Boldenone is a steroid hormone which has androgenic activity. Androgens bind to the androgen receptor, which regulates gene transcription.

The activity of boldenone is mainly anabolic, with a low androgenic potency. The drug is commonly used in doping within bodybuilding, even though this use is illegal. If intended to assist in bodybuilding, the drug is taken as part of a steroid stack of other anabolic steroids, usually with a potent androgen like testosterone as the 'base' of the stack.