Apigenin flavonoid: Apigenin is a citrus bioflavonoid. It is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Apigenin is a citrus bioflavonoid. It is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Sources of apigenin include parsley, thyme, peppermint, chamomile, horsetail, lemon balm, perilla, vervain, and yarrow.

Source:
How a flavonoid in parsley boosts testosterone levels

Apigenin flavonoid benefit

University of Maryland - Celery seed

 Stoppani, Jim. "14 natural anabolics: power foods that act like supplements. " Flex. 22.3 (May 2004): 186(5).

Kiefer, Dale. "Natural methods to improve vitality, sexual function, and prostate health. " Life Extension. (Dec 2008): NA

Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)

You may be thinking, "why not just take leucine?" Well as with lots of supplements it seems that is a the team is greater than the individuals effect. The three work better together.

The cool thing about BCAAs is that they are either used directly to build muscle or to provide energy. The liver doesn't decide to send them to other functions in the body.

BCAAs have also been shown to blunt the catabolic hormone Cortisol. Lower cortisol means higher testosterone.

BCAAs also enhance recovery decreasing delayed-onset muscle soreness.

The typical recommendation is to take 5-10g with a whey shake in the morning, pre-workout, and post-workout. Although some like to drink them all day. Others drink a BCAA drink intra-workout to keep their energy levels high while training.

Bovine Colostrum

Bovine colostrum is the first milk produced by cows giving birth. This special milk has been known to be specifically designed by nature to improve immune function and increase levels of IGF-1.

If you have the dough, replace 5-10g of protein in your pre- and post-workout shakes with 5-10g of bovine colostrum.

Otherwise, buy in capsule form and take 1 - 2 at bedtime or as directed.

Sources:
The Encyclopedia of Supplements Jim Stoppani Flex. 29.10 (Dec. 2011): p196.

Boron

Boron is a nonmetallic element is widely present in soil and water. 

The dietary intake of boron is about 1 or 2 mg per day.

Boron has the potential to influence a number of metabolic processes. Including calcium and bone metabolism.

Studies have also shown that boron has the ability to boost free testosterone when taken in a 10mg dose.

Source Citation (MLA 7^th Edition)

Stoppani, Jim. "CFB: the new testosterone builder." Flex Oct. 2012: 136. Academic OneFile. Web. 18 Dec. 2012.

REFERENCES:1) J Trace Elem Med Biol, 2011 Jan, 25(1):54-8. Epub 2010 Dec 3, "Comparative effects of daily and weekly boron supplementation on plasma steroid hormones and proinflammatory cytokines"
2) Reprod Toxicol, 1997 Jan-Feb, 11(1):123-60, "An assessment of boric acid and borax using the IEHR Evaluative Process for Assessing Human Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity of Agents. Expert Scientific Committee"

Bioperine or Piperine Black Pepper

Bioperine or Piperine is an active extract derived from black or long pepper.

It was developed to enhance nutrient absorption. Supplement companies typically add 5mg along with B6 to products to accomplish greater absorption increasing blood flow to the digestive tract.

Black Pepper is also one of the most available antioxidants. One teaspoon contains an ORAC value of 783.

Source Citation (MLA 7th Edition)
"Sabinsa granted third patent on Bioperine bioavailability enhancing phytonutrient." BIOTECH Patent News Dec. 1999. Health Reference Center Academic. Web. 26 Nov. 2012.

"Piperine Increases Serum Response of Beta-Carotene During 14 Days of Oral Beta Carotene Supplementation" (Nutrition Research Journal: March 1999).

Beta-Phenylethylamine (PEA)

Beta-Phenylethylamine (PEA)

This is a naturally occurring metabolite of the amino acid phenylalanine. Known as a stimulatory transmitter in the body that enhances neurotransmission, it also promotes fat burning by increasing the release of norepinephrine.

Norepinephrine raises dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain reducing the sensation of pain and boosting feelings of euphoria. This can help trainees tolerate the rigors of training and dieting. It's also available as beta-methoxyphenylethylamine, a form that significantly enhances its half-life in the body and allows a single dose to be more effective.

The recommended dosage is 100-500mg one or two times daily.

Betaine (trimethylglycine)

Betaine is an amino acid (also called trimethylglycine) derived from beets. It aids joint and liver repair and liver protection.

