When should I take Passion Power and how much?

For men, suggested dose for daily maintenance is 100-150mg per day with a full glass of water. For sexual enhancement, men can take 150-200mg one hour prior to sexual activity. For women, take 50mg one hour prior to sexual activity. It is not necessary to eat before taking Passion Power, as absorption is better on an empty stomach. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, you may prefer to take Passion Power with a meal. Most bodybuilders will take around 200mg per day (assuming a 180-220lb person). It is safe to take up to 500mg. We have seen tapering improvement above 500mg/day, but recommend you take two days off from supplementation at these high levels, as you would with any quality herbal supplement.

How does Passion Power help my workout?

Passion Power is a thermogenic and will aid with increasing metabolism and decreasing body fat. It may also help maintain normal levels of cortisol (low) and testosterone (high) and thus promote an overall “anabolic” hormonal state (versus a “catabolic” state characterized by elevated cortisol and suppressed testosterone) during intense endurance exercise. As it has shown to be anabolic, it will improve strength during workouts as well has help to build and bulk muscle. If you are a serious weight lifter, this is a great product for you.

Does Passion Power aromatize into estrogen?

No. It does not. This is because it affects testosterone production by effecting LH levels, not LHRH levels( hormones that would affect the binding of progesterone onto receptors responsible for aromatase production). Aromatase is required for synthesis of testosterone into estrogen. Passion Power very clearly increases Progesterone, DHEA, Androstenidione, and Testosterone. It does not increase the production of aromatase necessary for "aromatizing" to estrogen.

Is Passion Power safe?

Passion Power is very safe. LJ100 has passed both acute (shock test of 3000 times suggested dose) and chronic (90 days and maximum dose) testing. It is not a steroid. Rather, it works by affecting the Luteinizing Hormone. Passion Power is very specific in which hormone derivatives are affected. For example, you will see an increase in progesterone and testosterone, not 5a-dihydrotestosterone, which would cause aromatization to estrogen (i.e. breast development). You will also see an increase in free testosterone (FT) over bound testosterone (BT) and an unbinding of BT. This is important because BT is not bioavailable and in high levels can be co-causal to prostate cancer.

Is it OK to take Passion Power with other medications?

Passion Power has not been shown to interfere with the pharmacokinetics of any drug. Specifically, there have been test subjects who take LJ100 with Psycotropics (name given to the class of drugs taken for Psychological therapy) with no sign or complaint of side effects. Furthermore, Passion Power is not an MAO inhibitor. It works by increasing ATP, cGMP, and testosterone. While there may be secondary effects on PDE-5, this is not the primary action of the herb as is with Yohimbe or Viagra. As a result, you will not get the side effects of racing heart, discoloration, etc.

Clinical studies and LJ100

In studies, LJ100 greatly increases ATP production. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the basic unit of energy in the body responsible for keeping us alive and going. By increasing ATP, overall energy and vitality are increased. Most people seek more energy and LJ100 provides it, without hyperstimulation, jittery nerves or insomnia. Promoting human energy production is a valuable health benefit by itself to make LJ100 an enduring superstar of medical plants. People want energy more than just about any other functional attribute.

Endocrinologists have known for a long time that testosterone increases the body’s ratio of lean muscle mass to fat. In both animals and humans, LJ100 increases muscle mass. In a study of men, half of the subjects ingested LJ100 and half did not. In an eight-week physical training program the men who consumed LJ100 experienced greater gains in muscle mass and strength than those that did not. This demonstrates the powerful anabolic properties of Tongkat Ali. Instead of turning to the use of dangerous and potentially lethal steroids, it is recommended that more athletes opt for the extract in Passion Power, Tongkat Ali. In Malaysia , many professional field hockey players use LJ100 as an androgen and swear to its performance-enhancing effects. According to Chris Kilham, ethnobotanist, author and lecturer, in a recent article in Physical Magazine, " LJ100 has the potential to revolutionize the sports nutrition category.”

