Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs — Ostarine, Ligandrol, RAD140)
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs — Ostarine, Ligandrol, RAD140) is classified under Group B (Pharmacological & Prohibited Performance-Enhancing Substances). It is NOT recommended as an athletic performance aid. This monograph provides objective clinical pharmacology, toxicology, Indian statutory regulation, and WADA anti-doping education only—it never provides doping cycles, stacking regimens, or testing-evasion instructions. Any legitimate therapeutic use requires specialist medical diagnosis and supervision.
1. Generic or Accepted Substance Name & Classifications
Accepted Name: Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs — Ostarine, Ligandrol, RAD140)
Common Names, Synonyms & Classifications: Enobosarm (Ostarine / MK-2866 / GTx-024); Ligandrol (LGD-4033); Testolone (RAD140); Andarine (S-4); S-23; YK-11
Section Classification: Group B — Pharmacological & Prohibited Performance-Enhancing Substances (PERF-B12)
2. Pharmacological Class
Unapproved Investigational Non-Steroidal Androgen Receptor (NR3C4) Ligands
3. Mechanism of Action
Non-steroidal small molecules designed to bind the ligand-binding domain of the Androgen Receptor (AR) and induce tissue-selective co-activator recruitment in skeletal muscle and bone with theoretically reduced 5-alpha-reductase conversion to DHT in prostate tissue. However, in human clinical and toxicological observations, SARMs still suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and cause hepatotoxicity and dyslipidaemia.
4. Proposed Performance or Endurance Effects (Pharmacological Effect vs Proven Athletic Outcome)
Pharmacological Effect: Experimental anabolic receptor activation. Anti-Doping & Clinical Reality: NONE of the SARMs are approved for human clinical use anywhere in the world. They are unapproved investigational chemicals falsely marketed online as 'research chemicals' or 'safe legal alternatives to steroids', and are a leading cause of both severe drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and anti-doping adverse analytical findings.
5. Quality of Scientific Evidence
Evidence Assessment: UNAPPROVED INVESTIGATIONAL CHEMICALS & WADA-PROHIBITED AGENTS (No regulatory approval for any human indication; Phase II/III cachexia trials failed to secure regulatory approval)
6. Approved Medical Uses (Where Applicable)
NONE. Zero approved medical indications under CDSCO (India), US FDA, or EMA.
7. Sports-Related Uses, Misuse Patterns & Contamination Risks
Illicitly sold online in liquid dropper bottles or capsules labelled 'Not for human consumption' or hidden as undeclared adulterants in bodybuilding 'muscle builder' supplements. Analytical audits show >40% of online 'SARM' products contain either a different unapproved compound, oral anabolic steroids, or zero active ingredient.
8. Adverse Effects & Serious Safety Risks
Severe cholestatic and hepatocellular Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI — jaundice, pruritus, elevated bilirubin/ALT requiring hospitalisation), marked HDL-cholesterol suppression and cardiovascular risk, dose-dependent suppression of endogenous LH/FSH and testosterone (secondary hypogonadism), testicular atrophy, and (with Andarine S-4) ocular photopsia and yellow-tinted night-vision disturbances.
9. Contraindications & Precautions
ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED for human consumption, athletic use, pregnancy, lactation, and hepatic/cardiovascular disease.
10. Drug Interactions
Uncharacterised human CYP450 and hepatobiliary transporter (BSEP) inhibition profiles; high risk of additive hepatotoxicity with paracetamol, alcohol, statins, or oral steroids.
11. Clinical & Laboratory Monitoring Considerations
Patients presenting after illicit SARM ingestion require urgent liver function testing (bilirubin, ALT, AST, ALP, INR), fasting lipid panel, and pituitary-gonadal hormone evaluation (LH, FSH, total/free testosterone).
12. Dependence, Misuse or Withdrawal Concerns
Causes post-cessation hypogonadal crash (fatigue, depression, loss of lean mass) driving psychological reliance and polypharmacy abuse (e.g., illicit use of Tamoxifen/Clomiphene).
13. Regulatory & Legal Status in India (CDSCO / Drugs Rules / NDPS / FSSAI)
UNAPPROVED NEW DRUGS in India under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and New Drugs and Clinical Trials (NDCT) Rules, 2019 (CDSCO). Import, manufacture, or sale of SARMs for human consumption or inside dietary supplements is illegal under both CDSCO and FSSAI regulations.
14. Official WADA Prohibited-List Status
PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES (In-Competition and Out-of-Competition) under WADA Prohibited List Category S1.2 (Other Anabolic Agents — explicitly naming andarine, enobosarm [ostarine], LGD-4033 [ligandrol], RAD140, S-23, and YK-11).
15. Authoritative Source References & Date of Last Verification
Date of Last Verification: 11 November 2026