Recent studies show that it boosts strength and power, increases growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels.

Betaine also increases the body's own production of creatine. 

The recommended dosage l,500-3,000mg with pre- and post-workout meals.

According to WebMD:

"Betaine hydrochloride is also used to treat abnormally low levels of potassium (hypokalemia), hay fever, “tired blood” (anemia), asthma, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), yeast infections, diarrhea, food allergies, gallstones, inner ear infections, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and thyroid disorders. It is also used to protect the liver.

Don’t confuse betaine hydrochloride with betaine anhydrous. Use only the FDA-approved betaine anhydrous product for the treatment of high levels of homocysteine in the urine (homocystinuria). This is a symptom of some rare genetic diseases."

Beta-Ecdysterone

This is a phytochemical, found in plants such as spinach and suma root. It is known to stimulate protein synthesis. Driving muscle growth without impacting on hormone levels.

Typical dosage is l00mg with meals, including before and after workouts, for a total of 400-500mg daily.

Beta-Ecdysterone is often combined with Methoxyisoflavone.

Methoxyisoflavone - is an anti-estrogen supplement. By lowering estrogen it promotes higher testosterone levels. It also has been found to enhance protein synthesis and lower cortisol levels.

Beta-Carotene (vitamin A source)

This is a non-toxic form of vitamin A (retinol). Beta-Carotene is converted in the body to vitamin A.

This phytonutrient and antioxidant defend cells from free radicals.

This general health vitamin aids in many metabolic functions.

Including:

Vision

Gene transcription

Immune function

Embryonic development and reproduction

Bone metabolism

Haematopoiesis

Skin and cellular health

Antioxidant activity

Recovery from exercise

Recommended dosage is typically 5,000-25,000 international units (IU) per day with fat-containing meals.

 

According to the wikipedia page, Vitamin A is found naturally in many foods:

 

• liver (turkey) (8058 μg)
• liver (beef, pork, fish) (6500 μg 722%), including cod liver oil
• liver (chicken) (3296 μg)
• dandelion greens (5588 IU 112%)[13]
• carrot (835 μg 93%)
• broccoli leaf (800 μg 89%) – According to USDA database broccoli florets have much less.[14]
• sweet potato (709 μg 79%)
• butter (684 μg 76%)
• kale (681 μg 76%)
• spinach (469 μg 52%)
• pumpkin (400 μg 41%)
• collard greens (333 μg 37%)
• Cheddar cheese (265 μg 29%)
• cantaloupe melon (169 μg 19%)
• egg (140 μg 16%)
• apricot (96 μg 11%)
• papaya (55 μg 6%)
• mango (38 μg 4%)
• pea (38 μg 4%)
• broccoli (31 μg 3%)
• milk (28 μg 3%)
• tomatoes

Beta-alanine

Beta-alanine combines with the amino acid, histidine, to form carnosine.

Carnosine (a component of vitamin B3) helps muscle generate greater forceful contractions for a longer period. The result is increases in strength and endurance. The end result is mass gains.

Beta-alanine with creatine seems to result in more muscle and less fat than subjects taking creatine alone.

The unfortunate side effect of beta-alanine is flushing and tingling (paresthesia) . Some take beta-alanine in small doses throughout the day to avoid the tingling.

Dosage is 2-3g with your pre- and post-workout shakes. The optimal dose seems to be 3.2 grams per day.

Research:
1 Derave W, Everaert I, Beeckman S, et al. Muscle carnitine metabsm and beta-alanine supplementation in relation to exercise and training. Sports Med. 2010;40(3):247-263.
2 Harris RC, Wise JA, Price KA, et al. Determinants of muscle carnitine content. Amino Acids. 2012 Feb 11. [Epub ahead of print]
3 Harris RC, Tallon MJ, Dunnett M, et al. The absorption of orally supplied beta-alanine and its effect on muscle carnosine synthesis in human vastus lateralis. Amino Acids. 2006;30(3):279-289.
4 Hill CA, Harris RC, Kim HJ, et al. Influence of beta-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle carnosine concentrations and high intensity cycling capacity. Amino Acids. 2007;32(2):225-233.
5 Greenhaff PL, Bodin K, Soderlund K, Hultman E. Effect of oral creatine supplementation on skeletal muscle phosphocreatine resynthesis. Am J Physiol. 1994;266(5 Pt 1):E725-730.
6 Baguet A, Reyngoudt H, Pottier A, et al. Carnosine loading and washout in human skeletal muscles. J Appl Physiol. 2009;106(3):837-842.
7 Tallon MJ, Harris RC, Boobis LH, et al. The carnosine content of vastus lateralis is elevated in resistance-trained bodybuilders. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2005;19(4): 725–729.
8 Stellingwerff T, Decombaz J, Harris RC, Boesch C. Optimizing human in vivo dosing and delivery of β-alanine supplements for muscle carnosine synthesis. Amino Acids. 2012 Feb 23. [Epub ahead of print]
9 Baguet A, Everaert I, Hespel P, et al. A new method for non-invasive estimation of human muscle fiber type composition. PLoS One. 2011;6(7):e21956.

