Testosterone is vitally important; it is the primary sex hormone for males and is responsible for a number of attributes, from voice changes to hair growth. Testosterone is also important in the growth and development of muscles. For this reason, testosterone deficiency can be a problem. However, there are some herbal remedies to improve testosterone levels.
Tribulus Extract
Tribulus is the name of a genus of shrubs and herbs native to subtropical areas across the globe. Parts of these plants have been used for centuries to improve libido. In recent times, scientific studies have supported this use. A study from the International Brazilian Journal of Urology found that rats given tribulus extract had significantly higher levels of free testosterone.
Icariin
Icariin is an ingredient derived from a species of plant known as "horny goat weed." Icariin has some antioxidant effects, but is primarily used to improve sexual function. As research from the Asian Journal of Andrology indicates, icariin can increase testosterone levels. Icariin is often marketed as horny goat weed.
Mucuna Pruriens
Mucuna pruriens, also known as the velvet bean, is a tropical plant with beneficial attributes. Research from the journal Fertility and Sterility found that supplementing the ingredient causes increases in testosterone and luteinizing hormone--which signals the production of testosterone--levels. In addition, Mucuna pruriens increased levels of adrenaline and dopamine, which are involved with the "reward" system of the brain.
Tongkat Ali
Tongkat ali is often referred to as Eurycoma longifolia and is believed to have a number of beneficial effects. According to research in rats from the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, supplementation of tongkat ali for just 12 days increased testosterone levels and improved sexual performance.
References
- "International Brazilian Journal of Urology"; Free serum testosterone level in male rats treated with Tribulus alatus extracts; WH El-Tantawy, A Temraz, OD El-Gindi; July 2007
- "Asian Journal of Andrology"; The testosterone mimetic effects of icariin; ZB Zhang and QT Yang; September 2006
- "Fertility and Sterility"; Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis; KK Shukla et al; December 2009
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Influence of Eurycoma longifolia on the copulatory activity of sexually sluggish and impotent male rats; P Zanoli et al; November 2009