Maintaining Normal Cortisol / Testosterone Ratios

Passion Power uses the LJ100 extract which has been clinically proven to enhance weight loss and maintain high energy levels by maintaining normal levels of cortisol and testosterone during weight loss. More particularly, LJ100 studies have shown it to help maintain normal (low) cortisol and normal (high) testosterone levels during the stress of weight loss. This hormonal control provides energy to a person in a weight loss phase while simultaneously helping them lose weight. As a result, effective doses of Passion Power help prevent the body from seeking to gain weight by storing fat and increasing appetite. Passion Power can help stop the “yo-yo” diet effect where a dieter’s initial weight loss of a few pounds sends the body into a catabolic state , leading to binge eating and fat storage. In particular , it is believed that inhibiting or reducing the cortisol spike associated with weight loss can make it easier or a person to control their appetite. Similarly , it is believed that proper cortisol to testosterone levels may prevent the body from increasing fat storage and increases a person’s baseline energy.

Passion Power’s Testosterone Breakthrough

LJ100 root contains numerous beneficial compounds including potent protective antioxidants which inhibit cellular aging. Other phytochemicals in Tongkat Ali (LJ100) are antiviral, antimalarial and anticancerous. What excites many people about E. Longifolia is that the root significantly boosts sex drive and function in men and women by increasing testosterone. Agents identified as glycoproteins are now proven to be the sex-promoting ingredients in the plant. The discovery, and years of painstaking research, is the work of Dr. Johari Saad, who is known as the King of Tongkat Ali. A scientist, inventor, engineer and former professor at the University of Malaysia , Dr. Johari has conducted the definitive animal research on Tongkat Ali and developed a novel and proprietary method of extracting the beneficial compounds from the root.

Increasing testosterone is the key factor in increasing sex drive. Testosterone is the most important of the male sex hormones, known as androgens, produced in the gonads. Testosterone plays a key role in the development and maturity of male sex organs. The hormone promotes secondary sex characteristics, including the appearance of facial hair, enlargement of the larynx (producing a deeper voice), sexual desire and sexual behavior. Testosterone also stimulates metabolism, promotes lipolysis (burning of fat), increases the formation of red blood cells, and accelerates muscle growth. But, testosterone is not just for men. Testosterone doesn’t stay with us. From age 30 or so, blood levels of this hormone decline at a rate of about 2 percent per year. By age 50, the level is around 55 percent. The level will vary from one person to another. Exercise helps to maintain a higher level of testosterone, while smoking and excess alcohol consumption contributes to lower levels. As testosterone decreases in the body, muscle tone, energy and sex drive all begin to decline. The same decline in testosterone occurs in women, though the amounts of testosterone involved are lower in men. In both sexes, sex drive, function, fat metabolism and energy decline into middle age.

One of the questions that many health researchers have pondered is, "What if you could boost your testosterone levels to more youthful levels?". With Passion Power you can. And that makes Passion Power a true fountain of youth. Dr. Johari also found that Tongkat Ali extract inhibits sex hormone binding globulin. By inhibiting this agent, more free testosterone remains in the blood. This additional testosterone stems the aging process, improving energy and sexual function, helping to reduce body fat and reducing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. Consuming a properly made extract of Tongkat Ali increases testosterone significantly in both animals and humans.

Below are some studies that show the effects of Passion Powers LJ100 extract:

THE ANABOLIC EFFECTS OF LJ100™

Sareena Hanim Hamzah & Ashril Yusof
Department of Exercise Physiology, Sports Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

Introduction

Eurycoma longifolia (LJ100™) is a tall shrub tree of a Simaroubaceace family and is commonly found along the hilly jungle slopes of Malaysia. It has been used for years as a traditional medicine to treat fever, ulcer, malarial, swelling, reduce high blood pressure and fatigue. However, LJ100 is better known for its aphrodisiac properties. In a clinical study by Ismail (2002), he demonstrated that this herb enhanced sexual activities and increased free testosterone levels in men. Increases in testosterone levels is associated with an improvement in fat free mass, muscle size and muscle strength in men (Brodsky, 1996; Bhasin, 1997), which could be further amplified by strength training (Bhasin, 1996). In this study, the effect of LJ100 water-soluble extract on body composition and muscle size in men will be measured.

