Top 5 Testosterone Boosters for 2016

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Ah yes, the mighty testosterone. The male hormone that makes men “manly”. If you are looking to improve your performance in the gym, muscle development and achieve an overall sense of well-being then testosterone enhancement might be right up your alley.

Too many guys fail to notice the role testosterone can have in their overall well-being, but if your test levels are not you to par you will be feeling the effects.

Testosterone levels start to decline for all guys once they hit their late twenties. Unless you do something about it will stay that way and progressively get lower as you age further. Especially if you make incorrect diet and lifestyle choices.

The good news is it doesn’t have to be this way. Using a natural testosterone booster can help you regain those former levels of testosterone and possibly take them even higher than before so you start feeling like a stronger, fitter, more manly you.

Let’s take a deeper look at natural testosterone booster and give our top 5 testosterone boosters for 2016.

What is a Natural Testosterone Booster?

There are essentially two ways you can increase your test levels. The first would be to have the increased synthetically.

This route is not the way you want to go because there can be many unwanted side effects. It can also actually lead to your body shutting down its own natural testosterone production. This means you can be stuck on the synthetic testosterone for good or your test levels will drop like a stone without it.

The second option is to go the natural route. This means taking products that contain the right vitamins, minerals and all natural ingredients that will work with your body to increase the amount of testosterone your body produces naturally.

Another benefit to going the natural way is that if you stop taking it your test levels will return to where they were before taking it and there are few, if any side effects.

The main reasons to take natural testosterone boosters

Now that you know what natural testosterone boosters are let’s cover the benefits of taking them.

Some of the key advantages are:

• Little of no side effects of any kind
• Increased athletic performance
• More lean body mass
• Increased libido and male function
• Enhanced felling of maleness
• Increased free testosterone
• Decreasing estrogen in the body
• Faster recovery between workouts

Top natural testosterone booster ingredients

When it comes to getting a good test booster you need to make sure they are using the most effective ingredients available. These include:

Oyster Extract– This one is one of the most important ingredients when it comes to increasing testosterone production. Oyster contain a large amount of zinc which plays a huge role in your test levels. Studies have shown that taking a zinc supplement for just six weeks can significantly increase testosterone and that if you restrict your zinc intake you will decrease your testosterone. Oyster extract is also loaded with vitamins, amino acids, omega 3 & 6 and taurine and has even been shown to improve brain function. This one is mandatory.

D-Aspartic Acid – This is an amino acid that is important to the testosterone boosting process. It has been shown to help release a multitude of hormones including a luteinizing hormone that regulates the testes as well as a growth hormone for muscle building.

Ginseng – Ginseng is another herb that has shown to increase sex hormone production, improve sperm count and quality as well as improve spermatogenesis.

Vitamin D3 – This one is actuully a hormone despite the name. It is created naturally when we get sunlight which most of us don’t get enough of. Vitamin D3  helps release luteinizing hormones which aid in the release of testosterone as well as growth hormone.

Stinging Nettle – This is another one that allows for more free testosterone in the body and has also been shown to lower estrogen levels.

What to avoid?

Proprietary Blends – These are getting to be quite a problem in the supplement industry. This is when the group some ingredients together and call it a blend. The problem is they don’t tell you how much of each ingredient is in the blend so you will have no idea how much of those ingredients is in there. These should be avoided.

Top 5 Testosterone Boosters for 2016

Now that we have gone over what testosterone boosters, the benefits and what the best ingredients are, let’s take a look at what the market has to offer. We’ve spent a lot of time researching the ingredients, company’s reputation and reading the customer reviews to find the best products available.

Here are the top 5 testosterone boosters for 2016.

1 Testofuel

Testofuel tops off our list, this one has a lot of good reviews so we figured we would check it out and they are all true. Testofuel is the real deal. It is made for bodybuilders and fitness athletes, they have done extensive research to bring you the best product and it is loaded with all the top ingredients we like to see in a testosterone booster.

