S.A.R.M.S represent a new and exciting category of performance enhancing drugs which are unique to the PED marketplace. For those of you who are unfamiliar, we will begin with a brief introduction. The word SARM is short for “selective androgen receptor modulator” and as the term suggests, this class of compounds was created in order to provide the anabolic, muscle building effects of traditional steroids, without delivering the androgenic, estrogenic, or progestagenic side effects which typically accompany their use. In essence, the goal was to create a pure anabolic; a drug which could favorably impact muscle tissue hypertrophy, while remaining absent of the undesirable traits associated with AAS. Ostarine, also known as MK-2866, is the most recent addition to this class of drugs and at this juncture, it has proven to be the most successful in separating these positive and negative characteristics.

Ostarine was originally developed by GTX as a treatment for the conditions of muscle wasting and osteoporosis and has previously undergone multiple human clinical trials. In one 3 month study involving 120 non-weight training, elderly participants, it was revealed that Ostarine led to a dose dependent increase in lean body mass, with the largest dose group (3 mg/day) averaging an increase in lean mass of 3.1 lbs. At the conclusion of this study, the researcher’s consensus was that Ostarine had a favorable safety profile, with none of the subjects having experienced any serious adverse events. Although some might scoff at a 3.1 lb increase in lean mass over a 3 month period, it is important to remember that these were not weight training individuals, that the participants were at an age where the acquisition of muscle tissue is generally more difficult, and that the overall dose is considered low by BB’ing standards.

In order to further put these results into perspective, let us compare similar studies involving testosterone. In one university study conducted a few years back, researchers administered 600 mg of testosterone per week to non-weight training men aged 18-35, for a period of 20 weeks. At the completion of the trial, results showed that the participants gained an average of 7.04 lbs of lean mass. If we compare the variables between the Ostarine & Testosterone groups, we see that the testosterone trial lasted almost twice as long, that the participants were at a much more ideal age for gaining muscle tissue, and that the testosterone dose was considerably higher. When viewed in this light, the results witnessed in the Ostarine study are impressive.

When cycling Ostarine, individuals should not expect to gain 15-20 lbs of wet bulk within a few weeks of use. However, one can expect moderate, consistent gains in high quality muscle tissue, similar to what might be experienced with Primobolan. Gains will be lean and dry, with an increase in vascularity and a decrease in overall body fat. User reports show improvements in strength and increases in libido. Ostarine is administered orally and is non-toxic. It has no affect on the prostate, will not cause water retention, high blood pressure, oily skin, acne, or hair growth. It improves bone mineral density, has minimal impact on cholesterol levels, and does not lead to fluctuations in emotional state. Ostarine will stay active in the system for roughly 24 hours, necessitating once daily dosing.

Due to Ostarine’s unique characteristics, some of which are described below, there are several areas of application in which it finds itself most suitable. One of these is in the realm of PCT. For those users who cycle their AAS, the implementation of PCT (post cycle therapy) is both common and advisable. Such a practice allows for a more efficient recovery of the H.P.T.A and since testosterone is the primary endogenous hormone responsible for the maintenance of muscle tissue when off-cycle, this increase in recovery time will minimize the individual’s exposure to a sub-par anabolic environment, ultimately allowing the individual to experience a greater retention of lean body mass.

One of the long-standing arguments against the cycling of AAS is that during the post-cycle period, the individual is left with an anabolic environment which is greatly inferior to the hormonally super-charged one encountered while using AAS. The comparatively poor muscle building state experienced while off-cycle has often led to the loss of muscle tissue, despite one’s best efforts at quickly normalizing natural testosterone production. Now, while traditional PCT will assuredly help to minimize gains loss and is an important part of the overall picture, one cannot deny that relying on natural testosterone production alone is not ideal when attempting to maintain a steroid-induced level of muscle mass…and it certainly is not desirable for building further muscle tissue.

One of the primary benefits of this drug is that it does not lead to any significant suppression of the H.P.T.A when administered within the currently suggested dosing guidelines. This is a boon for the cycling BB’r, as we previously had no legitimate anabolics which were capable of substantially improving protein synthesis, while concurrently sustaining natural hormone production. In the real world, this means that the acquisition of steroid-like muscle gains and recovery/maintenance of the H.P.T.A is not mutually exclusive. This is a big deal because for the first time in history, many BB’rs will be able to maintain much, if not all of the muscle tissue they built while on-cycle. In many ways, the advent of Ostarine has afforded the modern day cycling BB’r the opportunity to experience the perpetual cycle, in which the individual never has to go “off”, while still achieving the goal of maintaining a healthy and well functioning H.P.T.A.