Methods

Fourteen healthy adult males age 25-64 received either 100 mg/day LJ100 water-soluble extract (n = 7) or placebo (n = 7) for 8 weeks. Simultaneously, both groups performed an intensive strength-training program with initial load of 60% repetition maximum (RM), which was carried out on alternate days. A total of 10 exercises, which make up the circuit, were catered towards providing a total lower body and upper body workout. Each workout was done in two sets of 10 repetitions with 1-minute rest in between. The loads were gradually increased 10% per week. Body composition measurement using skin fold test was taken at two sites as recommended by McArdle (1993). A standard strength test that comprised of 1 RM test was administered on the subject to determine their strength. The upper limb strength was measured by determining their ability to resist maximum load using the shoulder press machine ( Nautilus, USA) following the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM, 2001) standard measurement procedure. The arm circumference measurement was taken using a measuring tape at proximal 1/3rd of the arm. Electromyography reading of the isometric contraction of bicep muscle was taken using the surface electrodes. Subjects were instructed to perform an isokinetic flexion of the elbow using free barbells with load of 10 kg for the durations of 5 seconds. The mean amplitude was analyzed using the MyoResearch Software ( Noraxon, USA).

All the measurements were taken 1 day prior to supplementation (LJ100 and placebo) and training period, and 1 day after the completion of 8 weeks experiment. All data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer software version 10.0 (2000) for t-test, means and standard deviation. Statistical significance was established at p<0.05.

Results

The results for fat free mass, fat mass, 1 RM, arm circumference, and sEMG of both groups are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Average fat free mass, fat mass, 1 RM test, arm circumference and sEMG of the group consuming LJ100 water soluble extract and placebo before and after the period of supplementation and training program

* Results of mean ± SD for pre and post experiment showed significant difference (p<0.05)

The fat free mass of the group supplemented with LJ100 water-soluble extract showed a significant increment of approximately 2.1 kg. There were no significant changes in fat free mass in placebo. Body fat percentages were significantly decreased in treatment and placebo. However, a greater decrement was shown in treatment compared to placebo i.e. 9.14% and 6.57%, respectively. The 1 RM test muscle strength test showed an increase in gross muscle power in both groups. The treatment group showed a greater increment in strength compared to placebo i.e. 6.78% and 2.77%, respectively. The mean arm circumference in treatment group increased significantly by 1.8 cm following the supplementation while no significant changes observed in placebo group. The mean sEMG reading of the treatment and placebo showed a significant decrement in values after going through the exercise program. However, the treatment group showed 2.92% higher reduction in electrical activity of the muscle measured at the end of the experiment period compared to placebo (25.70% and 22.78%, respectively). During and after the administration of LJ100, no adverse effects were noted within the treatment group.

Discussion/ Conclusion

In this study, although the testosterone level was not measured during the test period, an increased in fat free mass in treatment group may be linked to the rise in steroidal hormones in the body. The percentage of body fat appeared to decrease in both groups, this finding is in agreement with a study by Brodsky (1996). However, the further decrease in fat mass by the treatment group could be explained by the higher metabolic rate after consuming LJ100. The increment in muscle strength with strength training in both the treatment and placebo groups were consistent with the finding by Kraemer (1993), he suggested that the improvement in strength was caused by the increase in testosterone levels. Jones and Round (1996) proposed that increases in strength are greater than increases in muscle size during the first 6-8 weeks of strength training. Thus, an increase in arm circumference observed in treatment group could be explained by the testosterone enhancing effect of the extract. In conclusion, results obtained from this pilot study suggest that the administration of LJ100 improved fat free mass, reduce fat mass, increase muscle strength and size suggesting LJ100 might be used as an ergogenic aid. Further studies will be carried out to determine the mechanism of action at hormonal and molecular level.

