Physiological Properties and Effects:

Calcium D-Aspartic Acid

D-Aspartic Acid, the d isomer form of the amino acid aspartate, is an amino acid that is found naturally in several endocrine glands, including the testes and pituitary. While the correlation between DAA and testosterone production has been clinically documented, research indicates several possible mechanisms for these effects.

It’s likely that DAA acts as a neuromodulator influencing several pathways that govern the reproductive system, particularly testosterone production. Some studies indicate that DAA’s concentrated presence in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and testes identify this protein as an up-regulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), growth hormone (GH), and testosterone. Some studies have found that DAA also stimulates a protein called StAR. StAR is necessary for the cholesterol transport in the cell that is needed for testosterone production. Further, its role in modulating the sexual drive implicates DAA assists nootropic activity, supporting health levels of dopamine and serotonin. Balanced levels of dopamine and serotonin have a range of significant benefits.

The existing research in human males suggests these mechanisms of action have plausible, real world activity. A six-month trial in average men, for example, saw increases to circulating testosterone of 30-60%. The increase over baseline persisted for the entirety of the trial in certain subjects, suggesting that DAA does not lose its effects over time or with repeated administration.

KSM-66® Full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract (5% Withanolides)

Withania somnifera Dunal, colloquially known as Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng, is an herb that features prominently in the traditional Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda. Known as Ashwagandha in Ayurveda, Withania somnifera is a critical ingredient in various Ayurvedic tonics and tinctures prepared as a traditional remedy for the treatment of various ailments.

Recently identified as a potent adaptogenic and target for therapeutic applications, Ashwaghanda has been the subject of numerous animal, pre-clinical, and clinical trials designed to examine its potential effects as an antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anxiolytic, antibacterial, antifungal, and immonumodulating compound. Ashwaghanda’s broad therapeutic potential is hypothesized to be the result of its robust phytochemical profile, including a wide swath of alkaloids, sitoindosides, and the highly biologically active withanolide group. As the principally biologically active compounds within Ashwaghanda, withanolides such as withanone, withaferine A, withanolides A, D, and G have been identified, isolated, and extensively studied in the various applications noted above.

In recognition of the potential physiological benefits of withanolides, Core Nutritionals selected KSM-66® to include in its HARD formula. KSM-66® is a full-spectrum Ashwaghanda extract, standardized for 5% withanolides – meaning that KSM-66® not only includes the full range of biologically active compounds within Ashwaghanda, but also that it contains the highest currently available concentration of the principally active withanolides (5%).

The high concentrations of withanolides within KSM-66® has resulted in encouraging results in a number of human, clinical trials – particularly considering many of these trials were conducted using the methodological gold standard of randomization, double-blind delivery, and placebo control. Amongst the most impressive results contained in these trials:

• A 27.9% reduction in serum cortisol levels, measured over 60 days in a trial featuring 64 chronically stressed adults.
• Statistically significant increases to endurance and stamina, as measured by VO2 max, in a clinical trial featuring 50 healthy, exercise-trained adults.
• Increased measures of well-being as reported by self-assessment scales, included in both the clinical trials mentioned above.
• Statistically significant increases in serum testosterone levels in a clinical trial featuring 68 infertile men.

Though each of these results is impressive, perhaps the most significant for Core TEST is a study involving KSM66® and testosterone. 46 male patients were treated with KSM66® or placebo for 90 days, with measurements of serum hormone levels taken at the end of the 90 day treatment. The study established that 675mg of KSM66 over 90 days had a statistically significant impact on healthy testosterone production in males, as compared to placebo. The same study also found an increase in healthy production of LH (luteinizing hormone), suggesting that KSM66’s method of action is at the pituitary level.

To put it the simplest way possible, cortisol’s chief functions involve either turning on, or shutting off, the very things we as fitness enthusiasts want to avoid or turn on, respectively!

Bulbine natalensis (stem) Extract (10:1)

Bulbine natalensis is a herb endemic to Southern African that has historically been used as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine preparations. Recent animal research has demonstrated that the herb has healthy testosterone supporting effects in rats and may also elicit positive effects on cognition.

While Bulbine natalensis’ method of action is not certain, research conducted on rats suggests its testosterone-support functions stem from an increase in LH (luteinizing hormone). Luteinizing hormone is a hormone released by the pituitary gland to signal the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. The animal trial demonstrating an increase in LH also demonstrated an increase in rat testosterone levels at 14 days. The study revealed an increase in circulating testosterone of 40%.

In these same trials, an aqueous extract of the herb was found to dose-dependently lower estrogen levels in male rats. Research has not established whether the estrogen-lowering effects of Bulbine natalensis are a cause or consequence of its ability to support healthy testosterone levels.

Eurycoma longifolia (root) Extract (100:1)

The name Eurycoma longifolia is probably familiar to most within the bodybuilding and fitness community, as it has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac supplement. Also known as Tongkat Ali, Malaysian Ginsgeng, and Longjack, the herb is found in temperate regions of SouthEast Asia and has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac in medicinal systems local to those regions.

Western research has begun to establish that Eurycoma longifolia’s does in fact have an effect on libido, at least in animal trials. Trials in rats have demonstrated Tongkat Ali increased measures of sexuality (mounting frequency, latency to ejaculation and partner selection), while in vitro assays have identified pro-erectile bioactive compounds.

Though more research is required to establish Tongkat’s aphrodisiac and/or pro-erectile effects in humans, the existing animal research is fairly consistent in suggesting the herb’s effects in these areas.

Pine Extract (rosin) (97% abieta-8,11,13-trien-18-oic acid)

Abieta-8,11,13-trien-18-oic acid, more commonly known as Dehydroabietc acid or DHAA, is a terprene compound isolated from several plants and trees, including certain species of Pine. Certain assays have also isolated DHAA from resin of Commiphora myrrha.

While limited in amount, the research that exists on DHAA is promising. Prior to discussing this research, it may be useful to explain the research term IC50. IC50 is a measurement in estrogenic assays that describes the amount of a given aromatase-inhibiting compound needed to reduce half (or 50%) of the aromatase enzyme. The aromatase enzyme, in turn, is the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to estrogen. The prescription drug Formestane, for example, has an IC50 value of 0.6 mu – with a lower value indicating a more potent compound. (The less compound needed to reduce aromatase by 50%, the more powerful it is).

DHAA’s IC50 value – according to the available research – is 0.3 mu, suggesting that it has potent activity against the aromatase enzyme. While the research exhibiting DHAA’s precise IC50 value is in vitro, animal research does exist to suggest a practical, real-world effect. Agricultural studies in fish examining DHAA as an environmental factor suggest that DHAA significantly and level-dependently reduces circulating estrogen in certain fish species.