The hormone testosterone governs several vital functions within the male body. Low testosterone levels can lead to poor muscle growth, physical fatigue, low sperm count and sexual problems. Many men turn to herbal testosterone supplements as a treatment for andropause, or "male menopause." Some men also use herbal supplements as alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction, male pattern baldness and hormone imbalance. Additionally, herbal testosterone supplements can help to support muscle growth without the use of anabolic steroids or other banned substances. While most hormone-affecting herbs have not been thoroughly studied in humans, preliminary evidence suggests that they can act as safe alternatives to stronger prescription drugs.
Tribulus Terrestris
A common, low-growing weed, tribulus has been used for thousands of years as a treatment for sexual problems. While athletes and body-builders have traditionally viewed tribulus as an herbal testosterone booster, some recent studies have suggested that its effect on testosterone is minimal. According to a study published in 2005 in The Journal of Enthnopharmacology, while tribulus is an effective aphrodisiac, it does not strongly influence testosterone production in young men.
Tongkat Ali
An increasingly popular herbal testosterone booster, tongkat ali (E. longifolia Jack) is a potent aphrodisiac and may help to support muscle synthesis. A 2003 study published in the medical journal Phytomedicine found that tongkat ali effectively increased testosterone levels and sexual response in middle-aged rats. In the U.S., tongkat ali is among the most common herbal supplements for athletes and men coping with andropause.
Saw Palmetto
An effective treatment for prostate swelling, saw palmetto is also a useful supplement for improving testosterone levels and hormone balance in men. Saw palmetto berries appear to affect both estrogen and testosterone levels. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that saw palmetto may improve sexual response and hormone balance in men; some early evidence also suggests that it can treat male pattern baldness and other andropause-related complications.
