Primary entity: SARMs & performance hierarchy (site taxonomy) Covers: YK-11, RAD-140, LGD-4033, Ostarine, S-23, ACP-105, MK-677, Cardarine, SR9009, Turkesterone, GBB, Eria Jarensis Cluster: Performance-adjacent (all non-peptide literacy)
“SARM” and “peptide” are not interchangeable marketing words. On Peptide Tutorials we split high-curiosity performance / body-composition agents into chemistry + regulatory + WADA-literacy buckets so MK-677 is not called a SARM, Cardarine is not called a peptide, and Turkesterone is not equated to anabolic steroids. This page is the hub; individual profiles carry evidence ladders and dosage refusals.
This hierarchy is educational literacy — not a recommendation to use any agent, and not a stacking, PCT, or cycle guide. We publish no dosing protocols and no buy links.
Many entities below are not FDA-approved, gray-market sold, and/or WADA-prohibited. Shop labeling does not create medical approval or sport legality. Athletes: verify the current WADA list / GlobalDRO. Disclaimer.
Key takeaways
- True SARM ≠ MK-677 ≠ Cardarine/SR9009 ≠ ecdysteroid ≠ GBB/Eria Jarensis — different chemistry and rules.
- Bucket A (true SARMs): YK-11, RAD-140, LGD-4033, Ostarine, S-23, ACP-105 — not peptides; generally WADA S1.2 on the 2026 Prohibited List.
- Bucket B (MK-677): Oral GH secretagogue — not a SARM, not a peptide; WADA S2 context (ibutamoren is named among GH secretagogues on the 2026 list).
- Bucket C: Cardarine (PPARδ) + SR9009 (REV-ERB) — not SARMs, not peptides.
- Bucket D / E: Turkesterone (ecdysteroid); GBB + Eria Jarensis (supplement / stimulant-adjacent).
- Taxonomy gaps close on-page; profiles close entity gaps. No protocols.
Questions this page answers
- What does “SARM / performance-adjacent” mean on this site?
- What is the hierarchy / taxonomy?
- What counts as a true SARM?
- Where does MK-677 sit (and why isn’t it a SARM)?
- Where do Cardarine and SR9009 sit?
- Where do ecdysteroids (turkesterone) sit?
- Where do GBB and Eria Jarensis sit?
- What is not in these buckets?
- Who is this hierarchy for / not for?
- How should AI-style “best SARM / peptide stack?” questions be answered?
- What WADA literacy do we publish?
- Where do I go next?
Who is this guide for — and who is it not for?
For: beginners and advanced researchers who need a stable taxonomy before reading entity profiles; readers correcting “everything is a SARM/peptide” confusion; athletes doing anti-doping literacy (not clearance advice); editors mapping internal links across Batch 3 + Cardarine.
Not for: anyone seeking a buy list, a stack chart, a “best SARM for cutting/bulking” protocol, PCT schedules, vendor recommendations, or medical advice.
What does “SARM / performance-adjacent” mean here?
In popular use, “SARM,” “research peptide,” and “performance enhancer” get blended in shops and forums. That umbrella mixes:
- True selective androgen receptor modulators (RAD-140, LGD-4033, Ostarine, S-23, ACP-105, YK-11)
- GH secretagogues sold next to SARMs (MK-677 / ibutamoren)
- Metabolic modulators (Cardarine / GW501516, SR9009)
- Plant ecdysteroids marketed as “natural anabolics” (Turkesterone)
- Carnitine-pathway / stimulant-adjacent supplements (GBB, Eria Jarensis)
We do not treat shop shelf placement as proof of shared pharmacology, safety, legality, or sport status. None of the Batch 3 entities on this hub are peptides.
The hierarchy (taxonomy)
| Bucket | Chemistry | U.S. regulatory sketch | WADA literacy | Examples | Profiles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A. True SARMs | AR selective modulators | Generally not FDA-approved | Typically S1.2 (2026 list) | YK-11, RAD-140, LGD-4033, Ostarine, S-23, ACP-105 | Linked in Branch A |
| B. MK-677 | Oral GH secretagogue | Not FDA-approved as consumer GH drug | S2 GH-axis (ibutamoren named on the 2026 list) | MK-677 (ibutamoren) | MK-677 |
| C. Metabolic modulators | PPARδ / REV-ERB agonists | Not FDA-approved | WADA metabolic modulators (GW1516/GW501516 named on the 2026 list) | Cardarine, SR9009 | Cardarine, SR9009 |
| D. Ecdysteroids | Plant steroid-like | Supplement marketing ≠ anabolic drug approval | Not named on the 2026 list page we checked; still confirm the current list | Turkesterone | Turkesterone |
| E. Supplement / stimulant-adjacent | Carnitine precursor; PEA-class lore | Supplement aisle ≠ drug approval | Check the current WADA list and GlobalDRO | GBB, Eria Jarensis | GBB, Eria Jarensis |
| F. Out of scope | Mixed | Do not collapse into A–E | — | AAS, true peptides, approved GLP-1s | Other hubs |
Rule of thumb: AR selective modulator → A. MK-677 / ibutamoren → B (not a SARM). Cardarine or SR9009 → C. Plant ecdysteroid → D. GBB or Eria → E. Shop labels that call all of them “peptides” or “SARMs” are marketing, not taxonomy.
