The Science of ProLensis™
Studies looking into the screening of
ProLensis™ reveal the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids and
anthraquinones. These phytochemicals are ultimately responsible for the effects
of ProLensis™. It has long been known that saponins enhance androgen (such as
testosterone) production, and that alkaloids increase the dilation of blood
vessels in the sexual organs.
Mechanism of Action
ProLensis™ is a multi-faceted compound in all of the ways it exerts its
positive effects on the hormonal balance of the body.
In
regards to testosterone, ProLensis™ increases GnRH-LH signalling, and also
increases cholesterol in the testes. These distinct processes are important for
testosterone synthesis. GnRH, or Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, is released
from the hypothalamus in the brain. In turn, this stimulates the release of LH,
or Luteinizing Hormone, from the pituitary. LH is the hormone that directly
stimulates cells (called Leydig Cells) in the testes to release testosterone.
Evidence shows that ProLensis™ can stimulate LH 169% compared to study
controls.
By
enhancing GnRH-LH signalling, ProLensis™ amplifies the process by which
testosterone is stimulated, akin to turning up the volume on a stereo.
In cooperation with this, ProLensis™ also elevates levels of testicular
cholesterol. Cholesterol is the equivalent of raw material in the testes job of
creating testosterone. The cholesterol is taken up into the mitochondria of the
testes where it is processed into pregnenolone. From this stage it is converted
into sex steroids and glucocorticoids. Due to cholesterol’s status as a raw
material, it’s uptake into the testes is the rate-limiting step in sex steroid
synthesis.
This manifests into a marked increase in testosterone of
347%, as shown in research. In other words, testosterone creation can only be
enhanced if testicular cholesterol levels are elevated. In doing this,
ProLensis™ increases testosterone output.
ProLensis™ has also been
shown to act as an aphrodisiac. Studies involving mammals given ProLensis™ show
a significant increase in frequencies of mount, intromission, ejaculation and
ejaculatory latency. This effect is believed to be due to the increase in acid
phosphatase (ACPT) in the testes. ACPT is widely distributed in the testes and
plays an important role in the physiology of sperm. Increased levels of this
enzyme are associated with higher testes output. Researchers believe this effect
suggests an enhanced mobilization of carbohydrate and lipid metabolites which
are used by the accessory sex structure and/or spermatozoa in the seminal fluid.
ProLensis™ contains phytochemicals that drive the machinery involved in
sperm production and sex drive.
In addition to the effects on blood flow
to sexual organs that the alkaloid phytochemicals exert, researchers have
hypothesized that other constituents of ProLensis™ may act directly on the
central nervous system, modulating the action of neurotransmitters. Unbeknown to
some, neurotransmitters such as serotonin play a very large role in the
complicated science of sex drive.
By influencing neurotransmitters, the
bioactive agents present in ProLensis™ further augment the aphrodisiac effect of
the extract.
Investigation into ProLensis™ has also demonstrated a
marked decrease in estrogen levels in mammalian research models. This decrease
is
as much as 35% in comparison to study controls. While the researchers
do not speculate why this may be the case, they do speculate that this reduction
in estrogen may be partly responsible for the increased testosterone.
In
summary, ProLensis™ exerts several favorable effects on the hormonal milieu,
documented in the table below.
Hormones % Change
- Testosterone (serum) +347%
- Luteinizing Hormone (serum) +169%
- Estrogen -35%
- Prolactin (serum) No change
Bulbine Natalensis displays anabolic and androgenic
characteristics
Anabolic and androgenic activities of Bulbine natalensis
stem in male Wistar rats
Yakubu, Musa T.; Afolayan, Anthony J.
Source: Pharmaceutical Biology (Formerly International Journal of
Pharmacognosy), Volume 48, Number 5, May 2010 , pp. 568-576(9)
Abstract:
Aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis
Baker (Asphodelaceae) stem at 25, 50 and 100?mg/kg body weight was investigated
for anabolic and androgenic effects in male Wistar rats. Sixty male rats were
grouped into four (A-D) consisting of 15 each. Group A (control) was orally
treated with 0.5?mL of distilled water for 14 days while groups B, C and D were
treated like the control except they received 0.5 mL containing 25, 50, and
100?mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively. All the doses of the extract
increased (P <0.05) the testicular-body weight ratio as well as alkaline
phosphatase activity, glycogen, sialic acid, protein, and cholesterol content of
the testes except the single administration of 100?mg/kg body weight which
compared well (P>0.05) with the controls for glycogen and cholesterol. The
testicular and serum testosterone concentration were increased except in the
100?mg/kg body weight where the effect on the tissue and serum hormone did not
manifest until after the first and seven daily doses respectively. Testicular
acid phosphatase activity, serum follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormone
concentrations also increased at all the doses except in the 100?mg/kg body
weight where the effect on the enzyme and the hormone did not manifest until
after seven days. The increases were most pronounced in the 50?mg/kg body weight
extract treated animals. The results indicate anabolic and androgenic activities
of Bulbine natalensis stem in male rat testes with the 50?mg/kg body weight of
the extract exhibiting the highest anabolizing and androgenic acti vities. These
activities further support the folkloric use of the plant most especially at
50?mg/kg body weight in the management of male sexual dysfunction in South
Africa.
Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem on the sexual
behaviour of male rats.
Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ.
Source: Centre for
Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice,
South Africa.
Abstract
The phytochemical
constituents of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem and its
effect on male rat sexual behaviour were evaluated for 7 days. Phytochemical
screening revealed the presence of saponins, cardiac glycoside, tannins,
alkaloids and anthraquinones. Administration of the extract at the doses of 25
and 50 mg/kg body weight resulted in the significant increase (p < 0.05) in
mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculatory latency, ejaculation
frequency, serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, computed
indices of sexual behaviour, erection, quick flips, long flips and total penile
reflexes whereas the mount latency, intromission latency and post-ejaculatory
interval were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) throughout the experimental
period. The 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract produced contrasting pattern to
the lower doses of the extract in all the parameters of sexual behaviour
monitored throughout the experimental period. The results are indicative of
prosexual stimulatory potentials of Bulbine natalensis in male rats. The aqueous
extract of Bulbine natalensis stem at these doses (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight)
may be used in the management of disorders of desire/libido, premature
ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in males.
PMID: 18710410 [PubMed -
indexed for MEDLINE]
Physiological Aspects of Male Libido Enhanced by Standardized Trigonella
foenum-graecum Extract and Mineral Formulation. Steels E, Rao A, Vitetta
L.
Source:
Applied Science and Nutrition Pty Ltd,
Clinical Trials, PO Box 68, New Farm, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 4005.
beth@asnresearch.com.au.
Abstract:
The aim of
the clinical study was to evaluate the effect of Testofen, a standardized
Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) extract and mineral formulation, on male
libido (sexual drive, urge or desire) in a double blind randomized placebo
controlled study. The study recruited 60 healthy males aged between 25 and 52,
without erectile dysfunction and randomized to an oral dose (two tablets per
day) of the active treatment (600 mg Testofen per day) or placebo for 6 weeks.
The primary outcome measure was the DISF-SR (male) self-administered QOL total
score and the four domain scores. The secondary outcome was specific quality of
life parameters. Testofen had an overall positive effect on physiological
aspects of libido. In particular, there was a significant increase in the
subdomains of sexual arousal and orgasm. Testofen had a positive effect on QOL
in self-reported satisfaction with muscle strength, energy and well-being but
did not have an effect on mood or sleep. Serum prolactin and testosterone levels
remained within the reference range. It was concluded that Testofen demonstrated
a significant positive effect on physiological aspects of libido and may assist
to maintain normal healthy testosterone levels. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley
& Sons, Ltd.
Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PMID:
21312304 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
FENUSTEROLS© EXPLAINED
INTRODUCTION
Fenusterols©
is the saponin rich fraction obtained from Fenugreek seeds. Saponins are complex
glycosidic compounds present in a diverse array of edible and inedible plants1.
Each saponin consists of a sapogenin which constitutes the aglycon moiety of the
molecule, and a sugar. The sapogenin may be a steroid or a triterpene and the
sugar moiety may be glucose, galactose, pentose or a methylpentose.
Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of saponins (5-6%).
Fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum-graecum, Family: Leguminosae) is an annual herbaceous plant,
30 to 60 cm in height. The herb is native to North Africa, as well as the
countries bordering the eastern Mediterranean, and is widely cultivated in
India. Traditionally, the seeds of Fenugreek have been used as a condiment in
Indian homes. Fenugreek is an important cash crop in various parts of the world,
with the herb being used as food, spice and medicine.
STEROIDAL
SAPONINS FROM FENUGREEK
The presence of special steroidal substances
in Fenugreek seeds was first reported in 1919 by Wunschendorff, a French
research scientist working in Algeria. This discovery was confirmed in various
follow-up studies notably by Marker et a, who detected the presence of
diosgenin, gitogenin and traces of tigogenin after hydrolysis of the plant
material.
Fenugreek seeds contain saponins in the form of furostanol
saponins. Furostanol saponins may be defined as bidesmosidic saponins which have
two sugar chains, with one bonded at C3 and one attached through an ether
linkage at C26 with a D-glucose3. The general structure of a furostanol saponin
is given below in
Fenugreek seeds have been found to contain at least a
dozen different saponins3. The main saponin is diosgenin and its isomers
yamogenin, gitogenin and tigogenin. The other furostanols include smilagenin,
sarsasapogenin, neotigenin, yuccagenin, lilagenin and neogitogenin.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THE FUROSTANOL SAPONINS
1.
