THE INGREDIENTS THAT MAKE IT HAPPEN & THE RESEARCH TO PROVE WE AREN'T MAKING IT UP:
 

Tribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract
Tribulus Terrestris, is purported to have a variety of health benefits, including reducing cholesterol levels, diabetes and inflammation as well as anti-cancer properties. However, Tribulus is arguably most synonymous with aphrodisiac qualities, being favoured for centuries for its reported ability to enhance sexual function and libido (1). Currently, Tribulus Terrestris is commonly used as a general health supplement, as well as in supplements that claim to increase testosterone levels (2). Although Tribulus' testosterone increasing properties have been shown in animal studies, Tribulus' ability to increase testosterone in humans is less conclusive (3). However, studies coincide with Tribulus' traditional use as an aphrodisiac. One study found that men with reduced libido consuming 750-1,500mg of Tribulus each day, for two months, reported an increase in sexual desire by 79% (2). Additional studies showed significant improvements in erection quality and sexual satisfaction with a dose of 1,500mg per day (4).  

L-Arginine
L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid, which is required for the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is used in the circulatory system to help dilate and constrict blood vessels. As such nitric oxide can improve blood flow/pressure and therefore heart health and immune response (5). Randomized controlled trials studying 540 patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) demonstrated supplementation with arginine "significantly improved ED compared to placebo". Furthermore, significant improvements in intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function and erectile function were reported (6). 

Fenugreek Seed Extract
Testosterone is a sex hormone in both males and females that is known to influence sexual function, energy levels, muscle strength, endurance,  mood, and more (7). Testosterone levels naturally decline with age (8). Fenugreek Seed has been researched for its potential to naturally increase testosterone levels. Compounds called 'furostanolic saponins', found in Fenugreek Seed are reported to enhance testosterone production. Several studies have demonstrated that Fenugreek Seed may improve testosterone levels, libido and sexual satisfaction.

One double blind study looking at the effects of Fenugreek Seed Extract in resistance trained men concluded that 500 mg of Fenugreek extract daily, had a significant impact on both body strength and body composition compared to placebo. Furthermore, these changes were obtained without clinical side effects (9). The results of a different study looking at the impact of daily supplementation of standardised fenugreek seed extract at a dose of 600 mg/day for a 12-week period, reported similar results. The study reported "sexual function improved, including number of morning erections and frequency of sexual activity... both total serum testosterone and free testosterone increased compared to placebo after 12 weeks of active treatment" (10).

Korean Panax Ginseng Extract
Ginseng's traditional use to support libido and erection quality is well documented and correlates with various studies. For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 143 patients experiencing Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Over a period of 8 weeks, one group took 1,000 mg of Ginseng twice a day. Conversely, the control group took 1,000 mg of placebo twice a day. After 8 weeks erectile function and overall sexual satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the Ginseng group compared to the placebo group (P<0.05). Erectile function of patients in the Ginseng treated group significantly improved, suggesting that Ginseng can be successfully utilized to improve erectile function in male patients (11). Another study measuring specific erectile parameters in 60 men with erectile dysfunction also reported marked improvement in erectile function including: rigidity, penetration, and maintenance/duration of erection after taking Korean Ginseng, at a dose of 1,000mg three times daily for 12 weeks (12).

Maca Root Extract 
Maca is thought to have been cultivated for approximately the last 1,300 to 2,000 years as a natural and rich source of essential vitamins and minerals as well as carbohydrates and fibre. However, according to a published 2011 review Maca may also improve overall health and sexual function (13). Furthermore, A 12-week double blind study in which men aged 21 to 56 years were treated with either Maca or placebo concluded, "treatment with Maca improved sexual desire" (14) - the improvement was observed after 8 weeks. Maca has also traditionally been used to help improve mood and concentration. While there are studies which support the traditional use, the studies are animal based and as such have limited validity. 

Beetroot Extract 
Beetroot contains a vast array of vitamins and minerals. However, beetroot is particularly rich in the vitamin - folate, which plays an essential role in growth, development, and heart health and circulation (15). Beetroot has been shown to enhance athletic performance by improving oxygen use and endurance, thus increasing the time it takes to reach exhaustion (16). The mechanism responsible for the increase in athletic performance is thought to be the large concentration of nitrates found in beetroot. Once consumed nitrates are readily converted to nitric oxide in the body, which contributes to increased blood flow. 

ZINC
Zinc supplementation of marginally zinc deficient normal men for 20 weeks resulted in an increase in serum testosterone average from 8.3 to 16.04. nmol/L (93% increase). Conversely, the same study revealed that men who restricted zinc intake for 20 weeks experienced testosterone level reductions (17). This may demonstrate that zinc plays an essential role in serum testosterone levels in normal adult men.  

THE REALLY CLEVER PEOPLE WHO DID THE RESEARCH:

1. Chhatre, S., et al. (2014). Phytopharmacological overview of Tribulus terrestris. Pharmacognosy reviews,  Volume 8, Issue 15, Pages 45–51. 

2. Neychev, V., et al. (2016). Pro-sexual and androgen enhancing effects of Tribulus terrestris L.: Fact or Fiction. Journal of ethnopharmacology, Volume 179, Pages 345–355. 