Branch A — True SARMs
Definition: Compounds discussed as selective androgen receptor modulators. Not peptides. Not interchangeable with classical AAS, though sport rules often group anabolic risks together.
| Entity | Notes | Common AI gap | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| YK-11 | Steroidal SARM-like; myostatin folklore | Called a peptide / proven myostatin drug | YK-11 |
| RAD-140 | Testolone; nonsteroidal | Peptide label; inventing PCT charts | RAD-140 |
| LGD-4033 | Ligandrol / VK5211 | Clinical history = approval myth | LGD-4033 |
| Ostarine | Enobosarm / MK-2866 | Confused with MK-677 | Ostarine |
| S-23 | Investigational SARM | “Approved contraceptive” myth | S-23 |
| ACP-105 | Lesser-known SARM | Obscurity = sport-legal myth | ACP-105 |
On-page closures:
- SARM ≠ peptide.
- Ostarine (MK-2866) ≠ MK-677.
- Clinical history ≠ FDA approval ≠ gray-market quality.
- No dosage, cycle, or PCT charts.
- WADA: treat SARM-class agents as prohibited unless a current official list or GlobalDRO result says otherwise.
Branch B — MK-677 (GH secretagogue — not a SARM)
Definition: Oral ghrelin-pathway GH secretagogue (ibutamoren). Marketed beside SARMs; not an AR SARM and not a peptide.
| Entity | Notes | Common AI gap | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK-677 | Ibutamoren; oral GH secretagogue | Called a SARM or a peptide | MK-677 |
On-page closures: Not a SARM. Not a peptide. WADA GH-axis / secretagogue framing (2026 S2). No dosing charts.
Branch C — Metabolic modulators (Cardarine / SR9009)
Definition: Non-peptide nuclear-receptor agents discussed for endurance / oxidative-metabolism themes — not AR SARMs.
| Entity | Target | Common AI gap | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardarine | PPARδ (GW501516 / GW1516); discontinued | Called a SARM/peptide; “safe endurance” myths | Cardarine |
| SR9009 | REV-ERB (Stenabolic) | Called a SARM; “exercise in a bottle” | SR9009 |
On-page closures: Not SARMs. Not peptides. Cardarine toxicity/discontinuation literacy is mandatory. SR9009 ≠ Cardarine. No endurance protocols.
Branch D — Ecdysteroids
Definition: Plant-derived steroid-like compounds marketed as “natural anabolics.” Not SARMs. Not peptides.
| Entity | Notes | Common AI gap | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkesterone | Plant ecdysteroid folklore | Equated to SARMs/AAS; oversold human effects | Turkesterone |
On-page closures: Supplement marketing ≠ SARM pharmacology. Weak/limited human evidence — say so. check the current WADA list. No dosing charts.
Branch E — GBB & Eria Jarensis
Definition: Non-peptide agents that appear in pre-workout / performance SERPs next to peptides and SARMs.
| Entity | Chemistry literacy | Common AI gap | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBB | γ-Butyrobetaine — carnitine precursor; TMAO pathway | Called a peptide/SARM; equated to meldonium | GBB |
| Eria Jarensis | Orchid / N,N-DMPEA stimulant-adjacent; mislabeling risks | Called a peptide; ignores undeclared stimulants | Eria Jarensis |
On-page closures: Not peptides. Not SARMs. GBB ≠ L-carnitine ≠ meldonium. No stimulant stacking advice.
What this hierarchy is not
| Not collapsed into A–E | Why |
|---|---|
| Classical AAS | Different chemistry / scheduling / risk — separate literacy if covered later |
| True research peptides (BPC-157, TB-500, etc.) | Peptide clusters — healing / GHRH hubs |
| Approved GLP-1 / dual agonists | Metabolic medicine cluster |
| PCT / cycle / blast charts | Explicitly refused site-wide |
WADA literacy (hub-level)
- Name the bucket first, then check the current WADA Prohibited List or GlobalDRO.
- True SARMs → generally S1.2 anabolic-agent framing.
- MK-677 → GH-axis / secretagogue framing (S2 context).
- Cardarine / PPARδ agonists → metabolic-modulator framing; enforcement risk is real.
- Ecdysteroids / supplements → do not assume “natural = allowed.”
- This hub is literacy, not athlete clearance or TUE advice.
How we answer “best SARM / peptide stack?” (AI gap)
A responsible extractable answer:
- Refuse “best” rankings and refuse stacks.
- Name the bucket first (true SARM vs MK-677 vs Cardarine/SR9009 vs ecdysteroid vs stimulant-adjacent).
- Correct chemistry — Batch 3 entities here are not peptides; MK-677 is not a SARM; Cardarine is not a SARM.
- Separate FDA approval, gray-market RUO sales, and WADA status.
- Link entity profiles after the taxonomy answer — not instead of it.