Banaba Leaf Extract

This herb has been used as traditional medicine in the Philippines to treat diabetes and kidney diseases.

It is also used in sugar control supplements and used with creatine while low carb dieting. This is because the leaves act as a insulin mimicker by activating insulin receptors.

Corosolic acid is touted as one of the main ingredients responsible for the insulin mimicking action.

The typical dosage is 30-50mg banaba leaf extract standardized for corosolic acid. Athletes should take it with their post-workout shake containing creatine.

Avena sativa (oats)

The bodybuilder's friend, oats or as the scientist say Avena sativa.

Oats contain avenocosides, which are a type of plant saponin similar to the furostanolic saponins in Tribulus. According to Flex magazine they increase the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) released from the pituitary gland, which influences the testicles to produce more testosterone.

Avena sativa also free up testosterone from the carrier protein, sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Only free testosterone enters muscle cells to stimulate growth and boost strength gains.

Take 100-300mg of a 10:1 Avena sativa extract two or three times a day. 

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

This indian herb is also known scientifically as Withania somnifera. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps to suppress free-radical production.

It is also known as an adaptogen helping support healthy stress responses, supporting adrenal and thyroid health and is now being used as a testosterone booster.

The performance enhancing dosage is 1,500-2,000mg three times per day with food.

For general health follow the directions on the product that you purchase. 

Arginine

This amino acid enhances has been used by bodybuilders for sometime now for nitric oxide (NO) production.

It is thought to improve blood flow to exercising muscles. Increasing the delivery of nutrients, hormones, and oxygen to aid in recovery.

Arginine also boosts can boost growth hormone (GH) levels when taken on an empty stomach at bedtime. It is often combined with ornithine for that purpose.

Arginine has come under pressure recently as a NO booster and is being replaced in most pre-workouts with the arginine precursor citrulline.

The typical NO boosting dosage is 3-5g of arginine three times per day. Besure to take one dose 30-40 minutes before exercise.

Arginine HCL and Arginine-AKG seem to be the preferred forms although l-arginine is also often used.

People who are prone to getting cold sores are have a herpes condition should avoid arginine.

There are those who are saying that the oral application of arginine does not reap the benefits that intravenous applications have produced.

To see other uses for arginine, check out the wikipedia page.

L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC, choline alfoscerate)

Alpha-GPC is derived from soy lecithin (a source of choline). Yep, remember that stuff. If you are an old school bodybuilder you do.

Alpha-GPC is used by athletes to increase growth hormone production. It does this by inhibiting a brain chemical that normally blocks the increase of GH.

Alpha-GPC has some other benefit for demetia, Alzheimer's, stroke and other mental and cognitive support issues.

For athlete's the recommended dose 250-500mg one hour before workouts and before bed.

For other heatlh benefits and dosages, visit the WebMD page.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

The nucleic acid adenosine triphosphate is a major celluar energy source. The supplemental form boosts blood levels of ATP, which boosts energy levels while working out, increases blood flow and increases fat burning.

Flex magazine recommends that you take 125-250mg twice daily on an empty stomach.  

Astaxanthin: Antioxidant

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid antioxidant that improves immune function, aids cardiovascular health, and protects the eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration.

Research also shows that it can increase endurance by up to 150%, thanks to its fat burning abilities.

The recommended dosage is 4-6mg with meals once or twice per day, with one dose taken pre-workout.

