Update 1/19/20. Androzene, is a male enhancement supplement you may have seen on TV touted to be “guaranteed to crank up your sex drive by giving you faster, bigger, harder erections.” Powerful words, but does it really work? And, if it does work, what are the ingredients in this supplement that might be responsible for its effects? After watching the TV infomercial I was intrigued enough to want to review Androzene. I admit the supplement did not contain what I thought it would. I also uncovered things that people might be interested in should they choose to try Androzene. See the review of Prolongz Nugenix and Ageless Male for more insights.
Androzene Research
I searched the Androzene website (TryAndrozene.com) for proof the product worked but I saw no published, clinical studies on Androzene itself. This says to me that Androzene ―itself ―appears to have no published peer-reviewed proof that it works.
Androzene Ingredients
According to the product's website (TryAdrozene.com) a bottle of Androzene has 90 capsules. A serving size is 3 capsules and contains these ingredients:
| Amount | % DV | |
| Niacin | 33 mg | 165 % |
| Calcium | 420 mg | 42% |
| Zinc sulfate | 60 mg | 400% |
| Androzene Propriety Blend | 360mg | N/A |
| Guarana seed extract 22% caffeine | ? | |
| Yohimbine | 15 mg | |
| Taurine | ? | |
| Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa extract (lichen) | ? | |
| Eleuthero root extract (aria parts) | ? | |
| Nettle root extract | ? | |
| Saw palmetto berry extract (4:1) | ? | |
| Tribulis terrestris (arial parts) | ? |
NA=not applicable
%DV = percent daily value
? = unknown amount
Some of these ingredients are quite different from previous male performance supplements I've looked such as
That said, I believe I know what the active ingredient in Androzene is but, as a double-check, let's look at the relevant research on each of the ingredients separately.
Niacin
Niacin is a vasodilator (it expands blood vessels) and is the reason why people often feel flushed after taking niacin supplements. it does this because it raises nitric oxide. As a vasodilator, in theory, it makes sense ―at least on the surface ―why this vitamin would be in an erection supplement.
In other words, if it helped open up blood vessels “downstairs” then it might help erections. With this in mind, I searched the National Library of Medicine for :
- “niacin erectile dysfunction”
and located a 12 week study published in 2011 where researchers noted 1500 mg per day of niacin improved erections in men with high cholesterol levels and moderate to severe erectile dysfunction (ED).
Oddly, researchers also said niacin had no effect in men with mild to moderate ED. This is weird because, I'd think if niacin improved moderate ED, that it should also help milder cases. But it didn’t. I think this may be a problem with the study.
Whether niacin helped or not is irrelevant because this study used 1500 mg of niacin. Androzene contains only 33 mg. Niacin can be a tricky vitamin because high doses can be damage the liver so I can appreciate why Androzene doesn’t contain much niacin. The RDA for niacin is 16 mg per day for adult men.
I think men should speak to their doctor before using high-dose niacin supplements.
Calcium
I searched the National Library of Medicine for:
- Calcium erectile dysfunction
- Calcium erections
I saw no studies directly linking dietary calcium to improved erections.
There is some research on calcium helping blood pressure and maybe helping reduce cholesterol levels a little bit. Since these factors can play a role in erectile dysfunction, is it possible this is the reason Androzene contains calcium? I'm not sure.
Zinc
I searched the national library of medicine for:
- Zinc erections
- Zinc erectile dysfunction
While I found no human studies appear to have looked at zinc and erections, there is some evidence zinc may play a role in helping testosterone levels in men who have “low T”.
For example, in this review of studies, oral zinc was shown to raise testosterone in men with ED. This does not necessarily mean zinc supplements raise testosterone in men who have normal testosterone levels.
Looking back further in the research we find this 1996 study showing zinc raised testosterone in older, zinc-deficient men. Interestingly, too much zinc appears to reduce the swimming ability of sperm. Deficiency in zinc is rare in the US with the RDA being only 13 mg per day. Androzene provides 60 mg of zinc.
Guarana
The guarana seed extract in Androzene is 22% caffeine. I searched the National Library for :
- Guarana erections
I located a rat study noting that caffeine improved erections in diabetic rats. I'm not aware of any human research on caffeine helping erections.
