35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 1 INTRODUCTION This definitive guide to testosterone boosting supplements presents you with a comprehensive list that you can rely on to help your testosterone levels soar. No longer do you have to scour through dozens of websites of dubious quality to find the supps that you can rely upon. We ve got them all here in one place. Every supplement that we ve included is backed by solid research, so you can have absolute confidence that these three dozen supplements are the very best out there. Ready to discover the supplements that will help you reclaim your masculinity? Great, let s get started.
2 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #1 FORKSOLIN Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii) is an herb that is primarily used as a fat burner, but is also a potent testosterone booster. It stimulates the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (camp), which acts a secondary messenger between cells and hormones. In one study, forskolin supplementation was administered to 30 overweight test subjects over a 12-week period. The dosage was 250 mg of 10% forskolin extract. At the end of the study, the subjects in the forskolin group increased their testosterone levels by an average of 33%. (1) Forskolin has also been seen to be a potent stimulator of androgen receptors. These are the sites where testosterone binds and brings about an anabolic effect. Forskolin is freely available in the U.S., but has been added to the European Union s medicine list in 2015, meaning that individuals can no longer purchase it.
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 3 SUPPLEMENT #2 MUCUNA PRURIENS Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) is a popular Indian herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for years. It has been a popular sexual tonic and is reputed to actually increase the size of the testicles. The power of Mucuna pruriens lies in its L-Dopa content. The ingested L-Dopa in Mucuna pruriens converts to actual dopamine, which is a stimulator of testosterone production. In one study, supplementation with Mucuna pruriens was seen to increase T production by 38% in infertile men! (2) This is another completely natural herbal supplement which has been put on the EU medicines list.
4 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #3 TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS Tribulus terrestris (puncture vine) is used by many bodybuilders as a post steroid cycle way to restart their T production. Researchers found that Tribulus terrestris may have the ability to increase natural testosterone production by boosting levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), a pituitary hormone responsible for regulating testosterone levels. LH actually turns on natural testosterone production. One research institute study revealed that a daily dose of 750 mg of Tribulus terrestris given to healthy men increased their LH by and average of 72% and subsequently hiked free testosterone levels by an impressive 41% (3).
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 5 SUPPLEMENT #4 MACA Maca (Lepidium meyenii) naturally improves testosterone production by raising dopamine levels in order to inhibit the production of prolactin. Maca is also able to boost the body s natural production of nitric oxide. In this way, it helps with erectile dysfunction. (4)
6 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #5 GINGER Ginger root is a very well-known household spice that can really boost your T levels. In an Iraqian study, ginger supplementation increased luteinizing hormone levels by 43% and testosterone levels by 17% in infertile men. (5) Not only is ginger a great testosterone boosting herb, it is also typically inexpensive.
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 7 SUPPLEMENT #6 CHRYSIN Chrysin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in honeycombs, mushrooms, passion flowers, and chamomile. Its benefit lies in its ability to block estrogen, specifically the aromatase enzyme. Chrysin that is blended with piperine will enhance the bio-availability to further boost its estrogen blocking effect. (6)
8 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #7 SAW PALMETTO Saw palmetto is derived from the fruit of the Serenoa repens plant. It boosts testosterone by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase s activity. This blocks testosterone from converting into its more potent form dihydrotestosterone. (7) Saw palmetto does come with a side effect of minor sexual dysfunction.
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 9 SUPPLEMENT #8 SHILAJIT You may not have heard of shilajit, but it has been a star of Ayuervedic medicine for thousands of years. This dark, rocky, tar-like substance comes from rocks deep in the Himalayan mountains. A study on infertile men has shown that shilajit can have a powerful impact on your body s natural testosterone production. After 90 days, there was a 37.6% increase in sperm count and a 23.5% boost in testosterone production. (8)
10 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #9 VELVET ANTLER POLYPEPTIDE (VAP) Velvet antler polypeptide (VAP) is made by crushing the antlers of elk or deer into a fine powder. A study on aging male mice showed that VAP effectively improved sexual function, due to increased testosterone synthesis. It is claimed to be able to increase levels of LH, FSH, and total testosterone levels, though the effectiveness in human males is unconfirmed. (9)
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 11 SUPPLEMENT #10 HORNY GOAT WEED Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium HGW) is a flowering herb that comes from the Mediterranean region of Asia. In Chinese medicine, it has long been used as an aphrodisiac. It contains a bio-active compound called icariin, which has been shown in studies to be an inhibitor of PDE-5 and PDE-4. It also activates the camp enzyme, which acts a secondary messenger between cells and hormones. (10)
