardarine Side Effects: Cardarine has been linked to carcinogenic effects at high doses in rats. The evidence is wanting, though, since a 2007 clinical study failed to produce carcinogenic effects in mammals.
4. MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
MK-677 is a ghrelin receptor agonist that increases the levels of growth hormone and the levels of insulin-like growth factor one. MK 677, also know as Ibutamoren, has been used in research studies to reverse muscle atrophy diseases like sarcopenia.
A study that was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in 1998 showed that Ibutamoren reverses protein catabolism induced by poor diet. The study further stated it may be used to increase lean muscle mass and bone density.
- Ibutamoren Side Effects According to Research: Ibutamoren may cause frequent hunger pangs, water retention, fatigue, changes in blood sugar, and mild muscle pain in the lower extremities.
5. YK- 11 (Myostatin)
YK-11 is a SARM that’s created by modifying the structure of dihydrotestosterone. This means that it has a structure that’s quite similar to that of typical steroids. It acts as a myostatin inhibitor and hence promotes muscle growth.
YK-11 also increases follistatin levels giving it potent anabolic properties.
- YK-11 Side Effects According to Research: YK-11 suppresses the levels of testosterone over time. This may cause reduced libido, depression, low energy levels, and loss of bone density. As a myostatin inhibitor, YK-11 may also cause joint pain. For more information, see our guide on unlocking the mystery of YK-11.
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Liquid YK-11 - 10MG/ML$59.99
6. MK-2866 (Ostarine)
Ostarine is an orally active and typical SARM with selective action at the androgen receptors. Research has shown it has potential benefits in burning fat and building muscle mass.
Research also states it has potential uses in improving performance and preventing cachexia (severe muscle wasting) and may also be useful in increasing lean body mass in mammals with cancer without causing severe side effects.
- Ostarine Side Effects According to Research: Ostarine may cause stomach pain, bloating, and back pain. It may also suppress the production of natural testosterone when consumed in higher doses. This may reduce sexual drive and trigger infertility.
Application Reminder and the FDA
These are the SARMs researchers should be most familiar with. Research has shown that SARMs have wide applications in muscle wasting disorders, such as assisting muscle mass in those with sarcopenia, but researchers must remember that the FDA has not yet approved SARMs for personal use.
Most athletic leagues currently forbid the use of SARMs. It’s important to know the legal status of SARMs in your jurisdiction before purchasing any of the different types of SARMs.
Where to Buy SARMs
Now that you know more about the different types of SARMS, you can purchase SARMs for investigative purposes from several online sources.
It’s very important to ascertain the quality of SARMs before purchasing any. One study found that only 52% of SARMs that are on the market are genuine, and some SARMs contain a compound such as growth hormone.
Other companies will produce counterfeit certificates of analysis to mislead customers, risking their research subject’s health and well-being in the process.
Be sure to do your due diligence when purchasing one of the different types of SARMs by checking on false claims, online reviews, and the certificate of analysis to ensure that what you’re buying is safe and meets industry standards.
Visit the Sports Technology Labs Blog for News and Information about SARMs
Look no further than Sports Technology Labs for the highest quality RAD 140, Ligandrol, Ostarine, MK 677, and other SARMs.
Visit the Sports Technology Labs research blog for information about new products, updates in the industry, side effects, new scientific literature, and product comparisons.
Scientific References:
1. Solomon, Z. J., Mirabal, J. R., Mazur, D. J., Kohn, T. P., Lipshultz, L. I., & Pastuszak, A. W. (2019). Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators: Current Knowledge and Clinical Applications. Sexual medicine reviews, 7(1), 84–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.09.006
2. Jayaraman, A., Christensen, A., Moser, V. A., Vest, R. S., Miller, C. P., Hattersley, G., & Pike, C. J. (2014). Selective androgen receptor modulator RAD140 is neuroprotective in cultured neurons and kainate-lesioned male rats. Endocrinology, 155(4), 1398–1406.
