Testosterone plays an important role in men and women. Low testosterone places them at risk for muscle loss and bone breaks. High testosterone puts them at risk for violent behavior and substance abuse. Medical interventions, including surgeries and drugs, can correct these changes. In the future, herbal remedies may help as well. Natural substances alter testosterone production, but they trigger side effects. Speak with a doctor before taking nutritional supplements.
Cocoa
The Theobroma cacao tree grows freely in rain forests throughout the world. Companies process the fruit from these trees and turn it into cocoa powder. This spice may help prevent heart disease. It may also affect the endocrine system. A 2007 paper in the "Journal of Medicinal Food" looked at cocoa's effect on testosterone in laboratory animals. Rodents received daily doses of either a cocoa extract or an inert treatment for two weeks. Rats given cocoa extract had lower testosterone levels relative to those given no extract. The treated group also had smaller prostate glands. While suggestive, the results of studies done in animals may not apply to humans.
Castor
Ricinus communis, the castor oil plant, also grows in tropical and subtropical regions. Poisonous in large doses, chemicals isolated from Ricinus could eventually treat cancer. The processes underlying these medicinal effects remain unknown, but they may involve reproductive changes. A 2006 article in the "Asian Journal of Andrology" evaluated castor's impact on captive rodents. The authors gave the rats extract or saline each night. The study lasted for about six weeks. Compared to no treatment, rodents given extracted Ricinus showed decreased levels of testosterone. This decrease also had a negative effect on the testes. Taking castor seeds should be avoided until scientists collect more safety data.
Maca
The Lepidium meyenii plant, often called maca, grows in Central Peru. It has played an important part in that area's history. Used as money and food, the roots can protect cells from chemical damage. Maca may also enhance fertility. A 2005 report in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" tested this hypothesis in an animal model. Rodents received extracted maca or control injections. Results indicated that the extract reduced the rats' testosterone levels and their testicular size. It also enhanced sperm count and did not cause side effects. Maca may benefit people with reproductive disorders. Doctors, however, must first do additional research, as the long-term impact of this herb remains unclear.
Garlic
The Allium sativum plant, common garlic, is another plant used both as a supplement and a food. Garlic has medicinal properties including infection prevention. Some literature also claims that garlic enhances sexual performance. A 2008 experiment described in the "Asian Journal of Andrology" assessed garlic's impact on reproductive health. Rodents received daily injections of the extracted garlic or a control substance for a month. Rats given garlic had lower testicular testosterone levels and higher luteinizing hormone levels. They also had smaller prostate glands as well as less semen and sperm. People should carefully consider the benefits and risks of using herbs to lower testosterone.
References
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Therapeutic Effect of ACTICOA Powder, A Cocoa Polyphenolic Extract, on Experimentally Induced Prostate Hyperplasia in Wistar-Unilever Rats; Jean-Francois Bisson, et al.; December 25, 2007
- "Asian Journal of Andrology"; Effect of Methanol Extract of Ricinus Communis Seed on Reproduction of Male Rats; Yinus Raji, et al.; January 2006
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Dose-Response Effects of Lepidium Meyenii (Maca) Aqueous Extract on Testicular Function and Weight of Different Organs in Adult Rats; Francisco Chung, et al.; April 8, 2005
- "Asian Journal of Andrology"; Inhibitory Effects on Adult Male Reproductive Functions of Crude Garlic (Allium Sativum); Imen Hammami, et al.; July 2008
