Axe & Sledge MANPOWER: Turn Back the Clock!

As of writing this article, the PricePlow Blog has covered almost every Axe & Sledge product.

Kick up your intensity with Axe & Sledge Ignition Switch!

One supplement we haven’t covered yet is MANPOWER, Axe & Sledge’s natural testosterone booster.

Axe & Sedge MANPOWER: Boost Testosterone Naturally

Axe & Sledge was founded in 2018 by Patrick Williams, Seth Feroce, Bobby Dautrich, and Mike Rhoten.

Shortly after their initial product launch, the company set out to develop a supplement with a fully transparent formula and efficacious dosages of ingredients that have been shown to support healthy hormone levels.

MANPOWER contains nine ingredients known for their ability to naturally boost testosterone levels, including fenugreek, tribulus, maca, DIM, and laxogenin.

Feel 25 again with the Axe & Sledge MANPOWER!

Here are some key benefits of taking MANPOWER:

• Enhances muscle mass
• Increases power and strength
• Improves endurance and stamina
• Elevates libido, energy levels, and mood

Keep reading to learn more about MANPOWER and sign up for Axe & Sledge news and deal alerts to receive notifications announcing new products, flavors, and sales

MANPOWER Ingredient Analysis

Every bottle of MANPOWER contains a 30-day supply (90 capsules). For optimal results, Axe & Sledge recommends taking three capsules with 6 to 8 ounces of water before your first meal of the day. You can take another dose after 6 to 8 hours, as needed. However, if you’re taking Manpower for the first time, stick with the recommended dose to assess your response.

One serving (three capsules) of MANPOWER contains:

• Tribulus Terrestris Extract (standardized to 40% Saponins)(fruit) – 500mg

  

  A fully transparent label with nothing to hide!

  Tribulus terrestris is an exotic herbal plant that’s been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat male infertility, impotence, low libido, and erectile dysfunction.^[1] Starting in the 1980s, the herb became more popular in the West as a testosterone level booster, to increase the libido, and as an adaptogenic aid^[1] (a plant that helps users overcome physical and mental stressors).

  Tribulus terrestris is rich in several bioactive compounds, primarily steroidal glycosides (saponins) and alkaloids.^[1] As you can see from the product label, Axe & Sledge uses Tribulus terrestris extract standardized to contain at least 40% saponins.

  The evidence supporting Tribulus terrestris as a natural testosterone booster is mixed. Some studies have shown that supplementation with the extract is beneficial in all the ways we listed above, but other studies have seen fewer if any, significant benefits.

  According to one systematic review Tribulus terrestris possesses the following pharmacological properties:

  • Diuretic
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Antiurolithic
  • Immunomodulatory
  • Antidiabetic
  • Absorption-enhancing
  • Hypolipidemic
  • Hepatoprotective
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Analgesic
  • Antispasmodic
  • Anticancer
  • Antibacterial^[2]

• Mucuna Pruriens Extract (L-Dopa)(seeds) – 500mg

  Velvet bean, commonly known as mucuna pruriens extract, is used in nootropics to increase dopamine production. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that contributes to overall well-being, pleasure, reward, and motivation.

  Mucuna pruriens contains L-dopa (levodopa), an amino acid that serves as an effective precursor to dopamine^[3] A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that mucuna pruriens seeds have neuroprotective properties.^[3]

  Also, according to a study from the journal Male Factor, when infertile men supplemented with mucuna pruriens they experienced increased levels of serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone, dopamine, and adrenaline, noradrenaline.^[4] Dopamine plays an important role in regulating male sexual behavior and function. When dopamine levels go up, it can lead to an increase in libido.

• Fenugreek Extract (80% Glycosides)(as Testosurge) – 300mg

  Testosurge is a proprietary fenugreek extract developed by CPC Nutrition. It’s standardized to contain at least 80% steroidal glycosides. By using a patented extraction technique and novel standardization process, Indus Biotech was able to isolate a group of bioactive steroidal glycosides and use them to create Testosurge.^[5] To this day, no other ingredient developer has been able to replicate CPC Nutrition’s innovative manufacturing process.

  

  Refuel after an intense workout with Axe & Sledge Farm Fed.