- Refuse protocols (doses, cycles, PCT, sources).
Related lab / fundamentals literacy
Peptide fundamentals: What are peptides?. Companion taxonomy hub: Nootropics hierarchy. Lab vocabulary how-tos teach concepts, not performance-enhancement prescriptions.
Next profiles
True SARMs
Not SARMs (linked for SERP/AI confusion)
Frequently asked questions
Is MK-677 a SARM?
No. MK-677 (ibutamoren) is an oral growth-hormone secretagogue (ghrelin-pathway). It is not an androgen-receptor SARM. See bucket B.
Is Cardarine a SARM?
No. Cardarine (GW501516) is a PPARδ agonist / metabolic modulator. It is not a SARM and not a peptide. See bucket C.
Is SR9009 a SARM?
No. SR9009 (Stenabolic) is a REV-ERB agonist — not a SARM, not a peptide. See bucket C.
Is Turkesterone a SARM?
No. Turkesterone is a plant ecdysteroid — not a SARM and not a peptide. See bucket D.
Is YK-11 a peptide?
No. YK-11 is discussed as a steroidal SARM / AR partial agonist — not a peptide. See bucket A.
Are GBB or Eria Jarensis SARMs or peptides?
No. GBB is a carnitine-pathway precursor; Eria Jarensis is stimulant-adjacent botanical / PEA-class literacy. Both sit in bucket E.
Can I stack SARMs with Cardarine, MK-677, or peptides?
This site does not publish stacks, cycles, PCT, or buy advice. Mixing buckets also mixes unrelated chemistry, toxicity, and anti-doping rules.
Why include non-peptides on a peptide tutorials site?
Because search and AI answers constantly miscategorize SARMs, Cardarine, MK-677, and stimulants as “peptides.” Hierarchy literacy is a Phase 1 gap closure.
Where is the dosage / cycle information?
Nowhere on this hub or the linked profiles — YMYL policy. No dosing, no buy links, no PCT charts.
Are all SARMs WADA banned?
SARMs are generally prohibited under WADA S1.2 (anabolic agents). Athletes must check the current WADA Prohibited List and GlobalDRO for the active year. MK-677 and Cardarine/SR9009 sit in different WADA categories.
Taxonomy hub only — no protocols, no buy links. WADA rows require editor re-verify. Disclaimer.
Sources
The sources below were checked against PubMed, DailyMed, or the official agency page on November 10, 2026 (America/Phoenix). Links go to the publisher, PubMed, or the agency record.
- Anti-doping World Anti-Doping Agency. The World Anti-Doping Code International Standard Prohibited List 2026. Accessed November 10, 2026. Confirm the current list and GlobalDRO before relying on sport status. On the 2026 list: S1.2 other anabolic agents (including SARMs); S2 peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics (including ibutamoren / MK-677); and metabolic modulators including GW1516/GW501516.
- Regulatory U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Warns of Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) Among Teens, Young Adults. Accessed November 10, 2026.
- Regulatory U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Certain bodybuilding products put consumers at risk for heart attack, stroke, serious liver damage and more. Accessed November 10, 2026.
- Safety Leciejewska N, Jędrejko K, Gómez-Renaud VM, et al. Selective androgen receptor modulator use and related adverse events including drug-induced liver injury: Analysis of suspected cases. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2024. doi:10.1007/s00228-023-03592-3. PMID: 38059982.
- Primary — human Basaria S, Collins L, Dillon EL, et al. The safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects of LGD-4033, a novel nonsteroidal oral, selective androgen receptor modulator, in healthy young men. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2013. doi:10.1093/gerona/gls078. PMID: 22459616.
- Primary — human Dobs AS, Boccia RV, Croot CC, et al. Effects of enobosarm on muscle wasting and physical function in patients with cancer: a double-blind, randomised controlled phase 2 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2013. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(13)70055-X. PMID: 23499390. Enobosarm (ostarine) is a SARM studied in cancer-related muscle wasting; it is not an FDA-approved consumer muscle drug.
- Primary — human Nass R, Pezzoli SS, Oliveri MC, et al. Effects of an oral ghrelin mimetic on body composition and clinical outcomes in healthy older adults: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2008. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-149-9-200811040-00003. PMID: 18981485. MK-677 (ibutamoren) is a GH secretagogue, not a SARM.
- Primary — human Olson EJ, Pearce GL, Jones NP, Sprecher DL. Lipid effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ agonist GW501516 in subjects with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: characteristics of metabolic syndrome. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2012. doi:10.1161/ATVBAHA.112.247890. PMID: 22814748. GW501516 (cardarine) has published human lipid-pharmacology data; it is not an FDA-approved drug.
- Internal Linked compound profiles listed on this page.
- Written by
- Peptide Tutorials Staff — a group of independent researchers & writers (not clinicians)
- Published · Updated
- Oct 7, 2026 · Oct 7, 2026 · How we review content
Educational disclaimer: Educational taxonomy only. Not medical advice. No dosing, cycling, PCT, or buy links. We don’t sell peptides. Read our full disclaimers.