3. Chen, W., Gao, R., Xie, X., Zheng, Z., Li, H., Li, S., Dong, F., & Wang, L. (2015). A metabolomic study of the PPARδ agonist GW501516 for enhancing running endurance in Kunming mice. Scientific reports, 5, 9884.
4. Kanno, Y., Ota, R., Someya, K., Kusakabe, T., Kato, K., & Inouye, Y. (2013). Selective androgen receptor modulator, YK11, regulates myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts by follistatin expression. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin, 36(9), 1460–1465. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.b13-00231
5. https://sportstechnologylabs.com/are-sarms-closer-to-safe-steroids/
6. Machek, S. B., Cardaci, T. D., Wilburn, D. T., & Willoughby, D. S. (2020). Considerations, possible contraindications, and potential mechanisms for deleterious effect in recreational and athletic use of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) in lieu of anabolic steroids: A narrative review. Steroids, 164, 108753.
7. Huang, Q., Tian, L., Zhao, X., Lei, S., Zhao, B., Qiu, Z., & Xia, Z. Y. (2022). Rev-erbs agonist SR9009 alleviates ischemia-reperfusion injury by heightening endogenous cardioprotection at onset of type-2 diabetes in rats: Down-regulating ferritinophagy/ferroptosis signaling. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 154, 113595.
8. Murphy, M. G., Plunkett, L. M., Gertz, B. J., He, W., Wittreich, J., Polvino, W. M., & Clemmons, D. R. (1998). MK-677, an orally active growth hormone secretagogue, reverses diet-induced catabolism. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 83(2), 320-325.
9. https://sportstechnologylabs.com/mk-2866/
10. Mohideen, H., Hussain, H., Dahiya, D. S., & Wehbe, H. (2023). Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators: An Emerging Liver Toxin. Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology, 11(1), 188-196.
- SR9009 Side Effects According to Research: The potential side effects of SR9009 are not well known but may include dehydration or disturbances in sleep.
3. Liquid Cardarine (GW501516)
Liquid Cardarine is an “atypical” SARM. It is a selective agonist of the PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors), a group of steroid and thyroid proteins involved in regulating metabolism.
Research has shown that it may increase endurance and promote muscle recovery during exercise. It may also increase insulin sensitivity, improve HDL/LDL cholesterol, and promote fat loss.
- Cardarine Side Effects: Cardarine has been linked to carcinogenic effects at high doses in rats. The evidence is wanting, though, since a 2007 clinical study failed to produce carcinogenic effects in mammals.
4. MK-677 (Ibutamoren)
MK-677 is a ghrelin receptor agonist that increases the levels of growth hormone and the levels of insulin-like growth factor one. MK 677, also know as Ibutamoren, has been used in research studies to reverse muscle atrophy diseases like sarcopenia.
A study that was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in 1998 showed that Ibutamoren reverses protein catabolism induced by poor diet. The study further stated it may be used to increase lean muscle mass and bone density.
- Ibutamoren Side Effects According to Research: Ibutamoren may cause frequent hunger pangs, water retention, fatigue, changes in blood sugar, and mild muscle pain in the lower extremities.
5. YK- 11 (Myostatin)
YK-11 is a SARM that’s created by modifying the structure of dihydrotestosterone. This means that it has a structure that’s quite similar to that of typical steroids. It acts as a myostatin inhibitor and hence promotes muscle growth.
YK-11 also increases follistatin levels giving it potent anabolic properties.
- YK-11 Side Effects According to Research: YK-11 suppresses the levels of testosterone over time. This may cause reduced libido, depression, low energy levels, and loss of bone density. As a myostatin inhibitor, YK-11 may also cause joint pain. For more information, see our guide on unlocking the mystery of YK-11.
6. MK-2866 (Ostarine)
Ostarine is an orally active and typical SARM with selective action at the androgen receptors. Research has shown it has potential benefits in burning fat and building muscle mass.
Research also states it has potential uses in improving performance and preventing cachexia (severe muscle wasting) and may also be useful in increasing lean body mass in mammals with cancer without causing severe side effects.