This bad boy has a really nice dose of oyster extra extract which is one of the most effective ingredients for raising testosterone levels. It also has the largest dose of D-Aspartic Acid which makes it an effective muscle and strength builder as well. It also contains friendly doses of Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K2, Fenugreek and Siberian Ginseng. It doesn’t have any fillers or other garbage in it either, just the good stuff.

Another thing we really like is that it has been shown to enhance your mood as well. This can help in the gym because the better your mood is the better your workouts tend to be.

We also like their money back guarantee. Most of the other guys won’t do this. You can basically try Testofuel for 90 days and if you aren’t satisfied you can get your money back. This is a major bonus for people who might be on the fence about it.

Highlights

• Contains a large dose of D-Aspartic Acid for strength and muscle
• Contains the top testosterone boosting food – oyster extract
• Large 3000 mg daily dose
• Solid mood enhancer
• Excellent reviews
• Money Back guarantee
• Friendly dose of Ginseng

Any Negatives?

• Not ideal for vegans and vegetarians
• Only available online from the company website

Visit www.testofuel.com for more information on this supplement.

2 Prime Male

This one is another really nice one that is geared towards older guys (age 30 and over). Prime Males is specifically formulated to reverse the effects of natural testosterone loss all guys experience as they age.

This one also has great ingredients, but it is a little different than TestoFuel. It is formulated for older guys and has a higher bioavailability. That means the ingredients are absorbed better by the body. That is great since as we age our bodies can’t absorb nutrients as well.

Prime Male uses a healthy dose of zinc to boost testosterone. It also contains D-Aspartic acid for increase strength and muscle mass. They went with Bioperine and Boron to increase the absorption of the ingredients along with Luteolin to inhibit the production of estrogen. They also used Magnesium which is the ingredient to give you that “manly feeling” it has been shown to increase free testosterone.

Highlights

• Formulated for older men
• Increases mood and libido
• Contains T-boosting minerals Zinc & Magnesium
• Has Boron and Bioperine for superior absorption
• Luteolin to decrease estrogen
• Includes vital T-boosting vitamins D3, B6, K2 are included in their most bioavailable forms
• Solid reviews
• Money back guarantee

Any Negatives?

• Only available on the company website
• Doesn’t the same amount of D-Aspartic Acid as TestoFuel – however the main battle at this age is SHBG, which Prime Male handles nicely

Visit www.primemale.com for more information on this supplement.

3 MusclePharm Battle Fuel XT

Coming in third place on our list is MusclePharm Battle Fuel XT. This one is from the most well-known company on the list. This one uses a four stage system to increase testosterone as well as muscle growth.

The first stage uses  D-Aspartic Acid and magnesium to raise test levels. The second stage is what they call the testosterone amplifier and it features Anacyclus Pyrethrum to do that. Third stage they use Suma Extract and Maca 4:1 in what they call the muscle growth stage. Finally, the fourth and last stage is the estrogen suppression stage and it features Indole-3-Carbonal to get this done.

All these combine together to be a pretty decently effective testosterone booster. It is not the best, but third place is still pretty good.

Highlights

• Reputable name
• Healthy dose of D-Aspartic Acid
• Pricing seems reasonable

Any Negatives?

• Lots of pill taking (8 per day)
• Not enough Vitamin D

Visit www.musclepharm.com for more information on this product

4 ZMA Jym

In fourth place we have ZMA Jym by fitness expert Dr Jim Stoppani. Pretty much everything made by Jym is a good product so this one is no surprise.

The ZMA features a healthy dose of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6 as it’s main ingredients. All of which are on point. It also features Bioperine which we like for superior absorption. ZMA also doesn’t use a proprietary blend and everything is straight forward. The downside is that is pretty much it. Those are the ingredients, all four of them. We like how they kept it simple but if they had added a few more solid ingredients they would have been higher on the list.

