Hadley, Massachusetts (January 3, 2024) – Geranylgeraniol from annatto increased testosterone in males with low total testosterone, suggests a published clinical study in healthy adults.
A recent study conducted by Applied Science and Performance Institute (ASPI, Tampa, FL), published in the Nutraceuticals, is the first of its kind designed to test the safety of novel dietary ingredient in humans. Results of the 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-escalated trial of the patented GG-Gold® annatto-derived geranylgeraniol ingredient by American River Nutrition indicate significant increases in total-, free-, and bioavailable testosterone in a subgroup of males with low testosterone.
In the 8-week study of 66 healthy subjects aged 30-49, GG-Gold geranylgeraniol (GG) was administered at doses of 150mg per day for the first 4 weeks, and 300mg (150mg twice per day) for an additional 4 weeks, leading to increases in testosterone levels in men. The study was the first of its kind to assess safety profiles of GG and its impact on hormone levels in healthy adult males and females.
Study details
Research shows that 1 out of 4 men over the age of 30 have low testosterone levels, a condition that affects nearly 13 million men in the US. Low testosterone levels lead to infertility, sexual dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease risk, fat accumulation, loss of muscle mass and loss of energy among other things. Keeping testosterone levels in check is therefore highly relevant in preserving general health and wellbeing. Current testosterone replacement therapies are not always covered by insurance, and can carry side effects such as peripheral edema, blood thickening, and increase in prostate volume. Natural alternatives are highly sought after to provide safe and effective treatment for low testosterone.
GG is an endogenous nutrient that is uniquely tasked for the synthesis of CoQ10, vitamin K2 (MK4), and skeletal muscle proteins in mammals, three products of the mevalonate pathway. As a central part of this pathway, GG is crucial in regulating testosterone production. In testis-derived cells, GG was shown to regulate the steroidogenesis pathway, enhancing not only testosterone, but also synthesis of its precursor, progesterone. MK4 – with a fully embedded GG molecule – and separately GG are intricately connected, and were shown to stimulate testosterone production by increasing cAMP levels via protein kinase A activity, an important messenger the body uses to signal various biological processes.
The study investigated GG’s safety profiles in healthy men and women, as well as the nutrient’s impact on hormone levels. Thorough blood chemistry measurements support GG safety, with stable red and white blood cell counts, healthy liver and kidney functions, and normal measures of the muscle, lung and pancreas. There were no significant changes in overall endocrine and hormonal functions. However, in a subgroup of men in the lower testosterone range of <700ng/dL, total, free and bioavailable testosterone increased significantly by 7.5%, 15%, and 14.8%, respectively for those taking GG, whereas these levels decreased in the placebo group. The enhancement of free and bioavailable testosterone is important, as they mark availability of the usable forms of the hormone.
The authors noted that “GG supplementation may be beneficial for testosterone enhancement in male populations subject to low testosterone.”
Commenting on the research, Dr. Barrie Tan, President of American River Nutrition said that the company is proud of its first-in-class GG nutrient discovery, and is eager to share the detailed safety evaluation of its GG-Gold ingredient following an earlier comprehensive pre-clinical study. Notes Tan, “the significance of GG to raise testosterone in certain healthy men is made more remarkable in comparison to the drop within the placebo group.” Adds Tan, “GG’s ability to increase testosterone in men corroborates well with its support for CoQ10, MK4 and skeletal muscle. We look forward to share more on this ongoing research soon.”
Supplement details
Geranylgeraniol (GG) is a compound synthesized endogenously in the human body via the mevalonate pathway—the same biochemical pathway that produces cholesterol, vitamin K2, steroid hormones and ubiquinone (CoQ10). As such, it plays many critical roles in tissue systems and metabolic processes throughout the body, including healthy mitochondrial function and the generation of ATP, the currency of energy in all mammals including humans. GG occurs naturally in various foods, but the majority is synthesized endogenously. GG is an essential building block that supports muscle health, bone health, hormone regulation and nutrient synthesis. Production of GG declines naturally during aging and is inhibited by commonly used drugs, namely, statins and bisphosphonates. By replenishing natural levels, GG can protect from age-related physical decline, maintain structural bone support and revoke skeletal muscle fatigue in the body.
Source: Nutraceuticals
doi: 10.3390/nutraceuticals3040043
The Effects of Geranylgeraniol on Blood Safety and Sex Hormone Profiles in Healthy Adults: A Dose-Escalation, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Gheith R, Sharp M, Stefan M, Ottinger C, Lowery R, Wilson J
