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What Do Studies REALLY Say About Natural Testosterone Boosters?

Testosterone is the most anabolic hormone in the human body, and it produces new muscle like nothing else. The reason that steroids work so well is that they boost your testosterone levels, but steroids are a no-go if you want to stay healthy for the long haul. That’s why bodybuilders are always on the lookout for natural testosterone boosters, and there are plenty on the market.

But do any of them actually work?

Here is a quick rundown of the most popular supplements that supposedly boost testosterone, along with what science has to say about them.

D-Aspartic Acid

D-aspartic acid is an amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter, but it can also be found in, ahem, human testicles, where it may help transform cholesterol into testosterone. The thought, then, is that extra aspartic acid might lead to extra T.

Several studies have suggested that supplemental D-aspartic acid might boost testosterone precursors, but Italian researchers were the first to find a definite testosterone increase. In particular, men taking D-aspartic acid showed a significant T boost after 12 days when compared to a placebo.

Fenugreek

The seeds of the fenugreek plant are used as a spice in Indian food. There has been rumbling for years that fenugreek might help bodybuilders, but that grew to a roar after a 2010 study showed a significant increase in testosterone for men using the supplement. There hasn’t been much else in the way of T-related evidence since then, though.

Damiana

Also known as Turnera diffusa, damiana is a small shrub native to Mexico. It has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac, so it’s not surprising that damiana has drawn interest as a potential testosterone booster. A 2008 study from researchers at the University of Mississippi showed that damiana supplements can inhibit aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen. That should lead to more free testosterone, though additional studies are needed to confirm this idea.

Forskolin

Forskolin is a mint-based herb that has been used in bodybuilding circles to aid fat loss and boost energy levels. It has also gained something of a cult following for its purported ability to raise testosterone levels. Several studies point to properties that could make forskolin useful for boosting testosterone, and at least one shows a more direct link.

A 2005 study published in the journal Obesity Research found that forskolin significantly increased bone mass AND testosterone levels in obese men. As with the other supplements on this list, forskolin could really benefit from more in-depth research.

Andro-Shock: 9 Powerful Testosterone Boosters In One

Andro-Shock may be the most potent legal testosterone support stack sold as a safe alternative to steroids with 9 dietary supplement ingredients that are believed to help boost your body's own natural testosterone levels.