Highlights

• No proprietary blend
• Reputable name

Any Negatives?

• Limited ingredients
• Can only be purchased at bodybuilding.com
• More of a testosterone supporter than a booster

Visit www.JYMSupplementScience.com for more information on this product.

5 BSN Evotest

Finally, we get to Evotest from BSN. This one is a little different than the others on the list because it is available in both pill and powder form. This can be a good choice for those who don’t like swallowing pills. Some people are not crazy about the taste, but overall it seems to do well. It also has a nice mixibility so that is a bonus.

Evotest has many of the ingredients we like including magnesium, D-aspartic acid, calcium and vitamin D. They also have a blend of herbs to go with it that includes Suma Root and Fenugreek.

One benefit of this one is increased sleep. Sleep is essential for testosterone release, muscle repair and increased energy levels. If you aren’t getting enough sleep this could also be the choice for you.

Pros

• Available in powder form
• Has been shown to help with sleep

Cons

• Small amounts of Vitamin D and D-Aspartic Acid
• Uses a proprietary blend for the herbs

Visit www.bsnonline.net for more information about this supplement.

Conclusion

So there you have the top five natural testosterone boosters for 2016, our best choices being TestoFuel for building strength and muscle, and Prime Male if you are aged 30+ and want to recoup your youthful exuberance.

Also be sure to use a good diet plan and a solid workout program to help you get the most out of a supplement.

Best Testosterone Boosters To Get You Jacked

 

 The Top 10 Testosterone Boosters and Best Testosterone Booster

The Truth About Testosterone Boosters

Testosterone boosters are supplements used by bodybuilders to improve workout performance, recovery, and the body’s ability to produce massive muscles. T-Boosters are typically derived from herbs and other natural ingredients, so they’re generally safe to use in competition (Due your own due diligence, however). What man on earth doesn’t want more testosterone? 

More people are realizing the functions and benefits of supplementing their respective workout regimen with testosterone boosters so these supps are gaining more and more popularity. The popularity of testosterone boosters started when numerous studies revealed the dangers of anabolic steroids, yet another product that is known to induce the natural production of testosterone. Testosterone boosters are highly recommended by fitness experts as well as medical professionals not only for men who desire chiseled body, but for anybody who aims to be healthier too.

Read more about t-boosters in our new Natural Testosterone Boosters Guide page.

What are testosterone boosters?

In essence, there are two types of testosterone boosters, namely natural and synthetic supplements. Anabolic steroids which are under the synthetic category are known to deliver positive results as well as nasty side effects. It is due to this reason that an increasing number of bodybuilders and athletes are now utilizing safer testosterone boosters.

Positive Effects of T-Boosters

Testosterone boosters provide a myriad of positive effects on men’s physical appearance and performance. By introducing these boosters, the adrenals and the testes become stimulated to produce more testosterone. The hormone testosterone brings about secondary sexual characteristics in men. In addition, they increase one’s strength and vitality- qualities which are crucial during the muscle building process.

Aside from muscle gain, power, and faster recovery, healthy testosterone levels also enhance the integrity and function of male reproductive organs.

Sources of Testosterone

There are different sources of testosterone boosters. Creatine supplements are synthetic in nature, and so are anabolic steroids. Although these supplements are grouped under one category, creatine supplements were found to be safer to take on a long haul. Testosterone boosters are manufactured with natural ingredients such as herbs and food items that contain high levels of testosterone boosters.

The substances tribulus terrestris, DHEA, and ZMA are very popular testosterone boosting ingredients that are incorporated in the production of commercially available supplements. It is crucial that supplementation is paired with exercise and the intake of testosterone-boosting agents as well. This is a more holistic approach when compared alongside taking pro-hormones and anabolic steroids. Aside from compounds that increase testosterone, natural testosterone boosters are also known to impart important nutrients to the rest of the body.

