Common name for the American Dwarf Palm, or Serenoa repens.  Extracts of the fruit are used as an alternative treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia and other conditions, such as chronic prostatitis.  Saw palmetto can inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.  It also has anti-inflammatory effects.

Saw palmetto extracts are available in supplemental form. In Europe, Saw palmetto extracts are sold as a medication, Permixon.  It may also be combined with other herbal BPH remedies, such as stinging nettle and Pygeum africanum.

See the review “Saw Palmetto for Prostate Health” for more information.

The botanical name for the African Plum Tree.  The bark is a source of extracts used as an alternative treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).  Pygeum extracts are often used in “male” supplements in combination with other herbal compounds known to be beneficial for BPH, such as saw palmetto and stinging nettle.

See Alpha-Lipoic Acid.

Also known as R-ALA. The biologically active form of alpha-lipoic acid.

An ecdysteroid isolated from Achyranthes rubrofusca - a traditional medicinal herb.  Rubrosterone differs from other ecdysteroids used in bodybuilding supplements, as it lacks the side chain present in 20-hydroxyecdysone and its analogs.

There is virtually no accessible human or animal research on the effects of rubrosterone in isolation – thus, claims that rubrosterone is “more active” than other ecdysteroids are premature, at best. One study demonstrated Achyranthes rubrofusca extracts exerted hypolipidemic effects in rats, although what contribution – if any – made by rubrosterone is unknown.

See 25-Deoxy-20-Hydroxyecdysone.

Also known as dimethylxanthine.  Theophylline is a metabolite of caffeine that’s also found naturally in tea.  Although it’s less well-known or used in supplements, theophylline – which is used therapeutically as a bronchodilator - has effects on thermogenesis and exercise performance similar to caffeine.

Tribulus is a source of steroidal saponins such as protodioscin. Tribulus allegedly increases testosterone via stimulation of the pituitary gland to produce luteinizing hormone (LH), which, in turn, acts on the testes. This claim is based on older Bulgarian research that has not been replicated in the West. Although it’s known to raise testosterone in animals, recent studies on humans have shown that Tribulus has no significant effects on testosterone or LH levels, body composition, or exercise performance.

See Paul’s Tribulus review for more information.

A steroidal saponin found in various herbs (Tribulus terrestris and fenugreek) used in “male” enhancement/testosterone-boosting supplements.  Protodioscin’s reputed aphrodisiac effects may be due to its conversion to DHEA in the body and/or via the release of nitric oxide in penile tissues.

Also known as “schizandrin“.  A lignan isolated from Schisandra chinensis with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-amnesiac and hepatoprotective effects.