{"id":306,"date":"2008-05-12T01:16:59","date_gmt":"2008-05-12T01:16:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bodybuilding.ultimatefatburner.com\/?p=306"},"modified":"2015-12-03T11:12:34","modified_gmt":"2015-12-03T16:12:34","slug":"fizogen-off-cycle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefatburner.com\/bodybuilding\/fizogen-off-cycle.html","title":{"rendered":"Fizogen OFF CYCLE Testosterone Support Formula Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

“The most effective non-hormonal bodybuilding supplement product ever developed. OFF CYCLE is a powerful non-androgenic blend of highly concentrated, premium quality ingredients designed for high bioavailability. This balanced ergogenic formulation is engineered as a muscle building agent to be used during the body’s recovery period after a cycle of androgens.”<\/em><\/p>\n

So sayeth Fizogen, in its ad for OFF-CYCLE<\/strong>. OFF CYCLE is intended to be used in conjunction with ON-CYCLE<\/a> as part of a “Continuous Cycle<\/a>” program. According to Fizogen’s recommendations, users should switch between products every 30 days for optimal results. Supposedly, the Continuous Cycle was designed to provide continuous muscle growth for Fizogen’s customers.<\/p>\n

ON CYCLE is a blend consisting of a number of herbal extracts and nutraceuticals. Not surprisingly, OFF CYCLE is similarly designed\u2014right down to the interestingly-named proprietary blends.<\/p>\n

90 Capsules
\nSupplement Facts
\nServing Size 3 Capsules
\nServings Per Container 30<\/p>\n

Amount Per Serving<\/p>\n

TRIB-4-CS (High Grade Pro-Testosterone Fusion) 1425mg
\nPremium Tribulus Terrestris Extract, Cissus Quadrangularis, 5-Methyl-7-Hydroxyisoflavone Ethyl Carbonate Ester
\nMagnesium 150mg
\nZinc 10mg
\nVitamin B6 3mg<\/p>\n

INSULOCINE-ALA-DP (Pro-Insulin Blend) 257mg
\nL-Taurine, Hydroxyisoleucine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, (D-Pinitol) Inzitol\u2122<\/p>\n

ECD-RVSVN (Anabolic\/Adaptogenic Complex) 220mg
\nCyanotis Vaga Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Extract<\/p>\n

GH-GPC-DOPA (Hybrid Growth Hormone Secretagogue) 198mg
\nL-Arginine HCL, Mucuna Pruriens Extract, Bacopa Monniera Extract, 5-Hydroxytryptophan, Alpha GPC, Melatonin<\/p>\n

GIDIA (G.I. Digestion Infusion Agent) 35mg
\n(Piperine Extract) Bioperine\u00ae, Lysophosphatidyl Choline<\/p>\n

ML-DTX (Pro-Detox Fusion) 25mg
\nMilk Thistle Extract, Licorice Root Extract<\/p>\n

DBA-BSP (DHT Blocking Agent) 24mg
\nB-Sitosterol, Saw Palmetto, Pygeum Extract<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Let’s take a closer look at each one.<\/p>\n

TRIB-4-CS<\/strong>: Tribulus<\/em><\/a> is also used in ON CYCLE, but\u2014as noted in that review\u2014it has not been shown to increase testosterone levels in humans in Western, peer-reviewed studies. The same is true for Cissus quadrangularis<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Cissus quadrangularis<\/em> is also known as “Veld Grape.” It’s a medicinal plant native to Africa, India, and other parts of Asia. Cissus<\/em> has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments such as bone fractures, ulcers, wounds, indigestion and asthma. Animal studies have shown Cissus<\/em> extracts may have gastroprotective effects<\/a>, contribute to bone health<\/a>, and have antioxidant\/antimicrobial activities<\/a>. A number of people swear by Cissus<\/em> as an analgesic and use it to treat weight lifting injuries.<\/p>\n

However, the claims for Cissus<\/em> are expanding…it’s already been touted as a fat loss agent<\/a>, and now, apparently it’s a test booster too! Fizogen claims that both Tribulus<\/em> and Cissus<\/em> “…have been shown, in numerous studies, to dramatically increase natural testosterone production<\/em>.”<\/p>\n

