Testosterone Boosting Ingredients To Avoid

Forget The Manufacturers Hype and claims – Of all the ingredients that you might see listed on a T-boosting supplement’s label, there are quite a few in common use that quite simply – DO NOT WORK.

From my intensive research, studies and personal experience over the past 12 years, I have compiled a list of natural ingredients commonly found in many T-boosters that are either worthless or weak and ineffective at best.

This article details many of the more common ones.

Bottom line here – If you find a supplement that lists a number of these in its formula, do not waste your money, and instead look for one that contains many of the ingredients listed in my list of effective t-boosting ingredients.

T-Boosting Ingredients That Do Not Work

Tribulus Terrestris : Effective T-Booster Or All Hype?

When you look at natural testosterone boosters, one ingredient that appears in a great number of them is Tribulus Terrestris.

Its actually one of the most popular natural ingredients in the world, but whats the real story behind it….

Does it really deliver on its claims and promises?

In this article, I take a look at Tribulus Terrestris. its source, and the tests of clinical studies that have looked at its potential for boosting testosterone.

Tribulus Terrestris

Extracted from the plant group Zygophyllaceae, an annual creeping plant common to Eastern Asia, China as well as parts of southern Europe. It has wide spread and well documented uses in Chinese medicine with its fruits being used for the treatment of various health problems including:

• Abdominal Distention
• High Blood Pressure
• Oedema
• Cardiovascular Disease.

In Indian medicine, the root is widely used with its uses aimed at treating

• Impotence,
• Fertility
• Poor appetite and jaundice.

Also Known As

It can sometimes appear on ingredient labels as : Gokshura, Puncture Vine, Yellow Vine, Goathead and Caltrop.

There are no less than 25 species of Tribulus, with the types found in Bulgaria, China and India being said to be the most effective when used in supplement form.

The main components found in Tribulus include

• Protodioscin
• Pseudoprotodioscin
• Triobulosin
• Hesogenin
• Gitgogenin
• Sulphated Spirostanol saponins
• Vitamin C
• Terrestramide
• Tribulusamides

Uses Of Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus has been found to be beneficial when used to treat the following:

• Cardiovascular problems
• High Blood Pressure
• Menopausal symptoms
• Depression
• Poor Appetite
• High Cholesterol

Correct Dosing

When used for libido enhancing purposes, using a 60% saponin extract, a dose of between 200-450mg per day is thought to be sufficient.

Clinical Studies That Looked At Tribulus Terrestris

There have been its of clinical studies carried out on Tribulus, sadly most have been carried out on animals such as Rats, Rabbits and Monkeys.

Now although some results from animal studies can be repeated in humans, this results, even from our closest relations – monkeys many do vary because of the subtle but key differences in the human body.

Trials Involving Human Test Subjects

Most of the marketing hype surrounding Tribulus Terrestris is based on the results of one clinical trial carried out in 1985.

Using an extract containing 10% protodioscin. 16 humans ( 8 men, and 8 women) were given daily doses of tribulus terrestris. The results did return a significant increase in testosterone. The trouble with this study is that the number of test subjects is tiny.

Other studies have been performed since 1985 on healthy men and all have failed to replicate the results.

Even tests on infertile men have failed to provide any real increase in testosterone – study, study,

Does Tribulus Terrestris Boost Testosterone?

There was one other human trial carried on on a number of men who were suffering with low sperm count.

The results did show a very small increase in libido, erection strength and testosterone production.

The one problem was with this trial is the size of the dose that the test subjects had to take. They took 6000mg per day – a simply huge dose.

With most supplement makers recommending 500-1000mg per day at best – maybe 1500mg at a push, this would mean taking several horse sized pills to get this amount per day into your body.

Potential Health Problems/Side Effects

Let alone the potential for health problems – looking at webmd it can effect blood sugar levels and mess with medication in people with diabetes, it has shown to be potentially harmful to unborn babies when taken by pregnant women.

Considered safe to be taken for periods of up to 90 days, it has also been linked to some side effects that can include stomach pain, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, sleeping problems, and excess bleeding in menstrual women.

Eating the actual unprocessed fruit is not generally advised and is considered to be possible unsafe. There has been one isolated report of serious lung problems linked to eating the fruit.

My Conclusion On Tribulus Terrestris

In spite of the overwhelming hype and claims made by countless supplement manufacturers, the claims linked surrounding Tribulus terrestris as an effective testosterone boosting ingredient are largely unfounded and rather misguiding.

