Examining the Ingredients:
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E. Cottonii:
Eucheuma Cottonii (E. Cottonii) is a polyphenol rich edible seaweed extract that contains vitamins, trace minerals, antioxidants, & amino acids and has been shown to have potent anti-estrogen properties.
E. Cottonii has been shown to act as a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) and simultaneously reduce estrogen production.
E. Cottonii is thought to act as an estrogen receptor antagonist and exert its mechanism of action through blocking the estrogen receptor at the hypothalamus, thereby modulating the sensing of serum estrogen levels, resulting in the feedback loop being initiated to regulate levels and promote gonadotropin release and increased testosterone production.
E. Cottonii has also been noted to downregulate endogenous estrogen biosynthesis, which may result in reduced serum levels of estrogens and help ensure levels do not elevate too significantly.
E. Cottonii has such incredible potential as a natural SERM that there have been animal studies comparing it head-to-head with pharma ones with positive outcomes.
In addition to its estrogen modulating benefits, E. Cottonii also possesses a variety of other potential benefits including supporting cardiovascular health, GI health, and possessing anti-inflammatory properties that may support reduced inflammation in muscles, joints, and the kidneys. It has also been shown to display hepatoprotective properties when the liver was under stress, resulting in reduced levels of enzymes indicative of liver stress, while also supporting cellular membrane integrity.
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Horny Goat Weed (as HG20X™) std. to 20% Icariin:
Icariin is derived from Horny Goat Weed. There are numerous standardizations available, but for the purpose of inclusion in PCT Assist, we selected the ultra-potent 20% extract.
Icariin supports an increase in natural testosterone levels and libido/sex drive, and also has been shown to support improved erection quality by counteracting the protein phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme that interferes with blood flow to the penis.
The importance of standardization:
As with many herbs, it’s not the herb itself that provides the benefits, but the active constituent that the herb is standardized for.
The active constituent of Horny Goat Weed that provides the benefits is Icariin.
It is very important to distinguish between Icariin and Icariins, as the (s) at the end makes all the difference. You want Icariin without the (s) at the end, as it is Icariin that provides the benefits whereas Icariins do not.
Unfortunately, many Horny Goat Weed products on the market are not standardized at all or are standardized for Icariins, as that is a lot cheaper than being standardized for Icariin. This allows for brands to significantly cut product costs, but is deceptive towards consumers, as most consumers don’t know the difference and what they should be looking for.
At Competitive Edge Labs, it’s important to us that our products provide what customers want most – results!
That’s why we use HG20X™, a Horny Goat Weed standardized for a minimum 20% Icariin.
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Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C):
Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is a naturally occurring phytochemical found such vegetables as broccoli and cabbage. It is included in PCT Assist due to its effect on modulating estrogen metabolism. I3C is thought to help increase beneficial estrogen metabolites while decreasing the ‘bad’ estrone metabolites.
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Mucuna Pruriens (as OptiDopa™):
Mucuna Pruriens is an adaptogenic herb that helps increase LH (Luteinizing hormone) which can lead to increases in testosterone production and release. It can also significantly help elevate levels of growth hormone (GH) in the body, and lower prolactin levels by increasing dopamine neurotransmitter synthesis.
Natural Testosterone, Libido, & Sexual Health:
Mucuna Pruriens is commonly used to support increases in natural growth hormone and natural testosterone levels and for enhanced libido and improved refractory period.
Mucuna Pruriens has long been used as a libido booster, but it wasn’t until within the last 15 years that researchers uncovered just how this amazing herb exerts its effects. Researchers found that men taking Mucuna Pruriens experienced increases in testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH), which can produce a favorable hormonal environment for bodybuilding, sex life, and overall sense of well-being.
Mucuna Pruriens is also commonly usd to help reduce the refractory period associated with sexual activity. The refractory period is the ‘recovery time’ after an orgasm before a person can achieve arousal again.
Prolactin:
Mucuna Pruriens is a plant known for its high concentrations of levodopa (L-Dopa), the precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Unlike dopamine, L-Dopa penetrates the blood brain barrier where it exerts its positive effects on hormones, especially prolactin. L-Dopa has been shown to significantly inhibit prolactin release from the anterior pituitary, meaning that supplementation with Mucuna Pruriens may help combat many of the negative issues associated with high prolactin levels.
Growth Hormone Levels:
Mucuna Pruriens, also known as Velvet Bean, is an adaptogenic herb that supports an increase in levels of growth hormone (GH) production and circulating levels of GH in the body.
Positive Mood & Improved Sense of Well-Being:
Mucuna Pruriens contains levodopa (L-Dopa), which is an essential precursor for the neurotransmitter dopamine, which contributes to brain and nervous system health. Dopamine plays an important role in behavior, cognition, sleep, mood, working memory, and learning.
Mucuna Pruriens is commonly used to help support positive mood, improved sense of well-being, and healthy stress management.
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Abieta-8,11,13-trien-18-oic acid:
Abieta-8,11,13-trien-18-oic acid is commonly known as Dehydroabietic Acid (DHAA). Studies suggest that this powerful ingredient has an anti-estrogen effect. It also boosts the production of adiponectin, a protein hormone that helps support weight loss. Lowered levels of adiponectin have been shown to correlate with obesity and therefore this ingredient may help enhance body-composition while also helping decrease estrogen.
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Bioperine:
Bioperine® is a standardized extract from the fruit of Piper nigrum L (Black Pepper) containing 95% piperine. Piperine has been shown to enhance the oral bioavailability of many ingredients.
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Stacking & Synergy:
PCT Assist can be stacked with M-Test, Cycle Assist, Anabolic Effect, Cloma-Plex, Epi-Plex, Api-Plex, Super Swole, or a variety of other CEL products for even more hardcore results.