3. Qureshi, A., et al. (2014). A systematic review on the herbal extract Tribulus terrestris and the roots of its putative aphrodisiac and performance enhancing effect. Journal of dietary supplements,  Volume 11, Issue 1, Pages 64–79. 

4. Kamenov, Z., et al. (2017). Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Tribulus terrestris in male sexual dysfunction - A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Maturitas, Volume 99, Pages 20–26. 

5. Morris, C. R., et al. (2017). Acquired Amino Acid Deficiencies: A Focus on Arginine and Glutamine. Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Volume 32, Suppl 1, Pages 30–47.

6. Rhim, H. C., et al. (2019). The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. The journal of sexual medicine, Volume 16, Issue 2, Pages 223–234. 

7. Tyagi, V., et al. (2017). Revisiting the role of testosterone: Are we missing something?. Reviews in urology, Volume 19, Issue 1, Pages 16–24. 

8. McBride, J. A., et al. (2016). Testosterone deficiency in the aging male. Therapeutic advances in urology, Volume 8, Issue 1, Pages 47–60. 

9. Poole, C., et al. (2010). The effects of a commercially available botanical supplement on strength, body composition, power output, and hormonal profiles in resistance-trained males. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Volume 7, Issue 34. 

10. Rao, A., et al. (2016). Testofen, a specialised Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract reduces age-related symptoms of androgen decrease, increases testosterone levels and improves sexual function in healthy aging males in a double-blind randomised clinical study. The aging male : the official journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male, Volume 19, Issue 2, Pages 134–142. 

11. Kim, T. H., et al. (2009). Effects of tissue-cultured mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng CA Meyer) extract on male patients with erectile dysfunction. Asian journal of andrology, Volume 11, Issue 3, Pages 356–361. 

12. Andrade, E., et al. (2007). Study of the efficacy of Korean Red Ginseng in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Asian J Androl, Volume 9, Pages 241–244. 

13. Gonzales, G. F. (2012). Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2012, 193496. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/193496
14. Gonzales, G. F., et al. (2002). Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia, Volume 34, Issue 6, Pages 367–372. 

15. Khan, K. M., et al. (2022) Folic Acid Deficiency. [Updated 2021 Sep 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535377/

16. Domínguez, R., et al. (2017) Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Athletes. A Systematic Review. Nutrients, Volume 9, Issue 1, Page 43-46

17. Prasad, A. S., et al. (1996). Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults. Nutrition, Volume 12, Issue 5, Pages 344–348. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can Women Use ALPHA?
No, unfortunately not. ALPHA should only be used by adult males.

Is ALPHA Vegan?
Yes, we love animals. Like all Saint Supplements products ALPHA is 100% Vegan. We only ever make vegan products, if we can't make a product vegan, we won't make it at all. You'll be pleased to know that none of our supplements are ever tested on animals either. 

What Makes ALPHA Better Than Other Male Support Supplements?
The results! ALPHA combines research proven ingredients at the optimal dosages. What's the point in having 30 fancy ingredients in a product when they're all underdosed? We like to keep things simple and depend on honest quality ingredients, dosed for optimal results. We've combined ingredients scientifically proven to support natural testosterone levels, libido, sexual satisfaction, erectile dysfunction, athletic performance and more.

Will ALPHA Suppress My Natural Testosterone Levels?
No. ALPHA works with your body to sustainably support optimal natural testosterone levels. 

Does ALPHA Contain Any Banned Ingredients?
No. ALPHA contains natural ingredients, many of which have been safely used for centuries and validated by clinical trials and studies. 

What Does 'Extract' Mean?
ALPHA uses a lot of 'extracts'. It had to. It was the only way we could fit all of the ingredients into one bottle, at the researched optimal dose (even using a huge 240 capsule bottle). An extract allows us to reduce the volume of input needed in each capsule as the extract is the concentrated active component (without the unneeded bulk). For example, ALPHA uses a 30mg Maca Root 100:1 Extract, the results are the same as using 3,000mg of Maca Root! 

Can I Use ALPHA When Fasting?
Yes, you can. However, we do recommend taking ALPHA with a meal for optimal results (to increase ingredient utilization). If you're intermittent fasting, we suggest taking ALPHA in the eating window. 

Should I Use ALPHA Every Day? 
Absolutely! Daily use will provide the best results. You'll also want to consider using ALPHA for a minimum of 12 weeks (although you'll feel the results much sooner). 

Is ALPHA Quality Tested? 
Yes, to strict standards. During manufacturing our supplements go through analytical testing to ensure that the ingredients found in our supplements conform with strict EU Regulations. More importantly, testing ensures our supplements are free from harmful contaminants such as: bacteria, pesticides and heavy metals. You can find out more about our supplements here.

Do You Have Any Samples of ALPHA?
Unfortunately, we don't have any ALPHA samples. This is simply because ALPHA requires a loading phase to achieve optimal results. In other words, a sample would not be a true reflection of ALPHA. However, we do believe in our products and encourage our customers to try before they buy (when it's practical). We also want to spread the love to your friends and family. That's why we always include free samples with any product purchase (there's nothing worse than your friends trying to cadge your supps). However, we do ask that you cover the postage cost for your samples (if you're not already buying a product). The great news is, we'll include a discount code with the samples to ensure if you do order, you'll get 10% OFF and free delivery. That should cover your costs and ours. You can order your free samples here.