Yohimbine
Yohimbine is a chemical in the herb, Yohimbe. Its scientific name is Pausinystalia Yohimbe. If you look closely at the Androzene label, you'll see 3 capsules of Androzene provide 15 mg of yohimbine. Yohimbine is the only ingredient in the Androzene proprietary blend to have an actual amount listed next to it.
I believe yohimbine is the main active ingredient in Androzene. Here's why. Searching the National Library of Medicine for:
- Yohimbine erectile dysfunction
- Yohimbe erectile dysfunction
I found several studies, noting Yohimbe might help erections in men with erectile dysfunction. For example:
In a 2002 study, 18 men, age 60 years of age were given between 16.2 and 32.4 mg of Yohimbe per day for 4-6 weeks. After the study, men who received Yohimbe reported better erections. Yohimbe had no effect on testosterone levels. No side effects were reported in this small study. This study had no placebo group -that's a big problem with this study.
A 1996 review of research noted while some of the research had issues with how it was conducted, Yohimbe appeared better than placebo at improving erections.
In a 1998 review of the clincal trials researchers found while Yohimbe appeared to improve erections, the risk appeared to outweigh the benefits (see the side effects section below).
In a 2011 review of research titled Erectile Dysfunction, researchers noted Yohimbe appeared more effective than a placebo, they also stated the quality of the evidence was weak. In other words, many of the studies had problems with the way they were conducted. Also, not all studies find Yohimbe works.
In this 1997 study, researchers noted Yohimbe (36 mg/day) was no better than a placebo at helping ED.
That said, if we leave out the issue of problems with the way many of the studies were conducted, there appears to be more evidence for Yohimbe than any other ingredient in Androzene. That's not saying much since the evidence is far from perfect, but it's still more studies overall than the other ingredients in Androzene.
This is why I feel it’s the active ingredient. However, I don't recommend yohimbine. See the side effects section below for my reasons.
Taurine
I searched the National Library of Medicine for :
- Taurine erections
- Taurine testosterone
One study has noted taurine increased both nitric oxide and testosterone in older rats.
The research on taurine and erections/testosterone is interesting but most tested it in lab rats not people.
Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa
I searched the National Library of Medicine for:
- Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa testosterone
- Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa erections
I found no published studies of this ingredient and erections.
In a write-up from 2004 appearing on the website NewHope360, Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa is not safe. It contains compounds that can be toxic to cells. This article from WebMd.com also mentions this possibility. When I searched for more info on this issue, it appears much of the concern about Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa stems from this 2003 study noting its toxic effects on cells.
There are online rumors Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa might be an inhibitor of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase (PDE). This is the type of enzyme that is inhibited by Viagra and other similar drugs. This might be the reason Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa is in Androzene.
So, I searched the National Library of Medicine for :
- Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa phosphodiesterase
- Lichen phosphodiesterase
No relevant studies showed up.
Granted, there are many types of PDE such as PDE 5, PDE 6 and so on, but since I can find no human research for Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa improving erections ― and given the unknowns surrounding its potential toxic side effects ― I wonder why it is in this supplement?
Eleuthero Root
This is another name for Siberian Ginseng. It's scientific name is Eleutherococcus senticosus. I was unable to find any research Siberian ginseng helps erections in men. Siberian ginseng sometimes shows up in exercise supplements but the evidence it helps is mixed. For example,
In this small study, Siberian ginseng was noted to improve exercise ability, but the researchers used 800 mg of the herb. That's a lot more than is in Androzene.
Conversely, in this 2005 study, Siberian ginseng did not help exercise even when it was used at 1000-1200 mg per day. Again, this is a lot more than is in Androzene.
Since sex is a form of physical activity, this may be why the herb is in Androzene. But because of the discrepancies with Siberian ginseng, I'm not sure if it adds anything to the product.
Nettle Root
The scientific name is Urtica dioica and it's also sometimes called stinging nettle root. No clinical studies related to this herb improving sex could be located. In a 2005 study, 6 months of stinging nettle root did not raise testosterone levels (or PSA levels) in men with enlarged prostates.
