OVER-DRIVE SUPPLEMENT A TESTOSTERONE BOOSTER

ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS  

Ingredients Information

1. D-Aspartic Acid 

Description

D-Aspartic Acid an endogenous (made within the body) amino acid. It is primarily found in the pituitary gland of the brain and in the testes of males. It has an important role in the regulation, release, and synthesis of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH). 

Studies show that D-Aspartic Acid can improve testosterone levels in men with low testosterone and/or infertility issues.

Scientific research

The most notable research study is the 2009 article {The role and molecular mechanism of D-Aspartic Acid in the release and synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats} which took a group of 27- to 37-year-old males with low testosterone and were placed on 3,000mg of D-Aspartic Acid daily for a span of 12 days.  After only 12 days these individuals had a drastic increase in testosterone levels of 42%. Even after 3 days of suspending use of D-Aspartic Acid their testosterone levels remained elevated.

One other study in 2012 {D-Aspartate, a key element for the improvement of sperm quality} showed a range of 33-60% increases in testosterone levels in a group of 27- to 43-year-old males with fertility issues within 90 days after using 2,660 mg of D-Aspartic Acid daily.

The testosterone increases are impressive in these studies especially in being able to increase testosterone levels by 42% in 12 days. The only issue is that there have not been any documented studies showing increases of testosterone levels in males with normal testosterone levels taking D-Aspartic Acid. But what is to say that nourishing the pituitary gland and testes with this amino acid will not help optimize testosterone production.

Mechanism of action

D-Aspartic acid increases natural testosterone production by stimulating the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which informs the pituitary gland in the brain that testosterone concentrations in the blood are low. This then triggers the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) which signals the Leydig cells in the testes to produce more testosterone.

Side effects

There have been minimal to no side effects reported in well-known research articles. WebMD states that Aspartic Acid is possibly safe and has no side effects listed at this time. At the most in a small study group 2 of the 20 people experienced nervousness, headaches, and irritability taking a dosage of 3,000 mg per day. 

Summary

So, in conclusion, while D-Aspartic Acid has been shown to increase testosterone levels in men with low testosterone levels and infertility issues there has not been any documented studies showing muscle mass or increase in testosterone levels in healthy men who weight train or are active. This being the case, the body will always need these important amino acids to help regulate healthy testosterone levels. There does not seem to be any downside to providing additional support to our hormone regulatory system. 

2. Tongkat Ali 

Description

Tongkat Ali is an herbal supplement derived from the Southeast Asian Eurycoma Longifolia shrub. It is also known as Long Jack or Malaysian Ginseng. The root extract has been part of traditional Asian medicine for centuries to treat male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and performance enhancement.

Tongkat Ali has multitudes of research articles and studies showing significant increase in total and free testosterone. It has been shown to increase lean muscle mass, strength, and decrease estrogen activity. 

Scientific research

A very impressive study in 2013 {Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors – a pilot study} showed a 61% increase in free testosterone levels and a 15% increase in total testosterone levels after taking 400mg of Tongkat Ali for 5 weeks.

Another two studies of male subjects taking 200mg of Tongkat Ali for 4 weeks {Standardized water-soluble extract of Eurycoma Longifolia, Tongkat Ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism} and {Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stress subjects} both showed increases in testosterone levels, recording a 37% improvement as more clearly specified in the second study.

Tongkat Ali has also been shown to reduce body fat, increase muscle mass, and strength compared to the placebo group as demonstrated in the 2003 study; {The Ergonomic effects of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack}. Male subjects took 100mg of Tongkat Ali for 5 weeks and gained 2.13 kg (4.7 lbs.) more muscle, 0.7-inch bigger arms, and lost 2.86% more body fat than the placebo group. 

One other major component of Tongkat Ali that surpasses many other herbal supplements is its ability to reduce estrogen which is a very crucial factor in regulating male testosterone and hormonal levels. Tongkat Ali has been found to be just as potent as Tamoxifen which is a prescription medication used to reduce estrogen in breast cancer patients as explained in the study; {Comparative X-ray and conformational analysis of a new crystal of 13a, 21- dihydroeurycomanone with eurycomanone from Eurycoma Longifolia and their anti-estrogenic activity using the uterotrophic assay}. 

In the bodybuilding forum, Tamoxifen is better known by its brand name Nolvadex. Bodybuilders use it as their PCT (post cycle therapy) so that natural testosterone can be stimulated and reproduced after being suppressed if PEDs (performance enhancing drugs) are used. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is also being used in Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) clinics as an alternative to testosterone injections.

