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To increase testosterone levels not only illicit ways exist, but natural methods can also be exploited, let’s see which ones

The testosterone is the ‘ anabolic hormone for excellence. Thanks to both action, each athlete increases strength and muscle mass, important factors for improvement in many sports and of course for bodybuilders who aim precisely at this. Testosterone is naturally produced in the human body in limited quantities. High intensity anaerobic training (lifting weights, speed runs, etc.) partly increases the endogenous production of testosterone.

Obviously doping, in particular anabolic drugs, aim to increase the levels of this hormone abundantly supraphysiological (up to 100 times the natural levels).

In recent years, however, the companies that manufacture sports supplements have developed the search for natural substances that could actually help raise testosterone levels by placing on the market several products that boasted effects not always supported by scientific research.

The herbal extracts, in particular, are becoming increasingly important in animal sports. Some herbal extracts give an effective benefit, but unfortunately, many companies sometimes boast absurd powers for their products containing herbs, thus making the consumer lose confidence even invalid products.

In this article, therefore, I want to describe the products marketed as natural testosterone boosters, but explaining what experimentation has really shown about them.

Chrysin (Chrysin) (5,7 dihydroxyflavone)

It is able to inhibit the aromatase enzyme, the enzyme that converts androgenic hormones to estrogens.

This action could guarantee more testosterone available but no study has yet verified whether or not there are benefits from an athletic point of view even if theoretically it should have its effectiveness.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)

It is an excellent adaptogen or with natural anti-catabolic and anti-inflammatory functions. The components of its Phyto complex are used in menopause, andropause, are used in traditional medicine during convalescence and to promote weight gain. Fenugreek promotes natural hormonal synthesis in our bodies.

It is being studied as a possible treatment to fight diabetes. Furostanol saponins have been identified as active components, which are also able to lower plasma cholesterol levels. The most important saponin isolated in fresh hay is diosgenin. It also contains Fenugrecin, a peptide ester of a steroid sapogenin with hypoglycaemic action as well as anti-phlogistic and cardiotonic properties. Furostanol saponins have immunostimulating and stimulating activities of the hormone LHRH with a consequent increase in testosterone levels and spermatogenesis.

This should have but has not yet been demonstrated, a positive effect on lean body mass, maintaining high levels of performance and increasing libido. Instead, it has been shown to promote GH release. Some studies conducted on animals show that fenugreek is able to increase endurance in endurance efforts, It is, therefore, an excellent tonic and tonic, especially if used in anemias and convalescences, stimulates the pancreas, strengthens muscle and bone tissue. In addition, the high content of 4-hydroxy- isoleucine makes it a strong stimulant for the release of insulin so as to be studied as an adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes. However, the action on testosterone is yet to be demonstrated.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

The properties that have recently made maca famous in the western world are mainly those aimed at increasing libido and are also the only scientifically proven properties currently. These properties seem to derive from the ability of the steroids contained in the maca to normalize the presence of steroid hormones naturally produced by our body (testosterone, progesterone) and also of estrogens, thus preventing all the gradual changes and imbalances that occur with the progress of ‘age. It contains beta ecdysterone.

Beta ecdysterone is a substance with hormonal activity in invertebrates, in particular, it promotes cell growth and differentiation. This substance has also shown to have an effect on the osteogenesis of rats, but there are still no serious studies showing any activity on humans, indeed some studies show its ineffectiveness in promoting strength, fat loss, and increase in muscle mass. Some argue without obvious evidence that maca seems to have a positive effect on building muscle tissue and maintaining good levels of performance.

Muira Puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides)

It increases libido, it is used to treat impotence, it is a tonic that acts both on the nervous and muscular level and on the circulatory system and seems to be able to prevent hair loss. It has been shown to have neuroprotective antioxidant properties. It is considered a neurotoxic plant since its properties are due to actions on the nervous system, therefore it has no particular effects on testosterone levels or at least no one has ever scientifically demonstrated them even if it is often included in products that boast results of this type.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

It has properties similar to Serenoa. The testosterone produced in the testicles and in the glands adrenal can be bound by SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin). When testosterone binds to SHGB it loses its biological activity and becomes testosterone bound, unavailable. When man is over 45 years old, SHGB activity increases by 40%, greatly decreasing the level of active testosterone. Active testosterone in the body is free, while bound testosterone no longer has its biological function.