Enumerated below are benefits of testosterone booster supplementation:

1. Positive Muscle Gain
Men who use testosterone boosters in conjunction with an effective resistance-training program experience faster muscle gain. Once the process of muscle gain is enhanced, the recovery rate becomes greater as well which in turn results in more intensive workouts at longer time periods as well.

2. Enhanced Motivation and Aggressiveness
High levels of testosterone in the bloodstream lead to increased energy and aggressiveness. The latter pertains to one’s sense of motivation to train harder to achieve optimum muscle growth. Increased aggressiveness or motivation during workout due to the intake of testosterone boosters guarantees faster progress to beginners as well as professional athletes and bodybuilders.

3. Improve Reproductive Health and Sexual Function
Of course, testosterone’s primary function is to bring about secondary sexual characteristics in men. A healthy dose of testosterone is shown to treat conditions such as impotence. Men with fertility issues benefit from increased levels of testosterone in the body. The aging process slows down the rate of testosterone production by the adrenals and testes. It is irreversible and the only means to mediate the effects of low testosterone concentration is to include testosterone boosting agents in one’s diet and workout regimen.

Other benefits of testosterone booster intake:

• Help in decreasing bad cholesterol levels
• Increased sex drive
• Improved erectile function
• Improved bone density
• Effectively reduces cortisol levels
• Guaranteed mood elevator
• Increased self-confidence

Safety of Testosterone Boosters

Unlike injection or ingestion of anabolic steroids, the use of testosterone boosters is relatively safe for daily consumption. In order to ward off any negative side effects, it is best to take a rest after finishing a bottle of your preferred testosterone booster. This will allow the body to relax after months of taking supplements that increase testosterone levels. This practice effectively cleans the body as well.

Remember to follow the instructions to the letter when you are about to supplement your workout with testosterone boosting agents. Always consult your physician before starting on testosterone booster supplementation.

Here are our top picks… now go get ’em, tiger! 

Top Ten Testosterone Boosters

1. TestoFuel

With an extensive lists of reviews and international critical ­acclaim: TestoFuel is hands down the number one testosterone booster on the market. Using all natural ingredients, Testo Fuel is the safest option for men who want muscle size and strength, here and now.

Testo Fuel made our number 1 spot in our extensive natural testosterone boosters guide page.

It isn’t just for muscle gains. The cutting ­edge components and potency behind TestoFuel provide the user with higher energy levels, swifter recovery and an enhanced mood and sex drive. It’s designed to:

• Increase muscle mass & strength
• Speed up your workout results
• Raised Energy Levels
• Enhanced Sex Drive
• Faster Recovery

What makes TestoFuel different from other testosterone boosters on the market is that the company are constantly researching and updating the ingredients. So you know you are getting a product that has been formulated using the latest clinical studies.
Unlike most other companies that formulate a product and update it every 3 – 5 years or never at all.

Each ingredient is extensively researched, tested and carefully measured to administer peak performance. With the main ingredients D­-Aspartic Acid, Vitamin D and Oyster Extract being clinically proven to raise testosterone levels.

Some users have reported dramatic changes within the first few weeks. With complete full ­body transformations occurring over a period of three ­to ­four months. Examples of this are constantly posted on the company’s testimonial page.

For raising testosterone levels and building muscle and strength, TestoFuel is the best option available.

 

2. Prime Male

Regain, feel young again and increase overall well-being. Unlike the other testosterone boosters on our list. Prime Male is specifically aimed at middle aged guys and above that are looking to get back into shape. Making it our number 1 choice for older men.

It’s designed to:

• Boost energy levels 
• Help you to lose belly fat
• Increase libido
• Speed up muscle building and strength training results

By the time you reach middle age your testosterone levels will have declined and your estrogen levels will have inclined. This is why millions of older men gain fat and see a decrease in energy levels and libido. They also find it harder to build muscle and strength.