Mechanism of action

Tongkat Ali works in the same way that Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) does by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme which in general terms means blocking the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. By inhibiting (blocking) this conversion it allows for more testosterone to be available. 

Side effects

According to WebMD, supplementing with Tongkat Ali is possibly safe when taken for 9 months. There have been some very few noted side effects which include insomnia, instability, and restlessness – so taking this supplement in the morning is preferentially recommended.  

Summary

Tongkat Ali is a potent herbal supplement. If scientific research states it “displayed comparable potency with tamoxifen” then there is not much more to say. 

3. Fenugreek

Description

Fenugreek is an herb similar to clover which can be found worldwide such as in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and other parts of Asia. 80 % of this herb is cultivated in India. Its plant species name is Trigonella foenum-graecum. Fenugreek has been used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as an aphrodisiac and to improve men’s sexual and hormonal health. This powerful herb has been used a lot more regionally by those looking for a natural way to increase testosterone levels. 

Scientific research

Several studies have shown that taking fenugreek supplements may improve testosterone levels and symptoms related to low testosterone such as low libido. One of the best documented publications showing this is {Efficacy of Furosap, a novel Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract, in Enhancing Testosterone level and Improving Sperm profile in Male volunteers, 2017}. This 12-week study contained 50 men, aged 35- to 65-year-old, who supplemented with a daily dose of 500mg of Fenugreek and by the end of the study 90% of the participants had an increase of free testosterone levels by up to 46%. What is also fascinating is that most of the fenugreek supplement group also experienced improvements in mood, energy, libido, and sperm count. 

A more recent published review in 2020 is a meta-analysis {Effect of fenugreek extract supplement on testosterone levels in male: A meta-analysis of clinical trials} which looked at four studies of Fenugreek supplementation using dosages of 250mg to 600mg per day for 8 to 12 weeks and at the end of this meta-analysis it was concluded that this herbal extract has a significant effect on total serum testosterone.

Another good publication worth noting even though it does not show documented increase in testosterone levels comes from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition {The effects of a commercially available botanical supplement on strength, body composition, power output, and hormonal profiles in resistance-trained males} which conducted an 8 week study of 49 athletic males who were placed on 500mg of Fenugreek and underwent resistance workout training. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that daily supplementation of 500 mg of Fenugreek in conjunction with an eight-week, structured resistance training program can significantly increase upper and lower body strength, reduce body fat percentage, and thus improve overall body composition when compared to a placebo group under identical experimental protocols. 

Mechanism of action

Fenugreek contains compounds called saponins, which are believed to increase testosterone production.  In particular, protodioscin, is a type of saponin in fenugreek that may be effective at increasing testosterone levels. It is believed that this compound, protodioscin, blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT by the inhibiting the 5 alpha reductase enzyme and/or blocks the conversion of testosterone to estradiol by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme in males which would allow for more testosterone to be bioavailable. 

Side effects

There have been no side effects reported in well-known research articles. WebMD states it is fairly safe as it is commonly consumed in foods. If anything, it can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, or upset stomach. 

Summary

There is good scientific evidence that Fenugreek helps increase testosterone levels. The good news is that these studies were conducted on physically active and healthy men and still achieved additional results including improved body composition, improvements in mood, energy, libido, and sperm count. 

4. Tribulus terrestris 

Description

Tribulus terrestris is a small flowering plant that occurs naturally throughout China, India, western Asia, southern Europe and Africa, and the southwestern United States. The plant yields a fruit that is covered with spines hence it also goes by the name of Puncture Vine or Goat’s head. The fruit, leaf, and root are used in Ayurveda traditional Indian and Chinese medicine to promote male virility and sexual health. 

Scientific research

There is one study, {Pilot Study on the Effect of Botanical Medicine (Tribulus terrestris) on Serum Testosterone Level and Erectile Function in Aging Males with Partial Androgen Deficiency (PADAM), 2016}, which looked at 30 male patients complaining of manifestations of low testosterone symptoms and erectile function and free testosterone levels in the men who took 750mg of Tribulus terrestris a day for three months.

While there are very limited human studies demonstrating that this herb can increase testosterone levels it has the same plant bioactive ingredient, protodioscin, as in Fenugreek that has been demonstrated to increase testosterone levels. In theory, these same compounds should be able to reproduce the same results.

