Testosterone, an anabolic steroid, plays an important role in human physiology. This reproductive hormone causes masculine characteristics like the growth of muscle, bone and hair. With aging, testosterone levels decrease producing a hormone deficiency syndrome. This condition affects both men and women. Prescription medications can treat it, but these drugs may cause unwanted reactions. Natural substances like herbs may provide support for conventional treatments. Speak with a doctor before beginning hormone replacement.
Shivlingi
The Bryonia laciniosa gourd, also known as shivlingi, may have medical applications. Traditional healers used its leaves to treat inflammation. The plant also may help with sexually transmitted diseases. A 2010 report in the "International Journal of Impotence Research" looked at the effect of shivlingi seeds on reproductive hormones. Rats received daily doses of the herbal extract or an inert treatment for several weeks. Shivlingi enhanced testosterone and luteinizing hormone. The extract also increased sexual behavior and body weight. Bryonia laciniosa becomes toxic in large doses, and thus, people should use it only under the care of a physician.
Flaxseed
The Linum usitatissimum plant, better known as flax, played an important part in ancient society. Used to make cloth, this plant may have modern applications including a complementary role in treating diabetes and cancer. A 1999 article in "Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health" evaluated the impact of adding flaxseed to the diet of laboratory animals. Rodents received a lifetime diet of 10 percent flax. Relative to no treatment, rats given the herb had greater levels of testosterone and estrogen. They also, however, had an enlarged prostrate. The latter finding reveals the potential side effects associated with long-term flax intake.
Paan
Piper betle leaves, often called paan, may have biological and psychological effects. Modern research has shown that this plant, used in betel gum, has stimulant properties. The generator behind these properties remains unknown, but it may involve anabolic steroids. A 2004 study described in the "American Journal of Chinese Medicine" tested paan's effect on cultured cells taken from the testes of mice. Adding extracted Piper betle leaves to petri dishes enhanced testosterone production. Larger amounts of paan caused greater increases. Results obtained in isolated cells may not apply to intact humans. Chewing betel gum has side effects.
Areca Palm
The Areca catechu palm has many similarities to the Piper betle plant. Leaves from this tree are an ingredient in betel gum. The stimulating properties of Areca can help relieve depression. The palm may affect testosterone levels as well. A 2007 paper in the "Journal of Experimental Zoology" tested arecoline, an active ingredient in Areca. Rodents received either nightly doses of this substance or an inert treatment for 10 days. Relative to controls, rats given arecoline showed greater levels of testosterone. The chemical stimulated the testes, but it inhibited the pineal gland. The authors also expressed concern about the toxic effects of Areca.
References
- "International Journal of Impotence Research"; Effects of Bryonia Laciniosa Seeds on Sexual Behaviour of Male Rats; Nagendra Singh Chauhan and Vinod Kumar Dixit; May-June 2010
- "Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health"; Dose, Timing, and Duration of Flaxseed Exposure Affect Reproductive Indices and Sex Hormone Levels in Rats; Janet C.L. Tou et al; April 23, 1999
- "American Journal of Chinese Medicine"; Effects of Aqueous Extracts of "Betel quid" and Its Constituents on Testosterone Production by Dispersed Mouse Interstitial Cells; Nai-Yen Jack Yang et al; 2004
- "Journal of Experimental Zoology"; Ultrastructural and Hormonal Changes in the Pineal-Testicular Axis Following Arecoline Administration in Rats; Indraneel Saha et al; April 1, 2007