  Through the activation of multiple physiological pathways, Testosurge increases both total and biologically-active (free and albumin-bound) testosterone levels.^[5,6] Testosurge is unique in its ability to inhibit testosterone breakdown, s So not only does it boost hormone levels, but it also keeps them elevated longer.^[5,6]

  There’s a reduced risk of unwanted side effects with Testosurge because it prevents testosterone from converting into estrogen and DHT (dihydrotestosterone),.^[5,6] The primary way Testosurge carries out its effects is by binding to sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and serving as both an aromatase and 5 ɑ-reductase antagonist.^[5-7]

  This isn’t the first time we’ve covered fenugreek on PricePlow, but it’s the first time we’re writing about this particular trademarked form. Fenugreek is one of the most common ingredients in natural testosterone boosters. Various studies have shown that supplementing with fenugreek results in enhanced strength, better body composition, increased levels of free and total testosterone, improved libido, and greater anabolism.^[7] Other studies have shown that fenugreek improves insulin sensitivity, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.^[7]

• Safed Musli Extract (standardized to 50% Saponins) (Chlorophytum Borivilianum)(roots) – 250mg

  Chlorophytum borivilianum, commonly known as safed musli extract, is similar to tribulus in that it contains high concentrations of saponins. Safed musli is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogenic agent, to improve men’s health, and to alleviate sexual disorders.^[8,9]

  Research shows that safed musli positively affects male sexual health by enhancing semen volume and count and boosting testosterone levels.^[8] Interestingly enough, in some countries, (India, for one) safed musli is known as an herbal alternative to Viagra, but without the side effects.^[9] It also expresses aphrodisiac, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-stress activities.^[8,9]

  Safed musli’s benefits are attributed mainly to its rich source of phytochemicals — saponins in particular.^[9] Because Axe & Sledge prints on the label the standardization of the extract they use, customers know they’re getting 50% or more saponins from safed musli extract.

• Longjack Extract (Eurycoma Longifolia)(root) – 150mg

  Longjack extract, also known as Eurycoma longifolia root or tongkat ali, is a popular medicinal plant that’s known for its wide array of health benefits.

  

  MANPOWER is a natural testosterone booster two trademarked ingredients.

  Longjack extract contains a host of phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds, quassinoids, tannins, triterpenes, and alkaloids.^[10] These bioactive constituents are the reason why longjack extract has aphrodisiac, anticancer, anticoagulant, antioxidative, antibacterial, anxiolytic, and antiulcer properties.^[10]

  What longjack is most known for is its ability to activate the production of androgenic hormones — most notably, testosterone. Therefore, it’s been used as a natural alternative to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and to treat osteoporosis in males who are androgen-deficient.^[10]

  A few studies have shown that longjack supplementation is effective at boosting testosterone levels, though researchers have been unable to identify with certainty its^[10] mechanism of action. So further research of the extract is warranted. A pilot study has even shown that supplementing with 100 milligrams of longjack for five weeks increases fat-free mass, muscle size, and strength.^[10]

  A systematic review published in the journal Pharmacognosy Review found a sufficient amount of evidence to support using longjack extract as an ergogenic aid ^[11] to enhance sports performance.

• Maca Powder (Lepidium Meyenii)(root) – 150mg

  Maca, also known as Lepidium meyenii, is a root primarily found in the Andes Mountains of Peru and thrives in cold and hard conditions. Farmers discovered maca hundreds of years ago and they quickly realized its potent health benefits. Numerous studies have found that maca increases male fertility, libido, mood, and cognition.^[12-16] At least two human clinical trials found that in both fertile and infertile males, the extract enhances sperm quality, movement, and concentration.^[14,15]

  In regards to performance, a preclinical study has shown that maca increases endurance, improves mitochondrial efficiency, and decreases lactate levels.^[17]

  

  The Grind is Axe & Sledge’s premium intra-workout formula.

  In a study presented at the 15th International Society of Sports Nutrition Conference in 2018, researchers assigned 28 rats to one of four groups:

  • Control
  • Exercise only
  • Exercise plus maca
  • Maca only^[17]

  The rats who exercised and took maca saw significant improvements in time to exhaustion. They also experienced lower levels of oxidative stress and lactate, which may indicate less muscle damage.^[17] The researchers concluded that maca has the potential to be a potent ergogenic aid.

  Now you may be wondering if maca has similar effects on humans? Another study, this one published in the Journal of Exercise and Nutrition, found the extract has similar performance-enhancing effects in males. Health and human performance researchers from Nova Southeastern University found that daily maca supplementation can improve strength, libido, and fatigue — and in male volunteers, the improvements were significant.^[18]

• 3,3′ Diindolylmethane (DIM) – 100mg

  3,3′ diindolylmethane (DIM) has gotten more popular within the sports industry since it helps balance hormone levels in males and females. This ingredient has the unique ability to decrease elevated estrogen levels. So DIM is commonly used in male and female health supplements.

  Axe & Sledge added DIM to MANPOWER to help maximize testosterone levels because a portion of testosterone gets converted to estrogen by the enzyme aromatase. Moreover, testosterone can also be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the enzyme 5ɑ-reductase, which can lead to unwanted side effects, such as hair loss. Researchers found that DIM can inhibit aromatase and 5ɑ-reductase.^[19] Therefore, adding an efficacious dose of DIM can help to negate these potential issues.