There is no solid clinical evidence that demonstrates a clear link to increased testosterone by taking Tribulus Terrestris.

The couple of human studies that have reported very mild increases in testosterone are isolated at best, and numerous further studies have failed to replicate the results.

As for the age old claims that it can boost libido and erection strength, again the results are rather limited, with no positive effects at all being recorded in otherwise healthy men.

“As one of the most over hyped testosterone boosting ingredients on the market, its not one that I would recommend that you take at all… “

That said if you did want to try it especially for libido boosting purposes, make sure that you take an extract that contains a minimum of 60% Saponins.

If you are looking for a clinically proven testosterone boosting supplement, a good place to start would be by looking at my recommended T-booster page (Click Here).

From my intensive studies and research, I have evaluated and reviewed many of the popular products out there and have, based on my findings, compiled a list of the products that deliver the best results, use only clinically approved ingredients (note Tribulus does not appear in ANY of them).

Whats more they all offer cash back guarantees which assure buyers of a full refund should  they after taking as directed, be unhappy with the results.

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Can Banaba Leaf Boost Testosterone

 Found In A Few Testosterone Boosting Supplements, But Does Banaba Leaf Actually Work?

Banaba leaf ( also known as Lagerstromia) is a plant based supplement common used for its anti diabetic properties..

It has also been claimed to have muscle boosting properties and can be found in a few testosterone boosting products.

Also known as Banaba, Crape Myrtle, Crepe Myrtle.

Taking Banaba Leaf

There have been no trials that actually confirm both minimum and maximum doses,.

It has been shown in trials to be effective when taking the leaf extract at 3000mg per day.

Its Composition

The following compounds in Banaba Leaf include

• Valeoneaic acid
• Ethyl Gallate
• Betulinic Acid
• Bioflavanoids
• Caffeic Acid
• Corosolic Acid

The two key compounds are believed to be Valoneaic and Corosolic Acids

it has been found to have minor anti oxidant effects and it may be able to contribute to better glucose control in diabetics.

Can Banaba Leaf Boost Testosterone?

There have been no clinical studies ( that are publicly available anyway) that either prove or disprove manufacturers claims that Banaba Leaf can help to increase testosterone levels,

claims by some manufacturers that it can help increase muscle mass are also unfounded…

The only proven effect of Banaba Leaf is its ability to help control glucose in diabetics. – Something that has been proven in both animal and human clinical trials…

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 Milk Thistle 

The Testosterone Boosting Effects Of Milk Thistle

Appearing in a number of testosterone boosting supplements is Milk Thistle… but what is it and does it have any effect on testosterone production? Milk Thistle is a member of the plant family Asteraceae.. a medicinal thistle that has some well documented uses in traditional medicines.

It gets its name from the white veins that run through the plants leaves, and has a history that dates back to the ancient Roman and Greeks.

Also Known As

It can also be found on supplement labels as:

• Marian Thistle
• Mary Thistle
• St Mary’s Thistle
• Holy Thistle
• Sow Thistle
• Christs Crown
• Venue Thistle
• Heal Thistle
• Variegated Thistle
• Wild Artichoke
• Carduus Marianus
• Silybum Marianum

Uses

In traditional medicines it has been used to help treat conditions including:

Gall Bladder disorders including Hepatitis, Jaundice and Cirrhosis.. it is also believed to help protect the liver from chemical and natural toxins including some types of snake venom, mushroom and alcohol poisoning.

Studies have shown that it could have anti-obesity effects but the evidence is still somewhat limited to trials with mice – read study here-

Composition

The main components found in Milk Thistle are:

• Silymarin
• Quercetin
• Kaempferol
• Apigenin
• Vitamin E
• Sterols
• Funaric Acid
• Triterpene acetate
• Luteolin

Can Milk Thistle Boost Testosterone

Currently there is no clinical evidence whatsoever that Milk Thistle has any beneficial effects with regard to testosterone production.. there are no recorded trials that have ever looked into this and therefore its effects, both positive and adverse ( if any) are unknown and unproven.

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Maca 

Maca is part of the same family of plants as the Broccoli family, native to and found only in Peru, its roots best resemble a turnip..

There are two main types of Maca. largely identified by the colour of the root itself – Black Maca has a purplish/black root and Red Maca – Red, there is also a yellow form.

