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Proprietary Male Blend

Also known as: Proprietary Male Blend, proprietary herbal blends for male vitality, testosterone support blends, male enhancement blends, LN18178

Overview

Proprietary Male Blends are complex nutritional supplements typically containing multiple herbal extracts and nutrients, such as Punica granatum (pomegranate) fruit rind extract and Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed extract, along with other compounds like L-arginine and Pycnogenol®. These blends are formulated to support various aspects of male health, including hormonal balance, muscle strength, sexual function, and fertility. They are primarily used to enhance serum testosterone levels, improve erectile dysfunction (ED), and alleviate symptoms associated with aging in men. While research on specific blends is emerging and can be limited, individual components often have more extensive study. The efficacy and safety of these blends depend heavily on their specific composition and the quality of their ingredients.

Benefits

Certain Proprietary Male Blends have demonstrated significant benefits for male health. A meta-analysis indicated that a combination of L-arginine and Pycnogenol® significantly improved erectile function scores (mean difference 8.9, 95% CI 4.14 to 13.66, p=0.0002) and intercourse satisfaction (MD 4.96, 95% CI 2.17 to 7.75, p=0.0005) compared to placebo. A specific blend, LN18178, containing Punica granatum and Theobroma cacao extracts, showed promising results in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. This blend led to increased serum testosterone levels, improved muscle strength, and enhanced mid-upper arm circumference in healthy young males. Furthermore, the LN18178 blend was effective in mitigating aging male symptoms and improving hormonal parameters in a 56-day RCT. While a systematic review on male infertility supplements highlighted that many ingredients in these blends show some evidence for improving sperm parameters, the overall literature is still limited and heterogeneous, requiring more high-quality research.

How it works

Proprietary Male Blends exert their effects primarily through the phytochemical modulation of hormonal and vascular pathways. Punica granatum polyphenols are believed to enhance testosterone synthesis and reduce oxidative stress, contributing to hormonal balance. Theobroma cacao flavonoids provide antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits, which can improve blood flow and indirectly support erectile function. L-arginine acts as a precursor to nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator that promotes increased blood flow, crucial for erectile function. Pycnogenol® (pine bark extract) also supports nitric oxide production and endothelial function, further enhancing vascular health. These ingredients collectively interact with the endocrine and vascular systems to improve testosterone levels, enhance erectile function, and support muscle performance. The use of standardized extracts aims to ensure consistent delivery of active compounds.

Side effects

Proprietary Male Blends generally appear safe and well-tolerated in clinical trials, with no serious adverse events reported. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort or headache are rare but possible side effects. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been consistently reported in the reviewed studies. However, caution is advised for individuals on medications affecting blood pressure or those with hormone-sensitive conditions, as some ingredients may influence these systems. Specific populations, such as elderly men or those with pre-existing medical conditions, should consult a healthcare provider before using these blends. Due to the proprietary nature, specific interactions for every blend cannot be universally stated, and individual ingredient interactions should be considered.

Dosage

Effective dosages for Proprietary Male Blends vary significantly depending on the specific formulation and its ingredients. For instance, the LN18178 blend, containing Punica granatum and Theobroma cacao extracts, was administered in standardized doses over 56 days in clinical trials. For combinations like L-arginine and Pycnogenol®, meta-analyses indicate typical daily doses ranging from 1.7 to 3 grams for L-arginine and 40-120 mg for Pycnogenol®. These supplements are generally taken orally, usually once daily. Absorption may be enhanced when taken with food, depending on the specific formulation. There are no established maximum safe doses beyond those tested in clinical trials; therefore, exceeding recommended dosages without medical supervision is not advised to prevent potential adverse effects.

FAQs

Does it increase testosterone?

Certain blends, such as LN18178 with Punica granatum and Theobroma cacao extracts, have shown statistically significant increases in serum testosterone in healthy males.

Are these blends safe?

Clinical trials generally report good tolerability with minimal side effects, suggesting a favorable safety profile for many proprietary male blends.

How long before effects appear?

Benefits on testosterone levels and symptoms have been observed within 8 weeks in randomized controlled trials for some specific blends.

Are all proprietary blends the same?

No, formulations vary widely. Efficacy and safety depend on the specific ingredients, their concentrations, and the overall blend composition.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2023.1211720/full – This meta-analysis reviewed the efficacy of L-arginine and Pycnogenol® combination in improving erectile function. It found significant improvements in IIEF erectile domain scores and intercourse satisfaction, suggesting a beneficial effect for this specific combination in men with erectile dysfunction.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9346391/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of a proprietary blend (LN18178) containing Punica granatum and Theobroma cacao extracts. It demonstrated that the blend significantly increased serum testosterone levels, improved muscle strength, and mitigated aging male symptoms in healthy males, highlighting its potential for male health support.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-Proprietary-Herbal-Blend-Containing-Extracts-of-A-Sreeramaneni-Yalamanchi/4eaa8b7f833d44570608c4c6cd2f2ae0c52a91d5 – This paper describes a proprietary herbal blend (LN18178) and its effects, which were further detailed in the PMC article. It supports the findings of increased testosterone and improved physical parameters in healthy males, reinforcing the potential benefits of this specific formulation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8854851/ – This systematic review examined various supplements used for male infertility. While it identified several ingredients with some evidence for improving sperm parameters, it also highlighted the heterogeneity and often low quality of existing literature, emphasizing the need for more rigorous randomized controlled trials in this area.