Test Boost Max Review: Safety, Effectiveness, Pros and Cons

What Is Test Boost Max?

Test Boost Max is a testosterone booster supplement made by a company called Sculpt Nation.

Sculp Nation is a sports nutrition brand that offers several lines of supplements geared towards both men and women, such as proteins, amino acids, greens, and fat burners.

According to the manufacturers, Test Boost Max is “guaranteed to increase your testosterone levels.”

After age 30, men’s testosterone levels begin to gradually decline, which may negatively impact body composition, libido, and energy levels. (1)

One crucial factor that may affect testosterone levels is the level of cortisol in your body.

Cortisol is a hormone increased under stress. Some research has shown that decreased cortisol levels have been associated with higher testosterone levels. (2)

Because of this, many testosterone boosters are designed to bring stress and cortisol levels down.

Test Boost Max contains seven core ingredients said to reduce this decline in testosterone.

The specific claims for this product are that it increases lean muscle, burns body fat, improves libido, and enhances workout recovery. This is attributed to an increase in testosterone.

It isn’t clear from the Sculpt Nation website which health professionals created their products, their level of expertise, and the process used to develop them.

The dosage recommendation is three pills of Test Boost Max per day. The instructions don’t specify the recommended time to take them or if they should be taken with food.

Evaluation of Ingredients

Test Boost Max contains seven core ingredients for its intended purpose:

Tribulus Terrestris, 500 mg

Tribulus terrestris is a small leafy plant commonly added to supplements for its several touted health benefits.

These benefits include promoting large muscle and strength gains as well as boosting testosterone levels.

Some animal studies have shown some promise, but human research is still lacking. There is some evidence that Tribulus terrestris may increase testosterone levels, but only when it was part of a multi-ingredient supplement. (3)

Therefore, it is unknown if the benefits seen were from the Tribulus terrestris or another ingredient present in the supplement. 

Another small 2007 study compared muscle strength and lean body mass of those taking Tribulus terrestris versus placebo. (4)

The participants took 450 mg of Tribulus terrestris for 28 days. The results showed no difference in strength or lean muscle mass between the two groups.

In addition, another 2014 research review concluded there is not enough strong evidence yet to recommend Tribulus terrestris as a safe supplement for athletes. (5)

American Ginseng Root, 20 mg

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is an herb and antioxidant used in traditional Chinese medicine.

It may improve symptoms of low libido related to erectile dysfunction.

Since it acts as an antioxidant, it may specifically reduce damage to blood vessels in the penis, helping to restore normal function.

However, the ginseng dose in Test Boost Max is much lower than what has been seen to produce results, according to a 2014 study. (6)

In this study, a minimum of 50 mg per kilogram of American ginseng was given to produce any effect.

This equates to around 5,000 mg per day for an average man, significantly more than the 20 mg present in Test Boost Max.

Cordyceps Mushroom, 20 mg

Cordyceps mushroom is a type of fungi that grows on the larvae of insects. It has several claimed health benefits, including improving sex drive.

One small 2011 human study was done in which cordyceps mushroom did not have any effect on testosterone levels. (7)

This study used a much higher dose of 2,400 mg per day. For comparison, only 20 mg is present in Test Boost Max. 

A few other studies have been done but mainly in animals. For example, a 2020 study was conducted in rats that showed those taking cordyceps mushrooms experienced an aphrodisiac effect. (8)

The researchers attributed this to increased testosterone levels and improved erectile function. However, what is seen in animal studies is not always seen to be the same in humans.

Ashwagandha Root 4:1 Extract, 600 mg

Ashwagandha is a holistic herb otherwise known as Withania somnifera. It is considered an adaptogen, which is an herb thought to help counteract stress in the body.

Ashwagandha is often used to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol, increase energy and endurance, and support overall health.

Some research has shown that increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol can decrease testosterone levels. (2)

If ashwagandha can help lower cortisol levels, this may potentially help bring testosterone levels up.

One small study found that ashwagandha did help increase testosterone in those taking it. (9)

However, it did not improve energy or sexual performance, so it’s difficult to know if increasing testosterone levels offered any actual benefits. 

Another small 2015 randomized controlled trial found that people taking 300 mg twice per day of ashwagandha saw an increase in muscle mass and strength. (10)

This amount is equal to 600 mg of ashwagandha present in one dose of Test Boost Max.

While these results are positive, larger, long-term studies are needed.

