SARMs- selective androgen receptor modulators, the initial focus during development was their ability to deal with muscle wasting conditions. It is also being researched as a possible remedy for breast cancer. SARMs, so far, are for investigational purposes only. They were developed as a safer option than anabolic steroids, with which came a whole lot of side effects with benefits. SARMs are a class of androgen receptor ligands that bind androgen receptors and exhibit tissue-selective activation of androgen signaling. In layman’s terms, SARMs add lean muscle mass, improve muscle definition and add tone all at the same time. This is probably why they are quite popular in the bodybuilding business. Depending on the type of SARM, they offer various benefits and are a welcoming alternative to anabolic steroids.
Table of Contents
Today, we will compare two such SARMs – their use, half-lives, their benefits, and side effects – Ostarine MK-2866 and Cardarine GW501516.
First things first. Cardarine is not a SARM. It is, in reality, a PPAR delta receptor agonist that affects the way the liver processes its energy source. It is a low-dose growth hormone. The reason Ostarine and Cardarine are usually paired together is because of their weight loss-inducing qualities. Both Ostarine and Cardarine, have been used to induce weight loss while maintaining lean body muscle mass.
Ostarine MK- 2866, also known as Enobosarm, is an investigational selective androgen receptor modulator developed by GTX, Inc. for patients suffering from muscle wasting and osteoporosis. It is available in 5, 10, and 20 mg doses. For the use of bodybuilding purposes, 20mg is the dose of choice. Usually, Ostarine is the poison of choice for beginners. Ostarine ideally should not be taken right before or during workout sessions. It can be taken once every 24 hours, and the best time to take it would be right after your gym session or the morning before working out. Ostarine is most often consumed orally at 3mg per day for 12-16 weeks for the best results. However, Ostarine MK 2866 is an unapproved drug and has been banned by WADA and the NCAA.
Cardarine, also known as GW 501516, is a chemical known as a metabolic modulator that changes the way the body metabolizes fat. It was invented in a collaboration between Ligand Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline in the 1990s. Developed for weight loss, diabetes, and to improve athletic performance. Cardarine has been used in 2.5 to 10mg doses with no significant adverse effects on human adults. That is the dose that is recommended for bodybuilding uses as well. The lack of research surrounding the drug makes half-life and extended use a grey area. There is limited access to the drug, and any that you get your hands on was probably obtained for research purposes, so the use of it is not recommended. Cardarine is also banned by WADA and the NCAA.
When looking for a SARMs stack for fat loss, Ostarine and Cardarine should be stacked together. But, if you are looking for bulking options, Ostarine must be stacked with RAD 140, LGD-4033, and MK-677.
How Do SARMs like Ostarine and Cardarine Work?
Ostarine works by binding to the androgen receptors in the body. These receptors are most abundantly found in muscles and are responsible for various functions like muscle growth, fat loss, and recovery. By binding to these receptors, Ostarine can help to reduce body fat and increase muscle mass and increase endurance. Ostarine is safe to use only when cycled- used in isolation without any other supplement or drugs. After the completion of the cycle, you must follow up with post-cycle therapy.
Cardarine, on the other hand, switches out the liver’s energy source from glucose to fatty acids. What it also does is that Cardarine binds to the androgen receptor and activates it, causing the receptor to translocate to the nucleus of the muscle cell, modulating the expression of energy production by the genes. As a result, new mitochondria are formed, and since mitochondria are responsible for energy production, the muscle cell can produce more energy. This results in more energy, increased endurance, and total body fat loss. The half-life for Cardarine is 16 to 24 hours. The effectiveness of the drug depends a lot on the individual.
Benefits and Side Effects of Pure SARMs
There is a reason why Ostarine is popular at the gym – It comes with several advantages:
- Reduced fat mass: Due to its ability to bind to androgen receptors, Ostarine can effectively reduce body fat while maintaining muscle size and mass. It can reduce the amount of fatty tissue in the body.
- Better recovery: Allowing you to train longer and harder, Ostarine can improve endurance and significantly shorten recovery time.
- Muscle gain: Ostarine binds to androgen receptors, directly improving muscle gains, and because of greater endurance, muscle growth is inevitable from spending long hours at the gym.
- Ostarine is considered safe and non-toxic when compared to anabolic steroids. It is the safer SARM.
Ostarine does come with a few side effects, the most common of which are headaches. These headaches usually make an appearance when you start the use of the drug, and it generally wears off. If so, you should consider reducing the dose and cutting your cycle to just 8 weeks. Nausea is also sometimes a side effect. When used for extended periods, Ostarine has been found to create issues with depression and anxiety. If such is the case, use must be stopped immediately. Joint pain can also be experienced while using Ostarine.
