Is Turinabol Legal?

Turinabol (chlorodehydromethyltestosterone) is a synthetic oral anabolic steroid that was originally developed by the East German pharmaceutical company Jenapharm in 1961 and put into clinical use in 1965 until it was discontinued in 1994. citeturn0search6

The chemical structure of Turinabol is derived from Dianabol, a dehydrogenated derivative of methyltestosterone. citeturn0search2It was originally designed to combine the structures of 4-chlorotestosterone (clostebol) and methyltestosterone (metandienone) to achieve a unique separation of anabolic and androgenic effects after oral administration. citeturn0search6This structure makes it excellent in increasing protein synthesis rate, nitrogen retention rate and red blood cell count, which helps to improve muscle growth and endurance. citeturn0search2

However, Turinabol is also notorious in history for its association with the East German state-level doping program. In this program, about 10,000 East German athletes were secretly given Turinabol, many of whom did not even know that they were taking steroids. citeturn0search6These athletes were used as experimental subjects without knowing it, and although their athletic performance was improved, they also paid a price in their health. citeturn0search4

In modern competitive sports, Turinabol is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). For example, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was found to have a metabolite of Turinabol in his body in August 2017, resulting in his competition results being cancelled. citeturn0search6In addition, Colorado Rockies third baseman Colton Welker was also detected using Turinabol in May 2021. citeturn0search6

The use of Turinabol may lead to a variety of health risks, including liver toxicity, hormone imbalance, cardiovascular problems, etc. As a 17-alpha-alkylated steroid, Turinabol is toxic to the liver and may cause symptoms such as elevated liver enzymes and jaundice. At the same time, it may inhibit the production of natural testosterone, leading to problems such as male breast development and testicular atrophy. In addition, Turinabol may cause increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. citeturn0search5

In Singapore, Turinabol is classified as a controlled drug, and unauthorized manufacture, import, export, distribution or possession is illegal. Under Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act, violations involving such controlled drugs may result in severe legal sanctions, including imprisonment and fines.

In summary, although Turinabol, as an anabolic steroid, has been widely used to enhance athletic performance, its potential health risks and legal consequences make it strictly prohibited in modern competitive sports and under the legal framework. Athletes and the public should be cautious about the use of such substances, comply with relevant laws and regulations, and ensure the safety of their own health and careers.