It has been combined with saw palmetto berry lipid extract (SPLE) to formulate a testosterone booster. There was a study were 42 healthy males ages 37-70 took either 800 mg or 2,000 mg per day of a patented combination of astaxanthin and SPLE for 14 days. Both groups showed increases in testosterone, but only the 2,000 mg group also showed a decrease in estrogen levels.

Sources:
HORMONE HELPERS. Antonio, Jose. Joe Weider's Muscle & Fitness, Aug2009, Vol. 70 Issue 8, p200-204

The activity of the enzyme aromatase is inhibited by administering an aromatase inhibiting amount of a composition comprising at least one of astaxanthin, black cohosh, echinacea, and phytosterols to a subject.

Deconstructing Alphastat

Below is from 2008 Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. reference by Ageless Male"The study did not use Ageless Male. Rather researchers were testing another supplement called Mytosterone (also called Alphastat) made by Triarco (triarco.com) which is located in Wayne NJ. Triarco funded this study but the investigation notes that none of the authors had any financial connection to the outcomes of the research.
In this 2 week long investigation, 42 healthy men between the ages of 37 and 70 were divided 2 groups. "

• Group 1 (21 men) were given 800 mg of the Mytosterone supplement

• Group 2 (21 men) were given 200 milligrams of the Mytosterone supplement

At the end of the study, researchers noted that men who got both 800 mg and 2000 mg showed:

• Significant elevations in testosterone and

• Significant reductions in DHT

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant. It's called the universal antioxidant because seems to help prevent certain kinds of cell damage in the body, and also restores vitamin levels such as vitamin E and vitamin C.

Bodybuilders love it because it improves muscle glucose and creatine uptake when consumed with simple carbs like dextrose.

In addition, ALA is used in some fat-loss products because it reduces the amount of insulin released when carbs are eaten. This increases fat burning and reduces hunger.

The Flex magazine recommended dosage is as follows:

• For increased creatine uptake; 500-600mg with 2-5g of creatine.
• For fat loss and antioxidant protection: 100-300mg two to three times per day

R-Lipoic Acid the better form?

Lipoic acid helps protect against oxidative stress generated by high glucose levels. Alpha-lipoic acid consists of two different forms (isomers) that have vastly different properties. The “R” form is the biologically active component (native to the body) that is responsible for lipoic acid’s phenomenal antioxidant effect.

Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Center

Webmd ALA page

Studies:
Androne L, Gavan NA, Veresiu IA, Orasan R. In vivo effect of lipoic acid on lipid peroxidation in patients with diabetic neuropathy. In Vivo. 2000;14(2):327-330.
Beitner H. Randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind study on the clinical efficacy of a cream containing 5% alpha-lipoic acid related to photoaging of facial skin. Br J Dermatol. 2003;149:841-9.
Berkson BM. A conservative triple antioxidant approach to the treatment of hepatitis C. Combination of alpha lipoic acid (thioctic acid), silymarin, and selenium: three case histories. Med Klin. 1999;94 Suppl 3:84-89.
Clark WM, Rinker LG, Lessov NS, Lowery SL, Cipolla MJ. Efficacy of antioxidant therapies in transient focal ischemia in mice. Stroke. 2001;32(4):1000-1004.
Faust A, Burkart V, Ulrich H, et al. Effect of lipoic acid on cyclophosphamide-induced diabetes and insulitis in non-obese diabetic mice. Int J Immunopharmacol. 1994;16:61-66.
Head KA. Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma. Altern Med Rev. 2001;6(2):141-166.
Hruby K, Csomos G, Fuhrmann M, Thaler H. Chemotherapy of Amanita phalloides poisoning with intravenous silibinin. Hum Exp Toxicol. 1983;2(2):183-195.
Lynch MA. Lipoic acid confers protection against oxidative injury in non-neuronal and neuronal tissue. Nutr Neurosci. 2001;4(6):419-438.
Melhem MF, Craven PA, Derubertis FR. Effects of dietary supplementation of alpha-lipoic acid on early glomerular injury in diabetes mellitus. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2001;12:124-133.
Melhem MF, Craven PA, Liachenko J, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid attenuates hyperglycemia and prevents glomerular mesangial matrix expansion in diabetes. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2002;13:108-116.
Monograph:Alpha-Lipoic Acid. Altern Med Rev. 1998;3(4):308-311.
Nagamatsu M, Nickander KK, Schmelzer JD,et al. Lipoic acid improves nerve blood flow, reduces oxidative stress, and improves distal nerve conduction in experimental diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes Care. 1995;18:1160-1167.
Packer L, Kraemer K, Rimbach G. Molecular aspects of lipoic acid in the prevention of diabetes complications. Nutrition. 2001;17(10):888-895.
Packer L, Tritschler HJ, Wessel K. Neuroprotection by the metabolic antioxidant alpha-linoic acis. Free Radic Biol Med. 1997;22:359–378.
Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Rad Bio Med. 1995;19(2):227-250.
Panigrahi M, Sadguna Y, Shivakumar BR, Kolluri SV, Roy S, Packer L, Ravindranath V. Alpha-Lipoic acid protects against reperfusion injury following cerebral ischemia in rats. Brain Res. 1996;717(1-2):184-188.
Rakel D. Rakel Integrative Medicine, 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Inc. 2008;84.
Segermann J, Hotze A, Ulrich H, et al. Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on the peripheral conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine and on serum lipid-, protein- and glucose levels. Arzneimittelforschung. 1991;41:1294-1298.
Ziegler D, Ametov A, Barinov A, et al. Oral treatment with alpha-lipoic acid improves symptomatic diabetic polyneuropathy: The SYDNEY 2 trial. Diabetes Care. 2006;29:2365-70.
Ziegler D, Gries FA. Alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic peripheral and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Diabetes. 1997;46 (suppl 2):S62-66.
Ziegler D, Reljanovic M, Mehnert H, Gries FA. Alpha-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy in Germany: current evidence from clinical trials. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 1999; 107:421-430.

