Boosting your testosterone naturally seems to be all the rage right now, and the next up on the list is Astragalus. Many claims say astragalus testosterone benefits are the real deal.
So, without wasting too much of your time – let’s get right to the question at hand – Does astragalus boost testosterone levels?
Does Astragalus Increase Testosterone?
It is safe to say that Astragalus does not increase testosterone.
While there are some studies suggesting that certain compounds found in astragalus may have a positive impact on testosterone production, these studies have been conducted on rodent cells (in vitro), rather than humans. [1]
Thus, it’s important to approach these claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Does Astragalus Regulate Hormones?
Astragalus contains various active compounds that may have an influence on hormone regulation. However, it would not appear as if Astragalus can regulate hormones in humans in a profound or significant manner.
Now, it is worth saying that some have suggested that certain components in astragalus, such as flavonoids and saponins, may interact with hormone receptors and promote balance in the endocrine system – especially when it comes to estrogen. [2]
But once again, all of this comes from research on rats and mice, and a lot more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which astragalus might affect hormone regulation in humans.
For now, we don’t really know anything.
Is Astragalus Good for Men to Take?
Astragalus is neither good nor bad for men to take.
While this might seem like a weird thing to say, it’s actually the only thing we can say with confidence.
Firstly, there are no known serious adverse effects associated with Astragalus supplementation, which makes it not bad.
But at the same time, there are pretty much no trustworthy, well-conducted human studies that we can draw any evidence from, which makes it not good.
Will Taking Astragalus Help You Build Muscle?
No, taking Astragalus will not help you build muscle, despite what your favorite influencer or YouTuber says.
It was only a matter of time before this supplement was touted as the next best thing for athletes and bodybuilders, because if there’s one thing that supplements companies love – it’s bodybuilders and gym-goers.
A great deal of those guys will take any supplement, as long as it’s legal, in order to chase their goals.
So, one of the claims associated with Astragalus is its potential ability to support muscle building.
However, the available scientific evidence on this particular topic is not only insufficient but basically non-existent.
If you want to maximize muscle growth, just focus on a well-rounded approach that includes these three things:
- Balanced, protein-rich diet
- Regular exercise with a focus on hypertrophy and progressive overload
- Plenty of rest.
What Would be the Proper Dose of Astragalus for Testosterone?
There is no such thing as a proper dose of Astragalus for testosterone since Astragalus cannot affect your testosterone levels in any profound way.
On the other hand, if you’re interested in taking Astragalus for any of its other proposed benefits – a daily dose of 9 to 30 grams should be enough.
As always, start low and see you you react – not the other way around.
Are There Any Side Effects of Taking Astragalus for Testosterone?
Astragalus is generally considered safe for most individuals when taken in appropriate amounts.
However, like any supplement or herb, it can potentially cause side effects in some people.
Common side effects may include digestive issues like diarrhea or bloating.
Additionally, individuals with certain autoimmune conditions or those taking immunosuppressant medications should stay away from it, as astragalus may stimulate the immune system.
Do Astragalus Testosterone Benefits Make it Worth Taking?
No, it is definitely not worth taking Astragalus supplements for testosterone-boosting purposes.
There are far more effective things you can do to boost your testosterone naturally – like eating, sleeping, and working out.
There are also some natural supplements, like Ashwagandha, which are more promising in this area than Astragalus.[3]
Although to be fair, those are also probably not worth it.
In all honestly, the only way to actually manage your testosterone is if you go and talk to your doctor.
Talk to them about TRT or other forms of hormone therapy if your testosterone levels are dangerously low and are affecting the quality of your life.
How We Rate Astragalus as a T-Boosting Supplement:
As a T-boosting supplement, Astragalus gets a 1 out of 5.
Just like pretty much any other “natural testosterone booster”, Astragalus is completely and utterly useless. None of them work.
That’s about it.
Conclusion
As you can see, no, Astragalus does not boost T-levels.
The harsh truth is, if you want to boost your testosterone, and by boost, we mean to raise it significantly enough to make a difference – you need testosterone.
Healthy lifestyle habits will only get you so far if your T-levels are naturally lower or if you’re getting older, so TRT is basically your only safe, long-term option.
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