Sexual performance and performance in the gym are, in many ways, linked. Many men would like to improve at least one of these, and if both could be improved at the same time it certainly wouldn't hurt.

Tribulus is a common plant, but some new research is starting to reveal that its effects are anything but common. The extract of Tribulus might be a key supplement to get some males to peak performance.

What is Tribulus Terrestris Powder?
Tribulus Terrestris goes by many common names like devil's thorn, goathead, and puncturevine. Don't let the nicknames fool you, because Tribulus is quickly growing in popularity as a possible solution to some common male problems.

While many take Tribulus for these “male” purposes, there is also some evidence that it provides oxidant fighting activity. Possible anti-inflammatory and kidney protective properties of Tribulus have been observed as well.

Tribulus has become a popular supplement for weightlifters and continues to be used for success in the gym.

Much of the research into Tribulus Terrestris has been on its extract which results in Protodioscin.

Tribulus Terrestris Benefits
Tribulus has been shown to be a very effective aphrodisiac in male mice. Tribulus increased the sexual activity of male mice in all categories tested including an increase in desire and a decrease in recovery time.

Those same researchers noted that a probable mechanism for Tribulus's properties as an aphrodisiac were due to an increase of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This DHEA antagonistically inhibits GABA activity in the brain leading to a reduction in recovery time post-coitus, and the increased DHEA might be leading to higher levels of testosterone.

Given the strong biological links between muscle performance and sexual performance, Tribulus is now being used as a workout booster.

Tribulus has also been shown to reduce oxidative stress while also rebounding antioxidant enzyme activity in the kidney tissue of mice. It did this by affecting the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in mice, and it is therefore considered an extraneous antioxidant.

In one study, tribulus was associated with a decrease in kidney stones. In the same study, Tribulus was shown to improve renal health and reduce renal injury.

Tribulus Terrestris Dosage
Tribulus Terrestris' most common dosage is 750 mg, divided into two or three servings over the course of a day.

Sources
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3161431
Gauthaman, Kalamegam, Adaikan P. Ganesan, and R. N. V. Prasad. "Sexual Effects Of Puncturevine (Tribulus Terrestris) Extract (Protodioscin): An Evaluation Using A Rat Model." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 9.2 (2003): 257-265. Academic Search Elite. Web. 3 Sept. 2012.

Those of you supplement junkies who know the benefits associated with Amino Acids, prepare to be delighted by this product. For those of you a little less familiar, amino acids are an essential building block of life, playing a key role in the metabolism of organisms by helping to facilitate chemical reactions.

What is Agmatine?
Ever heard of "The Holy Grail of Supplements"? Well simply put, that is one way to describe this great product. That product is the ever-so-versatile byproduct of the amino acid Arginine, Agmatine Sulphate.

Agmatine Sulphate, NH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-NH-C(-NH2)(=NH )), or simply Agmatine, is produced through a process called decarboxylation. Basically put, it is Arginine with the carboxylic acid end removed.

This is good to know, because recently, Arginine has regained popularity as one of the hottest supplements in sports nutrition for its role in the production of Nitric Oxide. Agmatine supplement, however, is a new and more effective way to stimulate Nitric Oxide production.

How Agmatine Benefits You
When Arginine is broken down in the body, it is converted to Agmatine Sulphate. Rather than require your body to go through the unnecessary extra step when taking Arginine, one can take Agmatine supplement directly, allowing for a much more effective result of nutrient transportation and bloodflow enhancing.

This will directly, positively affect a number of qualities including athletics, exercising, and performances. With regards to taking Agmatine prior to a work-out, Agmatine inhibits Nitric Oxide Synthase, leading to increased muscle pumps.

Besides the incredible advantages that Agmatine gives you for performance, supplementing with Agmatine Sulphate has been proven to help with pain prevention and even enhance brain cognition with zero side effects.

Agmatine Dosage
Because Agmatine is such a versatile amino acid, it is important to determine the dosage that works best for you. Different people will respond to different doses. To get the maximum benefits of Agmatine, it is suggested to begin with a 750 mg serving, but some venture as high as 1.5 g per serving. This should be taken in a manner of cycling: for instance, 3 days on, 1 day off, to prevent building a tolerance.

Sources
Rodrigues, Joey, and Dana Houser, MD. "Agmatine, Part 1: What Is It, What Can It Do, And Who Needs It?" Agmatine, Part 1: What Is It, What Can It Do, And Who Needs It? Bodybuilding.com, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2012.
Inhibitory effect of agmatine on naloxone-precipitated abstinence syndrome in morphine dependent rats
The Chemistry of Amino Acids
Agmatine activation of nitric oxide synthase in endothelial cells.
Effect of Agmatine on Acute and Mononeuropathic Pain
Agmatine containing dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and foods

Additional Resources
http://examine.com/supplements/Agmatine/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agmatine

What is Pine Bark Extract?
Pine bark extract is a compound containing procyanidins, chain-like clusters of catechins, similar to the variety found in certain green teas. This extract has commonly been known to benefit blood flow and glucose control but has also shown results in other areas as well.

Pine Bark Extract Benefits and Side Effects
The most popular use for pine bark extract is to increase nitric oxide levels in the blood which can help improve its flow throughout the body. Not only that, but it is able to do so regardless of disease state meaning benefits were present in both individuals with preexisting heart health issues and in healthy persons. As an added bonus, these benefits did not cause changes in blood pressure.

