Description
King Superdrol refers to a brand-name version of methasterone, a potent synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that gained notoriety in the mid-2000s as a “designer steroid.” Manufacturers sold it in dietary supplements. Syntex Corporation first synthesized methasterone in the 1950s for potential therapeutic applications, but it never received approval as a prescription drug. However, it later re-emerged as an over-the-counter bodybuilding supplement marketed under names like Superdrol and King Superdrol.
What Is Methasterone?
Chemical Identity
Methasterone, chemically known as 2α,17α-dimethyl-5α-androstan-17β-ol-3-one, is a C17-alpha-alkylated derivative of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The FDA recognizes “Superdrol” as a synonym for methasterone. Syntex Corporation initially developed it in 1956 during research for anti-tumor agents. Moreover, early studies reported it to be 400% as anabolic as methyltestosterone with only 20% of its androgenic activity.
Mechanism of Action
Methasterone binds to and activates the androgen receptor. This action increases protein synthesis and nitrogen retention in skeletal muscle. Additionally, the 17α-methylation allows it to survive first-pass liver metabolism, which makes it orally bioavailable. However, this same modification significantly increases its hepatotoxic potential.
Health Risks and Regulatory Actions
Hepatotoxicity
Severe liver injury is the most well-documented danger of Superdrol products. Multiple case reports describe cholestatic jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, and even hepatic encephalopathy in previously healthy young men after using methasterone-containing supplements. For example, a 2009 case report detailed a 42-year-old man who developed jaundice and renal failure seven weeks after starting Superdrol.
Cardiovascular and Renal Effects
Beyond liver damage, Superdrol use has links to significant cholesterol increases—sometimes 25-50 points in total cholesterol after a single cycle. Researchers have also reported IgA nephropathy and renal failure in association with methasterone use.
FDA Warnings and Legal Status
The FDA issued warning letters in 2006 to manufacturers of Superdrol products. The agency stated that continued distribution could result in seizure and injunction. Furthermore, it advised consumers to stop taking these products and return them to the point of purchase. Methasterone now holds classification as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States. It also appears on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list.
Conclusion
King Superdrol represents a dangerous class of unapproved designer steroids that exploited regulatory gaps in the dietary supplement market. Despite its reputation for potent anabolic effects, the documented risks of severe liver injury, kidney damage, and cardiovascular harm far outweigh any perceived benefits. Consumers should know that products marketed under names like King Superdrol may lack sanitary registration and remain illegal in many jurisdictions.
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