Due to this drug’s very weak androgenic component and lack of side effects, Ostarine is also an ideal drug for those entering the world of anabolics…or for those wishing to minimize the occurrence of side effects. In addition, due to its lack of toxicity, Ostarine makes an excellent stacker with other methylated compounds. For those who use injectables, this benefit may not be as relevant, but for those who desire to stay within the boundaries of legal PED use, Ostarine has significant applications in this arena. Previously, there were only a few legal & effective non-methylated products that an individual could stack with a methyl, in order to improve one’s results. Often, these other non-methylated products had side effects or just didn’t work very well. Ostarine is the 1st legal PED that has significant muscle building benefits and which is almost entirely free of side effects, making it a near perfect drug for this purpose.

The next area of application, in which Ostarine finds itself a perfect fit, is for use in women. For decades women have been limited in their selection of AAS, if they wanted to minimize androgenic side effects. For this reason, a significant number of ladies have chosen to either stick with mild methylated compounds, such as Anavar, or use nothing at all. If a woman decided she wanted to gain more muscle tissue than what could be achieved with the use of these mild anabolics, she needed to make a choice. She could either use more androgenic compounds and risk masculinizing side effects…or she could use larger dosages of the same methylated drugs for longer periods of time and risk damage to her lipids and/or liver. Now, while it is true that some women are willing to accept these masculinizing side effects, most women desire to maintain their full degree of femininity without blemish. This is where Ostarine comes in.

With Ostarine exhibiting such a mild androgenic profile and being non-toxic in nature, women now have the opportunity to use an anabolic substance capable of delivering significant gains in muscle tissue without having to worry about masculinization and/or organ stress. Side effects such as hair loss, hirsutism, acne, oily skin, voice changes, changes in facial structure, etc, are not a concern. In some cases Ostarine can cause the temporary cessation of a woman’s period, although it will resume upon discontinuance of the drug, much in the same way that a woman’s period will resume after discontinuing birth control. An increase in clitoral sensitivity can also occur, although I have not yet heard any reports from women claiming to experience enlargement of the clitoris.

For women who have been on the fence regarding the use of anabolics, this is the perfect product to get their feet wet…and for those who seek a level of muscular development on par with today’s figure, fitness, WPD, or bikini competitors, it will prove to be a relevant and effective addition to one’s program.

Overall, Ostarine is a very interesting compound, which maintains a unique place in the world of performance enhancing drugs. It is capable of filling several diverse roles, which up until this point had remained mostly unfilled by our current roster of PED’s. Whether it is used to maintain gains while in PCT, by a woman looking to maximize her muscular development while maintaining her femininity, by an AAS user during a cruise, or by a beginner looking to minimize side effects, Ostarine is an ideal drug for these purposes.

Osta Rx – Coming Soon!

Well for those of you who live in a cave and haven’t seen the constant over aggressive blasting of my news via social media (lol) I am proud to announce that I am now the newest member of IRONMAGLABS!!!

This was a huge decision for me, I have been a contracted athlete for nearly 4 years and I don’t have the kind of personality to feel ok about bouncing from company to company. I wanted to sign with a company I believed in, and a company who I felt I could grow with. Most importantly I wanted to sign with a company who made products that I would actually like to use!! Considering I had already tried Super DMZ with awesome results it was sort of a no brainer that this was the perfect marriage for me, so I am ecstatic about embarking on this new venture!

Rob (ceo of Ironmaglabs) sent me a full supply of every single product he produces and man was I excited when I opened that box. I am already planning my first cycle to be started effective Monday! I have a few ideas in mind that I will certainly detail for you all when I make my final plan, but I have about a month before my serious dieting starts so I want to maximize my growth!

I’m planning on doing all types of videos for you guys from training, to posing, to breaking down why I do certain things different then perhaps how I have my clients do things. There is so much to discuss and so much to learn for us all and I am excited to be a part of this team. I will be on stage for the first time since 2010 in June and I’m going to chronicle everything publicly for you guys on the forum. Videos, pics, etc. Be sure to stop by my Q and A in the celebrity section and feel free to ask whatever you like, I will answer all questions expeditiously!

In closing I would like to thank Rob DiMaggio sincerely for this opportunity! I promise to make you proud you signed me and I promise to earn all your respect! No one is working HARDER or SMARTER than I am this year! Man…this is going to be a fun!

You are going to be a father. Whenever someone says that to me, or now that I’m writing it, it blows my mind. To think about where I was just five years ago, and where I am today, often leaves me in a state of wonder. I’m sure you’ve heard people say, “Anything is possible”, and scoffed. I know I did. Now, my life seems to be modeled after that statement. From drug addict, to being totally lost, to a radio personality, to a bodybuilding authority, to traveling the world, to finding a soulmate, to having a baby, and all in less than five year. Anything is possible. Just ask me, I’ll tell you.

