Beat the ban: eight testosterone-boosting supplements to replace recently banned prohormones BY JIM STOPPANI, PHD
1 | Tribulus terrestris This herb is cultivated in many parts of the world--including the United States, Mexico and Asia--and it is used for treating sexual impotency, as well as for boosting muscle growth.
DOSE | Try 500-2,000 milligrams (mg), taken in two or three separate doses.
2 | Fenugreek (Fenogreco en Español) The fenugreek herb is native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean region and western Asia. It has numerous health benefits, including increased libido, elevated testosterone and increased insulin release.
DOSE | Take 500-2,000 mg per day of furostanolic saponins from fenugreek or in combination with other saponin ingredients.
3 | Dioscorea deltoidea This climbing plant grown in Asia is used for numerous purposes--from treating asthma to killing lice. Its high concentration of furostanolic saponins makes it a good supplement for boosting testosterone levels in a manner similar to Tribulus terrestris and fenugreek.
DOSE | The effective dosage of these saponins appears to be 500 to 2,000 mg per day.
4 | Avena sativa Avena sativa is the scientific name for oats. An extract from the plant has the ability to increase testosterone levels by enhancing LH release.
DOSE | The product should supply 100-250 mg of 10:1 Avena sativa extract per dose. Take it once or twice daily, consuming one dose 30-60 minutes before workouts.
DOSE | The product should supply 100-250 mg of 10:1 Avena sativa extract per dose. Take it once or twice daily, consuming one dose 30-60 minutes before workouts. Follow the same plan as for the other LH boosters: take it in a five-days-on/two-days-off cycle of eight weeks on/two weeks off.
5 | Eurycoma longifolia Jack Eurycoma appears to directly enhance testosterone production by the Leydig's cells of the testes.
DOSE | Look for products that offer 200-300 mg of 20:1 extract of Eurycoma. Take two or three doses per day. Adhere to a five-days-on/two-days-off regimen for eight weeks followed by a two-week break.
6 | Vitex agnus-castus Vitex agnus-castus is an extract from chasteberry.
The active components in Vitex agnus-castus are known as agnusides, which lessen prolactin. Although prolactin is thought of as a female hormone, like estrogen, even males have some.
DOSE | Purchase products that offer 200-400 mg of Vitex agnus-castus or chasteberry. Take it just before bedtime in alternating cycles of four to six weeks on and four to six weeks off.
7 | 6-OXO (3, 6, 17-androstenetrione) This oddly named compound helps to limit estrogen levels, thereby maximizing testosterone levels.
DOSE | Research has reported a doubling of testosterone levels in men taking 600 mg of 6-OXO daily.
8 | ZMA In research studies, this combination of zinc and magnesium aspartate plus vitamin [B.sub.6] has been shown to increase anabolic hormone levels, namely testosterone and insulinlike growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
DOSE | Most ZMA supplements provide 30 mg of zinc, 450 mg of magnesium and about 11 mg of vitamin [B.sub.6]. Take one dose on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
Resumen:
SUPPLEMENT DOSE
Steroidal saponins 500-2,000 mg taken in two or three
(from Tribulus terrestris, divided doses*
fenugreek and/or
Dioscorea deltoidea)
Avena sativa 100-250 mg once or twice daily*
Eurycoma longifolia Jack 200-300 mg two or three times daily*
Vitex agnus-castus 200-400 mg before bedtime ([dagger])
6-OXO 600 mg taken in one to three divided
doses ([dagger])
ZMA One nightly dose (see label directions)
* Follow a five-days-on/two-days-off cycle of eight weeks, separated by
two-week breaks.
([dagger]) Follow a cycle of four to six weeks on and four to six weeks
off.
