Does Pine Bark Extract Increase Testosterone?
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
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Testosterone Explained
Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in the growth of muscle and bone. It also has a role in maintaining normal metabolic function.
Testosterone is a hormone that is found in both men and women. It plays a key role in sexual development and also promotes muscle and bone strength.
This androgenic hormone is produced by the testes in boys and the adrenal glands in girls. In males, testosterone is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin. The hormone is also secreted by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized organ near the base of the brain.
Synthetic testosterone is also used to treat certain health conditions. For example, testosterone therapy has been shown to improve men's mood and anxiety. Some studies have shown that testosterone may help improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Testosterone is also a risk factor for prostate cancer. Symptoms of Low-T include weight gain, erectile dysfunction, and swollen breasts.
Men with low testosterone or hypogonadism, can experience physical changes such as decreased muscle bulk, swollen breast tissue (gyno), and increased body fat. Other symptoms include fewer spontaneous erections during sleep, reduced motivation, and a decrease in self-confidence.
Causes of Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism can be caused by a number of conditions, including genetic disorders. It can be caused by testicular cancer, infections, and even exposure to gonadal toxins. Symptoms can include erectile dysfunction, reduced physical strength, and fatigue. In addition, hypogonadism can interfere with spermatogenesis, and lead to infertility.
The most common causes of hypogonadism are the failure of the testes to produce sufficient amounts of testosterone and sperm. These symptoms can occur in males of any age, although the condition is more common in older men.
Treatment is usually prescribed as a part of the diagnosis. It may require dopamine agonists or surgery. However, some people can be cured by changes in lifestyle. Changing habits such as getting regular exercise and eating well can improve a person's sexual function.
Pine Bark Extract
Pine Bark Extract has numerous purported health benefits. It is said that it can help with memory, cardiovascular disease, and many other aspects of your body. Taking it as a supplement may improve your mental performance and stamina, and it can reduce inflammation. This extract has antioxidant components, which means that it can fight free radicals that cause aging and damage.
One of the biggest claims of pine bark extract is that it improves vascular endothelial function. In addition, the extract may increase nitric oxide levels, which promote blood flow and reduce muscle fatigue.
During an Italian study in 2011, students were given a supplement with pine bark extract for eight weeks. The results showed that participants were able to maintain normal blood sugar levels. They also reported an improvement in concentration, and less anxiety and depression.
In a separate study, pine bark antioxidants were studied for anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. They have also been shown to be able to prevent bacterial infections.
Researchers have also looked at the effects of pine bark extract on pseudomonas infections. Pseudomonas is a bacterium that can cause infectious wounds. A 2017 study found that it was possible to prevent cataracts from forming in people who took the extract.
Safety
When taken in the recommended dosages, pine bark extract is considered safe. Nonetheless, there are still concerns that it might interact with drugs used to treat immune system disorders. Also, it might cause irritability, fatigue, and dizziness. You should discuss your situation with your doctor before you take it.
Pine Bark Extract and Testosterone
It's not uncommon for men to take pine bark extract in hopes of enhancing their testosterone levels. However, while the herb is commonly used in male enhancement supplements, there is very little research on its effects.
Taking a combination of pine bark extract and L-arginine aspartate has been shown to treat erectile dysfunction in some men. This combination has been approved by the FDA for this purpose.
The most important thing to know is that there are no clinical studies that prove the effectiveness of pine bark extract in boosting testosterone levels. Similarly, there are no studies that examine the combination of this nutrient with other ingredients that could boost testosterone.
Published Research
A 2021 study involving females noted that pine bark extract didn't change the androgenic or metabolic profiles of the subjects involved in the study.
Research published by the Cochrane Library also found little quality evidence that pine ark extract would increase testosterone levels.
Conclusion
If you're looking for the most efficient and most effective way to get your testosterone up and running, you're probably looking for an all-natural alternative. But you might be disappointed to find out that the pine bark isn't the magic pill that you've been looking for. For a natural approach, you might try a product with numerous evidence informed nutrients as part of its formula.
