A Closer Look At The Natural Testosterone Phenomenon: Primal Male
- August 30th, 2010
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Are you looking to increase testosterone (test) levels in your body without any side effects? Then Primal Male is your answer.
Here is an in-depth look at the research and result driven formulation behind PRIMAL-MALE™
MAN Sports Primal Male, Natural Testosterone production
Fadogia Agrestis
Saponin extracts have well-defined roles since the introduction of the long-time industry favorite tribulus terrestris and their androgenic mechanism of action which they remain popularized for. Still, a new source for saponins surfaced in 2005 with a more pronounced effect on modifying libido and sexual dysfunction than this previous counterpart. That saponin source was defined as an aqueous extract from the stem of the medicinal plant Fadogia agrestis.
Fadogia serves as a Luteinizing-hormone mimetic (LH-mimetic). In other words, it causes the release of Luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn signals the Leydig cells (specialized cells of the testes) to produce more Testosterone. This increase in testosterone seems to occur in a dose-dependent fashion, with higher doses offering the greatest benefit.
Increased testosterone and circulating androgens has many ergogenic benefits to the average gym-going athlete. In being the primary anabolic substrate, increases in lean muscle mass and better sense of well-being are expected. As discussed above, the sexual effects are essentially unmatched: increased libido, easier erections, increased ejaculatory volume, and stamina are common reports with users.
In times of inevitable shutdown of your hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular-axis (HPTA) use of anabolic substances, aiding recovery is a feature of this compound.
Eucommia ulmoides (standardized for full spectrum of triterpenoids and phytolipids)
Not to be confused with the widespread sports supplement ingredient Eurycoma longfolia; Eucommia ulmoides – a product used in Chinese medicine for years has never been seen in the sports supplement sector of the dietary supplement industry as a whole.
Traditional Chinese medicine has alternatively referenced Eucommia as Du Zhong because Chinese legend suggests that a person named Du Zhong made great intellectual achievements after taking this herb. It had gone on to earn acclaim as a kidney and liver tonic that strengthened tendons and bones. Later experiments showed therapeutic offering in people with high blood pressure and an ability for the bark of the plant to decrease blood fats.
In recent years, extensive research exists attempting to delve into its ability to decrease high blood pressure without side effects, an exciting property when considering elevation in androgen levels. A study in 2003 using isometric contraction of isolated rat aortic and dog carotid rings, claims to have provided the first evidence for in vitro vasorelaxant action of Eucommia ulmoides, thus confirming the pharmacological basis for its use as an antihypertensive agent. It would be later confirmed that E. ulmoides extract was non-toxic and effective in reducing systolic blood pressure in spontaneous hypertensive rats.
Though eucommia still had a lot of anecdotal feedback suggesting its possession of aphrodisiac properties that seemed to suggest its blood pressure lowering effects were not in vacuum. Afrerall, its mainstay use has really been treating libido and impotence.
2007 marked the release of two rather interesting studies on Eucommia’s phytoandrogen potential. That’s right! While over 2200 studies have been conducted on its estrogen-equivalent, the so-called phytoestrogen, phytoandrogens are brand new. At least twelve compounds have been isolated and suggested to be the potential active constituents to mimicking testosterone in structure and fitting into the androgen receptor, though two have been focused on: the terpenoids and an unusual type of fatty acid. This is suggested to cause the same effects if testosterone itself had inserted itself into the very same receptor.
But, it doesn’t stop there! Eucommia also increases the activity of testosterone already present – whether this is endogenous or exogenous in nature. This shows its perhaps obvious benefit in PRIMAL MALE™ for the synergism of ingredients.
Epimedium species [E. sagittatum, E. grandiflorum, E. brevicornum] (standardized to ___ % Icariin)
The Chinese herb, named yin yang huo, also translates as “licentious Goat Weed,” suggesting desired lusty effects. Traditionally, it has been used to increase libido and improve sexual performance by correcting the sexual disorders of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. This may be due to the fact that horny goat weed contains a number of flavonoids, some of which show estrogen-inhibiting properties in vitro. It also may offer insight into why it has shown efficacy in clinical trials in patients with kidney failure for improving sex drive.
The active ingredient in epimedium is thought to be icariin in which PRIMAL MALE™ has been specifically extracted for. Icariin inhibits the activity of something called Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that breaks down the compound cyclic GMP (cGMP), increasing the levels of cGMP in the penile and other tissues. cGMP is an intermediate en route to production of nitric oxide. This cascade causes the penis to be filled with blood and engorge likely contributing to the libido and sexual performance improvements seen with this herbal extract.
This makes the third tier of the PRIMAL MALE™ obvious inciting the “primal” androgenic instincts of what it is to truly be “male” – increasing libido, sex drive, and associated increased testosterone effects.