Some constituents of the nettle Phyto complex bind to SHGB instead of testosterone, saturating the binding sites no longer available for testosterone.

The nettle extract also inhibits the binding between DHT and the DHT binding sites located on the prostate. It also inhibits the alpha 5 reductase enzyme which causes the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). The DHT causes benign prostatic hyperplasia and hair loss in humans. The nettle extract is therefore used in the prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia and hair loss. It also appears to have a protective action on the bone joints, probably due to the rebalancing of the hormonal structure. However, some studies have shown that there is no increase in testosterone in the circulation therefore its supposed properties on it have been refuted by science.

Serenoa repens (serrated palmetto)

It has a beneficial effect on people suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate). It inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It also inhibits the activity and transportation of DHT itself. The latter is directly implicated in benign prostate hyperplasia and hair loss such as uric.

It has also been shown that it increases testosterone levels, however, it must be said that the activity of androgens at the muscle level is given by the combination of text and DHT consequently lowering one to increase the other does not lead to particular effects. In fact, there are no studies showing an improvement in athletic performance following treatment with Serenoa. Serenoa repens is very rich in fatty acids and phytosterols of which the efficacy has been demonstrated on the treatment of the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) in double-blind with a placebo and between two of the most common medicines on the market.

There are also clinical trials showing the effectiveness of Serenoa repens in male pattern baldness treatment. But nobody has ever shown that there are benefits for athletes thanks to its action on the testosterone / DHT ratio.

Suma: (Pfaffia paniculata)

It has properties similar to maca. It also contains the active substance ecdysterone. The extract of this plant has adaptogenic properties, can increase the energy level, reduce the sense of fatigue and increase libido. It also probably improves the man’s sexual performance. Ecdysterone has been shown to have a positive effect on building lean mass and maintaining high levels of performance.

Paffaffia paniculate or Suma acts at various physiological levels, reinvigorating and helping to find performances above all in people over 40. The steroid compounds contained in suma could act positively on the skin and hair. It is used in traditional medicine but there are still no scientific studies able to demonstrate these properties.

Tribulus Terrestris

The extract of this herb seems to be able to naturally increase testosterone levels (in stressed or over-trained subjects ) and therefore the performance of athletes and the increase in muscle mass. It would seem that a natural product that affects endogenous testosterone production has finally been found! Some clinical studies show a tangible effect of this herb on metabolic manifestations that depend on testosterone (increased libido, increased sperm production, etc.). No side effects have been reported.

The effect is adaptogen rebalancing, it does not constitute doping.

Recommended dosage: 750-1250 mg divided into several daily intakes.

As with all substances that modify the personal endocrinological profile, cyclization is strongly recommended, for a maximum period of six to eight weeks, in the mass phase, followed by a detachment of another four. The effects derived from the effective presence of «active saponins», including protodioscin. Not all extracts show positive effects, some are irrelevant because they do not contain sufficient quantities of saponins, so always check the actual titration before buying a Tribulus-based product.

Tribulus Terrestris has a rebalancing activity on the «LH-testosterone» system; in fact, supposing to use a really active Tribulus, it has been observed that subjects under stress (also from overtraining ) and with low testosterone levels benefited from the use of Tribulus Terrestris. Tribulus acts by promoting the release of LH from the pituitary gland, this hormone acts by raising testosterone levels. In subjects in shape and with an already optimal hormonal balance, including testosterone, even the most active extract does not induce major changes; this could demonstrate how Tribulus Terrestris can help, in a natural way as a phyto-extract, to find

balance in stressed subjects, but not in healthy subjects. The Tribulus, therefore, helps the subjects in defiance to find the natural hormonal balance without pushing it further even in case of overdosing.