Prime Male has been designed to combat these problems using a natural and completely safe formula. They use a mixture of plant extracts, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

For many men, it’s a real alternative to harmful synthetic, low testosterone treatments. Synthetic testosterone treatments (HRT) should only be used as a last resort as they come with dangerous side-effects.

Prime Male has great customer reviews and we recommend it too.

We’ve covered this product in more detail on our natural testosterone boosters guide.

 

3. Test Booster 1.0 by Blade Nutrition

Test Booster 1.0

Blade Nutrition Test Booster 1.0 is exactly what you want in a test booster ensuring that you are working with your body to promote the production of free testosterone and increase your own ability to build muscle and burn fat.

Whether you are currently on a plateau or you are looking to obtain more energy in life and in the gym this test booster and its full coverage blend of natural extracts is designed to support your body’s anabolic potential without compromising natural production. Test Booster 1.0 works with your body to promote elevations in natural test levels; helping to support muscle density, a balanced metabolism, and insane natural energy levels.

D-Aspartic Acid is an ingredient that has been clinically suggested to support the release and synthesis of luteinizing hormone and promote endogenous testosterone levels during training. Playing a large role in metabolic support D-Aspartic Acid can lead to increase muscle size as well as increased natural fat burning processes.

Features:

• Multi-Pathway testosterone supporting capabilities.
• Supports muscle growth & strength.
• Estrogen management system to help support effectiveness of free testosterone.

 

4. T-Bomb by MHP

T-Bomb

Bodybuilder’s most trusted and premier testosterone support is now 20% stronger! New groundbreaking research at the University of Tampa Human Performance Laboratory shows that Clinical Strength T-Bomb II may not only support total testosterone, it may also promote bioactive free testosterone!

Clinical Strength T-Bomb II uses strong doses of powerful herbal extracts, an advanced five-step T-optimizing technology and a 2nd Messenger Complex to help support healthy testosterone levels – to help promote muscle building and performance.

Features:

• 5 Phase T-Optimizing Complex
• Supports Optimal Bioactive Free Testosterone
• May Support Reduced Conversion to Estrogen, DHT and SHBG
• Exclusive 2nd Messenger Complex Supports Cell Signaling

   

 

5. Test Booster by True Grit

True Grit Test Booster

The all-new True Grit Test Booster is scientifically engineered to deliver the most powerful testosterone-boosting ingredients on the market today. This powerful 3-in-1 formula offers the benefits of both free and total testosterone boost as well as cortisol balance. Using powerful clinically studied key ingredients, True Grit Test Booster works with the body to naturally increase testosterone levels while staying within the normal healthy range

True Grit supplements have absolutely nothing to hide. That’s why there are no proprietary blends in any True Grit product. Proprietary blends are used by some brands to hide that they are using underdosed levels of premium ingredients. That’s not what True GritTM is about. True Grit supplements contain premium, fully dosed key ingredients, so you’ll know exactly what is in the supplement you’re putting in your body.

Features:

• 300mg Fenugreek Extract
• 250mg Brassica Oleracea
• 100mg Primavie
• 125mg Withania Somnifera
• 50mg Chlorophytum Borivilianum
• 100mg Boron Citrate
• 50mg Yacon
• 50mg Bladderwrack Extract

 

6. EVLTEST by EVLution Nutrition

EVLTEST

EVLution is sticking to the tried and true compounds on this one. Chances are you’ll recognize everything in here save diindolylmethane (DIM). This compound is an aromatase inhibitor that’s becoming the de facto ingredient in a number of estrogen blockers and natural testosterone boosters.

You are getting a full dose of d-aspartic acid in here. This is the same dose used in a study with d-aspartic acid showing it can boost natural testosterone by 40%.

The same can be said for the fenugreek in here. The same 500 mg dose was used in a study showing it significantly improved body fat percentage, total testosterone, and bioavailable testosterone.

Although the jury is still out on tribulus terrestris, EVLTEST does a have a respectable 750 mg to further help support natural testosterone production.

