What is AC262 Sarm?
AC262 Sarm (identified initially as AC-262536) is a SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator). SARMs are a class of pharmaceutical drugs because they selectively bind to androgen receptors – meaning that they bind to androgen receptors responsible for the uptake and regulation of male hormones. AC262 Sarm is an extremely potent and highly selective androgen receptor ligand [1].
What Does AC262 Sarm Do?
Thus, AC262 Sarm has been identified as a relatively partial agonist concerning the natural androgen testosterone, which means that it stimulates a particular receptor (in this case, the androgen receptor) but not entirely to the capability of testosterone. Pre-clinical studies in animals have demonstrated that it can improve anabolic parameters significantly, mainly by stimulating muscle growth and lowering a condition known as elevated LH levels [1].
Unlike testosterone, AC262 Sarm does not have ‘considerable’ androgenic effects, measured as higher prostate and seminal vesicle weights. This would suggest that it confers the muscle-building effects of androgens without the chance of some of these hormones’ side effects, such as enlargement of the prostate gland [1].
However, SARMs such as AC262 Sarm are not clinically approved; instead, they are being investigated as potential therapies in:
- Osteoporosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Breast cancer
- Muscle wasting conditions [2].
Benefits of AC262 Sarm
AC262 Sarm is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) potent and selective androgen receptor ligand with multiple potential benefits.
One of AC262 Sarm's main beneficial effects are its anabolic properties, especially muscle-building properties. Reports show AC262 Sarm significantly improved integrated male rats' levator ani muscle growth [1].
AC262 Sarm also helps suppress elevated levels of LH, which would be helpful in hormonal disorders [1].
Another strength of AC262 Sarm is that it has low androgenic effects on prostate and seminal vesicle weights; as such, it might be more effective and have fewer unwanted side effects compared with testosterone therapies [1].
AC262 Sarm could also promote physical function and motivation by boosting sexual behaviour (it restored sexual behaviour in castrated male rats and increased voluntary running distance and locomotor activities) [3].
A study noted that it has tissue selectivity, mainly targeting specific tissues and not others, which would result in fewer adverse effects and an overall higher level of efficacy when treating ailments [3].
Risk Factors of AC262 Sarm
AC262 (and other SARMs) are not approved by the FDA for use by anyone. Although they are becoming more popular with ‘recreational athletes,’ using them for personal purposes is illegal. This should be concerning from a safety standpoint [4].
Among the most prominent adverse outcomes reported with SARMs, including AC262, is that of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), which has been documented in several case studies and clinical trials. Elevated liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are commonly observed in patients exposed to SARMs [4, 5, 6].
One of them is the risk of tendon rupture; there have been case reports even of Achilles tendon rupture in people after exposure to SARMs [4].
Rhabdomyolysis, a severe syndrome secondary to a direct or indirect muscle injury, has also been described in SARM-exposed individuals [4].
SARMs have also been noted to precipitate cholestatic syndrome, in which bile is unable to transit from the liver to the duodenum – consistent with DILI from AASs, and characterized by bland cholestasis featuring minimal bile duct injury, inflammation or necrosis [5].
Finally, SARM abuse has been hypothesised as causing cardiovascular disease by overwork and eventual damage of androgen receptor signalling cascades [7].
What Are The Side Effects of AC262 Sarm?
AC262 SARM is known to cause some side effects, but those are not explicitly mentioned in any of the articles below. The following side effects of AC262 SARM are discussed and some of the most commonly found side effects caused by SARMS.
One of the most common adverse effects of SARM use has been mood swings: a dramatic change, without warning, in an individual’s emotional state, which they carry into their interactions with others [8].
Other adverse effects, reported by more than half of SARM users, include shrunken testicles – a common side-effect of any substance that acts on hormone levels [8].
Acne is another common side-effect cited by SARM users. This likely reflects the hormonal shifts these substances cause, leading to higher oil production levels, clogging pores, and a pimple fest on the face [8].
Beyond these, some studies have described downright dangerous health concerns arising in people on SARMs: other authors have reported instances of drug-induced liver injury associated with SARM use, symptoms of which may include jaundice, fatigue and elevated liver function tests [4, 6].
Alongside, some studies have reported cases of rhabdomyolysis, a severe form of muscle damage that can result in kidney damage and tendon rupture in SARM users [4].
It seems likely that variation in side effects (when they occur) could depend on dosage, treatment duration, and baseline health and could also vary significantly between people. So, before you start—or continue—your regimen, it’s probably a good idea to consult your doctor.