Cardarine comes with the following benefits:
- Increased endurance: The major reason for Cardarine’s popularity is that it can significantly improve endurance. Athletes can work longer and harder than before.
- Improved fat loss: Because of the unique way of functioning, Cardarine improves fatty acid oxidation, and fat burning becomes easier.
- Better health: This drug has been shown to better cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. It can effectively reduce bad cholesterol and can help those who suffer from asthma or arthritis.
- Age appropriate: Cardarine can improve physical function in the elderly. It is most appropriate for those of advanced ages to continue living an active lifestyle.
For fat loss, Cardarine may be the better option, but it does come with a lot more side effect. Like Ostarine, Headaches and joint pains could be expected, but with Cardarine, you could suffer from muscle cramps, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure.
Diarrhea is another side effect that is associated with Cardarine. It occurs when used in higher doses or when taken with antibiotics or ibuprofen.
With higher doses of either SARMs, testosterone suppression is a real danger.
Both Ostarine and Cardarine are equally good at helping you bulk up. But to get a better-looking body, you will have to sacrifice health with the use of SARMs. SARMs are illegal, unsafe, and for the most part, untested. We still have to find out the full range of consequences when SARMs are used for building muscle. So, if you still need that little extra while working out, you could go the natural way.
Safe, Natural, and Legal SARM Alternatives
Health Brands like CrazyBulk and Brutal Force are pioneers in the bodybuilding world. They do not use SARMs in their supplements. Instead, they find natural herbs and compounds that, when put together, mimic the benefits of SARMs. Both brands have natural alternatives to almost every SARM used in the business. You have options for building lean body mass, total body fat loss, loss of visceral fat, increase in muscle tissue, and increase in natural testosterone.
For advanced bodybuilders who wish to keep lean mass while maintaining the fat loss,
- CrazyBulk has options available for both Ostarine and Cardarine – OSTA-2866 and C-DINE 501516.
- Brutal Force has similar products that replicate the benefits of the Ostarine and Cardarine – Ostabulk and Cardalean.
Natural SARMs by CrazyBulk
CrazyBulk OSTA-2866 is a safe and natural option that mimics the benefits of the SARM without side effects. All you have to do is take 4 pills of the supplement 30 to 45 minutes before the start of your lifting session. Osta 2866 is the best option for your bulking and cutting cycles. For fat loss, Ostarine increases protein synthesis as a result of muscle mass growth. But this legal alternative, OSTA-2866, does not attach to androgen receptors but instead enhances your body’s natural processes to improve physical performance, which leads to fat loss. It is ideal to break through plateaus that one is bound to hit during exercise regimes. The ingredients in OSTA-2866 are such that they increase the size and bulk of muscles, boost ATP production, induce fat loss, and increase power and strength.
Click Here to learn more about CrazyBulk’s Osta-2866; a supplement used primarily for Cutting and Bulking!
CrazyBulk C-DINE 501516 acts as a fat burner that boosts basal metabolic rate that helps your body naturally shed fat. You only have to take 4 pills 20 minutes before your first meal and let the supplement do the work for you. You can use this during your cutting cycle for energy. C-DINE 501516 supports weight management efforts without muscle loss. Unlike Cardarine, which alters the liver enzymes, the CrazyBulk option uses ingredients that induce thermogenesis which leads to fat loss. Stored fat is burnt, endurance is improved, lean muscle is revealed, and recovery time is cut short.
Click Here to learn more about CrazyBulk’s C-Dine 501516; a supplement used essentially for Cutting and Energy!
Natural SARMs by Brutal Force
Brutal Force OSTABULK gives you the same anabolic effects as the SARM and helps boost testosterone levels. You will have to consume 3 capsules 45 minutes before your first meal. OSTABULK uses components that rapidly increase muscle mass, burn through fat stores, boost strength and energy, and help you off plateaus. Because of the way OSTABULK works, you get the ripped physique you have always wanted.
Click Here to learn more about Brutal Force’s Ostabulk; a supplement used for its Powerful Bulking Effects!
On the other hand, Brutal Force CARDALEAN works as an extreme fat burner and endurance enhancer. To start using, you should take 3 capsules 20 minutes before your first meal. This product promises increased vascularity, better fat loss, more energy, and better endurance. The ingredients in CARDALEAN burn off fat cells for energy, and this reveals the lean muscle mass below. Increased endurance means longer, harder hours at the gym, so you have greater muscle mass gains.
Click Here to learn more about Brutal Force’s Cardalean; a supplement well-known for its Cutting Benefits!
