Complex Testosterone Booster

68%
May be good, but there are a lot of unknown ingredients

Many P6 Extreme Black ingredients are proven to raise testosterone levels and stimulate the mind.

However, there are a few issues that give me pause from recommending the product. There aren’t many user reviews and no clear idea of P6 Extreme Black’s effectiveness and safety. It also contains so many ingredients I worry that the dosages may not be high enough.

Given its rather high cost, I suggest waiting until there is more user support for P6 Extreme Black before buying the product.

  • Ingredients Quality
  • Safety
  • Value
  • Price

Cellucor has recently re-launched P6 Extreme Black, a popular testosterone booster that left the market in 2008 for unknown reasons.[1]

Claiming P6 Extreme Black is the “only testosterone booster of its kind,” Cellucor promises amazing energy, better lifts, and more muscle.

Whether P6 Extreme Black actually delivers these results has yet to be determined. I researched the formula to find out if P6 Extreme Black could follow through with its claims.

The P6 Extreme Black Formula

To help boost testosterone production and give men more muscle and power, Cellucor packed 11 ingredients into two proprietary blends.

Nootropic Testosterone Matrix (2105 mg)

D-aspartic acid magnesium chelate is an easy to digest d-aspartic acid form. D-aspartic acid builds proteins and lean muscle tissue. In addition, studies show d-aspartic acid enhances testosterone release.[2] This results in more energy, drive, and lean muscle growth.

D-serine is an amino acid that increases neurotransmissions. Animal studies suggest d-serine improves working memory and recognition, but further human trials are needed to confirm this use.[3]

Alpha-GPC is a natural compound believed to release choline. Choline, in turn, facilitates cell activity in the brain and protects cell walls from damage.[4] It is believed this ingredient stimulates the brain for improved focus.

3,3’-diindolylmethane is said to block estrogen’s effects , allowing more testosterone to remain in the system. However, clinical studies have not validated this use.

Androstenolone is a natural hormone that converts into pregnenolone, a crucial building block for steroid hormones.[5] It’s assumed more pregnenlone equals more testosterone production, but studies have not found a clear connection between the two.

Androgen Support Matrix (358 mg)

Zinc monomethionine is an easily-absorbed zinc form. Zinc is an essential mineral that ensures protein synthesis, cell division, and normal body growth.[6]

Zinc has also been shown to significantly increase testosterone levels.[7]

Mucuna pruriens seed extract, commonly known as “Cowhage”, significantly increases testosterone levels in rats.[8] While animal studies are promising, further research is needed to confirm its effects in humans.

Andrographis paniculata aerial parts extract is often used to treat influenza, digestive issues, and infections.[9] While the ingredient may stimulate the immune system, it’s unclear what effect it has on androgens or energy production.

Cholecalciferol is a D3 vitamin promotes calcium absorption and utilization. Studies show a correlation between vitamin D3 and testosterone.[10]

Copper bis(glycinate) chelate is a chemically bonded copper and is supposedly more absorbent than ordinary copper . Copper is necessary for producing and storing iron, as well as eliminating harmful free radicals.[11] However, there is no evidence to support the claim chelated minerals absorb any better than non-chelated minerals.[12]

Pyridoxal 5-phosphate is active vitamin B6 which supports amino acid metabolism. This ultimately results in better muscle tissue growth and repair.[13]

P6 Extreme Black’s formula is packed with ingredients proven to either promote testosterone production or improve mental activities. However, some ingredients are not backed by clinical studies on humans.

Another area for concern is most P6 Extreme Black ingredients are listed in proprietary blends. There isn’t information about individual ingredient dosages to gauge the formula’s effectiveness.

Are There Any Possible Side Effects?

On the product label, Cellucor warns that the ingredients can cause acne, hair loss, aggressiveness, and even increased estrogen levels. More serious side effects include rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and blurred vision.

How to Use P6 Extreme Black

Take one serving (3 capsules) 30 minutes before training begins.

On non-training days, take one serving with your first meal of the day.

Once tolerance is established, you may take up to two servings per day.

Do not exceed 6 capsules in a 24 hour period.

How Much Does P6 Extreme Black Cost?

GNC.com sells one bottle (90 capsules) for $89.99 plus $4.50 for shipping. I wasn’t able to find the product listed with other online vendors, but I expect they’ll sell P6 Extreme Black for approximately the same price.

Final Thoughts

Many P6 Extreme Black ingredients are proven to raise testosterone levels and stimulate the mind. However, there are a few issues that give me pause from recommending the product. There aren’t many user reviews and no clear idea of P6 Extreme Black’s effectiveness and safety.

Given its rather high cost, I suggest waiting until there is more user support for P6 Extreme Black before buying the product.

References

[1] It appears that some of the ingredients in the old version of P6 Extreme Black became banned forcing Cellucor to remove the product from the marketplace.

[2 ] Topo, Enza, et al. “The role and molecular mechanism of D-aspartic acid in the release and synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats.” Reprod Biol Endocrinol, 7 (2009): 120. http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1477-7827-7-120.pdfStudien

[3] Bado P, Madeira C, Vargas-Lopes C, Moulin TC, Wasilewska-Sampaio AP, Maretti L, de Oliveira RV, Amaral OB, Panizzutti R.. “Effects of low-dose D-serine on recognition and working memory in mice.” Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2011 Dec;218(3):461-70. doi: 10.1007/s00213-011-2330-4. Epub 2011 May 10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21556803

[4 ] Barbagallo, M., et al. “alpha-Glycerophosphocholine in the mental recovery of cerebral ischemic attacks. An Italian multicenter clinical trial.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 717 (1994): 253-269. http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/8030842

[5] WebMD.com. “Pregnenolone.” Accessed 4.16.2013. WebMD discussion about diindolymethane

[6] National Institutes of Health. “Zinc.” Accessed 4.16.2013. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/

[7] Netter, A., K. Nahoul, and R. Hartoma. “Effect of zinc administration on plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and sperm count.” Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine, 7.1 (1981): 69-73. Effect of zinc administration on plasma testosterone

[8] Muthu, K., and P. Krishnamoorthy. “Evaluation of androgenic activity of Mucuna pruriens in male rats.” African Journal of Biotechnology, 10.66 (2011): 15017-15016 Evaluation of androgenic activity of mucana pruriens in male rats

[9] WebMD.com. “Andrographis Overview Information.” Accessed 4.16.2013. WebMD discussion about androphraphis

[10] Pilz, S., et al. “Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men.” Hormone and Metabolic Research, 43.03 (2010): 223-225. https://www.thieme-connect.com/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0030-1269854

[11] “Copper.” University of Maryland Medical Center. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/copper-000296.htm

[12] “Chelated Minerals.” WebMD. WebMD looks at chelated minerals

[13] National Institutes of Health. “Vitamin B6.” Accessed 4.16.2013. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/