Steroidal Saponins and Sports Medicine
In sports nutrition, the anabolic
effects of the furostanol saponins could be potentially used to induce increase
muscle mass and strength, with the consequent improvement in athletic
performance. In a clinical study, a preparation rich in furostanol saponins was
shown to possess immunostimulating and leutinizing hormone releasing properties.
The furostanols preparation also increased testosterone levels and
spermatogenesis. Testosterone is known to play a key role in sperm cell
production and immune functions and is often used to increase fertility and
recovery. From a sports nutrition point of view, furostanol saponins are
particularly promising since increased testosterone levels increase the
deposition of protein in the muscles, leading to increased muscle mass and
strength.
2. Hypocholesterolemic effects
The seeds of fenugreek
are known to exert hypocholesterolemic effects. In experiments conducted over
the last decade, several groups of researchers demonstrated that the
hypocholesterolemic effects of fenugreek resided in the fat-free fraction, more
precisely, in the saponin-rich sub-fraction. Diosgenin, the primary furostanol
saponin in fenugreek has been proven to have various effects on cholesterol
metabolism, the most important being its capacity to lower plasma cholesterol
concentration. This hypocholesterolemic effect appears to be dependent upon the
capacity of diosgenin to inhibit cholesterol absorption, to decrease liver
cholesterol concentration and to increase biliary cholesterol secretion and the
fecal excretion of neutral sterols.
Urtica Dioica (Stinging Nettle)
Urtica Dioica inhibits the binding
of Testosterone to Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), resulting in lower
levels of “bound” Testosterone and higher levels of “free” Testosterone (this
effect occurs as a result of Urtica Dioica binding to SHBG in place of
Testosterone). Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) production increases in
tanderm with the Aging Process – SHBG binds to Testosterone, inhibiting
Testosterone’s normal biological functions, resulting in the reduced Sexual
Desire associated with the Male Menopause: Testosterone binds more strongly to
SHBG with the progression of the Aging Process. Assists with Enlarged Prostrate
and helps to prevent Prostrate Cancer and is an effective treatment for existing
Prostrate Cancer. Useful for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Musculoskeletal System
Urtica Dioica (leaf) is useful for
the treatment of Osteoarthritis (it reduces levels of Interleukin 1 and Tumor
Necrosis Factor, which are strongly implicated in the development and
progression of Osteoarthritis when produced in excess). Urtica Dioica (leaf) is
useful for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (it reduces levels of
Interleukin 1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor, which are strongly implicated in the
development and progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis when produced in excess).
Sexual System
Urtica Dioica (root) is an effective
adjunct to Saw Palmetto for the treatment of Enlarged Prostate:
- In one
human study, a daily dosage of 240 mg of Urtica Dioica root combined with 320 mg
of Saw Palmetto (for 12 weeks) caused a 26% increase in maximum urinary flow, a
29% increase in mean urinary flow, a 45% reduction in residual urine, a 50%
reduction in Nocturia, a 62% reduction in Dysuria and a 53% decrease in
post-void dribbling in Enlarged Prostate patients.
- Urtica Dioica
inhibits the Aromatase and 5-Alpha Reductase enzymes that have been implicated
in the development of Enlarged Prostate.
- Urtica Dioica inhibits the
transformation of the benign Cells involved in Enlarged Prostate to the
malignant Cells involved in Prostate Cancer. – Urtica Dioica inhibits the
binding of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to Prostate cells (thereby preventing DHT
from stimulating the proliferation of Prostate cells that leads to Enlarged
Prostate).
- The Urtica dioica Agglutinin content of Urtica Dioica
inhibits the ability of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) to bind to its Receptors
in the Prostate and to subsequently stimulate the growth of Prostate tissue (a
key underlying factor in the progression of Enlarged Prostate).
- A
constituent of Urtica Dioica ((10-E, 12-Z)-9-hydroxy-10, 12-octadecadienic acid)
inhibits the Aromatase Enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of Testosterone to
Estradiol (a key underlying factor in the progression of Enlarged Prostate).
Urtica Dioica Enhances the Function of these Substances
Hormones
Urtica Dioica inhibits the binding of Testosterone to Sex
Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), resulting in lower levels of “bound”
Testosterone and higher levels of “free” Testosterone (this effect occurs as a
result of Urtica Dioica binding to SHBG in place of Testosterone). Urtica Dioica
Inhibits these Potentially Toxic Substances
Enzymes
Urtica Dioica
inhibits the activity of 5-Alpha Reductase.
Urtica Dioica inhibits the
activity of Aromatase.
Growth Factors
The Urtica dioica Agglutinin
content of Urtica Dioica inhibits the ability of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
to bind to its Receptors in the Prostate and to subsequently stimulate the
growth of Prostate tissue (a key underlying factor in the progression of
Enlarged Prostate).
Hormones
Urtica Dioica inhibits the binding of
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to Prostate cells.