The Tribulus Terrestris, dosing healthy, find useful applications associated with other Phytoextracts to action «anti-stress reinvigorate-.»

However, independent studies on the use of this plant to improve performance or increase muscle mass are not very encouraging, as these factors do not demonstrate significant variations compared to the control groups. People with low testosterone levels have been found to benefit from the use of Tribulus which brings this condition back to normal. Those who have no problems of this nature have no benefits. It can, therefore, be assumed that the Tribulus manages to regulate the pituitary-testicular axis and that it is an excellent supplement for those who find alterations in normal testosterone levels by regularizing them but does not bring any benefit in healthy people.

However, it has been shown an increase in libido and an inhibitory action on phosphodiesterase 5 (the mechanism of action of Viagra) capable of promoting an erection.

ZMA (zinc L-monomethionine, zinc / magnesium aspartate + Vit B6)

It is a particularly effective source of zinc and magnesium. The zinc and magnesium have a vital role in the metabolic cycle linked to the strength and muscular endurance. ZMA is a patented mineral formulation containing zinc -L-monomethionine, bound with a covalent bond to zinc/magnesium aspartate and vitamin B6. ZMA has been designed to optimize the absorption and availability of zinc and magnesium during muscle growth. The zinc, magnesium complex and aspartic acid in the ZMA is held together by a single covalent bond between these elements, to increase the synergistic effect and absorption of these two minerals. The additional intake of vitamin B6 increases the absorption and utilization of zinc and magnesium.

Serum zinc levels decrease in athletes subjected to physical stress and zinc supplementation can increase muscle endurance in subjects

subjected to physical stress.

The Zinc is an integral part of the testosterone receptor, thus its presence is critical to have functioning androgen receptors. It is also a cofactor of several enzymes and other receptors that regulate protein synthesis and gene expression. Insufficient zinc levels can also decrease testosterone functionality.

Insufficient zinc levels can, therefore, alter the levels of sex hormones in the body.

There are studies showing that children supplemented with zinc have grown more thanks to an increase in protein synthesis.

Low levels of zinc in the diet are related to the decrease in serum testosterone levels while integrating with zinc in individuals with low intake of zinc to the diet has significantly increased the production of endogenous testosterone.

Furthermore, zinc, assisted by vitamin B6, inhibits 5 alpha-reductase by decreasing the production of DHT. Testosterone is converted into the body of DHT by the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase and DHT binds more strongly to androgen receptors than testosterone, affecting the action of testosterone.

Even cortisol levels, a catabolic hormone, increase strongly in individuals subjected to stress and in athletes subjected to intense physical exertion, and the level of zinc excreted in the urine increases strongly, creating a state of possible comprar testosterone enanthate deficiency.

The presence of magnesium is justified by the fact that it is essential for the production of energy in both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism and in the formation and regulation of muscle proteins.

The particular formulation of zinc in the ZMA has given conflicting results in the studies carried out so far: Brilla has found the supplementation effective, while Colin and Wilborn have not had the same result, therefore research on this particular supplement must be further developed before giving credible results. It seems that the effectiveness derives from the fact that there is a zinc deficiency or a state of overexertion which unbalances the testosterone/cortisol ratio in favor of the latter, therefore ZMA seems not to be active in healthy people but to be active in excessively fatigued people.

summing up

We can conclude our article by asserting that of all the supplements that boast effects on testosterone levels, few have proven to be truly effective. Certainly, fenugreek is the supplement that has proven to be most effective among the many in circulation, so it is absolutely worth trying given the multiple effects it has on the body.

The Tribulus and ZMA have been found useful in case of fatigue and catabolism generalized or possibly may be considered by over 40 who have a natural decrease in testosterone levels.

The suma and mac thanks to their sterols they have shown some positive effect so they can be taken into consideration also in this case especially by those over 40.

For the rest, if you are looking for a surplus of testosterone it is better to give up the other products thus avoiding to waste time and money in compounds of dubious efficacy.