There are enough testosterone boosters on the market today to make your head spin. But what exactly are in the most popular supplements? Here’s a look at some of the most popular test booster ingredients to help clear up some of the confusion.
Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris is one of the most popular test booster ingredients. This ingredient is a flowering plant found in warm, tropical regions of south Europe, south Asia, Africa and Australia. Tribuus Terrestris has many common names, including puncture vine, cathead, caltrop, goathead, burra gokharu, yellow vine and bindii. The plant can thrive in a variety of terrain, including desert climates and poor soil.
Tribulus Terrestris causes the body to produce more testosterone via the release of luteinizing hormones. This hormone forces the testicles to produce more testosterone and also stops the body from recognizing that testosterone levels are above the normal level. The result is that the body does not attempt to lower luteinizing hormones, and testosterone remains high.
Testofen (Fenugreek)
Another popular test booster ingredient is Testofen. This herb contains over 100 photochemical ingredients. The most common ingredients are Furostanol Saponins and Steroidal Saponins. These ingredients increase both libido, muscle mass and testosterone. Studies have shown that Testofen causes testosterone to bind to testosterone receptor sites and mimic testosterone activity. Thus, the herb is often used to promote healthy testosterone levels.
Red Clover
Red Clover is an herb that is found primarily in Europe, northern Africa and central Asia. The name is derived from the plant’s flowers, which range in colour from white to deep red. The fresh and dried leaves of the flower are used medicinally. Red Clover is used primarily to promote healthy oestrogen levels. The plant contains isoflavones, which are increasingly used in test boosters to lower oestrogen and control water retention that is caused by high oestrogen levels.
Wild Yam
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa and other Dioscorea species) is used in test boosters to mimic the sex hormones estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. The plant contains dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is a hormone that can turn into testosterone, estrogen or progesterone in the human body. In the 1960s, the Mexican Wild Yam was chemically manufactured to include progesterone, androgens and cortisone, which led to the plant’s widespread use and the belief that the plant contains hormonal precursors.
Eurycoma Longfolia Jack
Eurycoma Longfolila Jack is often sold by the common name Herbal Viagra. The herb is used for testosterone enhancement and to treat erectile dysfunction. It is included in some herbal bodybuilder supplements and test boosters. Studies involving rats show that the herb increases sperm count and testosterone.
Primary Benefits of Each Testosterone Booster
Tribulus Terrestris: Raise luteinizing hormone (LH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GRH) levels
Testofen (Fenugreek): Raise luteinizing hormone (LH) and DHEA levels and increased insulin release
Red Clover: Lower oestrogen levels and reduce water retention
Wild Yam: Increase DHEA levels
Eurycoma Longfolia Jack: Increase libido and sperm count
Before you use any type of test booster, it is always a good idea to do a bit of research on the booster’s ingredients and common uses. Most test boosters have been proven safe and effective for everyday use, but it’s always better safe than sorry.