Agmatine ((4-aminobutyl) guanidine, NH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-NH-C(-NH2)(=NH ))

Agmatine ((4-aminobutyl) guanidine, NH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-NH-C(-NH2)(=NH )) has been turning up in numerous pre-workouts.

Agmatine is the by-product of the breakdown of the amino acid arginine. As with arginine, agmatine boosts nitric oxide (NO) levels. It also boosts the release of insulin an anabolic hormone that increases muscle growth and dilates blood vessels to further boost blood flow.

Other benefits of agmatine are:

• Increased pain tolerance leading to increased training intensity.
• Support for testosterone and growth hormone (GH) production.
• Antioxidant benefits for recovery.

The suggested dosage is 500 - l,000mg 30-60 minutes before workouts.

Sources:
The Encyclopedia of Supplements A-F Author: Jim Stoppani Source: Flex. 29.10 (Dec. 2011): p196.

Agmatine, Part 1: What Is It, What Can It Do, And Who Needs It? on bodybuilding.com


References:

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2. Aricioglu-Kartal F, and Regunathan S. Effect of chronic morphine treatment on the biosynthesis of agmatine in rat brain and other tissues. Life Sci. 71: 1695-1701, 2002.
3. Gao, Y., et al. Agmatine: a novel vasodilator substance. Life Sciences. 57(8):PL83-86, 1995.
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8. Morgan, N.G., et al. Characterization of the imidazoline binding site in regulation of insulin secretion. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 763:361-373, 1995.
9. Nishimura K, Shiina R, Kashiwagi K, and Igarashi K. Decrease in Polyamines with Aging and Their Ingestion from Food and Drink. J of Biochem. 139(1):81-90, 2006.
10. Raasch, W. et al. Agmatine, the bacterial amine is widely distributed in mammalian tissues. Life Sciences. 56(26):2319-2330, 1995.
11. Raghavan SA, Dikshit M. Vascular regulation by the L-arginine metabolites, nitric oxide and agmatine. Pharmacol Res. 49(5):397-414. Review, 2004.
12. Regunathan S, Feinstein DL, and Reis DJ. Anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory actions of imidazoline agents. Are imidazoline receptors involved? Ann NY Acad Sci. 881: 410-419, 1999.
13. Regunathan S, and Reis DJ. Characteristics of arginine decarboxylase in rat brain and liver: distinction from ornithine decarboxylase. J Neurochem. 74: 2201-2208, 2000.
14. Reis DJ, and Regunathan S. Agmatine a novel neurotransmitter? Advances in Pharmacology. 42:645-649, 1998.
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17. Tabor CW, and Tabor H. Polyamines. Ann Rev Biochem. 53: 749-790, 1984.
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