Theobromine - Theobromine is an alkaloid found naturally in cocoa. It is known to be a very weak diuretic and also a stimulant. There are studies that suggest it may increase mood and concentration, but these effects are far from proven. Studies into its effect on testosterone production are even more ambiguous. Thus far, the only studies conducted into theobromine’s effect on testosterone production have been done on rats.
In some ways, rats are good stand-ins for human subjects as many of the organs function fairly similarly, but there is absolutely no guarantee that something found effective on rats will transfer to humans. In the case of theobromine, even the impact of rats is uncertain at this point.
One study found that plasma testosterone levels increased significantly in rats given theobromine BUT only in comparison to the group fed caffeine, and caffeine is not considered an effective testosterone booster [1]. Another study showed the ability of a cocoa and theobromine mix to alter the testis in rats leading to abnormally shaped spermatids, which doesn’t sound desirable, and made no mention of testosterone production being increased [2].
Cacao - Other than the studies mentioned above that focused on a mix of cocoa (roasted cacao beans) and theobromine, there is little evidence that cacao is related to testosterone production. The only link is that cacao contains magnesium and flavonoid antioxidants, both of which can help to stimulate testosterone production.
However, given that the amount of cacao in this proprietary blend is going to be pretty low and that magnesium is supplied in tiny amounts in cacao extract, this ingredient isn’t likely to do much. It would have been more sensible (and cost-effective) to include a simple magnesium supplement, properly dosed, to remedy any deficiency customers might have.
Luteolin (275mg) - Luteolin is the one quality ingredient in Life Extension’s Testosterone Elite supplement. It is the only one with studies supporting its effectiveness as a testosterone booster on human subjects. Luteolin is a type of flavonoid that is recognised as being anti-oxidative, anti-tumour, and anti-inflammatory [3]. Luteolin may also help to prevent cancer [4].
When it comes to testosterone, luteolin is responsible for breaking down certain compounds in the body and turning them into a precursor hormone for the production of testosterone. Studies have shown that taking luteolin supplements increases the amount of the precursor hormone available and makes the production of testosterone higher. Luteolin is also thought to block the production of oestrogen, encouraging a more healthy hormone balance in men. At just under 300mg, this is probably an effective dose of luteolin
1. Friedman, L., et. al. (1979) Testicular atrophy and impaired spermatogenesis in rats fed high levels of the methylxanthines caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/422930/
2. Wang, Y., et. al. (1992) Reproductive toxicity of theobromine and cocoa extract in male rats. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0890623892901983
3. Luo, Y., et. al. (2017) Luteolin: A Flavonoid that Has Multiple Cardio-Protective Effects and Its Molecular Mechanisms. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5635727/
4. Lin, Y., et. al. (2009) Luteolin, a flavonoid with potentials for cancer prevention and therapy. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2615542/