Let’s talk about these four natural supplements for a bit. For none of these dietary supplements would you need post-cycle therapy as they do not need to be cycled. They are natural and can be taken in any combination you see fit. There are no half-life hassles. This means, no top-ups, no needles, and no alarms to take your next dose. The best bit yet, there are no side effects in any way or manner. As these products use safe, legal, and natural ingredients, you have no fear of side effects. However, before you start any new supplement, please consult a physician. Everybody has their quirks, and you may want to check for allergies.
How Do These Legal and Natural SARMs Work?
Many bodybuilders are now opting for natural supplements as they are safer and legal. And because they work. Unlike SARMs Ostarine or Cardarine, which play with your biochemistry, natural supplements can build muscles by using your own body’s potential, and they use scientifically backed ingredients to do so.
Here’s a brief look at what these supplements use.
- Ginseng
Appearing in all four supplements, this Chinese herb does wonder for reducing recovery time and improving endurance by enhancing the function of the adrenal glands. It also protects the immune and cardiovascular system and may also reverse testosterone suppression from other treatments.
- Magnesium and Zinc
Used in CrazyBulk’s OSTA2866 and Brutal Force’s OSTABULK, magnesium is essential to bodybuilding. Apart from helping with sleep and stress control, magnesium improves flexibility, energy production, muscle strength, and reflexes.
Zinc works on improving oxygen levels in the muscles improving performance and stamina. Zinc can also support protein structures, chemical reactions, and enzymes in the body, all of which help the muscle-building process.
- Vitamin B6
Included in CrazyBulk’s C-DINE 501516 and Brutal Force’s OSTABULK, this vitamin helps the body absorb sufficient amino acids that help to build muscle and keep them strong. B6 uses the protein for muscle, which would otherwise be wasted. As a result, muscles are stronger, toned, and healthy.
These were the components that the supplements share amongst them. The following are the exclusive components.
Other Distinctive Ingredients in CrazyBulk’s Osta-2866
OSTA-2866 includes:
- Fennel
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, fennel can promote digestion and help with fat loss. Because of its ability to aid proper digestion, it induces a sense of fullness. It is also sometimes used as an aphrodisiac.
- Cinnamon
A study in 2010 revealed that cinnamon helps build lean muscle mass and reduces the body when taken in tandem with a calorie deficit diet. It can also promote testosterone levels and can provide extra energy for a workout.
- Reishi Mushrooms
These mushrooms are traditionally steeped as a tea and used to support the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep and curb fatigue. Since this is more protein than fat, it is an effective way to lose fat and build muscle.
Other Distinctive Ingredients in CrazyBulk’s C-Dine 501516
C-DINE 501516 adds the following:
- Vitamins A, C, and B2
Vitamin A provides structural strength to muscles by improving bone density and strength and stimulating young cells to mature quicker.
Vitamin C assists iron absorption in the body, which contributes to improved hemoglobin and oxygen in the blood leading to better exercise output.
Without Vitamin B2, the body cannot metabolize carbs into energy. Carbs are a major fuel source during workouts. B2 also reduces fatigue.
- Minerals Iron, Choline, Iodine, and Chromium
Iron improves blood oxygen levels, induces rapid muscle growth, and is especially critical for women bodybuilders.
Choline is a micronutrient essential to modulate fat and protein metabolism. This directly influences muscle growth and function. It also fights inflammation in the body easing recovery from exercise.
Chromium is supplemented by professional bodybuilders and athletes for enhanced performance and improved energy levels. It may also influence weight loss.
- Innoslim & Capsimax
Both trademarked components, Innoslim is a stimulant-free metabolic accelerant added to most fat-burning supplements. It allows for fat loss while maintaining lean muscle mass.
Capsimax promotes thermogenesis which is key for healthy weight loss from fat and has antioxidant properties as well.
Other Distinctive Ingredients in Brutal Force’s Ostabulk
OSTABULK from Brutal Force adds the following components.
- Vitamin D3 and K
For testosterone production, vitamin D is key, and it also helps in protein synthesis and bone health.
Vitamin K is critical for blood clotting, maintaining bone health, and boosting metabolic health.
- D-Aspartic Acid
Recommended to raise testosterone levels, sperm count, and motility, and can be used as a pre-workout enhancer.
- Nettle Leaf Extract
This root extract can be used to help build muscle size and mass, while safely raising testosterone levels. It is also an effective treatment for anemia.
- Fenugreek
Studies claim that fenugreek is capable of enhancing physical performance and can improve strength and muscle building when coupled with exercise.
- Boron Citrate
Though the science is unclear, boron has been found to support the muscle-building process. It is vital for alertness, brain function, and healthy bones.