Hawthorn Berry Extract, 40 mg

Hawthorn berry extract is the flowers taken from the hawthorn berry. It has been used as an herbal remedy for digestive and blood pressure issues.

Since it is said to increase blood flow throughout the body, proponents of it speculate that it may also increase blood flow in the penis, supporting healthy erectile function.

There has not been any human research to support its effectiveness in promoting erectile health and testosterone levels. Any information I could find on its benefits was from supplement websites themselves.

Longjack Root, 20 mg

Longjack, otherwise known as Tongkat Ali, is a root native to Asia. It contains antioxidants and has been used to treat erectile dysfunction.

One human study showed it might act as an ergogenic aid, which is an ingredient intended to improve endurance and muscle strength during workouts. (11)

Another 2012 short-term study lasting one month was conducted. This study showed that taking 200 mg of Longjack for one month boosted testosterone levels in older men. (12)

However, the amount of Longjack present in Test Boost Max is a lot less than this.

Epimedium,160 mg

Epimedium, otherwise known as horny goat weed, is touted to increase libido and testosterone levels.

However, this has only been seen so far in animal studies. For example, one 2020 study was done in rats, which showed increased testosterone levels in those given epimediums. (13)

The ingredients in Test Boost Max only have small or animal studies available to support the manufacturer’s claims of increasing libido, muscle, energy, or fat burning.

More research is needed to conclude the effectiveness and optimal dosage of these ingredients.

Side Effects, Safety, and Dosage

The dosage is three pills of Test Boost Max per day. The instructions don’t specify the recommended time to take them or if they should be taken with food.

Testosterone boosters, in general, have been found to increase the risk of liver and kidney abnormalities.  (14)

There are a few potential side effects to note based on specific ingredients in Test Boost Max.

First, Tribulus terrestris has been seen to cause minor stomach cramps and reflux in a small subset of people. (15)

There was also one rare case report of someone who took Tribulus terrestris to prevent kidney stones and ended up developing a seizure. (16)

Second, ginseng may interact with certain medications. It can lower blood pressure, and therefore those on blood pressure medications should proceed with caution. (17)

Taking ginseng at the same time as your blood pressure medications may cause your blood pressure to drop too low.

It may also interact with diabetes or blood-thinning medications like coumadin. (18)

Lastly, Hawthorne berry extract may also interact with medications and has been seen on some occasions to cause dizziness, nausea, and digestive symptoms. (19)

It’s essential to keep in mind that the dosage of most ingredients in Test Boost Max is much lower than what has been generally deemed safe or effective. So even though there is always a risk of side effects, the overall risk may be lower because of this.

Always consult with your medical doctor before starting this supplement, especially if you take any other medications.

Cost and Where to Buy

The cost for Test Boost Max is $41 per month for a single bottle. However, if you purchase six months or more of the product, the monthly price goes down to $32.50.

The price of Test Boost Max is within the upper range of other similar products on the market.

You can purchase it directly from Sculpt Nation or Amazon at a similar price.

If you choose to buy, I suggest purchasing directly from the website as they offer a lifetime 100% money-back guarantee.

How Test Boost Max Compares to Alternatives

Test Boost Max is at a higher price point compared to some alternatives. It does contain a lot of ingredients, but more ingredients are not necessarily better.

Most testosterone boosters contain a blend of different ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, and ashwagandha. 

Other products most similar to Test Boost Max are TestoGen, TestoFuel, and Ageless Male Max. 

The central claims for these products are to naturally boost testosterone, increase physical strength and stamina, energy, and improve body composition.

While the claims are similar, the ingredients vary. Some common ingredients among these products are ginseng and ashwagandha, while others contain different vitamins and minerals like magnesium.

Out of all of these products, Ageless Male Max’s ingredients have the strongest evidence to back its claims, such as ashwagandha and vitamins such as niacin and other B-vitamins.

Ageless Male Max is also the most similar in price to Test Boost Max, while TestoFuel is significantly more expensive.

However, Ageless Male Max contains a proprietary blend of ingredients, so it’s more challenging to determine the dose of each ingredient.

Frequently Asked Questions About Test Boost Max

The Bottom Line

All in all, research shows that most testosterone boosters are not effective and may come with side effects. Because of this, I would not recommend it as the first line of treatment.

I am particularly concerned with the lack of research on Test Boost Max and its ingredients and potential side effects.

I, therefore, would not recommend it, especially to someone who has medical issues or is already taking medications.

If you’re struggling with low libido, lack of energy, or low testosterone levels, speak to your doctor about your options.