The Truth Behind the Label: Testosterone boosting food supplements are a common sight, but are they safe and effective or over-hyped fillers with no scientifically proven ingredients?
Many bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts swear by over-the-counter testosterone boosters. Many products are marketed as food supplements and claim to boost testosterone levels, which in turn could lead to increased muscle mass and improved strength. Some also claim that taking testosterone boosters increase aggression and improve sex drive. But does science back up these claims or is money spent on these products money wasted?
Tribulus Terrestris as a Muscle Building Testosterone Booster
Tribulus terristris is a plant species of the Zygophllacae family and is common throughout Asia, Europe and parts of Africa (Source: USDA). It is classed as a weed in the United States but has value in traditional Chinese medicine for a variety of ailments.
Tribulus has been considered as a supplement that helps in muscle building through the stimulation of testosterone in the body. Scientific studies involving rats showed increased testosterone levels and sexual activity. However, trials on humans showed no difference to body composition. At present, there is only anecdotal evidence that Tribulus terrestris can have a significant effect on muscle size (Source: Bodybuildingforyou.com).
Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin) to Increase Testosterone and Muscle Size
Coleus Forskohlii is a member of the mint family and has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. It has recently gained popularity as a muscle building, hormone inducing sports supplement. Studies have shown Coleus Forskohlii to have some medical value in diseases such as glaucoma.
Some studies have also shown Forskolin to have an influence on body composition with test subjects in one study losing 8% body fat. However, there is little to suggest that Forskolin can increase testosterone levels (Source: advance-health.com).
Fenugreek Seed Extract in Testofen is Used to Increase Testosterone Levels
A third ingredient which is commonly found in sports supplements designed to increase testosterone levels is Fenugreek seed extract. Fenugree (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is native to southern Europe and Asia and is believed to stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more testosterone (Source: musclebulletin.com).
Studies suggest that is does have some effect on testosterone levels but most evidence that suggests it has an effect on muscle size and body composition is purely anecdotal.
Testosterone Boosters May Increase Testosterone Levels in Some Men
Despite the lack of solid scientific evidence, there are a number of testimonials and first hand accounts that suggest these ingredients have some effect on body composition. Many serious trainers swear by testosterone boosting supplements. However, they are merely supplements and cannot replace a hard training schedule and good diet for serious muscle gains.
Sources:
MuscleBulletin.com. "Boost Your Testosterone Levels With Testofen" (accessed December 11, 2010).
BodyBuildingForYou.com. "Tribulus Terrestris Extract Information & Research" (accessed December 11, 2010).
USDA. "Tribulus Terrestris in GRIN Taxonomy for Plants" (accessed December 11, 2010).
3 comments:
This is great information. I have been doing research on testosterone boosters for my wellness class. Thanks so much for this post. It will be very helpful!
Fenugreek seed extract or Testofen works great. I’ve used it for several weeks now and it yields brilliant results. Testofen is the primary ingredient in Ageless Male, a dietary supplement aimed at replacing the lost testosterone due to aging. Don’t fall for Ageless Male scam hype – the supplement is safe and genuine and fenugreek seed extract has been scientifically proven to increase the level of bioavailable testosterone in the blood. Use it without the fear of side effects.
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