Replenish Falling Testosterone Levels

Men today have less testosterone than their fathers did at the same age.^1,2

After age 30, they lose even more—around 1% each year.³

That can lead to diminished libido, fatigue, and reduced muscle mass.^4,5

More serious risks of low testosterone include cardiovascular disease,^6-8 metabolic disorders, and even death from any cause.^6,7

Scientists have identified three plant-derived nutrients that increase testosterone levels.

In one clinical study, a blend of pomegranate and cacao seed extracts boosted free testosterone in aging men by 48%.⁹

Another clinical trial showed that a highly bioavailable form of the flavonoid luteolin increased free testosterone by 22%.¹⁰

Together, these ingredients can support testosterone production to promote youthful vigor and better health.

Free Testosterone Declines

Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced by the testes that is crucial for development of the male reproductive system.⁵

It is also required for the optimal function of tissues throughout the body.⁵

Most testosterone circulating in the blood is bound to proteins, especially sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). In this form, it cannot attach to testosterone receptors on body cells to perform its vital roles.5

Only about 4% of circulating testosterone is free testosterone, which is unbound and biologically active.¹¹

Free testosterone falls about 2-3% per year after age 50.⁹

This is in addition to the decline in average testosterone levels that occurs in men as they age past age 30.¹

Risks of Low Testosterone

As testosterone drops, men may experience fatigue, and reduced muscle mass and strength.^4,5

Testosterone deficiency in men has also been linked to higher risks of:

• Cardiovascular disease and mortality,^7,12
• Stroke,¹³
• Chronic inflammation,^5,14,15
• Osteoporosis and fractures,^5,16
• Obesity,^2,17
• Type 2 diabetes,⁸
• Anemia,⁴
• Cognitive decline,^5,18
• Depression,^19,20 and
• Death from any cause.⁷

Aging men often seek to reverse this decline.

Scientists have identified three plant-derived ingredients that provide a non-prescription way to boost testosterone: pomegranate extract, cacao seed extract, and luteolin.

Pomegranate and Cacao Seed

Scientists took note of an early study showing that drinking pomegranate juice for just two weeks raised salivary testosterone levels by up to 27%.²¹

After screening hundreds of plant extracts, researchers found that both pomegranate and cacao seed (from the beans used to make cocoa) enhanced testosterone production in mouse testes cells.²²

These extracts showed a greater effect when combined. In a rat study, a pomegranate-cacao seed combination increased testosterone levels by over 72% in just six weeks.²³

Testosterone-Boosting Blend

In a human study, men aged 36 to 55 took a placebo or 400 mg of a pomegranate-cacao seed extract blend daily.

After eight weeks, the treatment group had:⁹

• 48% higher free testosterone levels,
• 26% lower measures of stress,
• Improved well-being, and
• 25% greater hand-grip strength.

They also had a 19% reduction on the Aging Males’ Symptoms scale, which includes:

• 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.

In a separate clinical study, daily supplementation with 400 mg of this pomegranate–cacao seed extract blend increased free testosterone levels by 25% in younger men aged 21-35. Participants also experienced improvements in grip strength and upper-arm circumference.²³

What You Need To Know

Restore Testosterone for Healthier Aging

• Testosterone levels in men begin to decline after age 30, leading to sexual issues, fatigue, reduced strength, and increased risk of chronic diseases and death.
• A blend of pomegranate and cacao seed extracts increased bioactive free testosterone by 48% in a human study and improved measures of grip strength, stress, and well-being.
• A recently developed bioavailable luteolin boosted absorption 14 times as much as standard luteolin and increased free testosterone by 22% in a clinical trial.
• Combining these ingredients may help aging men maintain healthy vigor while reducing health risks of low testosterone.

Bioavailable Luteolin

Luteolin is a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, including parsley, celery and green peppers.24

In preclinical studies, luteolin was shown to:

• Increase levels of StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein), an enzyme essential for testosterone production,²⁵ and
• Inhibit aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into estradiol (a form of estrogen).^26,27

These effects support higher testosterone levels.

Luteolin typically suffers from low bioavailability, limiting its benefits. To get around this problem, scientists coated luteolin in a matrix of galactomannans, a type of fiber. This enhances luteolin’s stability in the gut, promoting better absorption and bioavailability.

In a human study, this highly bioavailable luteolin increased blood levels of luteolin 14 times more than standard luteolin.³⁰

Benefits of Bioavailable Luteolin

In a clinical study, men aged 35 to 55 with low testosterone were given 100 mg of this highly bioavailable luteolin or a placebo daily.¹⁰

After 84 days, compared to baseline, taking bioavailable luteolin resulted in:¹⁰

• 13% higher total testosterone, and
• 22% higher free testosterone.

The luteolin group also had 11% lower levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), the protein that blocks testosterone from attaching to receptors.

A combination of pomegranate-cacao extracts and bioavailable luteolin can benefit men hoping to maintain vigor and reduce risks of low testosterone.

Summary

Testosterone levels in men begin to decline around age 30. Low testosterone may lead to sexual dysfunction, reduced strength and muscle mass, and fatigue.

It can also elevate risks of chronic diseases and all-cause mortality.

In a clinical trial, a blend of pomegranate and cacao seed extracts increased free testosterone by 48% and improved measures of stress resilience and strength.

The compound luteolin also increases testosterone but has low bioavailability. A new bioavailable form raised luteolin levels 14 times higher than standard luteolin and increased free testosterone by 22% in a clinical study.

Together, these ingredients may help aging men replenish testosterone, maintaining youthful feeling and reducing long-term risks of low testosterone.

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

References

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