- BioPerine
A trademarked nutritional supplement, BioPerine induces thermogenesis in the body, which supports weight loss from fat and can also significantly raise energy and endurance levels.
Other Distinctive Ingredients in Brutal Force’s Cardalean
And lastly, CARDALEAN adds:
- Wild Yam
Yam provides a complex carb source that sustains energy levels during a gym session. It also supports weight management as it helps you feel full for longer.
- L-Arginine
This ingredient reduces fat stores under the skin and promotes muscle growth. Apart from that, it supports performance, strength, and better protein synthesis.
- Acetyl L-Carnitine
Mood, learning, and memory are all influenced by this compound. It helps fat loss by helping the muscle mitochondria burn fat as fuel, raising endurance levels and quicker recovery.
- Puncture Vine
An herb that promotes testosterone production, it is responsible for massive strength outputs and lean muscle mass gains. It also helps with recovery by healing muscles from post-workout wear and tear.
CrazyBulk; Purchase Avenues, Cost, and Refund Policies
- This ensures that you get only the original products. You can avail of them every month for $69.99.
- If you opt to buy two months’ worth at once, it would cost you $139.99, and you get a bottle free.
- For $209.99, you pay for three bottles, and you get 2 for free.
CrazyBulk offers a 67-day money-back guarantee. All you have to do is contact customer service and return any unopened bottles.
Brutal Force; Purchase Avenues, Cost, and Refund Policies
Brutal Force products are also available exclusively on their official website, Click to visit.
- OSTABULK and CARDALEAN can both be had for $59.99 each.
- When you opt to buy two bottles, you get a free bottle thrown in for free at $119.98.
If you change your mind about the product, you can avail of the 100-day money-back guarantee provided.
FAQs
Q1. Are these products habit-forming?
Ans. No, the SARMs alternatives use only natural ingredients that are in no way habit-forming. Also, one of these supplements even contains caffeine.
Q2. Does any of these supplements contain steroids or SARMs?
Ans. None of them contain steroids or SARMs. These dietary supplements improve your body’s natural anabolic activity to give you favorable results.
Q3. Can such supplements affect hormonal activity?
Ans. Apart from an increase in testosterone production, no other hormonal activity is not influenced. At least not in the androgenic ways that are commonly used by anabolic steroids.
Q4. Are these SARM alternatives safe to use with prescription medication?
Ans. If you do have a pre-existing medical condition, do consult your physician before you start any new supplement courses.
A Quick Recap
To help you compare and make a better decision, let’s compare the SARMs against the natural alternatives.
| Ostarine SARM | Cardarine SARM | OSTA 2866 | C-DINE 501516 | OSTABULK | CARDALEAN | |
| Benefits |
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| Side effects |
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| Stack Options | For cutting, stack Ostarine and Cardarine. For Bulking stack Ostarine with RAD 140. | For Cutting and bulking stack Cardarine, Stenabolic and Ibutamoren. | Ultimate SARMs stack with IBUTA677, LIGAN4033, C-DINE501516 and STENA9009 | Ultimate SARMs stack with IBUTA677, LIGAN4033, OSTA2866 and STENA9009 | SARMs stack with RADBULK and ANDALEAN | Goliath strength stack with OSTABULK and YKBULK |
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| Cons |
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| Cost | Cannot be bought for human consumption | Cannot be bought for human consumption | $69.99 | $69.99 | $59.99 | $59.99 |
| Where to Buy? | Illegally from the Black Market | Illegally from the Black Market | Click Here to Buy OSTA 2866 from the CrazyBulk Official. | Click Here to Buy C-DINE 501516from the CrazyBulk Official. | Click Here to Buy OstaBulk from the CrazyBulk Official. | Click Here to Buy Cardalean from the CrazyBulk Official. |
| Daily Dosage | Usually 10-15mg | Usually 10-25mg | 4 pills a day | 4 pills a day | 3 pills a day | 3 pills a day |
| Duration of Use | Ostarine cycle lasts 6 to 8 weeks | Cardarine cycle last 8 to 12 weeks | Use product for at least 3 months | Use product for at least 3 months | Use product for at least 2 months | Use product for at least 2 months |
Summary and Verdict
Bodybuilding, whether be it your profession or hobby, is not worth risking your health. Considering that there has been very limited research about the long-term effects of SARMs, should be enough to put you off using them. CrazyBulk and Brutal Force offer you safer, natural, and legal supplements that can give you the same, if not better, results as the SARMs. Wouldn’t that be the smarter choice? The benefits of the natural alternatives go way beyond anabolic gains, so you save your health too.