Also known as Peruvian Ginseng, Maca Root and Lepidium

Uses Of Maca

It has a history of being used as an aphrodisiac and for its ability (in particular red Maca) to help reduce prostate hypertrophy.

As a food stuff its taste is not particularly pleasant, often considered to be rather earthy or grassy.. In supplement form it is advised to take it in tablet form as opposed to powder.

Although tested for its effects on various health aspects, it has only been shown to have positive effects ( to varying degrees) on

• Libido
• Menopause (slight reduction in symptoms)
• Depression in post menopausal women
• Anxiety in post menopausal women
• Erection Frequency
• Sexual Function
• General Well Being
• Blood Pressure
• Spermatogenesis

Dosage

There have been no reported issues with human consumption of Maca..

Doses of up to 3g per day have been well tolerated with no reported side effects

Taking Maca To Boost Testosterone

There have been many trials to study the effect of Maca on both testosterone production and luteinizing hormone.

Trials including healthy men involved them taking between 1.5g and 3g of root extract for 12 weeks..

While there were positive increases in libido and sexual function in virtually all test subjects there was no evidence whatsoever that testosterone levels had increased at all.

Other similar trials on both testosterone production and luteinizing hormone production have also shown no benefits.

source – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12525260

 Conclusion

It has been clinically established that while Maca Root does generally have a positive effect on both libido and general sexual function ( both common symptoms of low testosterone).

It does not however have a direct affect on testosterone production itself.. That said, It still may be beneficial to men with reduced sex drive..

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Horny Goats Weed – Icariin

The Testosterone Boosting Effects Of Horny Goats Weeds

A popular natural ingredient found in many male health supplements is Horny Goats Weed

Also known as Epimedium, Icariin, Fairy Wings, Rowdy Lamb Herb, Yinyanghuo or Herba Epimdii

Horny Goats Weed is the recognised name for the plant genus Epimedium… is active ingredient is a compound known as Icariin

Its main constituent components are:

• Icariin
• Quercetin
• IkariosideA and B
• Sagittatoside B
• Diphylloside A and B

Horny Goats Weed gets its name from ancient Chinese sheep and goat herders who noticed that the sexual activity of their herds increased once they eat the leaves of these plants.

Sometimes referred to by its main active ingredient Icariin.

It has found a place in many male sexual health supplements, largely down to its know ability to increase libido and sexual function.

Safe Doses

Human studies have suggested that 60mg daily is the lowest effective dose, better results have been achieved with slightly larger amounts…

As an ideal guide

• a 150lb man should take 110mg
• a 200lbs man should up to 150mg

Uses

Its primarily use has been established a a libido enhancer or aphrodisiac,

There have been suggestions that it has the ability to boost both cognitive function and heart health, and it has been linked with slight improvements in bone density.

Horny Goats Weed And Testosterone

Despite many manufacturers claims, various studies ( that have all been carried out on animals with no human testing) fail to be conclusive.

Studies involving castrated rats showed a marked increase in erection potency and sexual activity but regretfully zero or minimal changes at best in testosterone production…

Numerous other studies returned similar results.

The general feeling is that although icariin has the inbuilt mechanism to increase testosterone production, it actually fails to do so.

Read The Recent Studies Here

Study 1 – 

Study 2 – 

Study 3 – 

Conclusion

Despite its well documented and researched abilities in helping to boost libido and general sexual function.

Icariin has no actual proven testosterone boosting properties..

However, its proven abilities could make it useful to a man with low testosterone, but only if reduced sex drive is the only problem.

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Ecdysteroids 

Ecdysteroids are found in some male testosterone boosting supplements, but what are they and just how affective can they be?

Ecdysteroids are class of hormones that are actually the androgens of the insect world.. also found in many plants ( about 6% of all plants in existence) they are primarily involved in the reproduction cycle and little else..

Common sources of Ecdysteroids include

• Asparagus
• Spinach
• Quinoa
• Yams
• White Button Mushrooms
• Ajuga Turkestanica
• Silene
• Vitex Scabra

Ecdystroids are found in the formulas of some supplements under the names: Suma Root or Extract, Brazilian Ginseng, Beta-ecdysterone, Turketsterone and Ecdysterone.

They get their name as they have a steroid backbone and by their association with the moulting process ( called ecdysis).

