Cinnamon Extract

Cinnamon which has been in use for thousands of years contains hydroxychalone. This active ingredient imitates the effects of insulin. You know how powerful insulin is as an anabolic hormone.

Cinnamon aids insulin in driving nutrients including carbohydrates and amino acids into muscle cells. The benefit of this is that less carbohydrates will end up being stored as body fat.

Try taking 100-250mg with meals daily and post-workout with creatine.

Look for the trademarked cinnamon extract CinnulinPF.

GREEN-TEA EXTRACT

Green tea is full of catechins, powerfull compounds that include epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is the ingredient responsible for the tea's fatburning.

EGCG's has the ability to inhibit an enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, the neurotransmitter involved in regulating metabolic rate and fat burning.

Green tea also is a antioxidant that supports general wellness within the body.

Look for a standardized extract containing EGCG and take 500mg 1 to 3 times daily before meals.

CHONDROITIN

Chondroitin can help ease arthritis symptoms and may also protect joints from destructive enzymes.

It may take three months of continuous use before effects are noticeable.

Take 800-l,500mg of chondroitin sulfate or chondroitin hydrochloride daily in divided doses.

Chocamine

This extract from cocoa provides all the benefits of chocolate without the sugar or fat. The active compounds in chocamine help suppress appetite and enhance metabolism. The components include caffeine, tyramine, theobromine, and phenylethylamine.

Try chocamine to boost energy, improve mood, concentration, and alertness.

Take 1-2g up to three times per day.

Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll has been touted for years to help to boost endurance by aiding the oxygen delivery to muscles and as an internal deodarant. It may also protect against certain cancers.

Chlorophyll is a group of green pigments that absorbs light for plant photosynthesis. It provides humans with antioxidant and antiinflammatory benefits. Daily use can decrease DNA damage by more than 50% helping with muscle recovery.

Try l00mg two or three times per day.

CAPSAICIN

The chemical in chili peppers that makes them spicy, capsaicin enhances fat loss by first raising levels of the neurohormone norepinephrine, which increases metabolic rate. It has been found to elevate fat burning when taken an hour before aerobic exercise and can also decrease hunger. Look for capsaicin supplements that list Scoville thermal units, or heat units, with a dosage that supplies 40,000-80,000 units. You can also take 1/4 tsp of ground red pepper or cayenne pepper that lists the heat units.

Take 1 capsule containing 40,000-80,000 units 30 minutes before meals and one hour before cardio.

Calcium

Essential for growth of the musculoskeletal system, calcium also regulates and is critical for the contraction and relaxation of muscle tissue. In addition, it can help burn body fat by promoting thermogenesis and reducing dietary fat absorption.

DOSAGE: 500-600mg two or three times per day

Caffeine for strength and power: 200-400mg one hour before workouts

A stimulant and effective fat burner due to its ability to increase the release of fat from fat cells, caffeine has been shown to boost strength and power output when taken one hour before workouts. 

For fat loss and weight management: 100-200mg between meals; mental acuity and focus: 50-200mg every couple of hours; strength and power: 200-400mg one hour before workouts

Acai is one of nature's richest sources of anthocyanins

Central and South American superfruit that grows in clusters of round, dark purple-to-black, berry-shaped fruits. Used to make juice, ice pops, and herbal supplements.

Acai is one of nature's richest sources of anthocyanins--a type of bioflavonoid. Anthocyanins make up the purple, red, and blue-black pigments found within certain berries, fruits, plants, and flowers.

The fruit of acai also contains protein, fiber, enzymes, vitamin E, amino acids, minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, zinc, and boron), phytosterols, and beneficial fatty acids.

Other names:

Acai-do-baixo Amazonas, Acai-do-para, Acaizeiro, Assai, Palmito acai, Piria

Botanical names:

Euterpe oleracea Mart.

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).

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-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

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.

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. 

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.

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