Features:

• Supports Natural Testosterone Levels
• Muscular Strength
• Stamina
• Performance
• Supports Optimal Sleep

 

7. Test HD by MuscleTech

Test HD

The key ingredients in Test HD have been suggested to significantly support testosterone levels. Test HD requires no cycling on and off and is formulated with scientifically researched ingredients such as shilajit and boron. Test HD also contains other well known ingredients including stinging nettle root, tribulus and velvet bean.

Test HD is the first hardcore testosterone booster to include a clinical-strength dose of shilajit, a rare organo-mineral compound obtained from steep rocks of different formations found in the Himalayas and other high mountains. Shilajit in its natural state has no chemical definition. In order to yield a consistent and efficacious form of shilajit, the shilajit is obtained from carefully selected rocks and is put through a patented technology where it is purified and standardized. This form of shilajit is now assured of optimal levels of bioactive components such as fulvic acid and dibenzo-pyrones, and is known as the patented PrimaVie.

Features:

• 100mg Shilajit
• 100mg Boron Citrate
• 50mg Stinging Nettle
• 250mg Tribulus

  

 

8. Alpha JYM by JYM

Alpha JYM

Testosterone is well known as the most critical anabolic, not to mention androgenic, hormone in the body. It’s what separates the men from the boys. Healthy testosterone levels are critical for guys who want to build muscle mass, boost strength, and drop body fat. Testosterone also supports sexual health and gives a competitive edge. It’s truly the alpha hormone.

Unfortunately, as we age, our testosterone levels fall. In addition to aging, environmental factors and stress can leave their mark on a man’s testosterone production.

Like every other JYM Supplement Science products, Alpha JYM is a non-proprietary supplement that uses the proper doses of each ingredient and lists it clearly in the supplement facts panel. Each of the six ingredients was chosen based on real scientific data published in peer-reviewed journals.

The top testosterone-boosting formulas either don’t include most of the critical ingredients to effectively support test, or have them listed under “proprietary blends,” which means that they may be under-dosed. Nothing on the market even comes close to stacking up with the science inside Alpha JYM.

Together, these six ingredients work synergistically to support your body’s natural levels of testosterone through five different processes.

Features:

• 1000mg Fenugreek Extract
• 1000mg Ashwaganda Root Extract
• 1000mg Damania
• 500mg Diindolylmethane
• 200mg Eurycoma Longifolia
• 500mg Quercetin

 

9. Super Test by Beast Sports Nutrition

Super Test

Super Test is one of the finest testosterone boosters on the market. Workout enthusiasts everywhere now demand it because Super Test is designed to help them build muscle mass, improve strength, support an already healthy sex drive, help detoxify their system, and maintain their bodies for optimum fitness and health.

Testosterone has always been the most coveted of the anabolic hormones and occurs naturally in the body. However, as people age, the body’s testosterone levels drop significantly. Super Test delivers maximum testosterone support.

The Super Test formula contains four different forms of Arginine to maximize nitric oxide to promote muscle growth and stamina. It also has powerful inhibitors to support the reduction of estrogen and DHT.

Specifically-chosen, our ingredients’ purity levels are higher so they absorb into the body quicker. This prevents bloating and intestinal discomfort. As part of the reformulation, Creature also includes Astragin and Cinullin to assure maximum uptake directly to the muscle cells.

Super Test is also formulated to help clean and detoxify the system. The liver and kidneys become overworked and strained due to the demanding diet and supplement requirements of athletes and weight trainers. Super Test contains detoxifiers to keep these vital organs functioning at optimum levels.

If you are serious about working out and want to perform at your best, Super Test will help you achieve your fitness goals.

