Blackstone Labs Apex Male – Supplement Spotlight
We’re looking at Blackstone Labs Apex Male in this edition of Supplement Spotlight. Apex Male is a very impressive testosterone booster that can help you reach your muscle mass objectives. In this article we will take a closer look at the formula, what to stack it with, and how to use it. We will also review the importance of testosterone. So if you’re ready to rock, let’s get going!
What Is Blackstone Labs Apex Male?
Blackstone Labs Apex Male was designed for older lifters with declining test levels and those hardcore lifters looking to maximize their natural production of testosterone.
Testosterone and Muscle Growth
Before we look at the Apex Male ingredient profile, let’s review what testosterone is and what it does. Testosterone is a steroid hormone (also called androgen) that is derived from cholesterol and produced by the interstitial cells of Leydig (cells in the testes). Additionally, the adrenal glands secrete small quantities.
Natural levels tend to fluctuate but the average adult man produces 5-10 milligrams per day. Unfortunately, when men reach their mid-20s, their natural testosterone levels begin to gradually decline. You can see why finding natural ways to boost production becomes important.
Benefits of testosterone include the following:
- Stimulates muscle growth mainly through protein synthesis stimulation. For those lifters that may not know, protein synthesis is the synthesis of new skeletal muscle proteins. It’s a primary trigger of muscle growth.(1)
- Increases energy and elevates mood
- Helps keep your body lean
- Develops male sexual characteristics and sex drive
- Supports red blood cell production
What’s A “Steroid Hormone”?
There are three primary classes of hormones: steroid, protein, and amine. These hormones are part of the Endocrine System, a network of organs and glands responsible for the production of the hormones. In terms of function, hormones transport specific messages to specific receptors throughout your body. They signal the target receptors, causing a specific function to take place.(2)
Free Testosterone
This is probably the most important aspect of testosterone and muscle growth. Why, you might ask? Because of the total amount of testosterone that’s in the body, only a certain percentage is available (or “free”) to be used for muscle growth. The amount of free testosterone is only about 2-3% of total testosterone. The remaining 97-98% of testosterone produced by your body is unavailable. It’s not involved in the process of muscle growth.
In fact, the amount of free (or usable) testosterone is responsible for all of the anabolic effects associated with testosterone. So the goal is not how much total testosterone can be produced, it’s how much free testosterone is available for use.(3)
Let’s Look At The Ingredients
60 Servings per Container / Serving Size – 4 Capsules
Apex Male Proprietary Blend – 2,760 mg
Prolensis (Bulbine)
This ingredient has been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries. It has some impressive research that indicates it can increase serum testosterone levels, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). In addition, Prolensis has been shown to lower levels of estrogen in the body, helping to create an anabolic environment.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, among many other benefits, has a key role in the production of testosterone. Research suggests that men deficient in vitamin D generally have a higher body fat % and higher estrogen levels. They also have less lean muscle. As you can see, D is a critical vitamin.
DIM
DIM, or Diindolylmethane, is an anti-estrogen compound that is found in cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli. DIM supports hormonal homeostasis because it increases more of “good” estrogens and reduces “bad” estrogens. The idea of “good” and “bad” estrogens are a description of the impact different types of estrogens have on the body. Apex Male not only supports test production, it helps keep estrogen under control!
For example, “good” estrogens are associated with beneficial metabolites like 2-hydroxyestrone, which block stronger estrogens. “Bad” estrogens refers to stronger estrogens such as E2 (estradiol) or the metabolite 16-hydroxyestrone, which promotes inflammation.(4)
Fenugreek 50%
Fenugreek is well known in Ayurvedic medicine and is commonly used as a tonic to aid health conditions such as fever and even diabetes. It’s also been shown to be an effective testosterone boosting ingredient. Fenugreek is believed to inhibit estrogenic activity, which enhances testosterone levels and while also helping to reduce body fat.
Tribulus Terrestris 40%
Here’s a very common herb that is found in most test boosters. Studies suggest that tribulus can increase IGF-1 and testosterone production.