They are usually present in plants to help protect the plants from pests and unwanted insects

Also found in insects, they are hormonal compounds used in the sexual reproduction of insects.

They have a similar makeup to testosterone and is considered the most ‘testosterone like compound’ in insects.

Safe Doses

It is considered that an effective dose is in the region of 200mg per day…

When tested on Rats they have been given 5mg/kg of body weight and it does appear to show anabolic properties.

Clinical Testing looking at Testosterone Boosting in Humans

There have been 6 clinical studies that have looked into the benefits of supplementation with Ecdysteroids..

These range from 2006 to present day.

Only one trial has been carried out on Humans, the rest being performed on both Rats and Mice under strict laboratory conditions.

The Human study was carried out in 2006 at the Human Performance Lab, University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Belton, Texas..

it followed 45 resistance trained males aged between 18 and 29.. over six months they were given 200mg Suma Root ( 60mg Ecdysterone) daily

When the results were evaluated it was apparent that no significant change in testosterone production had taken place in any of the test subjects.

Read The Full Study Results Here –

The Studies Conclusion Reads As Follows:

Ecdysterone, and sulfopolysaccharide (CSP3) did not significantly affect anabolic or catabolic responses to resistance training, body composition, or training adaptations.

“Since most of the previous studies reporting positive effects of ecdysterones have been reported in obscure journals with limited details available to evaluate the experimental design and quality of the research, it is difficult to compare results.

Nevertheless, present findings do not support the purported ergogenic benefit of ecdysterone supplementation in resistance-trained males.”

Conclusion

Supplementing with ecdysterone (Suma) has not shown any proven ability to increase testosterone in any male and it must be now assumed that its testosterone boosting effects are negative..

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 Hawthorn Berries

There a number of testosterone boosting products that include Hawthorn Berries in their ingredient formula….

We have taken a good look at this ingredient and our findings are as follows:

Hawthorn Berries ( real name Crataegus Pinnatifida) is a commonly used herbal extract that is traditionally used to boost Heart health.

Also known as:

• Chinese Hawthorn,
• Shanzha
• Shanlihong
• Yixintong

The fruit of the Crataegus Pinnatifida, it is native to northern China, and can also be found in parts of Japan, Europe,North America and South Korea..

There are up to 18 different types of the plant, and most have similar properties ( it is claimed)

Its key components include

• Catechin
• Procyanidins
• Quercetin
• Chlorogenic acid
• Vitexin
• Citric, Quinic and Malic acids.

Most parts of the plant does appear to have extremely good levels of anti-oxidants, largely due to its high levels of phenolic compounds..

The fruit is the most commonly used part in health supplements.

Uses

The most common uses for Hawthorn berry include the treatment of Congestive Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure, Hypoxia and Hyperlipemia ( abnormally high levels of lipids and lipid protein in the blood)

It has also been shown to help boost hair growth in Wistar Lab Rats, so could have the same effect when used by men suffering with hairloss (untested on humans).

Hawthorn Berries And Testosterone Boosting

There have been no clinical trials that have investigated the possibility of hawthorn and any testosterone boosting properties..

In fact there have been NO human trials whatsoever on hawthorn on its affects on any health condition

Conclusion

Hawthorn has no clinically approved benefits regarding testosterone boosting, we suggest that you avoid any product that tells you otherwise…

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Gingko Biloba

Gingko Biloba is a popular natural extract found in many supplements..

Many manufacturers claim that it has far reaching benefits across a broad lost of health issues.

It is in fact one of the 10 most popular dietary supplements in the western world,….

Also known as the Maidenhair or Fossil tree, it is on of the oldest types of tree to be found on earth with a history that dates back around 190 million years..

Popular in Chinese medicine, the fruits and seeds were the first to be used, but nowadays the leaf extract is just as popular.

Main Components

Gingko has a number of unique components that include

• Bilobalide
• Gingkolides
• Gingkolic acid
• Quercetin
• Kaempferol

The key components are Bilobalide and Gingkolides

Safe Doses

It has been established that doses ranging between 40mg-240mg are sufficient to boost cognitive function and provide other benefits…

Recognised Uses

Gingko is primarily used to improve cognitive function, focus and concentration, it has however showed some positive effects when used to treat:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• ADHD
• Post Menstrual Syndrome
• Vitiligo
• Sleep Quality

Gingko Biloba And Low Testosterone

Gingko has not demonstrated any ability whatsoever when taken to boost testosterone levels in trials and studies….

it has however been shown in trials involving Wistar rats that it can boost nitric oxide in the blood which could have a positive effect on erection quality and longevity….

