Anabolic Steroids Dataset

Dataset Overview

This dataset, titled "Anabolic Steroids", provides a meticulously curated compilation of nearly 50 steroids. It includes detailed information on their original names, common names, medicinal applications, abuse potential, side effects, historical context, and relative molecular mass (RMM). The dataset aims to serve as a resource for exploring the dual nature of anabolic steroids—both their therapeutic benefits and their misuse in sports and bodybuilding.

Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone that have been used for decades in medicine to treat conditions like anemia, muscle-wasting diseases, and hormone deficiencies. However, they are also widely abused for performance enhancement and aesthetic purposes. This dataset captures a comprehensive view of these compounds, making it valuable for researchers, educators, and data enthusiasts.

Data Science Applications

While this dataset is relatively small (approx 50 entries), it offers rich opportunities for exploratory analysis and domain-specific insights. Potential applications include:

• Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA):

  • Analyze trends in medicinal vs. non-medicinal use.
  • Study correlations between molecular mass and reported side effects.
  • Visualize the historical development of anabolic steroids over time.

• Domain-Specific Insights:

  • Examine the evolution of steroid formulations from the 1930s to the present.
  • Investigate patterns in therapeutic uses versus abuse potential.

• Educational Use:

  • Serve as a teaching tool for understanding data cleaning, visualization, and analysis.
  • Provide insights into the pharmacological and chemical properties of anabolic steroids.

Column Descriptors

1. Original Name: The scientific or chemical name of the steroid compound (e.g., Testosterone).
2. Common Name: The popular or brand name under which the steroid is marketed (e.g., Testoviron).
3. Medicinal Use: Approved therapeutic applications of the steroid (e.g., treating anemia or hormone replacement therapy).
4. Abused For: Non-medical uses often associated with performance enhancement or bodybuilding (e.g., bulking cycles, lean muscle retention).
5. Side Effects: Documented adverse effects resulting from steroid use or abuse (e.g., liver toxicity, gynecomastia).
6. History: A brief historical context about the steroid's development or usage (e.g., year introduced, medical approval status).
7. Relative Molecular Mass (g/mol): The molar mass of the steroid compound, useful for chemical analysis.

Ethically Mined Data

This dataset has been ethically compiled from publicly available sources such as scientific journals, chemical databases, and educational websites. No proprietary or confidential information has been included. The data was aggregated to ensure accuracy and relevance while respecting intellectual property rights.

Acknowledgements

The following sources were instrumental in compiling this dataset:

1. PubChem Database – For verifying chemical properties and molecular mass values.
2. Wikipedia – For historical context and general information on anabolic steroids.
3. NIST Chemistry WebBook – For accurate molecular mass values and chemical details.
4. Scientific Journals – Referenced for medicinal uses, side effects documentation, and abuse patterns.
5. DALL·E 3 by OpenAI – Used to generate illustrative images related to anabolic steroids to complement dataset visualizations.

Discouraging Steroid Usage and Highlighting Harms

The misuse of anabolic steroids poses significant health risks and ethical concerns. While anabolic steroids have legitimate medical applications, their abuse for performance enhancement or aesthetic purposes can lead to severe physical and psychological side effects. Common adverse effects include liver damage, cardiovascular strain, hormonal imbalances, infertility, aggression, and mental health issues such as depression. Prolonged misuse can also result in irreversible damage to vital organs and an increased risk of life-threatening conditions like heart attacks or strokes. Beyond individual health risks, steroid abuse undermines the integrity of sports and creates unfair advantages in competitive environments. It is crucial to prioritize natural methods of achieving fitness goals and seek professional guidance for any medical conditions requiring treatment.

Notes for Kaggle Users

This dataset is not intended for machine learning due to its small size but serves as an excellent resource for exploratory data analysis (EDA), visualization projects, and domain-specific research into anabolic steroids' pharmacology and societal impact.