Water-soluble extract of LJ100™ as a potential natural energizer for healthy aging in men.

M.I.M.TAMBI1, S. OTHMAN2and J.M SAAD2
1  Specialist Reproductive Research Center, National Population & Family Development Board, Ministry of Women & Family Development, Malaysia.
2  Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia.

Introduction

Malaysia has a rich source of rainforests that contain thousands of plants with potential medicinal values. One such plant is the tall shrub tree from the Simaroubaceace family, Eurycoma Longifolia (LJ100™ Tongkat Ali) which is commonly found along the hilly jungle slopes of Malaysia (Burkill and Hanif, 1930). The local name of the shrub is 'Tongkat Ali' or Ali's Walking Stick' which is rather suggestive of its traditional function of sexual support for aging males. Similar trees are also found in other Asian Rainforests; however, it is traditionally known that only two species of the shrub namely E.Longifolia and E.apiculata have medicinal properties (Burkill and Hanif, 1930). The medicinal elements are only found within the roots. The root of Eurycoma Longifolia was used as a decoction by the natives of old Malaya, especially the elderly for strength and energy (Burkill and Hanif,1930), this practice remains to this day.

Early experimental studies on animals were mainly focused on the aphrodisiac properties of LJ100. Mice treated LJ100 demonstrated higher frequency of mounting compared to the control group (Ali and Saad, 1993). Additionally, the serum testosterone of the dissected mice showed an increase of 480% compared to the placebo-controlled group (Ali and Saad, 1993). Further studies provided evidence that LJ100 produced a dose-dependent increase in mounting frequency in male rats, hence, acting as a potent stimulator of sexual arousal in the absence of feedback from genital sensation (Ang and Sim,1997). It was also shown that LJ100enhanced and maintained a high level of crossovers, mountings, intromissions, and ejaculations.

Other studies showed that when the extract of LJ100 was injected into male mice, they showed intense physical activities and copulatory behavior (Ang and Sim, 1998). Even frail mice were observed to be active and alert. In another study, LJ100 was exposed to penile muscular tissue of male mice; results demonstrated that the muscular tissue was found to relax. Analysis on the mitochondria homogenates of the liver and penile muscle of the mice showed that the extract could enhance the respiration of mitochondria, leading to 60% increase in ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation (Khamis and Saad, 1993).

Early clinical trials studied the effect of LJ100 on testicular tissues. The samples were incubated along with human testicular tissues taken from men who were orchidectomised as part of treatment of prostate cancer (Aminuddin et al, 1995). There was significant increase in the concentration of testosterone and its precursors. The results suggest that the LJ100 has the ability to increase the biosynthesis of androgens (Aminuddin et al, 1995).

Androgen is the generic term for any natural or synthetic compound, usually a steroid hormone, that stimulates or controls the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics in vertebrates. This includes the activity of the accessory male sex organs and development of male secondary sex characteristics. The primary, and most well known, androgen is testosterone.

In this study, we intend to investigate the effect of the LJ100 water-soluble extract on testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels in human subjects. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a natural steroid hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands. Dehydroepiandrosterone is structurally similar to testosterone and estrone and can be easily converted into those hormones (DHEA is a precursor for testosterone). Sex hormone binding globulins are carrier proteins that regulate the amount of unbound steroid in the blood. A decrease in SHBG is associated with an improvement in free testosterone index. Additional parameters that will be measured include Quality Of Life (QOL) via the PADAM score and Sexual Health Inventory Questionnaires (SHI-Q).

Methodology

In a Reproductive Research Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 30 human volunteers were recruited in a randomized open trial. The volunteers were selected among married men whose age ranges between 31-52 years. There were no other specific criteria for the selection of volunteers. Dr. Johari M. Saad and co-workers from the Department of Biochemistry, University Malaya, Malaysia, produced LJ100 water-soluble extract of E.Longifolia root.