Read Study Conclusion Here – 

It’s ability to help improve focus and memory could also be of benefit to anybody with advanced hypogonadism

Conclusion

As an actual Testosterone booster, Gingko fails to deliver on all counts.

That said if erection problems or poor concentration are problems to you, it is possible that supplementation with Gingo Biloba at the right amounts daily could in some cases offer some potential benefits..

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 Saw Palmetto 

A Common Ingredient In Male Health Supplements – But Does It Work? 

Saw Palmetto is a natural fatty acid extracted from the plant serenoa repens, a dwarf palm tree found in parts of America

Commonly used to help boost libido and sperm motility, as a diuretic and also to help boost breast size in women.

It is also thought to have testosterone boosting properties and also is used to help control and/or stop male hairloss. This is down to it causing a blocking effect on the enzyme that changes testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) something that is known to cause hairless in some men.

Taking Saw Palmetto

The recommended dose is usually between 160 and 320mg per day ( using an extract that contains 80-90% liposterolic compounds

There are no reported side effects with exception of two reported (rare) cases of pancreatitis.

Saw Palmetto contains a number of fatty free acids that include

• Lauric acid
• Myristic acid
• Linoieic acid
• Palmitic acid
• Oleic acid

Lauric and Oleic appear to be the most prominent.

Uses Of Saw Palmetto

It is often used to help treat benign prostate hyperplasmia and treat irregular urine flow in men.

Source – http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/saw-palmetto

Saw Palmetto and Testosterone Production

Despite numerous claims by countless manufacturers and its inclusion in a large number of male health supplements, there are no clinically proven benefits reported that actually prove that increased testosterone production and/or libido can be gained by taking Saw Palmetto.

The only interaction regarding testosterone is its ability to reduce DHT and therefore can possibly help guard against male hairloss…

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 Astragalus Membranaceus 

Astragalus Membranaceus is a semi-common ingredient found in an ever increasing number of male health supplements… often those aimed at boosting a flagging sex drive and other symptoms associated with low testosterone.

Astragalus Membranaceus is a natural herbal extract that is commonly used in traditional medicines…it is thought to have anti inflammatory effects and is also believed to increase life expectancy..

Also known as Astralagus, Huangqi, membranous Milk Vetch Root, Ogi, Huang Qi and TA-65

A member of the Fabaceae group of herbs.. it is native to areas of Mongolia, Northern China and Siberia.. The root is the main source for any extracts and is often used in a warm drink where it has a sweet taste with a slight element of heat.

Composition

It contains a great many various flavanoids, saponins and polysaccharides along with amoino acids, sucrose and phenolic acids. These Include

• Astralagus
• Astragalin
• Formononectin
• HDTIC Isomers
• Calycosin
• Gluconic Acid
• Choline
• Astragalosides

The key ingredient is one of the astrogalosides… a steroidal saponin

Regular Uses

In traditional Chinese Medicines, Astragalus Membranaceus has been used to treat diarrhoea, fatigue, reduced appetite, breathing issues, sweating and frequent colds.. it is also thought to increase longevity.. although an interesting thought, something that remains unstudied and unlikely.

It has been shown to have benefits when protecting heart health.. Studies have shown that it has a slight benefit when used to lower blood pressure

Read the study results here –

Astralagus and Testosterone

There have been no clinical studies carried out that either prove or disprove the effects on testosterone production… one study did demonstrate a slight increase in sperm motility in Wistar rats,

Read Study Results Here –

There are suggestions that it could help preserve male fertility, but there have been no clinical tests carried out on human subjects to confirm this possibility.

Conclusion

Despite its inclusion in a number of testosterone boosting supplements, there is no direct evidence whatsoever that Astralagus has ANY effect on testosterone production whatsoever.. the possibility of it being able to boost sperm motility should not be discounted, but overall, its currently not one to be recommended without further testing..

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 Coleus Forskohlii

Another natural ingredient appearing in a few natural health supplements is Coleus Forskohlii.. A natural indian plant based herbal extract that is commonly found in fat burning formulas.

Its active compound is called Forskolin.. it works in the body to activate an enzyme that increases a molecule known as cAMP.

