Natural Testosterone Support
Several Tropinol XP ingredients lack substantive (if any) scientific evidence to support their usage, and potential side effects are mostly unknown. Those electing to use Tropinol XP are encouraged to consider these assessments.
- Ingredient Quality
- Safety
- Value
- Price/Availability
Tropinol XP is said to be so good “we will all see pigs flying” before a better one is made.
This testosterone-boosting supplement is the supposed key to bulking up and gaining muscle, according to manufacturer iForce Nutrition.
“Testosterone is what separates boys from men…and odds are your testosterone is lower now than it has been since before you hit puberty,” iForce Nutrition says.
Tropinol XP is also purported to boost sex drive and give muscles more definition, allowing you to “WATCH as your body transforms before your eyes.”
This sounds like a miracle pill—I’m interested to take a closer look and see the truth.
What Is iForce Nutrition?
iForce Nutrition is simply the brand name of Tribravus Enterprises, LLC, a health supplement company based in Vista, CA. While most of their products are focused on bodybuilding, they have products intended to promote diet and weight loss.
In 2011, Tribravus Enterprises was indicted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for “causing purported dietary supplements to be unlawfully manufactured and distributed in interstate commerce.” [1]
According to a press release made by the Justice Department, Tribravus was distributing products containing synthetic steroids as dietary supplements. The company was later convicted and fined $125,000, as well as forced to implement testing protocol of its products to guarantee future products did not contain synthetic steroids. [1]
Despite the legitimacy of their products though, their customer service is fairly satisfactory. At one point I called the company to ask about Tropinol XP’s ingredients among other things. My call was answered promptly, and I was transferred and spoke to a product specialist who responded to my questions about its ingredients.
What Is In Tropinol XP?
Since Tropinol XP is comprised of a proprietary blend, the exact quantity of each ingredient is undisclosed. Here is a description of each ingredient:
Fadogia Agrestis (Plant Extract). This African plant extract is typically used to treat erectile dysfunction and increase sex drive. In addition, it is increasingly being used as an “alternative to anabolic steroids.” [2]
Studies indicate the extract “increased the blood testosterone concentrations,” in animals. [3] However, no studies have been done on humans to demonstrate the same effect. [2]
Epimedium. Also known as horny goat weed, it alleviates erectile dysfunction and boosts sexual desire. According to WebMD, it contains chemicals which possibly increase blood flow and thus improve sexual function. [4]
One of the chemicals in horny goat weed inducing this effect is icariin, which according to one study also promotes the production of nitric oxide. [5] Nitric oxide widens blood vessels (maximizing blood flow) and stimulates the release of growth hormone and insulin, ultimately leading to muscle growth. [6]
25R-Dione Spirost-4-Ene, 6-Dione. Also known as 6-keto diosgenin, there is no substantial evidence relating this ingredient to exercise science. In a conversation I had with Vaughn DuBow, the Research & Development specialist at iForce Nutrition, he informed me it was a “natural anabolic” for inducing protein synthesis and providing muscular strength.
When I asked him about the scientific evidence of this, he referred me to a BodyBuilding.com forum link where consumers talked about the product, where reviewers discussed a Russian study on rats which showed how 6-keto-diosgenin increased anabolic activity.
However, a scholar named Tyler LeBaron researched the ingredients of several testosterone-boosting supplements, and one of which was 6-keto diosgenin. In the article he states the chemical would not have the same effect on humans as it did on rats because, “we [humans] lack the necessary enzymes” to enact the anabolic activity. [7]
With regard to 25R-dione spirost-4-ene, 6-dione and related terms, he mentions they “appear to be made up,” and advises readers to avoid the ingredient. [7]
Potassium Nitrate. Potassium is a crucial nutrient in helping the heart, kidneys, and other organs to function properly. According to WebMD experts, many athletes have a potassium deficiency, so this ingredient may serve as a helpful supplement. [8]
Coleus Forskohlii. This plant contains a chemical called forskolin, which strengthens heart muscles and widens blood vessels. This allows a more powerful heartbeat and ultimately lowers blood pressure. [9]
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol). Medline Plus experts explain vitamin D is necessary for the regulation of calcium and phosphorous, and maintains proper bone structure. [10]
Zinc Aspartate. Zinc is possibly effective in preventing muscle cramps in people who have low zinc levels. [11]
Warnings
On the product label, it offers the following warnings:
• Do not exceed recommended dosage
• Do not consume synephrine or caffeine from other sources
• Do not use for more than 8 weeks at a time
• Consult with a doctor if you’re taking medication
• Consult with a physician if you have a medical condition
• Discontinue two weeks prior to surgery
Side Effects
According to a study examining listed side effects, testosterone supplements are generally known to cause liver problems, male breast growth, baldness, potential harm to prostate health, and other issues. [12]
Since fadogia agrestis is a relatively new ingredient in health supplements, information is lacking of its safety and potential side effects. [2]
In addition, 6-keto diosgenin may be a fabricated ingredient, and there remains no information regarding the side effects it induces.
