[citation needed] A. turkestanica is native to the Pamir-Alay mountain ranges of Central Asia, notably within the Surxondaryo Region of Uzbekistan.

[citation needed] A. turkestanica, alongside many other Ajuga species, is claimed to have medicinal effects.

[citation needed] Today, many bodybuilding supplements containing extracts of A. turkestanica can be found on the Internet.

[2] A. turkestanica contains ecdysteroid derivatives such as turkesterone, though whether these produce anabolic effects in mammals is unclear and research has shown inconsistent results.

[7][8][9][10] Some proponents claim it promotes muscle growth and enhances recovery, although a study published in 2024 concluded that four weeks of supplementation with 500 mg of turkesterone did not affect body composition in active, healthy males and females.