I’d like to see those “numerous studies” on Cissus<\/em>. The only source I could find to support this claim is a clinical study by Soy Labs, the manufacturer of a proprietary Cissus<\/em> extract. According to the study, 150 mg of their extract, taken 3 times\/day, increased serum testosterone levels in 50 male volunteers by “…nearly 4 times over the levels at the beginning of the study<\/em>.”<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, Soy Labs provides few other details, as the publication is “in progress.”<\/p>\n

Uh-huh…riiiiiiight.<\/p>\n

Sorry\u2014I’m unrepentantly skeptical. Bulk Cissus<\/em> and prepared extracts, such as USP Labs’ Cissus Rx and Primaforce’s Cissus are popular in the bodybuilding world, yet I’ve seen nothing in the (overwhelmingly positive) user feedback to suggest it’s anything but a good analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. I’ll be happy to change my mind when I see some hard data generated by independent sources.<\/p>\n

The third ingredient in the TRIB-4-CS blend is 5-Methyl-7-Hydroxyisoflavone Ethyl Carbonate Ester. This was also the main ingredient in Biotest’s old Methoxy-7 supplement (now being sold as a women’s supplement, SE7EN). Needless to state, Methoxy-7 was never considered to be any sort of test booster.<\/p>\n

Finally, the magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6 combo is simply a copycat version of ZMA. As noted in the ZMA review<\/a>, this combination can be helpful for boosting testosterone if you’re deficient in one or more of these nutrients (esp. zinc). Otherwise, it’s not going to do much.<\/p>\n

INSULOCINE-ALA-DP:<\/strong> This blend is supposed to “enhance insulin sensitivity and promote the uptake of glucose and nutrients into muscle cells<\/em>.” All 4 ingredients appear to be useful for this, although the evidence suggests that much larger doses than those supplied in OFF CYCLE are needed.<\/p>\n

For example, research suggests that taurine<\/a> has hypoglycemic effects and can improve insulin sensitivity. Experiments in rats\/mice have shown that supplemental taurine can modify insulin signalling<\/a> and improve blood glucose, lipid levels and oxidative stress<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thus, taurine is a potentially useful nutrient, but human studies<\/a> have used up to 3.0 grams…much more than the 257 mg in the entire INSULOCINE-ALA-DP blend.<\/p>\n

The same holds true for alpha lipoic acid. As Paul notes in his review<\/a>, it does a great job of moderating blood sugar levels<\/a>, but the standard dose is 300\u2013600 mg.<\/p>\n

Likewise, D-Pinitol is known to enhance creatine uptake in skeletal muscle, due to its insulin-like properties<\/a>. However, in the one human study performed<\/a>, a dose of 1.0 g (500 mg taken twice per day), was used to achieve this effect.<\/p>\n

In truth, the only one of the four compounds that might fit is the 4-hydroxyleucine. There are very few human studies, but in one, a dose of 2 mg\/kg was found to enhance post-exercise glycogen re-synthesis<\/a>. This would be the equivalent of 140 mg for a 70 kg man.<\/p>\n

ECD-RVSVN:<\/strong> This blend consists of Cyanotis vaga<\/em>, a source of ecdysterones, and Rhodiola rosea<\/em>, a reputed adaptogen. Ecdysterones are steroids found in insects and a number of plants. According to Eastern Bloc research, they can increase protein synthesis in animals. An extensive review<\/a> of the available data concluded, “They seem to display a wide array of pharmacological effects on vertebrates, many of which are beneficial. However, these claims require more thorough validation and clinical testing.<\/em>” This is an understatement, since Eastern Bloc research is often less than reliable. Users of bulk ecdysterone powder may take up to one gram per day.<\/p>\n

Rhodiola rosea<\/em><\/a> may have some potential for improving exercise capacity<\/a>, as well as treating anxiety<\/a> and depression<\/a>. I’ve used Rhodiola<\/em> myself, and generally like it…but once again, dose is an issue. There are only 220 mg in the full ECD-RVSVN blend, whereas a typical therapeutic dose of Rhodiola<\/em> starts at 200 mg.<\/p>\n

