Herbs for testosterone

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone responsible for the development of male sex characteristics. This hormone is regarded as a male sex hormone, but females can have it, even though in significantly smaller amounts.

Testosterone has an important role in the increase of libido, as well as in bone and muscle production. Low testosterone can cause mood swings, changes in moods, lack of sexual interest, and even impotence. Muscle mass and density of bones, as well as depression, tiredness, and fatigue, may appear as the results of low testosterone.

Sometimes the body does not produce enough testosterone, so the level of this hormone is reduced. In that case, certain herbs and their supplements can increase the level of testosterone in men. There are several herbs that are very effective in raising the level of testosterone, such as Horny Goat Weed, Ginseng, Tongkat Ali Extract, and Mucuna Pruriens.

Horny Goat Weed is also known under the names epimedium and yin yang huo. It is a leafy herb that is one of the most popular herbs for the improvement of sexual drive and is recommended because it is very effective in the increase of libido. Furthermore, it decreases fatigue and tiredness and encourages erectile functioning in men. Horny Goat Weed is available in the form of capsules, and two capsules a day is the best dosage in order to increase sexual interest.

Two varieties of Ginseng are the best for increasing the level of testosterone. One originates from America, while the other grows in China. Ginseng is beneficial for improving mood, decreasing anxiety and fatigue, as well as for raising testosterone, and stimulating the sex organs. Ginseng also has many positive effects on several other conditions, such as hypertension and high cholesterol. It can be taken as a tea or as a capsule, but Ginseng liquid extract and Ginseng root are also available.

Furthermore, Tongkat Ali Extract is made of Eurycoma Longifolia tree root. It is the most expensive herb for increased testosterone. The active ingredients of Tongkat Ali Extract are Glygopeptide compounds that are very helpful for the production of testosterone by stimulating Leydig cells in the testicles. The normal dosage of this herb is a gram a day.

Mucuna Pruriens is an herb that is medically proven to enhance testosterone. This herb contains certain ingredients that stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more testosterone. Furthermore, it is also good at decreasing the level of prolactin in the body. The high level of prolactin causes erectile dysfunction in men.

From the age of 30 onwards, testosterone concentrations in men tend to decline at the rate of ?1% per year. Low testosterone, also known as androgen deficiency (AD), or late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) when it occurs in men >40 y of age, is associated with a range of morbidities including major depressive disorder, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). AD is also associated with a reduced quality of life and an increased risk of mortality in men.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) was found to significantly increase survival rates of hypogonadal men.
Despite TRT being the primary treatment for men with AD, its use remains controversial due to its association with an increased risk of exacerbating pre-existing medical conditions. Accordingly, men with existing prostate disease, elevated hematocrit concentrations, high CVD risk, or obstructive sleep apnea may be contraindicated for TRT.
The initial search identified 4384 unique studies, of which 32 randomized controlled trials were identified as eligible following assessment using the selection criteria. Only the outcome measures from men were used in this review. Included trials were published between 2001 and 2019 and used either a parallel (n = 29) or crossover (n = 3) design.
The main findings of this review indicate that some herbs, particularly fenugreek seed extracts and ashwagandha extracts, have positive effects on testosterone concentrations in men. Overall, 9 out of 32 studies demonstrated significant increases in testosterone concentrations. Fenugreek seed extracts (positive findings in 4 out of 6 studies) and ashwagandha root and root/leaf extracts (positive findings in 3 out of 4 studies) demonstrated the most consistent increases in testosterone concentrations.
Herbs may also influence the activity of enzymes associated with testosterone production. For example, in an animal study, Asian ginseng reduced the activity of 5?-reductase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Similarly, in vitro studies demonstrated reishi's ability to inhibit the activity of 5?-reductase.

✓ Fact confirmed: Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review Stephen J. Smith, Adrian L. Lopresti, Shaun Y. M. Teo, and Timothy J. Fairchild; 2021 May