I have seen nettle root in other supplements marketed to men with enlarged prostates. For more on nettle root, see the review of Prosvent, a prostate supplement.
Saw Palmetto
The scientific name Serenoa repens. This is another herb I often see in supplements for the prostate. Interestingly, I did find this 2013 study noting saw palmetto improved erections in rabbits and rats by inhibiting the enzyme PDE 5 (this is the enzyme Viagra inhibits too).
Could this be why the herb is in Androzene? Maybe, but I saw no studies in humans showing saw palmetto helps erections in men.
For more info see the reviews on saw palmetto, Ageless Male and Prosvent.
Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus has, for a long time, been touted as a testosterone booster, despite any good proof it really works. Since Tribulus is the last ingredient listed, I don’t think Androzene has much of it. For more info, see my review of Tribulus Terrestris and testosterone research.
I cover Tribulus in my book too.
Ingredients With Evidence
Of all the ingredients in Androzene, I believe yohimbine is the only ingredient in the product with relevant human research regarding the improvement of erections.
This is not to say yohimbine (Yohimbe) is a slam dunk because not all the research shows it works.
While I do not recommend Yohimbe because of side effects, it can be purchased for less money than Androzene
Who Makes Androzene?
I believe the company is called Blue Vase Marketing. Here's why. Previously, the Androzene website mentioned a company called Health Club Diet LLC. Now, however, the Terms and Conditions page of TryAndrozne.com lists another company called Nature Refined LLC.
Nature Refined is also mentioned on the website for another company called Arthri-D, an arthritis supplement.
The address listed for Androzene is 100 Cummings Center Suite 354B Beverly, MA 01915. This is the same as Blue Vase Marketing. If you watched the Androzene TV infomercial, you saw Michael Alden as the main interview person. Mr. Alden is the CEO of Blue Vase Marketing.
His personal website is Michael-Alden.com. He's an attorney and he's also known as Mike Sciucco. As he discusses in this Mixergy interview, when he decided to do TV, he changed his name to Alden because it was easier to pronounce.
The bottles of Androzne display another name – CloiXonné . This appears to be another business name for Blue Vase Marketing. The website was registered by Michael Alden (Michael Sciucco) of Blue Vase.
The Better Business Bureau gives Androzene a rating of A+ when this review was updated. The BBB list another address for Androzene: 54 W Dane St Ste M1, Beverly, MA 01915. See the BBB file for more information and updates on the rating.
Androzene vs. AndroPhase
The Androzene website has a page called AndroPhase. AndroPhase sounds like Andropause also known as “male menopause.” AndroPhase is a supplement said to “optimize natural testosterone. AndroPhase has different ingredients than Androzene. Here are their ingredients side-by-side:
| Androzene 3 tablets | AndroPause 1 tablet |
| Niacin 33 mg | Vitamin C 50 mg |
| Calcium 420 mg | Vitamin D2 200 IU |
| Zinc 60 mg | Niacin 5 mg |
| Guarana | Vitamin B6 5 mg |
| Yohimbine 15 mg | Vitamin B12 5 mcg |
| Taurine | Zinc 5 mg |
| Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa | Selenium 35 mcg |
| Eleuthero Root | Testofen 300 mg |
| Nettle Root | |
| Saw Palmetto | |
| Tribulus Terrestris |
The key ingredient in Andropause is likely Testofen. Testofen is an extract of the herb fenugreek. This ingredient is popular and may be found in many sports/aphrodisiac supplements like Nugenix
See the Testofen Review
Who Is John Abdo
John Abdo is the fitness expert interviewed during the Androzene TV infomercial. His website is JohnAbdo.com. Mr. Abdo is the owner of the trademark for Androzene. His website also lists that he has been involved with several fitness products such as the Ab-DOer and the author of several books too.
Who Is Dr J.J. Meier D.D
Dr. Meier is also featured in the Androzene TV infomercial. She is listed as the cofounder of the Stragen Group (strategengroup.com) which helps businesses in the fields of entertainment, personal care, health and nutrition. The strategengroup.com website also noted the company has a division that “develops and represents lines for DRTV” (Direct Response Television Marketing), which, to me, sounds somewhat similar to that of Blue Vase Marketing (see “who makes Androzene” above).