This supplement can also help regulate glucose levels. It does so by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase, which is an enzyme that breaks down starches into glucose. It is even more effective at this function than green tea catechins.

On top of the boost in blood flow and reduction in glucose, pine bark extract has been shown to improve erectile function in men with organic dysfunctions. In one study, participants were given L-Arginine for one month. During this time period, only 5% of the participants experienced normal erections. This number increased to 80% in the following month with the addition of pine bark extract.

Pine bark extract is also an effective joint health supplement, particularly in individuals with preexisting conditions. Supplementation with pine bark extract was able to reduce pain and stiffness as well as improve walking distance.

Pine bark also exhibits some nootropic benefits as well. Not only is it able to improve hyperactivity and attention, this supplement can also improve memory and mood. Supplementation with pine bark extract also correlated with a reduction of test failures, further adding to its nootropic claims.

Pine Bark Extract Dosage
A standard dose of is about 250mg and, while not required, works best when taken with a meal.

Sources
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18037769
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14659974
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22240497
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17098323
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12851125
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271531707002199
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18386255
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16699814
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22108481
Pycnogenol Wikipedia

Synonyms: Tongkat Ali, Malaysian Ginseng, Longjax, Cay Ba Binh, Pasak Bumi, Langir Siam, Tung Sawa, Eurycoma

Quick Facts About Long Jack

Water extraction process
Source: Indonesia

Hormones are extremely important to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If people don't have enough, it can cause them to experience fatigue and low sex drive. In men, testosterone plays a major hormonal role in feeling vital and virile, and Longjack, a simple plant compound, may help some men reach their testosterone goals.

What is Tongkat Ali?
Longjack is tongkat ali root extract (Eurycoma longifolia) - a plant which is grown in Indonesia, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian countries. The plant has been used traditionally by local cultures, and has demonstrated a link to antibacterial, cytotoxic, aphrodisiacal, and antimalarial effects.

Tongkat Ali extract is growing in popularity as a health supplement, often being taken for its posited effects as a sexual aid and for an all around masculine boost. Most recently it has taken off in the world of bodybuilding where some people look for all the testosterone help they can get.

Tongkat Ali Benefits
While the direct mechanisms are not entirely understood, Longjack appears to protect male genitalia from the deleterious effects of free estrogen in the body, at least in animal studies. Estrogen in the male body can initiate apoptosis (cell death) in male genitalia; this could lead to reductions in testosterone output, especially in men with higher than normal estrogen levels. That being said, Longjack appears to improve male testicular function even without the presence of high estrogen levels.

In animal studies, Longjack improved functions related to high testosterone levels, like the creation of sperm. In fact, Longjack was able to counteract the effects of estrogen injection in that same study, and was able to increase sperm generation in human males with fertility related to an unknown cause.

This plant extract also has proven an effective stimulator of sexual activity in animal studies, and continues to be used for that purpose by people today.

Due to it's reported ability to increase testicular function, researchers have proposed that longjack improves testosterone functioning in men. This boost in testosterone could be key in completing a supplement regimen for men.

Tongkat Ali Extract Dosage (200:1 Extract)
Because Longjack is an extract, it is important to be judicious. Different people will respond to different doses. Most individuals take a 500mg dosage for the 200:1 concentration. This should be cycled by supplementing for one week followed by a few days off to be most effective. As Longjack can have strong effects, it is advisable to start low.

Sources
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2815289
"Eurycoma Longifolia Jack Improves Sperm Quality." Fertility Weekly. (2012): Academic Search Elite. Web. 30 Aug. 2012.

The plant family Epimedium has been known in China for centuries for improving male sexual performance and leading to a happier, more fulfilled life.

Modern scientific research has isolated one compound as a key component to these interesting effects.

What is Goat Weed?
Icariins is a flavanol glycoside extract from the Epimedium plant family (also known as Horny Goat Weed). While it has been studied for its ability to decrease age-related decline in health, it is mainly used as a naturally derived aphrodisiac.

Icariins is metabolized into the bioactive form Icariside II in the body.

Since Icariins has shown its ability to help prevent age related problems, there is a lot of interest in using it to promote healthy sexual function in males.

What are Icariins Side Effect and Benefits?
Part of the promising evidence that is building interest in Icariins as a natural sex enhancer is its enzyme blocking activity. By blocking an enzyme that restricts blood flow to the penis, it can improve erectile performance.

There is also potential evidence that suggests Icariins could have phosphodiesterase inhibiting properties, much like other remedies for enhancing erections.

Aside from promoting erectile function another study also pointed out that icariins could have neurogenerative effects.

Icariins extract increases the expression of nitric oxide synthase, which may lead to higher nitric oxide levels in the body. Nitric oxide increases are coveted in the bodybuilding world for claims of increased blood flow.

But Icariins has many other health benefits. It has shown efficacy in improving cardiovascular, bone, and brain health.[2] Icariins and its derivatives are also potent antioxidants which protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Working as a signaling modulator, Icariins has reset critical plasma levels in scientific studies including fatty acids, carnosine, ergothioneine, and deoxycholic acid levels. These traits have led to a great deal of research into the vigor increasing effects of Icariins.

Icariins Dosage
While Horny Goat Weed supplements might require you to take a large amount, Icariins is an extract and so users do not need as much. 250mg three times daily is the suggested starting dosage of Icariins supplements. Start low and work up to a perfect dose.

Sources
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3163612
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3244416
www.sciencedirect.com
www.nature.com [pdf]
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17169663