Darielle Gaines and Aaron Singerman’s First Doctor Visit

Email me at: Jewbacca@rxmuscle.com
Follow me at: http://www.twitter.com/aaronsingerman

by John Connor

Bulbine natalensis is quickly gaining popularity in the sports supplement world. It’s easy to see why – the effects of extracts of Bulbine natalensis recorded in animal studies are amazing. The photo shows the African botanical Bulbine natalensis. Its Zulu name is ibhucu; Afrikaners call it rooiwortel. Bulbine natalensis is an indigenous African botanical that is traditionally used in South African herbal medicine to improve potency in men (as an aphrodisiac).

Additionally the leaves, roots, and sap are all used respectively for a variety of ailments: to treat bug stings, mosquito bites, blisters, cold sores, mouth ulcers, cracked skin, to soothe sunburn, disinfect cuts, and to speed the healing of bruises. Bulbine natalensis has been safely used for thousands of years in Southern Africa which means that it has been granted “traditional medicine” status and is considered safe to use.

In 2009 researchers at the University of Ford Hare in South Africa published the results of an animal study in which they had given male rats water-based extracts of Bulbine natalensis for a week. The results demonstrate that it helps to boost testosterone, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels and decrease estrogen levels.

A control group was given 50 mg per kg body weight of sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. Sildenafil had almost no effect on testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels. The Bulbine natalensis extract however significantly increased testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels at doses of 25 and 50 mg per kg body weight. Whereas the estradiol concentration decreased significantly at all the doses in the Bulbine natalensis extract groups. (25, 50, and 100mg per kg body weight). However the extract dose of 100mg per kg body weight decreased the serum testosterone and progesterone levels in male rats. The prolactin concentration was not affected by all the doses.

The figure above shows that the extracts led to an increase in the number of times that the experimental male rats mounted the females. The effect of Bulbine natalensis is greater than the effect of sildenafil. This means that the extract heightens sexual interest and this initial rodent data suggests that it has the potential to outperform the leading erectile dysfunction drug. This may be due to the spectacular effects of the extract on increasing testosterone levels. Rodents receiving Bulbine Natalensis had a serum testosterone level equal to 347% of the control group; in that same group, estrogen was 35% lower (50 mg per kg body weight group). According to another paper by the same researchers, published in 2010, the extract activates enzymes in the testes.

These results are indicative of prosexual stimulatory potentials of Bulbine natalensis in male rats. The aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis stem at these doses (25 and 50 mg per kg body weight) may be used in the management of disorders of desire or libido, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in males. Bulbine natalensis enhanced the success rate of mating and fertility due to increased libido as well as the levels of reproductive hormones (serum testosterone, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone) in male rats.

Human Application

How this data translates to humans is unclear. However preliminary data confirms that ProLensis™ (Bulbine natalensis) does in fact raise testosterone levels in human males. Since the rodent trial using the larger 100mg per kg body weight dose demonstrated a negative correlation to testosterone values it is very important that recommended doses of ProLensis™ are not exceeded as this may actually lower testosterone levels.

Athletes looking to enhance their hormonal profile, support a healthy endocrine system, or improve their recovery, can all benefit from the use of this botanical in a dietary supplement. Additionally, those looking to improve their libido or experience prosexual effects, may potentially benefit from ProLensis™ (Bulbine Natalensis).

ProLensis™ is one of the main ingredients in IronMagLabs ULTRA MALE Rx™ Testosterone Enhancement Formula

References:
1.Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem on the sexual behaviour of male rats.
2.Anabolic and androgenic activities of Bulbine natalensis stem in male Wistar rats.
3.Reproductive toxicologic evaluations of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract in albino rats.
4.Effect of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract on the functional indices and histology of the liver and kidney of male Wistar rats.

Clinical Studies

Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem on the sexual behaviour of male rats.

Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ.
Source

Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa.

Abstract

The phytochemical constituents of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem and its effect on male rat sexual behaviour were evaluated for 7 days. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, cardiac glycoside, tannins, alkaloids and anthraquinones. Administration of the extract at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight resulted in the significant increase (p < 0.05) in mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculatory latency, ejaculation frequency, serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, computed indices of sexual behaviour, erection, quick flips, long flips and total penile reflexes whereas the mount latency, intromission latency and post-ejaculatory interval were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) throughout the experimental period. The 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract produced contrasting pattern to the lower doses of the extract in all the parameters of sexual behaviour monitored throughout the experimental period. The results are indicative of prosexual stimulatory potentials of Bulbine natalensis in male rats. The aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis stem at these doses (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) may be used in the management of disorders of desire/libido, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in males.

