Testosterone Support: A Brief Review

I believe every man at some point has looked into ways to enhance their testosterone levels. Whether it be for athletic performance, libido, or just general well being, Testosterone boosting seems to be mentioned moreso now than ever before. There are a variety of herbals/ supplements that tout benefits in this area, whether it be in boosting production initially or acting to protect testosterone from being converted into other chemicals. The following is a brief list of a few more popular herbals/supplements divided by their basic action.

Potential Testosterone Boosters

• Tribulus Terresteris: Also know as puncturevine. Potential benefit of increased testosterone levels via the body’s natural production methods. Be sure if choosing tribulus to select a standardized product for the best effect.
• D-Aspartic Acid: Nonessential amino acid that has a myriad of benefits, including potential natural testosterone boosting benefits similar to tribulus.
• DHEA(Dehydroepiandrosterone): A precursor to testosterone in the body. It appears that after age 30 the body’s levels of DHEA start to decline at a steady rate, falling to half the normal levels by age 40. Recently the media has been giving DHEA extra attention due to potential anti aging effects. I would only suggest this supplement to individuals over 30, and by a physician’s direction.

Testosterone Support

• Eurycoma Longifolia(Longjack, Tongkat ali): From the research I have done this supplement can be categorized in both areas. Reports state multiple benefits for testosterone, both in production and in protection from the negative effects of estrogen on testosterone.
• Epimedium(Horny Goat Weed):Active phytochemical, Icariin. Potential benefit of binding to SHGB (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin), which usually binds to testosterone and inhibits its anabolic effects.
• DIM(Diindolylmethane): From cruciferous vegetables(cauliflower, broccoli, etc…). Potential action to reduce “bad” estrogens and increase “good” estrogens. There are varying debates on this supplement, and until more solid evidence can be provided I would consider another estrogen management supplement for the time being. I still wanted to mention this supplement since much of the research I have seen seems very promising.
• Chrysin: Aromatase (estrogen producing) inhibitor. Many circles consider this isoflavone the “king of estrogen blockers”.

This is just a very basic review, but I wanted to talk about a few of the more popular supplements marketed for testosterone support. If you research some of these supplements you will see how many differing opinions you will find. I chose to include the most consistent information I could find. If anyone would like to add any more herbals/supplements to the above categories, feel free to add by comments. Please no company blends, include specific herbals/supplements only. I hope this information helps in your future supplement choices.

Michael Petrinjak CFT