Fema Herba CT–451)
Puncturevine
FACTS
Puncturevine is the talk of the town. Growing in popularity by leaps and bounds, this “new” supplement has actually been around more than 5,000 years as part of the traditional healing systems of China and India. Why is it so hot today? Puncturevine has special appeal to women because it promises to boost their performance in two key areas: the gym and the bedroom.
The buzz among body builders is that puncturevine can stimulate the production of testosterone, which will help build muscle and burn fat. Their assertions are based on Bulgarian studies that showed that puncturevine naturally increased the body’s production of luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates the production of testosterone in men and estrogen in women. In fact, in Eastern Europe, both male and female Olympic athletes reportedly use puncturevine to give them a competitive edge. Unlike anabolic steroids, which are banned from most competitions, there are no rules against puncturevine.
Claims that puncturevine will enhance sexual performance in men can also be traced to Bulgarian studies in which athletes who took puncturevine claimed that it increased their sex drive and performance. In addition, puncturevine is reputed to increase fertility and sperm production. There are many anecdotal reports to back up this claim, but I was not able to find any clinical studies specifically related to sexual problems. Since it may also boost estrogen levels in women, puncturevine is being promoted as a treatment for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and fatigue.
Puncturevine supplements often include natural hormones such as DHEA and androstenedione, a metabolite of DHEA. Since puncturevine may raise testosterone levels, men who have a history of prostate cancer should steer clear of this supplement.
Possible Benefits
Builds muscle.
Improves sexual performance.