NMDA
NMDA, or N-Methyl D-Aspartate, is derived from D-Aspartic Acid (DAA). It’s considered to be much more potent than standard DAA. It’s also more water-soluble than standard DAA, and triggers testosterone production and subsequently muscle growth at a fraction of the required 3 gram DAA dose. Leave it to Apex Male to include an innovative ingredient like this!
MACA 0.6%
MACA is a botanical that is traditionally used by Peruvian men to enhance stamina and performance. Modern research shows that maca can indeed boost libido. It can also elevate mood, and help ease stress.
POQ
PDQ, also known as the Peruvian Apple Cactus, is an adaptogenic that helps the body combat stress, including physical and mental stress. It also supports the body’s production of natural hormones, including testosterone.
Prunella Vulgaris
Prunella is commonly used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It is an edible herb that is typically consumed as tea or used in salads. In addition, it’s a potent antiestrogenic ingredient that lowers levels of estrogen by activating a specific receptor (the AHR, or Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor)
Epimedium 20%
This compound is better known as Horny Goat Weed. This is a plant that’s found across Asia and the Mediterranean and traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. The active ingredient is known as icariin which blocks PDE5 activity. PDE5 is an enzyme that interferes with the production of nitric oxide. Icariin enhances blood flow to the sexual organs, which improves performance and stamina.
Mucuna 15%
Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume also known as the velvet bean, an ingredient that propels an entire brand of supplements, which tells you just how popular it is. Like most herbs, Mucuna has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its aphrodisiac, revitalizing, and nervous system healing properties.
The active ingredient is L-DOPA, which the brain converts into the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is involved in mood, motivation, and movement. Some research suggests that other compounds found in mucuna, like flavonoids and alkaloids, may also contribute to its effects. Some of these effects include GH release, which also contributes to muscle mass.
D-Aspartic Acid
Perhaps more commonly called DAA, this is an amino acid well-documented to enhance gonadotropin releasing hormone as well as GH (growth hormone) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This ingredient has at least one study that indicates it can directly increase testosterone production by the testes.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid that promotes production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. As already noted, dopamine enhances motivation and mood. Dopamine is also involved in a series of physiological processes that result in greater production of testosterone.
Bioperine® Black Pepper (95% piperine)
This is a patented form of piperine that enhances the bioavailability and utilization of all the testosterone-boosting compounds in Apex Male, ensuring you get maximum effectiveness from every dose.
How Do I Use Apex Male
Take four capsules with breakfast and another 4 capsules with dinner.
Stack Suggestions
As most readers know by now, I tend to suggest cornerstone supplements as the basis of any stack. These supplements begin with a good pre-workout, such as Panda Supplements First Blood. First Blood is an effectively-dosed, comprehensive Pre that will really amp up your workouts!
Next up is a quality protein powder which is an unquestioned must. I suggest Hi-Tech Precision Protein, which works well because it releases leucine in the early stages of protein synthesis. In that sense, it supports the functions of testosterone.
From there, I suggest creatine, specifically AllMax Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate. This is, of course, a time tested and proven supplement that is at home in any mass stack.
I also suggest a good multi-vitamin to cover any potential nutritional gaps. I recommend Universal Animal Pak, a legendary name in multi-vitamin packs.
Summary
No doubt Blackstone Labs Apex Male can help you achieve your muscle mass goals. This is a loaded test booster that features some of the most effective ingredients. There’s no reason to wait, so stop by illpumpyouup.com and add Apex Male to your program today!
References:
- Griggs, R. C., Kingston, W., Jozefowicz, R. F., Herr, B. E., Forbes, G., & Halliday, D. (1989). Effect of testosterone on muscle mass and muscle protein synthesis. Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md.: 1985), 66(1), 498–503. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1989.66.1.498
- Biology by Campbell and Reece, p.975, 977, & 932
- (PDF) Testosterone Physiology in Resistance Exercise and Training (researchgate.net)
- https://www.news-medical.net/health/Estrogen-Types.aspx#:~:text=It%20has%20been%20postulated%20that%20estrone%20is,protect%20against%20cancer.%20Estradiol%20is%20probably%20neutral.