12 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #11 ROYAL JELLY Royal Jelly is an anabolic porridge-like liquid that is secreted from the hypopharynx glands of the worker bee. It causes the bee larvae to grow 60 times bigger and to live 40 times longer. Royal Jelly is incredibly dense in nutrients and various enzymes. The kicker here is that Royal Jelly actually contains small amounts of testosterone. In addition, this substance is able to convert DHEA and cholesterol more readily into testosterone by stimulating enzymes in the testes, as well as stimulating the pituitary gland to release more luteinizing hormone. In one study, Royal Jelly was able to increase testosterone levels by a 20% in infertile men. (11)
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 13 SUPPLEMENT #12 TONGKAT ALI Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is very popular in Asia to due to its erection promoting qualities. It has the ability to modulate SHBG levels, significantly increasing testosterone levels. In one study, moderately stressed men were given either 200 mg of Tongkat Ali or a placebo. After 4 weeks, the Tongkat Ali group showed a 16% decrease in cortisol and a 37% increase in testosterone. (12)
14 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #13 AKARKARA ROOT Akarkara root (Anacyclus pyrethrum) has long been used as a herbal aphrodisiac. It acts in a similar way to chamomile with active compounds that are similar to those found in maca powder. Akarkara root is well known for its ability to enhance erections, fertility, and testosterone levels. In one animal study, a dosage of between 50-150 mg per day over 28 days showed a doubling in the levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels. (13)
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 15 SUPPLEMENT #14 GRAPE SEED EXTRACT Grape seed extract is developed by grinding the seeds of red wine grapes. It has proven itself to be an effective estrogen blocker. Its power comes from two ingredients: Proanthocyanidin Procyanidin Both of these compounds act as very effective estrogen blockers. As an active antioxidant, grape seed extract protects testosterone molecules from oxidative and toxin-induced testicular damage. It is also a potent nitric oxide booster. (14)
16 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #15 BUTEA SUPERBA Butea superba (red kwao krua) is an herb from Thailand that contains androgenic phytonutrients and anti-estrogens. Men in Thailand have been using Butea superba for centuries to increase libido, erectile quality, and the levels of androgenic hormones. In a 2003 study, which lasted for 3 months, 1 gram of Butea superba increased serum testosterone levels by 11% compared to a placebo. (15)
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 17 SUPPLEMENT #16 ASHWAGANDHA Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb that comes to us from Ayurvedic medicine. It is also known as Indian Ginseng. As an adaptogen, this herb helps to reduce stress. Ashwagandha delivers a two-pronged approach by Lowering prolactin levels Increasing testosterone levels A King George s Medical University study in India administered ashwagandha over a period of 12 weeks and saw a reduction in prolactin levels of 15%, with a corresponding increase in testosterone levels of 40%. (16)
18 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #17 BULBINE NATALENSIS Bulbine natalensis is an African herb with proven testosterone-boosting abilities. It is rich in steroidal saponins, alkaloids, and glycosides. Bulbine has long been used in Northern and Eastern Africa as an aphrodisiac and to promote a healthy libido. Several rodent studies have shown significant increases in testosterone levels with bulbine supplementation. To date, there have been no human studies. (17) It should be noted that there are possible risks to the kidneys and liver when supplementing with Bulbine natalensis.
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 19 SUPPLEMENT #18 MUIRA PUAMA Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides) is also known as natural Viagra. It is an aphrodisiac tree bark sourced from the Amazonian rainforest. It contains androgenic compounds that have an ergonomic effect. (18)
20 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #19 FENUGREEK Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a hugely popular natural testosterone booster. The active compounds that increase testosterone are protodioscin and fenuside. (19)
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 21 SUPPLEMENT #20 RHODIOLA ROSEA Rhodiola rosea (rose root) is an adaptogenic herb from Siberia and Northern Asia. It has long been used to reduce stress levels and balance hormones. Rhodiola rosea is known to lower cortisol levels, which indirectly improves testosterone levels. (20)
22 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #21 GINSENG Ginseng is a powerful adaptogen that greatly improves the body s ability to cope with physical, environmental, and emotional stress. It is an effective weight-loss aid due to its ability to rev up sluggish metabolisms and boost energy levels. A number of studies with rats have revealed ginseng to be a potent inhibitor of prolactin. In fact, in one study, rats that were treated with American ginseng had an astounding 50% reduction in their levels of serum prolactin. (21) Another huge benefit of ginseng is its proven ability to increase the body s natural production of nitric oxide (NO). This directly leads to an increased ability to get and maintain an erection.
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 23 SUPPLEMENT #22 PINE POLLEN Pine pollen (Pollen pini) is a natural androgen. It actually contains testosterone, along with a number of other androgens. As an example, the Pinus sylvestris variety contains 80 ng/g of testosterone, 100 ng/g epitestosterone and 590 ng/n androstenedione. Pine pollen is also a complete protein with 22 amino acids. It includes more than 100 different enzymes, more than 15 vitamins and 30 minerals, essential fatty acids, and plant sterols. (22)
24 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #23 SUMA ROOT Suma root (Pfaffia paniculata) is also known as Brazilian Ginseng. It is an adaptogenic herb that has ergogenic benefits. The Russians actually gave it to their Olympic athletes during the 1960s in place of Dianabol. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Suma Root has become known to the Western World. A number of studies have confirmed its amazing ability to bring up lagging levels of testosterone (23).
