Boldenone Also Known As Δ1-Testosterone

Boldenone, Also Known As Δ1-Testosterone

Boldenone, also known as Δ1-testosterone, is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) derived from testosterone. Its history is quite fascinating.

Origins: Boldenone was reportedly patented by Ciba in 1949. It was developed as a pharmaceutical drug and later introduced as boldenone undecylenate, an esterified compound.

Clinical Use: Initially, boldenone undecylenate was marketed under the brand name Parenabol for clinical use in the late 1960s and early 1970s. However, it was discontinued before the end of the 1970s.

Veterinary Applications: Boldenone found a new purpose in veterinary medicine. It was introduced under the brand name Equipose by Squibb for use in horses. Its ability to promote muscle growth and appetite made it popular in this field.

Mechanism of Action: Boldenone acts as an agonist of the androgen receptor (AR), primarily exhibiting anabolic effects with low androgenic potency. It enhances nitrogen retention, protein synthesis, and stimulates erythropoietin release in the kidneys.

Prohibited Substance: Boldenone is banned in sports and is classified as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It is also illegal for use in humans and racehorses competing in Olympic and Paralympic events.

Controversies: Despite its prohibition, boldenone has been used illicitly for performance enhancement in athletes and animals. It has also been found in contaminated dietary supplements.

Boldenone (Δ1-Testosterone) Overview

Chemical Name: Boldenone

Also Known As: Δ1-Testosterone (or 1-Dehydrotestosterone)

Common Ester Form: Boldenone Undecylenate (brand name Equipoise)

Class: Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid (AAS)

Derived From: Testosterone

Molecular Change: It has a double bond between carbon 1 and 2 (hence the name Δ1-Testosterone), which makes it slightly different from testosterone.

🔸 Key Characteristics

Anabolic to Androgenic Ratio: Favorably anabolic with moderate androgenic effects.

Half-Life (Undecylenate ester): Around 14 days.

Main Uses:

Muscle mass and strength gains (slow and steady)

Appetite stimulation

Used in veterinary medicine (mainly in horses)

🔸 How It Differs from Testosterone

Less Estrogenic Activity: Aromatizes to estrogen, but much less than testosterone.

Lean Gains: Promotes lean muscle without excessive water retention.

Milder Side Effects: Lower risk of gynecomastia compared to testosterone, though not zero.

🔸 Common Use in Bodybuilding

Often used in bulking or lean bulking stacks.

Cycle Duration: Typically 12+ weeks due to its long ester.

Stacked With: Testosterone, Trenbolone, Masteron, etc.

Dosage Range (for men): 300–600 mg per week (depends on experience and goals)

Is boldenone prohibited in sport?

Yes, boldenone is prohibited at all times for all athletes, including elite, recreational, Masters, and junior-level athletes. Boldenone is classified on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List as a prohibited substance in the S1 category. Anabolic Agents category.

As boldenone may also occur naturally at very low concentrations in the urine, WADA-accredited laboratories apply a specific analysis procedure called carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry, or GC/C/IRMS, to differentiate between external administration and internal production. In 2018, there were 87 cases involving positive tests for boldenone, which represents 6 percent of all positives for anabolic agents globally in WADA-accredited laboratories.