PMID:18710410 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Anabolic and androgenic activities of Bulbine natalensis stem in male Wistar rats.

Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ.
Source

Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa.

Abstract

Aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis Baker (Asphodelaceae) stem at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight was investigated for anabolic and androgenic effects in male Wistar rats. Sixty male rats were grouped into four (A-D) consisting of 15 each. Group A (control) was orally treated with 0.5 mL of distilled water for 14 days while groups B, C and D were treated like the control except they received 0.5 mL containing 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively. All the doses of the extract increased (P <0.05) the testicular-body weight ratio as well as alkaline phosphatase activity, glycogen, sialic acid, protein, and cholesterol content of the testes except the single administration of 100 mg/kg body weight which compared well (P>0.05) with the controls for glycogen and cholesterol. The testicular and serum testosterone concentration were increased except in the 100 mg/kg body weight where the effect on the tissue and serum hormone did not manifest until after the first and seven daily doses respectively. Testicular acid phosphatase activity, serum follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormone concentrations also increased at all the doses except in the 100 mg/kg body weight where the effect on the enzyme and the hormone did not manifest until after seven days. The increases were most pronounced in the 50 mg/kg body weight extract treated animals. The results indicate anabolic and androgenic activities of Bulbine natalensis stem in male rat testes with the 50 mg/kg body weight of the extract exhibiting the highest anabolizing and androgenic activities. These activities further support the folkloric use of the plant most especially at 50 mg/kg body weight in the management of male sexual dysfunction in South Africa.

PMID:20645801 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Reproductive toxicologic evaluations of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract in albino rats.

Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ.

Source

Phytomedicine Research Centre, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa.

Abstract

The effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem at daily doses of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg body weight on the reproductive function of Wistar rats were evaluated. The indices of mating and fertility success as well as quantal frequency increased after 7 days of treatment in all the dose groups except the 100mg/kg body weight group. The number of litters was not statistically different (P>0.05) from the control. Whereas the absolute weights of the epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate were not affected, that of the testes was significantly increased. The epididymal sperm count, motility, morphology, and viscosity were not different from the control after 7 days of treatment. The male rat serum testosterone, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone significantly increased in the 25 and 50mg/kg body weight groups, whereas the estradiol concentration decreased significantly at all the doses. The extract dose of 100mg/kg body weight decreased the serum testosterone and progesterone levels in male rats. The prolactin concentration was not affected by all the doses. All the indices of reproduction, maternal, embryo/fetotoxic, teratogenic, and reproductive hormones in the female rats were not statistically different from that of their control except the resorption index, which increased at the dose of 100mg/kg body weight of the extract. Histologic examination of the cross section of rat testes that received the extract at all the doses investigated revealed well-preserved seminiferous tubules with normal amount of stroma, normal population of spermatogenic and supporting cells, as well as normal spermatocytes within the lumen. The results revealed that the aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis stem at doses of 25 and 50mg/kg body weight enhanced the success rate of mating and fertility due to increased libido as well as the levels of reproductive hormones in male rats. The absence of alterations in the reproductive parameters of female rats at doses of 25 and 50mg/kg body weight of Bulbine natalensis stem extract suggest that the extract is “safe” for use at these doses by females during the organogenic period of pregnancy, whereas the extract dose of 100mg/kg body weight portends a negative effect on some reproductive functions of male and female rats.

PMID:19410284 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Effect of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract on the functional indices and histology of the liver and kidney of male Wistar rats.

Afolayan AJ, Yakubu MT.
Source

Centre for Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa. Aafolayan@ufh.ac.za

Abstract

The effects of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg of body weight for 14 days on the functional indices of liver and kidney as well as the histology of the rat organs were evaluated. The extract did not significantly (P < .05) alter the total protein, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, uric acid, and creatinine levels in the serum of rats. However, the 50 and 100 mg/kg of body weight doses reduced the liver- and kidney-body weight ratios by the end of the experimental period. While the extract increased the activities of liver gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST, respectively), and total bilirubin, globulin, and urea, the levels of albumin, conjugated bilirubin, inorganic phosphorus, and kidney ALP and GGT decreased. The activities of serum ALP, GGT, ALT, and AST also increased throughout the experimental period. The extract produced higher effects on the liver functional indices (39%) than the kidney parameters (21%). Histological examination revealed slight distortions in the architecture of the liver lobules as well as proximal and convoluted tubules of the kidney. The alterations produced in some of the functional indices as well as in the hepatorenal architecture may adversely affect the normal hepatic and renal functions. The parameter-specific effect of the extract suggests selective toxicity. This is an indication that the extract is not completely "safe" as an oral remedy.

PMID:19735182 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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