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 25 SUPPLEMENT #24 STINGING NETTLE ROOT Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) is common to many people due to it uncomfortable stinging properties. The leafy part of the plant is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. However, it is the root that lowers SHBG levels and increases testosterone. Several in-vitro studies show that the lignans in nettle root can block SHBG from binding into hormones, and thus increase free-testosterone and free-dht levels. Nettle root was, in fact, so powerful in a test tube that it even displaced hormones from SHBG, making them bio-available for the receptors. (24)
26 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #25 CALCIUM Calcium is the fifth most abundant mineral on earth. Ninety-nine percent of the calcium in your body is located in your teeth and bones. That leaves just 1% for cellular functioning, neurotransmitter release, muscle contraction, and scores of other functions. Calcium is one of 20 essential vitamins and minerals for humans. Though researchers are not sure about how it does so, calcium has been shown to increase testosterone levels. In a 2009 study, researchers found that calcium supplementation, combined with resistance training, increased free T levels by 18%. (25)
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 27 SUPPLEMENT #26 COPPER Copper is an essential trace element which is involved in such vital bodily functions as transporting oxygen, iron uptake, and proper thyroid functioning. There is evidence that supplementation with copper chelate could increase testosterone levels by stimulating the release of GnRH and LH. (26)
28 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #27 BORON Boron is a mineral that plays a role in cell wall strength and in the reproductive system. It is only found in the soil of the earth, which means that most of us don t get enough of it. A study conducted by Naghii, et al. involved eight healthy male subjects taking 10 mg of boron in the morning with their breakfast for 7 days. At the end of 7 days, the men had increased their testosterone levels by an impressive 28%. At the same time, estrogen levels dropped by 39%. (27)
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 29 SUPPLEMENT #28 MAGNESIUM Magnesium controls more than 300 functions in the body. It is the primary electrolyte used by almost all of the body s enzymes. It maintains fluid balance, gives energy to cells, and increases the amount of bio-active or free testosterone. Magnesium deficiency will lower your testosterone levels. A recent in-vitro study showed that magnesium is able to free up bound testosterone in order to make it more bio-available. This happens because magnesium inhibits SHBG, which is a molecule that bonds to free testosterone. This makes the T more available to receptors. (28)
30 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #29 ZINC Zinc is an essential mineral that the body cannot synthesize by itself. Neither is it able to store zinc. Zinc is heavily involved with the reproductive system. It is also a testosterone booster, with the ability to inhibit the aromatase enzyme. This reduces the conversion from testosterone to estrogen. Many studies have shown that supplementation with zinc significantly increase the levels of bioactive (free) testosterone. (29)
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 31 SUPPLEMENT #30 VITAMIN C Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a hugely popular, cheap supplement that millions of people take to ward of a cold. Its main function in the body is to serve as an antioxidant. When used in conjunction with garlic, vitamin C is a very effective booster of nitric oxide. This improves blood flow, which helps combat erectile dysfunction. Vitamin C has been shown to increase testosterone levels. Several animal studies have shown that vitamin C protects the testicular leydig cells from oxidative stressors, and thus, preserves testosterone levels. (30) Another study found that vitamin C significantly increased sperm quality, motility, and volume in rodents. (31)
32 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #31 VITAMIN K2 Most people have never heard of vitamin K2. It can be found in such foods as cheese, egg yolks, fermented foods, and butter. As well as being great for cardiovascular health, K2 has been clearly seen to increase testosterone production. In a Japanese study, male rats were fed 75 mg/kg of K2 for a period of 5 weeks. At the end of the trial, the researchers measured a 70% increase in blood plasma testosterone levels. Inside the testes, the increase was even bigger (90%). (32)
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 33 SUPPLEMENT #32 VITAMIN D Vitamin D regulates in excess of 1000 bodily functions. It occurs naturally in fish and eggs and can be obtained through exposure to the sun. It is well known as a bone strengthener, but also is a potent T booster. A recent study showed that men who took 3,332 IUs of vitamin D daily for a year had 25.2% more testosterone than a placebo group. (33)
34 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #33 VITAMIN A Vitamin A is actually a collective term for a number of active unsaturated molecules. Even though it is most known as a protector of eyesight, a handful of studies have shown that Vitamin A is also a potent stimulator of androgen production. Studies have shown that vitamin A is essential to proper function of the reproductive system. In one study, which involved 155 twin males, Vitamin A was found to have a significant positive correlation with testosterone production. (34)
35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements 35 SUPPLEMENT #34 ZMA ZMA (Zinc Magnesium Aspartate) is a combination of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6. It is popular among bodybuilders as a post-workout recovery formula. We know that individually the compounds that make up ZMA are able to boost T levels. Taken together they provide an even more powerful effect. The compounds are in a separate form to improve the message-sending ability between cells and hormones. (35)
36 35 Testosterone Boosting Supplements SUPPLEMENT #35 BRANCH CHAIN AMINO ACIDS Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA s) are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They are three of the essential amino acids and the main ones that drive muscle protein synthesis. BCAA supplementation is great for people who work out in a fasted state by having a workout first thing in the morning. Numerous studies show that BCAA supplementation significantly increases testosterone levels, growth hormone levels, and muscle protein synthesis. (36)
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