When this molecule (cAMP) is increased in fat cells, it can help speed the fat burning process, thus making the supplements more effective.

Coleus Forskohlii is also known as Foskolin, Coleonol and 7beta-acetoxy-1alpha,6beta,9alpha-trihydroxy-8,13-epoxy-labd-14-en-11-one.

Effects Of Coleus Forskohlii Supplementation

It has been reported that taking Coleus Forskohlii can help reduce or alleviate symptoms of the following:

• Obesity ( more effective in males)
• Asthma
• Intraocular pressure
• Fatigue
• Bone Mineral Density
• Body Fat Mass
• HDL Cholesterol

It has a yellowish brown colour when in supplement form, it is known for its quite pleasant smell, but bitter taste

Suggested Dose

The suggested dose is 500mg (10% forskolin) per day, often split into two servings.

Coleus Forskohlii As A Testosterone Booster

There have been a few studies that examined just how Coleus Forskohlii reacted and worked at hormonal levels to increase testosterone levels.

The results do seem to show a minor increase when a dose of 250mg was taken twice a day by men who were overweight.

Its ability to increase cAMP replicates the actions of luteinizing hormone in the testicles to increase testosterone levels.

It has also shown an ability to induce CYP34 in the liver – another precursor to increased testosterone productions

The general thoughts are that Coleus Forskohlii is more effective when used in overweight men… those that were slimmer and/or fitter saw little or no increases in testosterone.

source – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16129715

Conclusion

Coleus Forskohlii has shown some beneficial effects in the regeneration of testosterone production

Its effects, however, do appear to me more effective in men ( more than women) who are obese..

Generally speaking, anybody who is otherwise fit, healthy and of average weight will possibly fail to see any benefits from taking Coleus Forskohlii..

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Massularia Acuminata 

Massularia Acuminata is a herbal based treatment originating from Nigeria in Africa.

Local tribespeople use it as both a chewing stick, to help treat gum problems and it has been suggested that its extract has both aphrodisiac and testosterone boosting properties.

Also know as Pako, Ljebu and Orin Ljebu, its extract appears in a few male health supplements aimed at boosting low testosterone and sexual response.

Recommended Dosage

Massularia Acuminata has only actually been clinically tested on Lab Rats, from this research, the estimated safe dosage for humans has been calculated out at 50mg per KG of body weight.

For a 150lb man this would work out at 550mg daily, 200lbs 700mg and so on.

Made up from a mixture of Alkaloids, Saponins, Phenolics, Flavanoids and Tannins, research has failed to identify a key active ingredient.

Uses Of Massularia Acuminata

Apart from the unsubstantiated claims on its testosterone boosting and libido enhancement abilities, the common use of Massularia Acuminata in Africa is as an anti gingivitis treatment

Effects On Testosterone And Libido Enhancement

The only clinical studies on Massularia Acuminata have involved lab rats.. in several studies there were some increases in testosterone shown.. the general feeling is that this increase was caused by increased sexual activity and not a direct result of the ingredient generating increases in testosterone production.

source – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18602232

One thing was apparent and that was lower doses seem to be more effective.

Is Massularia Acuminata Safe

It has been shown to be potentially harmful to the liver in Rats…. there have been no tests on humans to confirm or deny both the effects and risks

Conclusion

Untested and Unproven… don’t fall for the hype surrounding this ingredient..

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Cordyceps

Another ingredient commonly found in many male health supplements is Cordyceps… a type of mushroom that is commonly found in various chinese medical treatments.

With suggested benefits that include anti ageing and fertility boosting properties, I look into this natural ingredient and check out the facts..

Cordyceps is also known as Cordyceps sinensis, Caterpillar fungus, Cetepiller mushroom, Summer grass-winter worm, Totsu Kasu, Aweto

A mushroom that is traditionally used to treat fertility and sexual function in eastern chinese medicine, it is said to have libido and sexual performance enhancing properties..

Safe Doses

It is suggested but not proven that a safe daily dose of Cordyceps is around 1000mg

The compounds found in Cordyceps include:

• Cordyceptin
• Ergosterol
• Cordyceptic Acid
• Glucosamine
• Selenium
• Cordymin
• Various Peptides

Uses For Cordyceps

There are no recorded tests and trials involving the use of cordyceps on humans concerning testosterone production, its effects on this and various health conditions has however been tested on rats and mice under laboratory conditions.