Features:

• Maximizes Testosterone
• Supports A Healthy Libido
• Delivers Anti-Estrogens
• Supports Liver & Kidney Function
• Increases Mass & Strength

  

 

10. Anabolic Freak by PharmaFreak

Anabolic Freak

Anabolic Freak is a d-aspartic acid (DAA) based testosterone booster, but it’s a heck of a lot more than just plain old DAA! The Anabolic Freak formula is made up of the most cutting-edge form of DAA (the calcium chelate version) and also includes ingredients to promote healthy cortisol and estrogen levels already within normal range!

The unique thing about DAA is that it promotes testosterone through a completely unique mechanism, meaning it works in a different way than nearly every other test boosting ingredient on the market. Therefore, Anabolic Freak can be effectively stacked or cycled with many other types of test-boosting products.

Features:

• Increases Free Testosterone
• Clinically Validated Dosage: 3,120 mg D-Aspartic Acid
• Promotes Healthy Estrogen and Cortisol Levels Already in Healthy Range

  

NATURAL TESTOSTERONE BOOSTERS | 4 PATHWAYS TO GETTING HUGE

 

Written by Victor R. Prisk, M.D.

 

 

 

Boosting Testosterone

Four Ways to Get Huge Faster

Muscular Development is always on the cutting edge when it comes to performance enhancement. Now you have the opportunity to learn the truth about how some of the greats built their massive physiques. It is no surprise that this involved “supplementation” with testosterone and its anabolic counterparts. Whether they’re used legally or under-the-table, these compounds are commonplace in professional sports arenas. 

I’d like to review the stacking options from the “natural” side of things. Stacks often include testosterone-boosting agents, estrogen-limiting agents, GH/IGF axis boosters and insulin sensitizers. In the following subsets, I will present to you the “natural stack” with the most scientific promise to achieve the physiologic optimization of your anabolic potential.

1) Testosterone Booster:

 Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali, TA)

 The bioactive compound eurycomanone has been shown to increase testosterone levels and sperm production in animal models.⁵ TA extracts work via a few mechanisms.⁵ One is by enhancing the enzymes that produce DHEA, a precursor of testosterone. More interestingly, eurycomanone appears to act as an aromatase inhibitor, thus preventing the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.⁶ This action also reduces feedback on the pituitary by estrogen, in turn raising luteinizing hormone (LH) production to boost testosterone levels.⁵

Studies in humans have demonstrated a performance-enhancing effect of 100 milligrams of an aqueous extract of TA in both men and women, increasing strength and muscle circumference.⁵ Treatment with 400 milligrams of TA extract for five weeks resulted in significant increases in total and free testosterone concentrations and muscular force in senior-aged men.⁷

  

2) Estrogen/DHT Blockers:

 Androsta-3,5-diene-7,17-dione (AD)

 AD is a metabolite of 7-Keto DHEA. Although DHEA and 7-Keto DHEA do not seem to result in significant androgenic effects, AD appears to act as an aromatase inhibitor and is marketed as an estrogen blocker. Laboratory studies suggest that androgens may act as aromatase inhibitors.⁸ Caution: even though this is a derivative of the relatively safe DHEA and 7-Keto DHEA, studies in humans are scarce.

Astaxanthin + Saw Palmetto 

 This is an herbal combination that inhibits the enzyme reductase (converts testosterone to DHT, or dihydrotestosterone) and aromatase. In one study, this supplement produced increases in serum testosterone levels up to 60 percent while decreasing estrogen and DHT.⁹ Doses of 800 milligrams and 2,000 milligrams were shown to equally raise testosterone levels, while the 2,000-milligram dose suppressed estrogen levels. A recent study has demonstrated that this combination of compounds decreases estrogen levels at a proprietary dosage of 1,200 milligrams per day.¹⁰ Caution: industry-sponsored studies could lead to bias.

