Testoplus: A Review of Ingredients
Healthmasters’ Testoplus product was formulated with one thing in mind: male vitality.
As men age, they begin to experience hypogonadism, also known as testosterone deficiency. In fact, according to a 2006 study, 38.7% of men over the age of forty-five have hypogonadism [1]. Low testosterone levels have been closely associated with decreased libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), lack of energy, less physical strength and endurance, loss of height, decreased enjoyment in life, low mood, feeling grumpy, falling asleep quickly after dinner, and reduced work performance, to name a few [2] [3]. Studies published in 2006 and 2016 have even related declined testosterone levels to poor performance on cognitive tests and reduced cognitive ability [4] [5].
Although testosterone is generally thought to be a male hormone, studies have also shown the hormone to affect women positively. In a 2015 study, researchers noted that “testosterone is an essential hormone for women” [6]. The researchers continued to explain the hormone was vital for a woman’s healthy libido and sexual function [6].
Another crucial aspect regarding testosterone in men is that most circulating testosterone is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Only testosterone that is not linked to SHBG is considered bioavailable, meaning bound testosterone is in the body, but it cannot be utilized [7].
This is where Healthmasters’ Testoplus product plays its role. Healthmasters’ Testoplus has highly-specialized ingredients designed to support healthy male hormone biosynthesis, which includes modulating the effect of SHBG.
Testoplus has two main ingredients, and for the remainder of this article, we will be reviewing their clinically backed effects substantiated by peer-reviewed, published studies.*
Shilajit
The first active ingredient in the Testoplus is a patented formulation of shilajit.
Shilajit is a natural, mineral-rich phytocomplex with many bioactive components, including fulvic acids. Shilajit is a sticky substance found mostly in the rocks of the Himalayas and takes centuries to develop from the slow decomposition of plants. Therefore, it comprises of rock humus, rock minerals, and other organic substances [8].
Shilajit has a rich history of use in Indian ayurvedic and Siddha medicine as a health and wellness optimizer.
For example, studies have found shilajit to be beneficial in Alzheimer’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, ageing, high altitude sickness, iron deficiency anemia, heart health, infertility, and low testosterone levels [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16].
According to a publication by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, weightlifters commonly use shilajit to promote better strength, recovery, muscular hypertrophy, and to combat physical stress [17].
Moreover, nearly fifty studies have attested to shilajit’s safety and claim it has a positive effect on testosterone levels and adaptogenic, antioxidant, cytokine-balancing, immunomodulatory, and antidyslipidemic activities [18], and fulvic acid, the main bioactive component in shilajit, blocks tau proteins self-aggregation suggesting the compound may play a role in supporting cognition [19].
Side note: It is highly believed fulvic acid may even decalcify the pineal gland, which calcifies as a result of consuming fluorinated substances, including most tap water; however, I cannot find any published material supporting that claim, so that is up to you to believe.
In a 2016, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, scientists examined the effects of a 250mg twice a day dosage of shilajit in 75 healthy men (aged 45-55) for 90 days. The researchers found that the shilajit group had significantly increased total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) when compared to the placebo group [8].
In a 2010 study, 35 infertile males took 100mg of shilajit twice a day for 90 days. After the study, 28 of the males has significant improvement in factors related to fertility, compared to baseline values. Further, after the study, the semen’s content of malondialdehyde (MDA), which is a market for oxidative stress in semen, was reduced. Compared to the baseline, serum testosterone levels rose 23.5% and follicle-stimulating [hair] hormone (FHS) rose 9.4% [20]. Liver and kidney profiles were unchanged, indicating safety [20].
In a 2016 study, researchers investigated shilajit’s effect on skeletal muscle adaptation in men and women human subjects and found there were no adverse effects, again, indicating safety for men and women [21].
To summarize, shilajit influences significant functions of human health, and in males, the compound has been shown to increase testosterone production and improve other parameters significantly.
Eurycoma Longifolia
The second active ingredient in the Testoplus is a patented extract of Eurycoma longifolia.
Eurycoma longifolia, or Malaysian ginseng, is the same plant the compound where Tribulus Terrestris is derived, which, as noted in my article “Six Natural Alternatives to Viagra,” has strong aphrodisiac capabilities.
Studies have found Eurycoma longifolia to be an adaptogen for supporting healthy libido, energy, sports performance, and weight management by promoting healthy testosterone level and freeing testosterone from SHBG. Eurypeptides active the CYP-17 enzyme, which plays a crucial role in the production of DHEA, progesterone, testosterone, and pheromone through the metabolism of pregnenolone, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland.
The specific extract of Eurycoma longifolia has had its safety confirmed by animal and at least twelve human clinical studies. This particular extract follows a compound isolating, patented water-extraction process that follows technologically advanced manufacturing methods to ensure the purity of the ingredient with the highest level of biologically active eurypeptides.
In a randomized, placebo-controlled, two-month study that focused on the outcomes of this extract in male volunteers through evaluating various parameters, the volunteers were either given a placebo or 200, 400, or 600mg of this extract. The volunteers in the extract group had improvements in sexual desire and performance. Also, testosterone and DHA levels were high-normal when compared to the baseline. Further, LDL cholesterol improved, and those who have type-2 diabetes had improvements in their blood glucose levels [22].
The benefits are not sex-dependent either. In studies published in 2009 and 2014, the effects of the extract were noted in both sexes to promote healthy fitness, vitality, and vigor concomitant with an increase in free testosterone and a decrease in SHBG [23] [24].
Conclusion
Both of the ingredients in Healthmasters’ Testoplus product promote various aspects of male health, including increased testosterone, improved fertility and stamina, and decreased SHBG levels; however, its effects are not male specific and can positively affect women.
If you have any questions about Healthmasters’ Testoplus product, please feel free to call out office at 800.726.1834
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1569444/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2205629
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12471777
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17132744
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26553159
[6] https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/26358173
[7] https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/83686
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26395129
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20078516/
[10]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288266508_Shilajit_in_management_of_iron_deficiency_anaemia
[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2876922/
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/
[13] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874112003893?via%3Dihub
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26395129
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3296184/
[16] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12012-014-9245-3
[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10919969
[18] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23733436
[19] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22482077
[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20078516
[21] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27414521
[22] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1365-2605.2005.00551_4.x
[23] https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/c630/99bb0c98f76e8518bd86c10ee55cb2c799be.pdf
[24] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23754792
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.