Upon registration, the volunteers were asked to fill out two questionnaires: (i) a validated Sexual Health Inventory Questionnaires (SHI-Q) and (ii) the PADAM Score Questionnaires. Peripheral venous blood sample was collected from each individual to evaluate his total testosterone hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels. Following this, each volunteer was given a supply of the encapsulated LJ100. These were to be consumed regularly for three consecutive weeks, twice daily, and two capsules per day (100 mg/day). The volunteers were requested to come back for a follow-up after week one and week three. During the follow-up sessions, they were asked to again fill out two sets of questionnaires and provide blood samples for analysis of serum testosterone, SHBG and DHEA.

Questionnaires Analysis

Analysis of the SHI-Questionnaire results have shown that 62% of the cases had either increased or a maximum score after consuming LJ100. Another 24% showed reduction while 14% of the cases showed no change in the score (Figure 1). This indicates that the majority of the volunteers demonstrated an increase in their sexual health satisfaction and performance. Breakdown of the SHI-Questionnaire showed subjects has an increase in sexual desire and the success at the attempts at sexual intercourse.

Figure 1: Effect of LJ100™ consumption on SHI-Q Score

PADAM Analysis

Analysis of the PADAM Score demonstrated that 82% of the cases showed a decrease in total score (decrease is positive effect). There is 91% improvement in the sexual PADAM score component, a 73% improvement in the physical component, and an 82% improvement of psychological component. The vasomotor score showed improvement in 50% of the subjects (Figure 2). The improvements in the first three components of the PADAM score reflects that consumption of LJ100 had resulted in an improvement of their quality of life with regards to their physical, sexual and psychological well being.

Figure 2: Percentage of Improvement or Reduction for Various Components of the PADAM Score

Serum Hormones Analysis

Testosterone
Total testosterone levels were not significantly different between those raised (43%) and those declined (39%) in this study (Table 1). This gives an initial impression that LJ100 does not have any effect on steroidogenesis. Considering that almost all the volunteers have normal levels of total testosterone, the feedback system is activated to ensure the testosterone levels are within the individual needs range. In 6 volunteers whose serum total testosterone is low, there is an increase in total testosterone on first and third week as well as improvement in the Quality of Life Scores (SHI-Q and PADAM Score).

DHEA
Analysis of the DHEA showed gradual increase from 26% after 1 week to 47% after 3 weeks. This suggests that LJ100may influence the DHEA production, which subsequently would be aromatized to testosterone (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Percentage of Increment in DHEA level
SHBG Analysis
The results showed that SHBG levels were reduced in 36% of the cases after one week and improved to 66% after 3 weeks. This suggests that LJ100 could have an effect on the production of SHBG (Table 2).
Free Testosterone Index Analysis (FTI)
When the SHBG level declines, the Free Testosterone Index (FTI is calculated as a percentage of the total testosterone against SHBG) goes up. Results demonstrated that the FTI increased in 39% of the subjects after 1 week to 73% after 3 weeks (Table 3)

Conclusion
Increasing testosterone is the key factor in increasing sex drive. Testosterone is the most important of the male sex hormones, known as androgens, produced in the gonads. Testosterone plays a key role in the development and maturity of male sex organs. The hormone promotes secondary sex characteristics, including the appearance of facial hair, sexual desire, and sexual behavior. However, testosterone is not just a sex booster for men. Women also produce testosterone, about 5 to 10 percent the amount produced in men. In woman, this vital hormone also stimulates sex drive and produces heightened sensitivity of erogenous zones.

In this study, the aqueous LJ100 extract has a strong potential in providing sufficient free testosterone to the body as demonstrated by the increase in the free testosterone index between weeks one and three. The high score in the Physical and Sexual Domain of PADAM and the Desire and Sexual Attempts in the SHI-Q score suggests this extract can delivery sexual health effects for both men and women.

The results demonstrated that the circulating androgen concentration affects SHBG synthesis. The increase in DHEA levels (DHEA is a precursor to testosterone) between week 1 and week 3 resulted in elevated testosterone levels that caused a decrease in SHBG levels. It is important to note the any decrease in SHBG levels has an overall effect to increase free testosterone index as indicated in table 3. The results of this study suggest that LJ100 inhibits SHBG allowing more free testosterone to remain in the blood. This additional testosterone stems the aging process, improves energy and sexual function, and helps reduce body fat and reduces the risk factors associated with heart health.