GH-GPC-DOPA:<\/strong> This blend contains 6 different ingredients, all of which have some effects on either growth hormone secretion or mood\/cognitive function. But how much can you pack into 198 mg? Arginine<\/a> is typically taken in 3\u20134 gram doses, for example. Mucuna pruriens<\/em> (a natural source of L-Dopa) may be taken in large doses too, depending on the nature of the therapeutic benefit desired<\/a>. The recommended dose range for Bacopa monnieri<\/em> extract starts at 200 mg. Likewise, the recommended dose for alpha-GPC is 1 g\/day<\/a>. Even 5-HTP starts at about 150 mg (50 mg\/3 times a day).<\/p>\n

The only compound in this blend that stands a reasonable chance of being properly dosed is the melatonin<\/a>\u2014and that’s only because a typical dose is vanishingly small (1\u20133 mg).<\/p>\n

GIDIA:<\/strong> Bioperine\u00ae<\/sup> is a standardized black pepper (piperine) extract produced by the Sabinsa Corporation. Bioperine\/piperine has been shown to increase the absorption of certain nutrients<\/a> taken with it. Lysophosphatidyl choline is a lipolysis product of phosphatidyl choline (lecithin). It’s been shown to increase carotenoid uptake by cultured cells<\/a>.<\/p>\n

ML-DTX:<\/strong> Milk thistle<\/a> contains silymarin, which can protect the liver from damage by drugs, alcohol and other toxins\/toxicants. Licorice root<\/a> has been used to treat a number of ailments, such as inflammations, respiratory infections and stomach ulcers. Although they have little to do with testosterone per se, they’re useful therapeutic compounds. But once again, it’s all about the dose. A useful dose of milk thistle extract is 120 mg 2\u20133 times a day<\/a>; a useful dose of licorice root can go up to 5 g<\/a>. The 25 mg you get in OFF CYCLE is purely label decoration.<\/p>\n

DBA-BSP:<\/strong> Beta-sitosterol, Pygeum africanum<\/em> and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens<\/em>) have been successfully used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) via inhibition of 5-alpha reductase<\/a>\u2014the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. This blend, however, provides a meaningless amount. It’s just more label decoration.<\/p>\n

To make a (very) long story short…OFF CYCLE contains some interesting and potentially therapeutic compounds. “Interesting and potentially therapeutic” is not synonymous with “increasing testosterone and building (or maintaining) muscle mass,” however. The compounds in OFF CYCLE are obviously biologically active, but there is very little proof that they work the way Fizogen claims they do.<\/p>\n

And just as in ON CYCLE<\/a>, a number of useful compounds are underdosed; and standardized extracts aren’t used. This makes the OFF CYCLE formula even more questionable.<\/p>\n

To put it bluntly , OFF CYCLE suffers from the same basic deficiencies as ON CYCLE<\/a> does. This makes it tough to recommend, particularly as part of the “Continuous Cycle”\u2014which looks more like it was designed to provide continuous profit for Fizogen vs. continuous muscle growth for users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Summary of Fizogen OFF CYCLE<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Contains some interesting and potentially therapeutic compounds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Contains a certain amount of “label dressing”<\/li>\n
  • No clinical proof of ad\/label claims.<\/li>\n
  • No clinical proof of “continuous cycle” claims.<\/li>\n
  • Overpriced for what you get.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    “The most effective non-hormonal bodybuilding supplement product ever developed. OFF CYCLE is a powerful non-androgenic blend of highly concentrated, premium quality ingredients designed for high bioavailability. This balanced […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[60],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefatburner.com\/bodybuilding\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/306"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefatburner.com\/bodybuilding\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefatburner.com\/bodybuilding\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefatburner.com\/bodybuilding\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefatburner.com\/bodybuilding\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=306"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefatburner.com\/bodybuilding\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/306\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2730,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefatburner.com\/bodybuilding\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/306\/revisions\/2730"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefatburner.com\/bodybuilding\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=306"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefatburner.com\/bodybuilding\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=306"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ultimatefatburner.com\/bodybuilding\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}