As there is not suffice documentation demonstrating increases in testosterone levels there is considerable scientific evidence showing increases in libido and sperm production. Researchers found that when men with reduced sex drives consumed 750 - 1,500mg of Tribulus terristris daily for two months, their sexual desire increased by 79% {Pro-sexual and androgen enhancing effects of Tribukus terristris L.: Fact or Fiction, 2016}. 

One other clinical trial, {Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction-A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial 2017}, included 180 males aged between 18- and 65- years old. These males had mild or moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) and each participant was instructed to take 750mg of Tribulus terrestris per day for 12 weeks. Following the 12-week treatment period, significant improvement in sexual function, quality of orgasm, and sex drive was observed compared to the placebo group of men with mild to moderate ED. Tribulus terrestris was generally well tolerated for the treatment of ED. 

Other supporting research that has documented increases in libido and sperm production by as much as 49% can be found in such articles as {Phytopharmacological overview of Tribulus terrestris, 2014}, {Herbal Dietary Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis 2018}, and {Sexual effects of puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) extract (protodioscin), 2003}.

Mechanism of action

While the mechanism of Tribulus terrestris to improve sexual desire and sperm production are not certain we do know that it contains the same bioactive ingredient, protodioscin, as Fenugreek which blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT by the inhibiting the 5 alpha reductase enzyme and/or blocks the conversion of testosterone to estradiol by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme in males which would allow for more testosterone to be bioavailable. It has also been noted in some of these studies that there may be some nitric oxide properties released into male reproductive organs which help with erectile function. 

Side effects

During these trials and studies conducted, there were no side effects or adverse reactions noted. WebMD states Tribulus terrestris is possibly safe for most people when taken at doses of 750-1500 mg daily for up to 90 days. Side effects are usually mild and uncommon, but might include stomach pain, cramping, and diarrhea. There is not enough reliable information available to know if Tribulus is safe to use for longer than 90 days or what the side effects might be.

Summary

While there is scanty research showing that Tribulus terristris can increase testosterone levels we do know that it contains the same bioactive ingredient, protodioscin, as Fenugreek which has been shown in research studies to increase testosterone levels by 46%. Although, we cannot conclude the same results but without a doubt we can state that there are multiple clinical trials and reviews supporting that Tribulus terrestris does increase libido and improve sexual function. 

5. Ashwagandha

Description

Ashwagandha is an annual evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and in parts of Africa. It is also known as Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng. Its scientific name is Withania Somnifera. This plant, particularly its root, has been used for over 3,000 years as a natural Ayurvedic (Traditional Indian Medicine) remedy to help against multiple ailments but most importantly for this case, Ashwagandha, reduces cortisol levels which in turn increases testosterone levels and reduces stress and anxiety.

Scientific research

A very prominent, randomized controlled trial, published in 2015, {Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial} looked at the effects that Ashwagandha could have on muscle mass, strength, and testosterone levels. The study was conducted on 57 healthy men between the ages of 18- to 50- years old and placed on an eight week resistance training program. One group was placed on 300mg of Ashwagandha twice daily and the other on a placebo. After eight weeks, the Ashwagandha group showed a greater increase in strength when performing bench press and leg extensions and increased muscle size in arms and chest compared to the placebo group. More interesting is that the group that took Ashwagandha had a significantly larger increase in testosterone level of 96.2 ng/dl versus 18.0 ng/dl in the placebo group. The Ashwagandha group also had a greater reduction in body fat percentage over the course of the study.

A more recent study {A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males, 2019} investigated the effects of Ashwagandha on fatigue, vigor, and testosterone hormones in aging men. Fifty overweight men aged 40–70 years of age with mild fatigue, were given a placebo or an ashwagandha extract for 16 weeks. By the end of the study, the men who used the Ashwagandha showed a 15 percent greater increase in testosterone levels compared to the placebo group. 

Science tells us that by lowering cortisol and stress this in turn indirectly increases the production of testosterone levels. In this PubMed publication, {A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults, 2012}, a total of 64 subjects with a history of chronic stress were enrolled into the study after performing relevant clinical examinations and laboratory tests including a measurement of serum cortisol. The treatment group were placed on 300mg of Ashwagandha twice a day for a period of 60 days. At the end of the 60-day trial, the Ashwagandha group was found to have by as much as 27% less cortisol levels. 

