Boldenone

Boldenone (developmental code name RU-18761), is a naturally occurring anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) and the 1(2)-dehydrogenated analogue of testosterone.[2][3][4][5][6] Boldenone itself has never been marketed; as a pharmaceutical drug, it is used as boldenone undecylenate, the undecylenate ester.[2][3][6]

Side effects

See also: Anabolic steroid § Adverse effects

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Like other AAS, boldenone is an agonist of the androgen receptor (AR).[6] The activity of boldenone is mainly anabolic, with a low androgenic potency. Boldenone will increase nitrogen retention, protein synthesis, increases appetite and stimulates the release of erythropoietin in the kidneys.[7] Boldenone was synthesized in an attempt to create a long-acting injectable metandienone, for androgen deficiency disorders. Boldenone acts similar to metandienone with fewer adverse androgenic effects.[medical citation needed] Although commonly compared to nandrolone, boldenone lacks progesterone receptor interaction and associated progestogenic side effects.

Chemistry

See also: List of androgens/anabolic steroids

Boldenone, also known as Δ1-testosterone, 1-dehydrotestosterone, or androsta-1,4-dien-17β-ol-3-one, is a naturally occurring androstanesteroid and a derivative of testosterone.[2][3][6] It is specifically testosterone with a double bond between the C1 and C2 positions.[2][3][6] A related compound is quinbolone, the 17-cyclopentenyl enol ether of boldenone.[2][3]

Sources

Boldenone occurs naturally in the scent gland of Ilybius fenestratus, a species of aquatic beetle.[2]

History

Ciba reportedly patented boldenone in 1949.[6] It subsequently developed several experimental esters of the drug in the 1950s and 1960s.[6] One of these was boldenone undecylenate, which was introduced for clinical use under the brand name Parenabol and saw some use in the late 1960s and early 1970s.[6] However, it was discontinued before the end of the 1970s.[6] Subsequently, boldenone undecylenate was introduced by Squibb under the brand name Equipose for veterinary use, most commonly in horses.[6]

Society and culture

Generic names

Boldenone is the generic name of the drug and its INN and BAN.[2][3][4][5]

Brand names

Boldenone is marketed as veterinary drug as boldenone undecylenate (a derivative of boldenone) under the following brand names: Boldebal H, Equipoise, and Sybolin.[5] It is marketed as a veterinary combination drug with methandriol under the brand name Drive.[5]

In Ukraine, it is marketed for human consumption as the injectable steroid Boldenol.[8]

Doping in sports

See also: List of doping in sport cases § Boldenone undecylenate

There are many known cases of doping in sports with boldenone undecylenate by professional athletes.