- Ostarine Side Effects According to Research: Ostarine may cause stomach pain, bloating, and back pain. It may also suppress the production of natural testosterone when consumed in higher doses. This may reduce sexual drive and trigger infertility.
Application Reminder and the FDA
These are the SARMs researchers should be most familiar with. Research has shown that SARMs have wide applications in muscle wasting disorders, such as assisting muscle mass in those with sarcopenia, but researchers must remember that the FDA has not yet approved SARMs for personal use.
Most athletic leagues currently forbid the use of SARMs. It’s important to know the legal status of SARMs in your jurisdiction before purchasing any of the different types of SARMs.
Where to Buy SARMs
Now that you know more about the different types of SARMS, you can purchase SARMs for investigative purposes from several online sources.
It’s very important to ascertain the quality of SARMs before purchasing any. One study found that only 52% of SARMs that are on the market are genuine, and some SARMs contain a compound such as growth hormone.
Other companies will produce counterfeit certificates of analysis to mislead customers, risking their research subject’s health and well-being in the process.
Be sure to do your due diligence when purchasing one of the different types of SARMs by checking on false claims, online reviews, and the certificate of analysis to ensure that what you’re buying is safe and meets industry standards.
Visit the Sports Technology Labs Blog for News and Information about SARMs
Look no further than Sports Technology Labs for the highest quality RAD 140, Ligandrol, Ostarine, MK 677, and other SARMs.
Visit the Sports Technology Labs research blog for information about new products, updates in the industry, side effects, new scientific literature, and product comparisons.
Scientific References:
1. Solomon, Z. J., Mirabal, J. R., Mazur, D. J., Kohn, T. P., Lipshultz, L. I., & Pastuszak, A. W. (2019). Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators: Current Knowledge and Clinical Applications. Sexual medicine reviews, 7(1), 84–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2018.09.006
2. Jayaraman, A., Christensen, A., Moser, V. A., Vest, R. S., Miller, C. P., Hattersley, G., & Pike, C. J. (2014). Selective androgen receptor modulator RAD140 is neuroprotective in cultured neurons and kainate-lesioned male rats. Endocrinology, 155(4), 1398–1406.
3. Chen, W., Gao, R., Xie, X., Zheng, Z., Li, H., Li, S., Dong, F., & Wang, L. (2015). A metabolomic study of the PPARδ agonist GW501516 for enhancing running endurance in Kunming mice. Scientific reports, 5, 9884.
4. Kanno, Y., Ota, R., Someya, K., Kusakabe, T., Kato, K., & Inouye, Y. (2013). Selective androgen receptor modulator, YK11, regulates myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts by follistatin expression. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin, 36(9), 1460–1465. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.b13-00231
5. https://sportstechnologylabs.com/are-sarms-closer-to-safe-steroids/
6. Machek, S. B., Cardaci, T. D., Wilburn, D. T., & Willoughby, D. S. (2020). Considerations, possible contraindications, and potential mechanisms for deleterious effect in recreational and athletic use of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) in lieu of anabolic steroids: A narrative review. Steroids, 164, 108753.
7. Huang, Q., Tian, L., Zhao, X., Lei, S., Zhao, B., Qiu, Z., & Xia, Z. Y. (2022). Rev-erbs agonist SR9009 alleviates ischemia-reperfusion injury by heightening endogenous cardioprotection at onset of type-2 diabetes in rats: Down-regulating ferritinophagy/ferroptosis signaling. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 154, 113595.
8. Murphy, M. G., Plunkett, L. M., Gertz, B. J., He, W., Wittreich, J., Polvino, W. M., & Clemmons, D. R. (1998). MK-677, an orally active growth hormone secretagogue, reverses diet-induced catabolism. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 83(2), 320-325.
9. https://sportstechnologylabs.com/mk-2866/
10. Mohideen, H., Hussain, H., Dahiya, D. S., & Wehbe, H. (2023). Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators: An Emerging Liver Toxin. Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology, 11(1), 188-196.