Cordyceps has been shown to have fatigue and stress reducing properties.. initial thoughts on its ability to increase the ability to undertake aerobic exercise are largely unproven..

There has been just one study looking at how the effects of cordyceps help older people to perform exercise which did report some slight improvements..further research is required to confirm its effects..

 source – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20804368

It has also been shown that Cordyceps can reduce both cAMP and HcG steroidogenesis, this works along the same lines as another ingredient – Coleus Foskohlii.. this has provided some minor increases in testosterone production, but these results are based on testing with mice and rats and its effects on actual human hormone production are untested and unknown.

source – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11712663

Products Containing Cordyceps

Despite its uses in traditional Chinese medicine the facts are that any effects and results on humans are largely untested and unproven…. It may have a positive effect on energy, libido and sexual response particularly in older people.

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DHEA 

Dehydroepiandrosterone ( DHEA) is an ingredient found in some natural testosterone boosting products..

In its natural state it is one of the most abundant circulating steroid to be founds in humans, it is naturally produced in the brain, gonads, and the adrenal glands where its main purpose is to help in the biosynthesis of both Testosterone and Estrogen..

When extracted, it can be used in supplement form, its primary use is actually in women who are suffering from adrenal insufficiency, and it has been used ever since 2000 in treatments to correct female infertility.

There has been minimal testing into its effects in helping to reducing cardiovascular disease.. so far the studies have failed to determine any cardiovascular benefits.

There is some short term evidence that treatment with DHEA can help reduce the effects of Lupus but the long term effects are currently unknown.

Safety

It is not known if long term treatment with DHEA is actually safe, some research has suggested that DHEA based supplements could actually increase the risk of Breast and Prostate cancers, diabetes and strokes, it is thought to stimulate and enlarge prostate glands, as well as causing possible male hair loss, increased anxiety, sleep problems and in women – unusual hair growth.. studies also show the possibility that it can alter the body’s regulation of blood sugar.

Courtesy Of Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehydroepiandrosterone

DHEA is produced from cholesterol through two cytochrome P450 enzymes. Cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone by the enzyme P450 scc (side chain cleavage); then another enzyme, CYP17A1, converts pregnenolone to 17α-hydroxypregnenolone and then to DHEA

DHEA is a banned substance ( for use in sports events) under the code of the world anti doping agency, it is however, legal for sale in the US as a dietary supplement, in many other countries such as Canada and Australia, it is only strictly available by prescription..

Safe Doses

It is considered that persons aged over 40, should be able to take DHEA in amounts of up to 100mg without too many risks.. a recommended dose in the younger person has not been established.

Effects Of DHEA

DHEA is commonly used in a topical form ( cream or gels) to treat reduced libido and other symptoms of post menopausal women, it is shown to provide an increase in the sex hormone Estrogen.

It can help reduce concentrations of SHBC in overweight older individuals.. 50mg of DHEA given to menopausal women aged between 45-64 over a 6 month period did show an overall increase in estrogen/androgen concentrations –

Read Study Here –

It has been thought to reduce levels of cortisol, but studies are inconclusive

Often used to help increase fertility, studies have shown that women taking 75mg of DHEA has improved successful cases of IVF –

Read Study Here –

DHEA and Testosterone

DHEA is found in some testosterone boosting supplements, and there have been numerous studies looking into its effects.. the majority of tests have ( it has to be said) been carried out on women looking into its fertility boosting effects, but there have been a number of trials carried out on adult males

One trial looked at the effects of DHEA on 40 healthy males, they were given 50mg of DHEA twice daily for 12 weeks.. the results were largely disappointing, with no noticeable increases in free or serum testosterone being recorded –

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Another study looked at the effects of DHEA supplementation on 30 healthy and young men aged between 19-29 who took regular exercise, a daily dose of 150mg DHEA over 8 weeks failed to provide any increases in testosterone

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Numerous other studies and trials have been performed using DHEA on both adult men and women of various age ranges..

The only group that showed regular improvements in testosterone were menopausal and post menopausal women… tests in the young, and in particularly male test subjects of any age were largely inconclusive.

Conclusion

DHEA certainly has its part to play in boosting sex hormones, but the trials and studies all show that it is only really effective in the older woman.. it has its potential for health risks as well, so care does need to be taken when using DHEA as part of daily supplementation…