Boost Testosterone Without Drugs

Testosterone levels drop as men get older. This begins much earlier than most realize.

As early as age 30, testosterone levels start falling at a rate of about 1% per year.^1,2

Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction are well-known symptoms associated with low testosterone levels.³ But this hormone deficit affects more than the reproductive system.

Low levels of testosterone are also associated with depression, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, and more.^4-8

Studies also show that low testosterone levels in aging men are associated with an increased risk of death from any cause.⁹

Three plant-based nutrients have been identified that support the body’s ability to produce testosterone, significantly raising levels.

In one clinical study, a proprietary blend of pomegranate and cacao extracts was shown to increase free testosterone by as much as 48% in aging males.¹⁰

In cell and animal studies, luteolin, a flavonoid found in fruit and vegetables, has been shown to inhibit the aromatase enzyme.^11,12 This enzyme converts testosterone into estrogen.

These nutrients can help support more youthful testosterone balance in aging men.

Importance of Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testes of men and in the ovaries of women. A small amount is also made in the adrenal glands of men and women.^13-15

This sex hormone is critical to the development of the male reproductive system. But testosterone levels also impact metabolism, energy, muscle strength and mass, inflammation, cognition, mood, and more.¹⁶

Low levels of testosterone become increasingly common and more severe as men age.^17-20

Not only does this rob men of energy, virility, and the youthful feeling of general well-being, but it is also associated with age-related chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. ⁹

In one meta-analysis, low testosterone levels were associated with an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease or any cause.⁹

“Free” and “Bound” Testosterone

Testosterone circulates in the blood bound to circulating plasma proteins, most importantly sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.^13,21

Only about 2% of circulating testosterone is non-protein bound, or free.²² This free testosterone is the biologically active form.

For testosterone to exert its effects, free testosterone must bind to receptors in target tissues.

Total testosterone is the measure of all circulating testosterone, including that which is bound to carrier proteins like sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). In this “bound” form, testosterone is not available for the body to use.

Both total testosterone and free testosterone drop significantly with advancing age.

What’s more, being overweight or obese has been associated with increases in the levels of an enzyme called aromatase. This enzyme converts testosteroneinto estrogen, one of the primary sex hormones in women.^23,24

As a result, overweight men, especially those with a high amount of abdominal fat, are at higher risk for low testosterone levels.

Pomegranate and Cacao Raise Testosterone

Scientists have been searching for ways to safely elevate testosterone levels without drugs.

In one study, researchers found that in healthy adult men and women, intake of pomegranate fruit juice for just two weeks increased salivary testosterone levels by 23%-27%. Measures of mood and well-being were also improved.²⁵

These findings inspired scientists to screen hundreds of other plant extracts and nutrients for the ability to raise testosterone levels.

In a study using testes cells from mice, they confirmed that pomegranate extract raised testosterone production. They also discovered that cacao seed extract—from the same beans used to make cocoa and chocolate—significantly increased testosterone production.²⁶

When combined, the pomegranate and cacao seed extracts had an impressive impact on testosterone production in an animal model.

In a study on rats, this pomegranate-cacao combination boosted total testosterone levels by over 72% after just six weeks.²⁷

Results from Human Studies

In a clinical trial, the pomegranate and cacao extracts were tested in men ranging from 36 to 55 years of age.¹⁰ They were randomized to receive either a combination of both extracts or a placebo.

After eight weeks, free testosterone levels were elevated by over 48% compared to baseline in men receiving 400 mg of the pomegranate-cacao blend.

Notably, free testosterone increased by a greater percentage than total testosterone.

That wasn’t all. In those taking pomegranate and cacao extract, overall well-being improved. Measures of stress dropped by 26%. Hand grip strength increased by almost 25%, compared to baseline.

The study also measured what’s known as the Aging Males’ Symptoms scale, which includes:²⁸

• Joint pain and muscle aches,
• Excessive sweating,
• Sleep problems and exhaustion,
• Anxiety and irritability,
• Depression and feeling burned out, and
• Decrease in libido and other sexual problems.

Measures of these symptoms were reduced by 19% in those who took the pomegranate-cacao combination.

A similar study was performed in healthy younger men, aged 21 to 35.²⁹ Even in this age group, pomegranate and cacao increased free testosterone by 25%. Hand grip strength and the circumference of the upper arm increased as well.

Luteolin Supports Testosterone Production

Luteolin is a flavonoid found in several herbs, fruits, and vegetables, including celery, broccoli, parsley, and thyme.

Preclinical studies have shown that luteolin may support healthy testosterone levels by at least two different ways:

• Increasing StAR protein: The steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein is an enzyme that is required for testosterone production to occur.³⁰
• Inhibition of aromatase: Luteolin has also been found to inhibit aromatase—the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen—in cell culture and animal models.^11,12

Scientists combined luteolin with pomegranate and cacao extracts to help support healthy free testosterone levels.

Summary

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It plays important roles in reproductive function and impacts many other aspects of health.

Beginning around age 30, levels of testosterone in men begin to decline.

Low testosterone is associated with loss of energy, erectile dysfunction, and increased risk for heart disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, muscle wasting, and other health conditions.

Scientists have discovered that a proprietary blend of pomegranate and cacao seed extracts can raise blood levels of free testosterone in men.^10,29

In one study free testosterone was increased by as much as 48% in aging males taking this proprietary blend.¹⁰

The increases in free testosterone also correlated with improvements in levels of stress, strength, mood, and more.

Evidence from cell and animal studies suggests that luteolin may also support testosterone levels by increasing production and preventing its breakdown to estrogen.

The combination pomegranate/cacao with added luteolin may offer a solution to the age-related decreases in testosterone levels seen in men.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

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