  Research also has shown that DIM promotes the production of estradiol 2-hydroxylase (EH), known as “good estrogen,” while decreasing the production of 16-alpha-hydroxy estrone, known as “bad estrogen.”^[20] The result is a more favorable ratio of good-to-bad estrogen. Although men have lower levels of estrogen, it’s still an important hormone for optimal health. The goal should never be to completely eliminate estrogen, just ensure that estrogen levels don’t get too high. Abnormally high levels of estrogen in males can cause gynecomastia, infertility, and erectile dysfunction (ED).

• 5a-Hydroxy Laxogenin (from Smilax Officinalis Extract)(root) – 50mg

  Axe & Sledge uses Smilax officinalis root extract as a source of 5alpha-hydroxy laxogenin, a natural steroidal compound found in green plants. For years, laxogenin has been sold and marketed by the sports nutrition industry as a natural anabolic supplement. The compound is classified as a sapogenin, which is a sterol constituent of the non-sugar portion of a saponin that’s primarily isolated from Smilax officinalis root.

  

  Learn more about Laxogenin on the PricePlow Blog!

  Some research suggests that laxogenin possesses anabolic activities without as many negative side effects.^[21] In other words, it increases testosterone levels, muscle mass, and strength, without causing acne, aggression, or hair loss.

  It’s often compared to Anavar (oxandrolone), a synthetic steroid that increases free testosterone by decreasing sex-hormone-binding globulin hormone levels.^[22] Moreover, oxandrolone has been shown to enhance lipolysis by binding to androgen receptors, decreasing thyroid-binding globulin, and increasing utilization of triiodothyronine (T3).^[23]

  We should point out that laxogenin, which is a plant-sterol, is not the same as the synthetically-produced oxandrolone More research is needed to determine laxogenin’s potential as a natural anabolic substance and its mechanism of action.

  If you want to learn more about laxogenin, check out this in-depth blog post: Laxogenin: Can a Plant Sterol Safely Boost Strength?

• Black Pepper Extract (Piper Nigrum)(fruit)(as BioPerine) – 10mg

  Axe & Sledge uses 10 milligrams of BioPerine, a black pepper fruit extract that’s standardized to contain at least 95% piperine, to ensure that you’re getting the most out of MANPOWER. BioPerine is found in a wide range of sports nutrition supplements since it enhances the bioavailability and absorption of nutrients. BioPerine is a patented ingredient developed by Sabinsa Corp. It can be found in several Axe & Sledge supplements, such as Elbow Grease and GDA+.

  

  Bioperine is the trusted, trademarked form of black pepper extract that promises 95% or greater piperine, the part of black pepper with all the activity!

  BioPerine has been shown to increase the uptake of:

  • Herbal extracts
  • Water and fat-soluble vitamins
  • Amino acids
  • Antioxidants
  • Minerals

  More research is needed to determine BioPerine’s primary mechanism of action. However, it seems to carry out its effects by increasing blood supply to the gut, enhancing emulsifying content in the gastrointestinal tract, and boosting active nutrient transport. For one reason or another, some dietary supplements are not absorbed well in the small intestine and, as a result, can’t express their full potential. Axe & Sledge combats this issue with an efficacious dose of BioPerine.

A Test Booster for the Hardest Workers in the Gym

It’s inevitable that at some point a man’s testosterone levels will begin to slowly decline. It’s a natural process that occurs with aging.

Turn back the clock with MANPOWER!

A decrease in testosterone production can lead to:

• Chronic fatigue
• Loss of strength, endurance, and power
• Decreased libido
• Reduced motivation
• Lower quality of life

Testosterone levels typically start to decline after the age of 30 for most males. Going on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is one way to increase testosterone levels. However, TRT is quite different from a testosterone booster. Instead of increasing the natural production of testosterone, TRT simply provides the body with synthetic testosterone. Although TRT has several benefits, it also has some downsides, such as decreasing the natural production of testosterone. Therefore, when someone starts TRT, it might be something that you have to do forever since your own systems aren’t working as they used to.

Fortunately, for anyone looking to increase testosterone production naturally, there are some supplements and lifestyle changes that can be tremendously helpful. For example, exercising regularly, eating nutrient-dense foods, keeping body fat levels in a healthy range, minimizing stress, and sleeping 6 to 8 hours per night, are all things that support testosterone production.

Once lifestyle factors are in check, then adding in a supplement like Axe & Sledge’s MANPOWER might be the next step in the right direction. Natural testosterone boosters don’t contain exogenous forms of testosterone— they simply help the body produce testosterone more efficiently. As always, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before taking new supplements to ensure that there are no contraindications.

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