Test Boosters Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Test Booster ingredients, and which is the best?

Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus is an extract from a plant which has been grown and harvested for thousands of years in Mexico, South America, and Asia.

It has long been reported (and proved in animal studies) that Tribulus works by the action of its active ingredient (Protodioscin) affecting luteinising hormone. By raising luteinising hormone (which is an activator for testosterone), testosterone levels are said to be increased.

It should be noted that while tests in animals have shown increases in testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone, studies verifying the same in humans are exceedingly rare.

Due to this, many Tribulus products are marketed as sexual enhancers rather than testosterone boosters, as increased sex drive is an effect which a large number of users report.

Avena Sativa

Avena Sativa is also a plant extract, however one derived from common oats! Avena Sativa is said to free up bound testosterone in the blood rather than increase it. Freeing up Testosterone that is bound means there is more available for necessary receptors, which would have the same impact as increasing the actual level of hormone. Like Tribulus, there are few studies which verify this claim, however as the reported action is different to that of Tribulus, having them together would potentially increase effects - as work by different mechanisms.

Like Tribulus, users report mild sexual enhancement, however in most situations the reports are milder than the effects from Tribulus.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek (a plant extract) has actually been proven in at least one study (by Richard Kreider, PhD, of Texas A&M University) to have effects on hormone levels. Fenugreek is commonly used as an Aromatase Inhibitor, which prevents the conversion of testosterone to estradiol. It is suggested by reducing the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, that the body will make more testosterone, and at least in the study conducted by Krieder, testosterone increased by over 6%, with free testosterone increasing by over 12%.

These are not massive changes, but the fact they are statistically significant and verified is worth noting.

D Aspartic Acid

D Aspartic Acid is quite different to the other products mentioned as it is an amino acid rather than an herbal extract. Likewise, it has generally been marketed for the purpose of increasing testosterone and it appears to have a lot more potential than herbal extracts for this purpose.

D-Aspartic Acid is formed when the enzyme aspartate racemase converts L-aspartic acid into D-aspartic acid in the testes and other glands. This amino acid plays a key role in the manufacture of sperm cells and sex hormones. In the pituitary gland, D-aspartic acid increased the concentration of cGMP. (cGMP being the signal molecule that transfers messages in the pituitary to DNA). More cGMP means more luteinising hormone. In the testes D-aspartic acid plays a similar role with the signal molecule cAMP, via which D-aspartic acid raises testosterone secretion.

It one study, researchers dosed subjects with just over 3g of D Aspartic Acid per day which saw testosterone levels increase by 40% in just 12 days, while luteinising hormone also rose by 33%.

So, which test booster is best?

With so much information out there and very little verification it is hard to offer advice.

We have absolutely no doubts that many people claim to get impressive results from Tribulus, Avena Sativa and Fenugreek products and as far as herbal extracts go, we believe ours are excellent quality. The issue in many cases though, is while effects which many people associate with increases in testosterone are there (oily skin, increased sex drive, aggression etc), it does not necessarily mean that testosterone levels have been increased (which is why there is little data to prove this).

We would therefore recommend people first use D Aspartic Acid as their primary test booster, and if you are looking to take Tribulus, consider taking it in combination (such as our Test Max) due to the mutli mechanisms of action and the fact Fenugreek has at least been somewhat verified.