Science knows about phytoestrogens. Over 2000 studies have been conducted on herbal compounds that mimic estrogen, according to the Medline database. That same database lists a mere 2 studies on the male equivalent, phytoandrogens - both of which were just published in 2007. But guess what, guys? Those two studies will open the flood gates, and research labs are screening hundreds of herbs for testosterone activity, even as you read this.

The most interesting study was conducted on an herb called Eucommia. Eucommia contains chemicals that fit into the testosterone receptor and cause it to fire as if testosterone itself were present - causing androgenic, or male-creating changes. These phytoandrogens also increase the activity of real testosterone. The researchers describe a phenomenal synergy between chemicals in Eucommia, testosterone receptors, and testosterone. (see abstract of the study below)

Eucommia's value for strengthening the male system is not news to Asian herbalists. The Chinese have been using it for millenia, and they call it Du Zhong. They use it for increasing libido and treating impotence, as well as for some kidney/adrenal complaints, high blood pressure, arthritis and connective tissue diseases. It is one of the 50 main herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and it has a long history of safe use.

The history of searching for plant testosterone is an interesting look into what scientists know, and what they think they know. The scientific literature of the 1950s is littered with failed attempts to find plant sources of testosterone. They all failed because they were looking for a molecule that was identical to human testosterone. No mamalian testosterone was found in plants, but plants do produce some other molecules that hit the testosterone receptors. It took a laboratory 'bioassay' to convince scientists of what the TCM practitioners had been saying all along.

The study on Eucommia found that it contains two classes of compounds that pump up Testosterone activity - terpenoids and an unusual type of fatty acids. These fatty acids are also found in Coconut.

I have used a tea formula containing Eucommia in relatively low doses (400 mg Eucommia x 3 times a day), and the tea did have an energizing effect after a few days. The scientist in me objects to drawing any conclusions from that, as there were several other herbs with interesting biological properties. So its time for another experiment, this time with a larger dose of pure Eucommia. ;)

May 2007 update: went to an Asian herbal store while in Orlando. Got a half pound of Eucommia. Have boiled it into tea (6 grams per dose), and tried it once so far. Seems to have some effect, will keep drinking it.

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Abstract
Novel phytoandrogens and lipidic augmenters from Eucommia ulmoides.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007 Jan 29;7(1):3, Ong VY & Tan BK.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Plants containing compounds such as the isoflavonoids, with female hormone-like effects that bind to human estrogen receptors, are known. But none has been previously shown to have corresponding male hormone-like effects that interact with the human androgen receptor. Here, we report that the tree bark (cortex) of the Gutta-Percha tree, Eucommia ulmoides, possesses bimodal phytoandrogenic and hormone-potentiating effects by lipidic components. METHODS: The extracts of E. ulmoides were tested using in-vitro reporter gene bioassays and in-vivo animal studies. Key compounds responsible for the steroidogenic effects were isolated and identified using solid phase extraction (SPE), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), electron spray ionisation-mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). RESULTS: The following bioactivities of E. ulmoides were found: (1) a phenomenal tripartite synergism between the sex steroid androgen and estrogen receptors, their cognate steroidal ligands and lipidic augmenters isolated from E. ulmoides, (2) androgenic activity mediated by plant triterpenoids binding cognately to the androgen receptor (AR). CONCLUSION: In addition to well-known phytoestrogens, the existence of phytoandrogens is reported in this study. Furthermore, a form of tripartite synergism between sex steroid receptors, sex hormones and phytolipids is described for the first time. This could have contrasting clinical applications for hypogonadal- and hyperlipidaemic-related disorders.