Mechanism of action

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb which helps protect the body against various stress reactions. It contains phytochemicals called withanolides which are made up of a steroid backbone in this plant. It is believed to be able to help regulate the human body’s HPA (hypothalmus-pituitary-adrenal) axis. This feature helps achieve balance and promote anti-stress effects such as lowering cortisol (stress hormone) levels. By lowering cortisol levels in the body this indirectly increases the production of testosterone. 

Side effects

Ashwagandha is generally well-tolerated in typical dosages, mild to moderate side effects such as headache, sleepiness, and stomach upset have been reported in clinical studies. Rarely, liver injury, allergic reactions, and rapid heartbeat have been reported.

Summary

This powerful natural herb has been around and used for thousands of years. Not only does it benefit testosterone levels, but it can help your overall health and mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and relieving the symptoms of depression.

6. Maca

Description

Maca also known as Peruvian Ginseng, is a plant that grows in the high plateaus of the Andes Mountains in Peru. It has been cultivated as a root vegetable for at least 3,000 years. It is a relative of the radish and is one of the few edible plants that can survive the harsh weather conditions above 4,000 meters in altitude. The people of Peru have used Maca for thousands of years as a natural medicine to aid in male infertility and increase sexual desire in healthy people. 

Scientific research

healthy While there have not been any human scientific case studies observing direct impact on testosterone levels there are however numerous studies showing quite significant increases in libido. This publication in 2002, {Effect of Lepedium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men}, is a 12-week trial where a group of men aged 21 to 56 years of age received Maca in one of two doses: 1.500mg or 3,000mg or a placebo. During the trial it was found that at about 8 weeks of taking Maca there were measured improvements of sexual desire.

Another interesting study, {A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen, 2009}, took a group of strength and endurance athletes and were asked to consume Maca or a placebo for 14 days. After these two weeks, it was noted that the group consuming the Maca extract showed improved self-rated sexual desire scores compared to their baseline tests and compared to the placebo trial group. 

Mechanism of action

Maca is actually a particularly nutritious plant, which contains fatty acids, sterols and a number of essential nutrients such as phytonutrients and alkaloids. The root also contains a compound called p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate which is claimed to have aphrodisiac and fertility-enhancing qualities. History suggests that local Peruvian villagers found living at high altitudes had negative effects on their libido, and that eating this plant helped to enhance sexual appetite and performance.

Side effects

Maca root is generally a safe supplement as it is a natural food. WebMD, Maca is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts as medicine, short-term. Doses up to 3 grams daily seem to be safe when taken for up to 4 months.

Summary

People in Peru have used maca for thousands of years as food and as a natural medicine. It has become popular worldwide in the past few decades, particularly for its uses for fertility and libido.

7. Boron 

Description

Boron is a trace mineral found in the deposits of our soil all over the world. The only issue with that statement is that our soils due to aggressive farming techniques have significantly lower concentrations of boron compared to previous generations. A significant percentage of the population are well below the 3 mg per day threshold that many experts would recommend. 

Boron is thought to play a key role in regulating our body’s natural production of testosterone and estradiol. It has also been found to increase muscle and bone strength, improve mental clarity, focus, concentration, and decrease inflammation.

Scientific research

 An excellent example of Boron's ability to increase testosterone comes from a 2011 study, {Comparative effect of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines}, where a group of 18- to 29- year-old males consumed 10mg of boron for 7 days and experienced on average a 28.3% increase in free testosterone. This same group was also found to have a decrease in estrogen by 39%.

Another published study on PubMed, {The effect of boron supplementation on lean body mass, plasm a testosterone levels, and strength in male bodybuilders, 1993}, investigated the effect of boron supplementation on 19 male bodybuilders aged 20- to 27 years of age. Ten of the bodybuilders were given 2.5mg of boron per day while the other nine were given a placebo for a total of 7 weeks. The group taking 2.5mg  of boron a day were found at the end of the study to a have an increase in total testosterone by 33% and a 15% increase in free testosterone compared to the placebo group.

Mechanism of action

It appears that Boron has been found to decrease or inhibit sHBG (sex hormone binding globulin). By reducing the amount of sHBG in the body, this then allows for more testosterone to be free and bioavailable as 95% of total testosterone is bound and inactive. Boron has also been found to improve uptake of vitamin D and magnesium which can improve blood flow that contributes to healthy sexual function and maintaining balanced androgen hormones like testosterone.

