Best Herbal Testosterone Boosters

Most men produce adequate levels of testosterone, a key hormone that regulates sexual health, anabolic activity and several other bodily functions. However, as men age, some experience a decline in testosterone levels; this can lead to decreased stamina and poor muscle growth. Several medicinal herbs can help to increase testosterone levels, particularly in athletes and older men. While testosterone-boosting herbs have not been extensively studied in humans, many are considered to be safer and more effective than prohormones or anabolic steroids.

The following herbal testosterone boosters can help men maintain stable hormone levels at all stages of life.

Tongkat Ali

Tongkat ali is the subject of ongoing scientific study in Malaysia, where it has been used for hundreds of years as an aphrodisiac. Several animal studies, many of which have been published in the peer-reviewed journal Phytomedicine, have concluded that tongkat ali can increase muscle growth, sexual performance and even sperm count with few or no side effects. To date, tongkat ali is the only herb clinically proven to increase both testosterone levels and anabolic growth.

Tribulus

While tribulus terrestris remains the top-selling herbal testosterone booster, some studies have cast doubt in its efficacy. In fact, a Bulgarian study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology concluded that this aphrodisiac ultimately has no effect on testosterone production. Nevertheless, most studies have demonstrated that it is very effective for enhancing sexual health and marginally effective for improving muscle growth. Because it is associated with no known side effects, many men use tribulus as a safe, legal alternative to anabolic steroids.

Saw Palmetto

Traditionally used to support prostate health, saw palmetto may also be a viable herbal testosterone booster. The U.S. National Institutes of Health note that saw palmetto exerts a complex, multifaceted effect on the human endocrine system; it appears to support a stable balance of testosterone and estrogen. Saw palmetto may support sperm production, sexual vitality and muscle growth; some studies also indicate its use as a treatment for male pattern baldness.

While herbal testosterone boosters like tongkat ali, tribulus and saw palmetto are generally regarded as safe and associated with few side effects, experts warn agains the unsupervised use of strong medicinal herbs. If you believe you have below-average levels of testosterone, talk to your holistic health care provider about possible treatment options. Additionally, while the World Anti-Doping Agency does not prohibit the use of any natural herbal testosterone boosters, some athletic organizations may not allow them. Evaluate the relative benefits and risks of herbal testosterone boosters before taking them.