Hormone, anabolic & androgen-receptor research compounds
Oxandrolone
Also known as Anavar · Oxandrin
An oral anabolic steroid studied clinically for severe burns, muscle wasting and Duchenne dystrophy.
In 60 seconds
Previously approved in the US for weight gain after trauma or surgery (the US product was withdrawn in 2023); remains a research and burn-care topic. As a 17α-alkylated oral steroid it carries hepatic risk; it lowers HDL cholesterol and suppresses the reproductive axis.
- A 2025 meta-analysis of randomised trials of oxandrolone in severe burns.
- A meta-analysis of oxandrolone’s effects on hypermetabolism and outcomes after burns.
- A double-blind trial tested oxandrolone with resistance training in older women with sarcopenia.
Mechanism
A 17α-alkylated dihydrotestosterone derivative with an oxygen in its A-ring, giving strong anabolic relative to androgenic activity; used to counter the catabolic state after severe burns.
Research status
Previously approved in the US for weight gain after trauma or surgery (the US product was withdrawn in 2023); remains a research and burn-care topic. Scheduled in South Africa.
Key studies
A 2025 meta-analysis of randomised trials of oxandrolone in severe burns.
Oxandrolone for burn patients: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials from 2005 to 2025 — World J Emerg Surg, 2025 · PMID 41023744
A meta-analysis of oxandrolone’s effects on hypermetabolism and outcomes after burns.
Oxandrolone in the Treatment of Burn Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis — J Burn Care Res, 2020 · PMID 31504621
A double-blind trial tested oxandrolone with resistance training in older women with sarcopenia.
Oxandrolone Augmentation of Resistance Training in Older Women: A Randomized Trial — Med Sci Sports Exerc, 2015 · PMID 25899102
A 6-month placebo-controlled trial measured strength in boys with Duchenne dystrophy.
A randomized efficacy and safety trial of oxandrolone in the treatment of Duchenne dystrophy — Neurology, 2001 · PMID 11320181
Safety signals in the literature
As a 17α-alkylated oral steroid it carries hepatic risk; it lowers HDL cholesterol and suppresses the reproductive axis.
Legal status (South Africa)
Androgens and anabolic steroids are scheduled substances in South Africa (prescription-only under the Medicines and Related Substances Act) and are prohibited in sport. SARM-class compounds are unapproved for human use anywhere. Educational content only — no use guidance.
Questions
What is Oxandrolone?
An oral anabolic steroid studied clinically for severe burns, muscle wasting and Duchenne dystrophy. A 17α-alkylated dihydrotestosterone derivative with an oxygen in its A-ring, giving strong anabolic relative to androgenic activity; used to counter the catabolic state after severe burns.
What is the research status of Oxandrolone?
Previously approved in the US for weight gain after trauma or surgery (the US product was withdrawn in 2023); remains a research and burn-care topic. Scheduled in South Africa.
What safety signals are reported for Oxandrolone?
As a 17α-alkylated oral steroid it carries hepatic risk; it lowers HDL cholesterol and suppresses the reproductive axis.
Does Living Water Labs stock Oxandrolone?
Not at present. Oxandrolone is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. Androgens and anabolic steroids are scheduled substances in South Africa (prescription-only under the Medicines and Related Substances Act) and are prohibited in sport. SARM-class compounds are unapproved for human use anywhere. Educational content only — no use guidance.
More in Hormone & anabolic
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.