Side effects

Boron is a fairly safe supplement, and no high dosages are needed as seen in the above studies. The tolerable upper limit has been provisionally set at 20mg per day, so never go above that. Some side effects noted of taking high dosages of boron include vomiting, indigestion, headaches, and diarrhea.

Summary

It is very interesting to note how important this little trace mineral is for men’s hormonal health. It is available in your diet, but now a days there may not be enough being ingested due to the depletions in our soils so taking just a little more than your food provides might help you increase free testosterone levels and reduce estrogen levels.

8. Vitamin D3 

Description

Vitamin D3 is a form of vitamin D. It is also known as cholecalciferol. It is an essential micronutrient that is naturally found in animals and is produced by the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. In males, Vitamin D3 is key to hormone regulations specifically to testosterone levels. There has been multiple scientific studies showing the correlation between Vitamin D levels and testosterone levels.

Scientific research

The first study, {Association of vitamin D status with serum androgen levels in men} published in 2010 examined 2299 men and found that men with sufficient vitamin d levels had significantly higher levels of testosterone and significantly lower sHBG (serum hormone binding gobulin) when compared to men with insufficient or deficient in vitamin D. 

Next, in 2011 {Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men} a group of 200 men were placed on a regimen of 3332 IU of Vitamin D3 for one year and it was found that their testosterone levels were 25.2% higher than the men consuming a placebo.  

Mechanism of action

The exact mechanism of how Vitamin D increases or maintains healthy testosterone levels is not well known or document but it is thought to enhance the sensitivity of cell receptors in the testicular glands that produce testosterone. This could be true as Vitamin D has been well known to absorb calcium and magnesium into the human body.

Side effects

Vitamin D is fairly safe when taken in recommended amounts. Most people don't experience side effects with vitamin D, unless too much is taken. Some side effects of taking too much vitamin D include weakness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and others. Taking more than 4000 IU per day is not recommended for long period of time. 

Summary

So, there are multiple studies that have discovered an independent association between Vitamin D and testosterone. In fact, Vitamin D was found to produce promising testosterone boosts in men who were Vitamin D deficient and found men that had sufficient Vitamin D levels had sufficient testosterone levels. While supplementing with Vitamin D won’t boost your testosterone levels beyond threshold levels it should help you keep it at its most optimal levels. This is so important as we know for a fact that about 42% of the US population is Vitamin D deficient with some populations having even higher levels of deficiency.

9. Zinc

Description

Zinc is an essential mineral meaning it can’t be naturally produced in our body. Zinc has several important functions. It is involved in gene expression, cell division, DNA replication, and cell growth. It also supports the immune system and helps wounds heal. But most importantly for this topic, the male reproductive system relies on zinc to perform multiple tasks. Zinc not only affects the production of testosterone and other male sex hormones but also influences sex drive, prostate function, sperm count and quality, fertility, and testicular health.

Scientific research

This 2010 study; {Impact of oral zinc therapy on the level of sex hormones in male patients on hemodialysis}, looked at 100 men placed on zinc supplementation (zinc sulfate 250mg) daily for 6 weeks which showed serum FSH and prolactin levels did not have any significant changes before and after but serum testosterone, LH, and zinc increased significantly. Testosterone levels increased by 84%at the end of the study. 

Another good study, {The effect of exhaustion exercise on thyroid hormones and testosterone levels of elite athletes receiving oral zinc, 2010}, included 10 male wrestlers. The mean age of the wrestlers who volunteered in the study was 18.70 +/- 2.4 years. All were supplemented with oral zinc sulfate (3mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks in addition to their normal diet. At the end of the 4 weeks, there was a noted increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and thyroid hormones and a decrease in sex hormone binding globulin (sHBG) which increase free testosterone by keeping it unbound.

Mechanism of action

As seen in these studies above, zinc can free up bound testosterone by decreasing sHBG and it can help stimulate increase production of testosterone as seen by increased levels of LH from zinc supplementation studies.

Side effects

Zinc is considered safe when not taken over 40mg daily. Taking higher dose might cause heartburn, nausea, and stomach upset.

Summary

All in all zinc is like an androgenic mineral. It is vital for male reproductive health, and when men are deficient it clearly results in low testosterone levels. If your testosterone levels are near the higher end of the normal range then supplementing with additional zinc likely isn’t going to produce any significantly noticeable benefits. Although, if you are an individual who trains hard in the gym and are unsure of your zinc levels then supplementing with additional zinc can be helpful to ensure that your training performance, muscle growth, recovery, libido and overall health are at its optimal.