Since this study is just an exploratory study to look into the marketing potential of LJ100, the volunteers were asked about personal feedbacks with regard to the extract. The following responses were received:
* 48% felt that they are feeling healthy, not easily tired, feeling active and energized.
* 40% felt easily aroused, increase sexual desire and maintained an erection longer.
* 16% felt their joints and backache are feeling better.
* 24% felt warm and easily sweat (sign of better circulation)
* 8% experience better sleep.
* 8% felt an improvement in their memory.
* 20% felt their appetite has improved and their bowel movements are better than before.

References

1.Burkill, IH and Hanif, M; (1930) Malay Village Medicine, The Garden Bulletin Strait Settlements.
2.Ali, JM and Saad, JM (1993); Biochemical effect of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack on the sexual behavior, fertility, sex hormone and glycolysis. Dissertation Paper for Bachelor of Science, Department of Biochemistry, University of Malaya
3.Ang, HH and Sim,MK (1997); Effect of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack on sexual behavior of male rats. Archives of Pharmacal Research ( Seoul),20(5),656-58
4.Ang, HH and Sim,MK (1998)[1]; Eurycoma Longifolia Jack and orientation in sexually experiences male rats. Biol and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 21(2);153-55
5.Ang, HH and Sim,MK (1998)[2]; Eurycoma Longifolia Jack increases sexual motivation in sexually naive male rats. Archives of Pharmacal Research ( Seoul),21(6),778-81
6.Khamis, ZM and Saad, JM (1993); Dissertation Paper for Bachelor of Science, Department of Biochemistry, University of Malaya.
7.Aminuddin, N; Saad, JM; Hadi, AH and Abdullah, R (1995); The effect of Eurycoma Longifolia extracts on androgen synthesis.

Effect of LJ100 Tongkat Ali on Anabolic Balance During Endurance Exercise

Talbott S, Talbott J, Negrete J, Jones M, Nichols M, and Roza J. Effect of Eurycoma longifolia Extract on Anabolic Balance During Endurance Exercise. SupplementWatch, Inc. Draper, UT, 84020 USA and Source One Global Partners, Chicago, IL 60611 USA. smtalbott@supplementwatch.com

Eurycoma longifolia, commonly known as “Tongkat Ali” or “Longjack,” is often touted as a testosterone “booster” and marketed to athletes as a training aid and performance enhancer. Rodent studies have shown oral delivery of Eurycoma extract to improve sexual performance and increase serum testosterone levels. Open-label human trials have suggested that Eurycoma extract may help prevent age-associated androgen deficiency, improve sexual function, and increase psychological parameters such as mood, energy, and sense of well-being. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Eurycoma longifolia on testosterone and cortisol levels during intense endurance exercise. We used a water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia (E) standardized to 22% eurypeptides and 40% glycosaponins. Male subjects (N=30) were recruited from a 24-hour mountain biking event and asked to provide a saliva sample before and after each lap for measurement of cortisol and testosterone by enzyme immunoassay (Salimetrics, State College, PA). Subjects completed 4 laps (14.91 miles/lap) and provided 8 saliva samples over a 24h period. Subjects consumed 100mg of E or a look-alike placebo (P) approximately 30 minutes prior to endurance exercise. Cortisol levels were 32.3% lower in E compared to P (0.552+0.665 versus 0.816+0.775 ug/dL, P < 0.05). Testosterone levels were 16.4% higher in E compared to P (86.72+40.90 versus 72.47+33.77 pg/mL, P < 0.05). These results suggest that Eurycoma longifolia extract may help to maintain normal levels of cortisol (low) and testosterone (high) and thus promote an overall “anabolic” hormonal state (versus a “catabolic” state characterized by elevated cortisol and suppressed testosterone) during intense endurance exercise.