The Strategengroup.com website notes Dr. Meier has a Doctorate in Holistic Theology and is the author of the book God in the Mirror: Reflections on the Physiology of Faith.
How Much Does It Cost?
This review was originally created the product website listed 1 bottle of Androzene was 124.99 (plus $9.99 shipping /handling). Now, the price is not listed. People have to call 800-704-4055. When I called this number I was told each bottle costs $59.99.
How To Return Androzene?
According to the Terms page of TryAndrozene.com, I noticed if people buy Androzene from the product website, they have a 30 day money-back guarantee if a 30 day supply is purchased and a 90 day guarantee if a 90 day supply of Androzene is purchased. The guarantee starts on the day Androzene is delivered (that’s also good).
People can return both open and unopened bottles. Even empty bottles can be returned for a refund (that's really good).
To return Androzene people have to call customer service (800 704-4055 ) and obtain a Return Authorization Number (RA number). The RA number should be written on the outside of the package. Returns must also include a copy of the sales invoice and a reason why Androzene is being returned. All returns have a $10 restocking fee. Those returning products must also pay shipping and handling charges.
The Autoship Program
Purchasing Androzene via the Androzene website may enroll people in an auto-ship program (they call it a Monthly Replenishment Program) where Androzene would be shipped to people automatically at regular intervals. To cancel the auto-ship program, call (800) 895-5939. When I checked the supplement website, I noticed the auto-ship button was already checked. Take note of that if you order via the website and don't want to be enrolled in this program.
Androzene Side Effects
On the FAQ page of TryAndrozene.com they say ” Androzene is all-natural and there have been no reports of any side effects.” While this is encouraging, just because no side effects have been reported do not mean none exists. While I believe Androzene is probably safe in healthy people, what follows is a shortlist of things to consider based on some of its ingredients.
This list is not complete:
- Start with less than recommended for the first week to see if you have any side effects
- Stop taking Androzene at least 2 weeks before surgery
- Speak to a doctor/pharmacist/dietitian if you take any prescription medications
- This supplement is not intended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Yohimbe can raise blood pressure and heart rate. People with ANY medical issues need to see their doctor before taking yohimbe.
Just a short list of health problems which may be made worse by yohimbe include;
| Heart disease | Schizophrenia | Prostate problems |
| High blood pressure | depression | Anxiety /stress issues |
| Kidney problems | Liver problems | Chest pain |
Men need to understand that erection problems are not just about testosterone levels. Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of heart disease too. I don’t think this message gets out to men as much as it should. As such, using a product like yohimbe may be a problem for some men.
Even “healthy people” who take too much yohimbe may experience problems. For example, ingestion of 5 grams of yohimbie was associated with neurotoxicity in a 37 year old bodybuilder who took 5 grams of yohimbe. This is much more than is in Androzene.
A 1993 case report indicated an association between yohimbie and skin problems, kidney failure and a lupus -like syndrome in a 42 year old man. This is likely an isolated case.
In a 2009 case report, a yohimbe supplement was associated with an erection lasting 20 hours that required surgery to correct. This is the side effect (erections lasting longer than 5 hours) is often mentioned during most TV commercials for drugs like Viagra. This effect of yohimbie is likely an isolated case and not likely in most people.
While some might look at this case report and think “wow yohimbe really works!”, I wonder was it was yohimbe or something else in the supplement which caused this reaction? For more info, see the review on male enhancement supplements that contain Viagra.
Some evidence hints Siberian ginseng might affect various enzymes involved with how medications are metabolized in the body. This might make medications more powerful or less powerful, either of which might cause problems.
The write-ups on Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa possibly being not safe for healthy cells is troubling. For more information see:
Does Androzene Work?
I believe, because the product contains yohimbine, Androzene might work for some men. Yohimbe has more human evidence than any other ingredient in Androzene. That said, my opinion is Androzene is basically an expensive Yohimbe supplement. Of course, it's possible the combination of ingredients in Androzene might make it more powerful or work better than Yohimbe alone, but this would take clinical studies to know for sure. Remember, erection problems are not just about testosterone levels. It could be a sign of heart disease.