Indole 3 Carbinol (I3C)
Several years ago, scientists hypothesized that a preference towards the 2-hydroxylase pathway and the subsequent generation of 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1), results in less toxic metabolites in the circulation, which was subsequently gone on to support a decreased number of breast cancer outcomes if this were the dominant pathway (later, this proved true for prostate cancer as well and men everywhere applauded the benefits for this otherwise troublesome organ). It was also around that same time that the hypothesis of greater estrogenic metabolism via the 16-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme would yield greater amounts of the more potent 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1) and a larger number of estrogen-dependent cancers would likely be the result.
Although it may seem obvious that a substance consumed over many years by millions worldwide is inherently safe, it has been challenged recently by those with vested interest in its metabolite DIM. The concern with the challenges DIM supporters have offered and it is just plain bad science. Numerous cell culture, animal, and human studies have demonstrated I3C’s safety and tolerability, along with its targeted ability to SUPPRESS estrogen-receptor-sensitive (breast, cervical, and important for this discussion – prostate) cancer growth, and induce programmed cell death in a variety of tumors, including those associated with breast, prostate, endometrial, leukemia, and colon cancers.
As an aside, the cytochrome P450 enzymatic system within both the liver and intestinal track is actually STRENGTHENED by use of I3C. This classic indole also produces an inherent aromatase inhibitory effect of its own to not necessarily shut estrogen out, BUT channel it via endogenous mechanisms to a more healthy balance.
Zinc Orotate
Zinc is an essential trace element important for optimal testosterone production and release and even fertility. Zinc participates in over 500 different biochemical reactions in the body and therefore has widespread effects.
Of all the minerals, zinc still stands out because of the classic deficiency studies that demonstrated the dramatic interference with normal Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testiscular Axis (HPTA) function when it was not in optimal quantity. When deficient normal pituitary function is in a state of disarray and the proper hormonal signals are not sent to the testicles to simulate the production of testosterone.
Zinc lowers the amount of aromatase, the enzyme which converts testosterone to estrogen in fatty tissue and the liver. This is how zinc keeps more testosterone circulating freely in the bloodstream.
By enhancing its effect on testosterone and the local environment inside the testes, zinc helps to increase sperm count and makes sperm more energetic by enhancing motility.
All in all, there is an interesting circular relationship being supported by Primal Male™. Not only is zinc required for testosterone, but testosterone has been found to be necessary to maintain levels of zinc in the tissues.
While many of the top sources of zinc are bodybuilder favorites like seafood, meat, and eggs, the average intake is rarely sufficient for the athlete, body composition or otherwise. The problem starts with absorption from these same food stuffs estimated as low as a dismal 2% dependent upon the food it is eaten with. Additional bodybuilder favorites fiber, phyates from vegetables and grains, proteins and certain minerals in usual mixed meals all can impact zinc absorption in a negative way.
This essential problem made supplementation with zinc a no-brainer. Still, the most common form of zinc available in supplemental form is zinc sulfate, likely present in many multivitamins commonly employed by many the diligent athlete. Although it’s the least expensive zinc supplement and thereby the primary choice of manufacturers, it is also the least easily absorbed and can upset the stomach. Zinc monomethionine was later popularized during the touting of ZMA® supplements during the late 90s. Still, of all the mineral salts available, orotate formulations are the best absorbed.
Copper Orotate
Copper is a trace mineral that is imperative to utilize iron, which is ultimately important for the formation of hemoglobin, the oxygen transport molecule in your blood. It is also part of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and needed to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – the energy the body runs on.
When using supplemental zinc, one must consider the zinc-copper interface. Zinc and copper compete for the same absorption sites and excess of zinc can cause a copper deficiency. Due to the aforementioned chemical reactions pertinent to the athlete, a copper deficiency can have serious consequence.
In one well-known double-blind trial, the combination of zinc and copper in appropriate ratios was responsible for reducing evidence of post-exercise free radical activity. The evolution of free radical research certainly highlights the benefits seen with reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which may be even more important with the inundation of arginine/PUMP products prevalent amongst bodybuilders.
Cupric oxide (CuO) is a form of copper frequently used in vitamin-mineral supplements sold over-the-counter. However, animal studies have shown conclusively that this form of copper is poorly absorbed from the gut; it should therefore not be used in supplements. Several other forms made commercially available including copper sulfate, cupric acetate, and alkaline copper carbonate while better absorbed would still not match the absorptive capacity of the orotic acid salt of zinc. Therefore, in order to match it, adding the same salt only makes sense.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency is common among athletes, even the well-fed. This is unfortunate because pyridoxine is a coenzyme for over 100 enzyme functions in the human body, many of which are in conjunction with zinc in both antioxidant as well as testosterone-regulatory roles.
One can easily make a correlation with poor performance and pyridoxine deficiency as well. Pyridoxine deficiency is commonly associated with fatigue, and in athletes with rigorous training parameters, this is one area we cannot be compromised in.
It can also play a general health role in lowering levels of elevated homocysteine, a byproduct of protein metabolism. Vitamin B6 can also aid kidney health and function and aid mental clarity.
