Tongkat Ali, Fadogia Agrestis, Maca Root and Fenugreek
“Because of contaminants in supplements, I seldom recommend the oral use of any of them. Supplements usually contain contaminants that can cause allergic reactions when they are used for a long time. Allergic reactions sometimes show up within a few minutes of contacting your mouth, other times it takes a couple of days to see a bad reaction. Most supplements contain enough impurities to eventually cause problems.” - Ray Peat 1. According to this clinical trial, 600 mg of Tongkat Ali extract (1.45% eurycomanone; 8.5mg total) increased young (average age 24 years) males’ total testosterone from 802 to 924 ng/dl in just 14 days (tongkat Ali is also an adaptogen). 2. In this animal study, the water extract of Fadogia increased testosterone 6 fold in albino rats after just 5 days. Studies have shown that doses over 18 mg/kg (the 50 and 100 mg/kg doses) had side effects as it caused liver, kidney and testicular damage. 3. Maca root didn’t affect LH, testosterone production or estradiol. 4. Fenugreek has been shown to increase testosterone, improve muscle strength and size, help with fat loss and protect the liver against toxins, such as alcohol. Conclusion: the above supplements display a positive effect on testosterone (except maca). Personally, through experience and other people’s feedback. And looking at other supplements like ashwagandha, also an adaptogen, which has been shown in studies to boost testosterone levels, but is accomplished by numbing your emotions. (Less stress = more testosterone… but at what cost?)