Libido Booster
While some ingredients are proven to improve testosterone levels and enhance male sexual performance, their individual doses are unknown. This makes the entire formula’s effectiveness questionable.
The product may work for you, however, I feel that spending more than $100 on a supplement without knowing exact ingredient doses is a bit risky.
- Ingredients
- Effectiveness
- Negative Side Effects
- Value
Force Factor claims its new product, Test x180 Alpha, is “the preferred testosterone booster of Elite Men.”
In fact, Force Factor promises by using its testosterone booster, you will see “incredible” improvements in your performance in bed, including “mind-blowing” libido and stamina.
In addition, Test x180 Alpha is purported to maximize power and stamina, making you king of the gym.
To see if Test x180 Alpha performs like it promises, I researched the product and this is what I found.
The Main Ingredients in Test x180 Alpha
Test x180 Alpha is intended to:
• Heighten libido
• Enhance sexual performance
• Strengthen blood flow
• Build lean muscle mass
• Maximize power and stamina
To help you reach these goals, Force Factor Test x180 Alpha provides the following ingredients in two proprietary blends:
Sexual Performance Blend (860 mg)
L-citrulline is an amino acid proven to promote nitric oxide synthesis.[1]
Nitric oxide is a strong vasodilator, widening blood vessels and improving blood circulation and delivery.[2]
Nitric oxide increases blood flow to the penis, improving engorgement. However, l-citrulline exact dosage is undisclosed, making it impossible to determine if it positively affects penile engorgement.
Catuaba bark is shown in one clinical trial on rabbits to relax the corpus cavernosum, an area of penile tissue responsible for erection.[3] Relaxing corpus cavernosum generally results in more blood flow and better erections.[4]
While this finding is promising, there are no clinical trials confirming catuaba bark works in a similar fashion in humans.
Maca root was found in one 2008 clinical study to treat sexual dysfunction.[5] Researchers also found maca root may improve libido.[5]
However, the clinical study was limited to 20 individuals, of which only 10 finished the study. Consequently, more research is needed to determine maca root’s effectiveness as a male-enhancement ingredient.
Free Testosterone Boosting Matrix
Testofen fenugreek seed is purported to raise testosterone levels, but clinical evidence is mixed. Some studies found fenugreek raised testosterone levels, while other studies found oral fenugreek significantly lowered circulating androgen (testosterone) levels.[6][7]
More clinical research is required to determine if fenugreek effectively promotes testosterone production.
White mushroom promotes free testosterone levels by blocking enzymes that transform testosterone into estrogen.[8]
While white mushroom is proven to increase testosterone levels, it’s unclear whether there is enough in Test x180 Alpha to produce a positive effect.
Stinging nettle root is a popular testosterone booster, but its effectiveness is unclear.
For example, one clinical study shows stinging nettle’s lignans inhibit human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).[9] This inhibiting of SHBG should free up testosterone.
However, another clinical study on 580 individuals concluded stinging nettle supplementation did not significantly alter testosterone levels.[10]
Test x180 Alpha’s formula is mainly based on two proprietary blends, making it difficult to say whether the formula is effective.
To complicate matters, the user reviews available appear biased and are not good sources for determining its overall performance.
Will The Ingredients Cause Side Effects?
For the most part, the listed ingredients don’t appear to cause severe side effects.
However, fenugreek is known to cause diarrhea, bloating, and a “maple syrup” odor to urine.[11]
Also, stinging nettle causes stomach issues and sweating.[12]
It probably goes without saying, but Test x180 Alpha is not intended for pregnant or nursing women.
How To Use Test x180 Alpha
On workout days, take 2 capsules with breakfast and then 2 capsule 30 minutes before working out.
On non-workout days, take 2 capsules with breakfast and 2 capsules with lunch.
Purchasing Test x180 Alpha
A 120-capsule bottle can be purchased from Amazon.com for $111.99 with free shipping.
Alternatively, GNC.com has the same size bottle for $125.99 with free shipping.
Final Thoughts on Test x180 Alpha
While some ingredients are proven to improve testosterone levels and enhance male sexual performance, their individual doses are unknown. This makes the entire formula’s effectiveness questionable.
The product may work for you, however, I feel that spending more than $100 on a supplement without knowing exact ingredient doses is a bit risky.
References
[1] Sureda, Antoni, et al. “Effects of L-citrulline oral supplementation on polymorphonuclear neutrophils oxidative burst and nitric oxide production after exercise.” Free Radical Research, 43.9 (2009): 828-835. http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10715760903071664
[2] Maiorana, Andrew, et al. “Exercise and the nitric oxide vasodilator system.”Sports Medicine, 33.14 (2003): 1013-1035. http://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00007256-200333140-00001#page-1
[3] Antunes, E., et al. “The relaxation of isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum by the herbal medicine Catuama® and its constituents.” Phytotherapy Research, 15.5 (2001): 416-421. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11507734
[4] Jeon, Jeong Hee, et al. “Fermentation filtrates of Rubus coreanus relax the corpus cavernosum and increase sperm count and motility.” Journal of Medicinal Food, 11.3 (2008): 474-478. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18800894
[5] Jeon, Jeong Hee, et al. “Fermentation filtrates of Rubus coreanus relax the corpus cavernosum and increase sperm count and motility.” Journal of Medicinal Food, 11.3 (2008): 474-478. Pilot does-finding study on maca root
[6] Wilborn, Colin, et al. “Effects of a Purported Aromatase and 5 α-Reductase Inhibitor on Hormone Profiles in College-Age Men.” International Journal of Sport Nutrition, 20.6 (2010): 457. http://exerciseandsportnutritionlab.com/Portals/70/Wilborn%20et%20al%20IJSNEM%202010.pdf
[7] Jeon, Jeong Hee, et al. “Fermentation filtrates of Rubus coreanus relax the corpus cavernosum and increase sperm count and motility.” Journal of Medicinal Food, 11.3 (2008): 474-478. Pilot does-finding study on maca root
[8] Grube, Baiba J., et al. “White button mushroom phytochemicals inhibit aromatase activity and breast cancer cell proliferation.” The Journal of Nutrition,131.12 (2001): 3288-3293. http://jn.nutrition.org/content/131/12/3288.short
[9] Schöttner, Matthias, Dietmar Ganßer, and Gerhard Spiteller. “Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).” Planta Medica, 63.06 (2007): 529-532. https://www.thieme-connect.com/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-2006-957756
[10] Safarinejad, Mohammad Reza. “Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.” Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 5.4 (2005): 1-11. http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1080/J157v05n04_01?journalCode=wher
[11] WebMD.com. “Fenugreek – Side Effects.” Accessed 5.23.2013. Fenugreek side effects
[10] WebMD.com. “Stinging Nettle – Side Effects.” Accessed 5.23.2013. Stinging nettle side effects
