Tribulus Terrestris / Tongat Ali / Longjack (Eurycoma longifolia): Non essential supplements- Part 3

Tribulus

Tribulus is an herb which has been purported to increase testosterone in males through LH signalling. Although there is no published data to support this, supplement companies continue to market it to aid bodybuilding and to enhance the libido.

One study shows that this herb has had no effect on body composition and strength. There has also been the claim that the herb was not a standardized extract and must be high in saponins. Whether or not this is true has yet to be seen, but there is no published data to support it. Most information on tribulus comes from the people selling it and some individuals who see positive effects from it. Some people swear by this product while others see little value. I would consider placing this in the ‘optional’ category, but there is simply not enough research on it. Whether or not you use it is up to you, but it is not recommended or necessary for individuals just beginning bodybuilding.

Tongkat Ali/Longjack (Eurycoma longifolia) 

Tongkat falls under the same category as tribulus, as being a purported herbal testosterone booster. There is absolutely no evidence to verify this, and most of the claims come from Malaysian studies performed by the manufacturer indicating that it is possibly an aphrodisiac in animals. This is not necessary to use.Ipriflavone/Methoxy

Methoxy, or 5-methyl-7-methoxy-isoflavone is a derivative of ipriflavone, which comes from the estrogenic soy isoflavone, daizden. The only information that methoxy can increase body composition is from the patent filed by its inventor. There has been published data on ipriflavone which shows it can increase calcium stores in women with osteoporosis, but beyond that there is no information on it. Methoxy was initially touted as a miracle anabolic. However, most supplement manufacturers used doses too low to be effective for any purpose. Whether or not this actually builds muscle is obvious to most (it doesn’t). Most everyone has come to the conclusion that this stuff is completely w

orthless and does nothing for body composition purposes. For those who still wish to try it, it can be purchased from some manufactures in a bulk powder form. You would need 1-2g daily to try and see beneficial effects. This is not recommended or necessary for anyone, beginners included.