Tropinol XP contains potassium, and those allergic to this ingredient should avoid use. Some possible reactions include itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, or tingling in mouth, throat, or chest. [13]
Consumer Reviews
A few consumers shared their thoughts on Tropinol XP; here are two of them:
“I’ve been on this now for two weeks and it works great. I feel stronger, harder, and recover much better plus sleep and sex drive is up a bunch. I’m 25 years old sp wasn’t sure how much of an impact this would have but so far I am very impressed and, at the price, it’s a steal.”
– Ian, PredatorNutrition.com
“I didn’t get any results from this stack. Just another worthless test booster! I had to give it a one star because there was no option for a 0” – Tmess, Amazon.
Purchasing Tropinol XP
While Tropinol XP is sold on the iForce Nutrition website, its price is much higher than competitor retailers.
The best discount is found on ThatSupplementGuy.com, where the price is $31.99 with free shipping. The online retailer is certified by Volusion, an internet retail agency.
The price on Amazon.com is not far behind, however. The price here is $34.50 and comes with free shipping as well. Amazon.com is a leading online marketplace with a solid reputation.
Conclusion
Several Tropinol XP ingredients lack substantive (if any) scientific evidence to support their usage, and potential side effects are mostly unknown. Those electing to use Tropinol XP are encouraged to consider these assessments.
Tribravus Enterprises’ recent past of selling illegal substances is another concern. Although a singular incident, it reflects upon the company’s lack of adherence to dietary laws. Tropinol XP and other iForce Nutrition products should be avoided until they’ve proven to be trustworthy and reliable.
References
[1] “Dietary Supplements Manufacturer Sentenced.” United States Department of Justice. Available from: http://www.justice.gov/usao/id/news/2011/may/tribravus05052011.html
[2] “Fadogia Agrestis.” WebMD. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1162-FADOGIA%20AGRESTIS.aspx?activeIngredientId=1162&activeIngredientName=FADOGIA%20AGRESTIS
[3] Yakubu MT, Akanji MA, Oladiji AT. “Aphrodisiac potentials of the aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) stem in male albino rats.” Asian J Androl. 2005 Dec;7(4):399-404. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16281088
[4] “Horny Goat Weed.” WebMD. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-699-EPIMEDIUM.aspx?activeIngredientId=699&activeIngredientName=EPIMEDIUM
[5] Hai-Bin Xu, Zhao-Quan Huang. “Icariin enhances endothelial nitric-oxide synthase expression on human endothelial cells in vitro.” Vascular Pharmacology Volume 47, Issue 1, July 2007, Pages 18–24. Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1537189107000559
[6] “L-Arginine.” WebMD. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-875-L-ARGININE.aspx?activeIngredientId=875&activeIngredientName=L-ARGININE
[7] LeBaron, TW. “Testosterone Booster Recommendation Report.” Muscle Feast. Available from: http://www.academia.edu/1603035/Testosterone_Booster_Recommendation_Report
[8] “Vitamins and Supplements Lifestyle Guide: Potassium.” WebMD. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-potassium
[9] “Forskolin.” WebMD. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1044-FORSKOLIN.aspx?activeIngredientId=1044&activeIngredientName=FORSKOLIN
[10] “Vitamin D.” Medline Plus. Available from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/929.html
[11] “Zinc.” RxList. Available from: http://www.rxlist.com/zinc/supplements.htm
[12] Dallas, Mary E. “More Men Taking Testosterone, but Risks Unclear.” WebMD. Available from: http://men.webmd.com/news/20130603/more-men-taking-testosterone-but-risks-unclear
[13] “Potassium nitrate/silver nitrate (On the skin).” University of Maryland Medical Center. Available from: http://www.umm.edu/drug/notes/Potassium-nitrate-silver-nitrate-On-the-skin.htm#ixzz2VTTNMXX5
Josh is a supplement specialist and competitive powerlifter. He specializes in technical ingredient research and company information and stays up to date on competitions and show information. He's one of our first-line reviewers, trying every new product.
