Urtica dioica
Also known as Stinging Nettle. Urtica dioica has been used as a folk medicine for centuries. Stinging nettle extracts are also used as an alternative therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, or enlarged prostate).
Cell culture experiments have shown that Urtica extracts can inhibit the binding activity of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin). SHBG binds to testosterone, and high levels limit the amount of free testosterone able to interact with the appropriate receptors.
Urtica extracts are also used in various bodybuilding/testosterone-boosting supplements, although no human studies have been done to demonstrate that a) SHBG binding is the mechanism for Urtica’s effects on BPH; or b) Urtica extracts actually increase free testosterone in humans.
Eurycoma longifolia
Also known as “Longjack” and “Tongkat Ali.” An Asian herbal aphrodisiac often found in testosterone-boosting supplements and/or supps used to enhance libido. Its use is supported by a series of studies in rodents, most of which were performed by the same researcher(s) and reported in obscure journals…more research is needed to confirm physiological effects in humans.
See Paul’s review, “Tongkat Ali (Long jack, Eurycoma longifolia) Review: Effective For Boosting Testosterone Naturally?” for more information.
L-Ornithine Eicosanoate
A salt of the amino acid l-ornithine with eicosanoic acid – a 20 carbon saturated fatty acid found in peanut oil (aka arachidic acid).
Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Abbreviated OKG. A salt of the amino acid l-ornithine with alpha-ketoglutarate, a Krebs Cycle intermediate. OKG is sometimes added to nitric oxide (NO) boosters as a secondary source of arginine (via urea cycle conversion). OKG also has anticatabolic effects.