  

3) GH/IGF-1 Boosters:

 Ecdysterone (20-hydroxyecdysone, Ecdy)

 Ecdy is an insect steroid that is marketed as a testosterone and performance-boosting supplement. Unfortunately, a human supplementation study in 2006 at a dose of 200 milligrams per day failed to show any improvements in body composition or training adaptations.¹¹ However, more recent studies in animal models suggest otherwise. A study in rats recently suggested that Ecdy could boost muscle growth through increasing serum IGF-1 and decreasing estrogen levels.¹² Further evaluation showed that Ecdy acted on a specific estrogen receptor on muscle cells in culture. This could mean that Ecdy would still activate estrogen-driven muscle growth while decreasing systemic estrogen levels. 

Melatonin

 Melatonin is a sleep aid that increases deep sleep onset. Growth hormone is released during deep sleep. IGF-1 is a hormone that is produced in response to growth hormone secretion, and is an important player in muscle anabolism.

A study by Oner et al. comparing supplementation of melatonin to supplementation of testosterone in rats produced fascinating results.¹³ Castrating rats induces muscle atrophy caused by a loss of the anabolic effect of testosterone produced by the testicles. In their study, the scientists found that melatonin supplementation increased soleus (calf) muscle weight and fiber diameter in castrated rats just as well as supplemental testosterone. The researchers noted that there was a strong IGF-1 presence within the melatonin-treated muscles. This study concluded that melatonin is as effective as testosterone in the prevention of muscle atrophy through action on the IGF-1 axis.

Furthermore, in a 2007 study, Willoughby and colleagues at Baylor University showed that single-dose melatonin supplementation could affect the GH/IGF-1 axis.¹⁴ In this study, a dose of five milligrams of melatonin significantly increased GH levels and lowered the competing hormone, somatostatin. Although IGF-1 levels were not affected, the levels of IGFBP-3 were increased in males. IGFBP-3, or insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3, is a binding protein that helps prolong the IGF-1 in the plasma. Melatonin has long been a mainstay in my evening supplement regimen. 

4) Insulin Sensitizers:

 Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) 

 Fenugreek is known to have anti-diabetic properties and an ability to boost testosterone levels. It also contains an unusual amino acid, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, so far found only in fenugreek, which has anti-diabetic properties of enhancing insulin secretion and sensitivity under hyperglycemic conditions.^15,16 Its ability to raise testosterone levels and improve insulin action explains its ability to produce an anabolic effect in humans and rats.¹⁶ In addition to doubling testosterone levels, fenugreek has even been shown at a dose of 500 milligrams to significantly impact both upper- and lower-body strength and body composition, compared to a placebo in a double-blind, controlled trial.¹⁷

Vitamin D

 Vitamin D is a hormone made from cholesterol, just like testosterone. Vitamin D also turns on a nuclear receptor just like anabolic steroids. You must think of this “vitamin” as a vital hormone. Its function goes way beyond simply improving calcium absorption for healthy bones.

Multiple studies have shown how important vitamin D supplementation is for improving muscle strength, especially in vitamin D-deficient older individuals. Vitamin D levels in the blood have been correlated to muscle cell contractility, strength and postural stability. Vitamin D deficiency has also been correlated to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Supplementation with vitamin D3 at 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day may improve the actions of leucine and insulin in boosting muscle protein synthesis.¹⁸

   

Conclusion

 There are a large number of testosterone-boosting supplements out there that count on the placebo effect in unsuspecting bodybuilders. The interesting thing about most of these herbal supplements is that they feel like they work. For instance, although the science is weak for Tribulus terrestris in producing increases in testosterone, it actually has beneficial effects in boosting sex drive and erectile function. Although it may not make your muscles harder, it makes you feel harder elsewhere. Just because a supplement acts as an aphrodisiac doesn’t mean it acts like testosterone in building muscle.

Dr. Victor Prisk is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and IFBB professional bodybuilder in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Prisk is an active member of the GNC Medical Advisory Board and creator of the “G.A.I.N. Plan.” He is an NCAA All-American gymnast, champion swing dancer and NPC Welterweight National Champion.

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