Login or Register

Natural Supplements That Block Testosterone

Mar 30, 2011 | By Tomas Linnaeus
Natural Supplements That Block Testosterone
Photo Credit Vitamins Spoon full image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com

Testosterone plays an important role in many species, including humans. This steroid regulates development and reproduction across the entire lifespan. Excess testosterone, however, may trigger adverse events, such as hair growth, aggression and acne. Prescription medications and surgical interventions alleviate this health problem, but such treatments cause side effects. Nutritional supplements, available over the counter, may provide a better option in the future. Talk to your doctor before taking dietary aids.

Green Tea

Green tea, Camellia sinensis, contains a variety of substances known to provide health benefits. One chemical, epigallocatechin gallate, may prevent the development of cancer. Green tea reduces insulin, suggesting it may have a dampening effect on the endocrine system. A 2000 report published in "Endocrinology" tested this hypothesis in normal and obese rats. Male and female rodents were given epigallocatechin gallate or an inert treatment daily for at least a week. The green tea extract reduced serum testosterone and estrogen levels. It also decreased body weight. The mice showed no signs of toxicity, but the long-term effects of epigallocatechin gallate remain unknown.

Juniper

The juniper tree, Juniperus phoenica, produces berry-like cones that have medicinal effects. Extracts taken from juniper possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. The underlying mechanism for these antimicrobial effects remains unclear, but it may involve hormone suppression. A 2007 article offered in the "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy" evaluated the impact of juniper cone extract on the reproductive system. Laboratory animals received the herbal extract or a neutral solvent. Male rats given juniper had lower testosterone levels than those given placebo. The extract also reduced the rats' sperm count. These results suggest that juniper can decrease fertility, but data obtained in animals may not apply to humans.

Guduchi

Traditional healers have used guduchi, or Tinospora cordifolia, to treat diabetes. Stems from this Asian vine have a broad range of physiological and psychological properties. The insulin-lowering effect may be mediated by decreases in testosterone. A 2003 paper presented in the "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology" assessed the effect of guduchi on the reproductive health of male rodents. Rats received daily doses of Tinospora cordifolia for two months. Relative to controls, rats given the guduchi showed a reduction in circulating testosterone. Treatment-induced damage to sperm cells caused a 100 percent reduction in fertility. Testosterone levels varied considerably during the experiment. Longer studies are necessary to fully understand these results.

Lebbeck

Extracts from the lebbeck tree, Albizia lebbeck, also help alleviate diabetic symptoms. This tree grows in India where its bark is known as a male enhancer. A 2006 experiment described in "Phytomedicine" looked at the bark's impact on laboratory animals. Rats received extracted lebbeck in their water for two months. The extract had no effect on total body weight, but it decreased testicular weight. A concomitant decrease in circulating testosterone occurred throughout the study. Lebbeck did not affect blood variables such as cholesterol. These biochemical assays showed that the rats tolerated the treatment well. Further research will reveal how the bark produces these negative effects on reproductive physiology.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Mar 30, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments