Micro Ingredients Testosterone+ Advanced 15-in-1 with Pumpkin Seed Oil, Softgels Review
Micro Ingredients offers Testosterone+ Advanced 15-in-1 Complex in oil-based softgels, delivering 2,280 mg per serving of a proprietary blend of botanical extracts and amino acids. The formula features tongkat ali, maca, ashwagandha, tribulus, shilajit, L-arginine, L-citrulline, and D-aspartic acid, along with added boron and black pepper extract. Made with pumpkin seed oil as the carrier, each pouch contains 240 softgels designed for convenient daily use. The suggested use states that adults take 3 softgels daily with food, or as recommended by a qualified healthcare professional. The product is offered as a one-time purchase at $28.99, or through a subscription option delivered every 1, 2 or 3 months with a listed 10 percent saving, where the subscription price shown is $26.09. The current size listed is 240 softgels, and the variant is shown as sold out or unavailable on this page at the time of capture. The page presents the brand as a modern wellness market focused on clean, effective and trusted ingredients, with the message that no unnecessary extras or overcomplicated formulas are used. Micro Ingredients states that every ingredient is evaluated to ensure it is non-GMO, that formulations are crafted to maximize potency and absorption, and that products are third-party tested. The brand describes its approach as direct sourcing of high quality natural ingredients from single-origin suppliers, with wellness offered without markups and a commitment to the highest standards for its ingredients. Shopping information on the page includes free shipping on orders over $59, a 30-day free return policy with unused items in original packaging, and standard shipping of about 5 to 7 business days. The page notes that the brand does not ship to international locations or U.S. territories including Puerto Rico and Guam, and it directs customers outside the continental United States to its partner iHerb. A disclaimer on the page states that these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only19 human studies · 9 improved
The study evidence for this formula's disclosed ingredients is weak for raising male hormones. Boron is the only ingredient with a stated dose that comes near the studied amount, reaching a full dose when members take two servings a day. In the only placebo-controlled trials, 2.5 milligrams a day for 7 weeks did not change testosterone, lean mass or strength in male bodybuilders [1][2]. In small studies without a placebo group, 10 milligrams a day raised free testosterone and lowered estrogen after one week [3], while another found estrogen rose and testosterone showed only a non-significant upward trend [4]. Workers with much higher boron exposure showed no change in testosterone or other reproductive hormones [5][6]. Black pepper extract is present at only 3 milligrams. Its only human study was a survey that did not give anyone black pepper and found no hormone benefit [7]. Rat studies point both ways: some showed higher testosterone or better sexual function [8][9], while others showed lower testosterone inside the testes and testis damage [10]. The thirteen herbs and amino acids, including tongkat ali, ashwagandha and fenugreek, are hidden in a proprietary blend with no individual doses, and no study findings were provided for them. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 19 studies →Hide the studies
- In 19 male bodybuilders given 2.5 mg of boron daily or placebo for 7 weeks, boron did not change testosterone, lean body mass or strength; both groups improved from training alone.Plasma boron and the effects of boron supplementation in males.
- In 19 male bodybuilders given 2.5 mg of boron daily or placebo for 7 weeks, blood boron rose but testosterone, lean body mass and strength were not affected by boron; both groups gained from training.The effect of boron supplementation on lean body mass, plasma testosterone levels, and strength in male bodybuilders.
- In 18 healthy men taking 10 mg of boron daily for 4 weeks, blood estradiol rose significantly and testosterone showed a non-significant upward trend; the study had no placebo group.The effect of boron supplementation on its urinary excretion and selected cardiovascular risk factors in healthy male su…
- In 12 postmenopausal women given a 3 milligram boron supplement daily for about 17 weeks in a metabolic unit, blood levels of estradiol and testosterone rose markedly, with a larger rise when dietary magnesium was low.Effect of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women.
- In 8 healthy men taking 10 mg of boron daily for one week, free testosterone rose while estradiol fell and inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-alpha) decreased; the study compared each man with himself, not a placebo group.Read the study on PubMed (21129941) →
- In healthy postmenopausal women on a low-boron diet, adding a 3 mg daily boron supplement for 3 weeks had no effect on bone minerals, sex hormones or bone turnover markers, though the study was small and uncontrolled.Read the study on PubMed (8329361) →
- In a US national survey of 95 men with prostate cancer and 8,720 male controls, higher dietary boron intake was linked to lower prostate cancer risk, but this cross-sectional design cannot prove cause.Dietary boron intake and prostate cancer risk.
- In a cross-sectional study of 773 adults in Germany, piperine, a marker of black pepper intake, was among the metabolites linked to androgen levels, but the study did not test black pepper supplementation and found no hormone benefit.Sex-specific metabolic profiles of androgens and its main binding protein SHBG in a middle aged population without diabe…
- Among 212 male workers, including 98 with very high boron exposure averaging about 47 mg per day, FSH, LH, total testosterone and semen parameters were not affected.Evaluation of FSH, LH, testosterone levels and semen parameters in male boron workers under extreme exposure conditions.
- In 15 men with symptomatic low testosterone, a compounded sublingual product containing 10 mg boron along with enclomiphene citrate was followed by a rise in total testosterone over 60 days, but without a control group the effect of boron alone cannot be separated out.Changes in Serum Testosterone After Sublingual Enclomiphene Citrate Combined With a Mineral Oxide Delivery System: A Ret…
- Workers at a Turkish boric acid plant with average daily boron exposure of about 14 mg showed no change in sperm quality, FSH, LH, or total testosterone compared with lower-exposed workers.Reproductive toxicity parameters and biological monitoring in occupationally and environmentally boron-exposed persons i…
- In male rats, 200 mg/kg of black pepper alone over 28 or 56 days changed testosterone and semen measures compared with controls, but the abstract does not state the direction of the change for black pepper alone.A Comparative study on the effects of Yaji (Suya Meat sauce) and its spice constituents on the male reproductive profile…
- In gerbils exposed to bisphenol A, piperine at 20 mg/kg combined with curcumin reduced prostate inflammation and abnormal cell changes; hormone levels were not reported.Protective effect of the association of curcumin with piperine on prostatic lesions: New perspectives on BPA-induced car…
- In mice given a toxic chemotherapy drug, piperine at 10 mg/kg for 8 days reduced testicular damage, oxidative stress and cell death.Piperine mitigates oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the testicular damage induced by cyclophosphamide in…
- In hyperlipidemic male rats, piperine at 40 mg/kg for 10 weeks raised testosterone and thyroid hormone levels toward normal and lowered lipids and insulin.Piperine, an active principle from Piper nigrum, modulates hormonal and apo lipoprotein profiles in hyperlipidemic rats.
- In diabetic male rats, black pepper fruit extract at 122.5 mg/kg for 8 days improved erection, libido and Leydig cell count, and 245 mg/kg improved sperm count and motility.Fruit Extract of Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum L.) Ameliorates Male Reproductive Dysfunction in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Ra…
- In diabetic male rats, black pepper fruit extract at 122.5 mg/kg for 8 days improved erection and libido, and 245 mg/kg raised intratesticular testosterone and sperm concentration.Effects of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Fruit Extract on Sexual Function, Hormonal Parameters, Sperm Parameters, Testi…
- In male rats, piperine at 10 mg/kg given with a med for 28 days caused reproductive toxicity, with more oxidative stress and lower antioxidant enzymes in the testes.Read the study on PubMed (40246250) →
- In male rats, piperine at 10 mg/kg daily for 30 days lowered intratesticular testosterone and damaged testis tissue, although blood testosterone stayed normal.Effects of piperine on testis of albino rats.
Review Totals and Summary
Members Only330 reviews · 84% positive
I could not find a large body of verified customer reviews for this exact product. The iHerb page showed zero ratings, and the Amazon listing exposed only a single visible customer review titled "Great for Women too!" Amazon does show strong sales momentum, with "1K+ bought in past week" on one listing. The sections below are therefore tentative. Where I cite feedback from the brand's closely related Pumpkin Seed Oil softgels on iHerb, I say so. The one visible Amazon review suggests buyers see the product as suitable for women as well as men. The listing is also marketed that way, as "for Men & Women." Because the formula is a general hormone-support blend, some buyers appear to use it for energy, libido and wellness rather than only for muscle or testosterone. Feedback on the brand's pumpkin seed oil softgels is mostly positive and may reflect how buyers see the brand and the softgel format. Reviewers say the softgels are easy to swallow, have no fishy or unpleasant taste, and come in nice, environmentally conscious packaging. Many of those buyers are using the product for hair regrowth or shedding, including postpartum and hormonal hair loss. Some say shedding dropped within weeks, while others plan to wait about three months before judging. International buyers, such as one in Saudi Arabia, said the product was good but on the pricey side. The main criticism of this formula comes from independent analysis rather than customers. SuppCo rates it only "average." It notes that no specific third-party testing certification is listed, even though the retailer pages say it is third-party tested. Buyers should also expect to take 3 softgels a day. The 15 ingredients are in a blend, and per-ingredient doses are not clearly visible in the snippets I could access. I found no reliable customer reports on side effects or on measured testosterone changes for this exact product.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only9 of 10 recommend it
Black pepper is the main ingredient here, and the panel is split on it, though most lean toward recommending it. Five of the ten recommend or use it, mainly to pair with turmeric or curcumin because its piperine helps the body absorb curcumin and keeps it active longer, and a couple also use it in cooking or brushing powder. Cautions come from three panelists: one says many people are surprisingly sensitive to it, one says to avoid black pepper extract if androgen activity is already low, and one stopped using it over gut and oxalate worries. One more panelist only listed it as high in oxalates, and the other two did not speak about it. Boron, a smaller ingredient in this product, is recommended by several panelists for lowering a protein that binds testosterone, with doses of 2 to 12 milligrams a day.
See all 9 biohackers →Hide the biohackers
Dr. Eric Berg · Black Pepper · recommends
- Dr. Eric Berg recommends pairing black pepper with turmeric to improve curcumin absorption.
- Notes that black pepper aids in the absorption of Curcumin.
- Dr. Eric Berg recommends adding black pepper to eggs to support satiety, antioxidant potential, cardiovascular, and liver health.
- States that boron, along with other trace minerals, is necessary for bone formation and that K2 helps direct these minerals into the bone.
- Recommends adding black pepper to food, especially when consuming turmeric, to increase absorption.
- Lists ground black pepper as one of the ingredients that makes a meal taste good.
- Dr. Berg recommends choosing real herbs and spices like black pepper as a simple place to start for a health-conscious diet.
- States that they added black pepper extract to a capsule with berberine, Ceylon cinnamon, alpha lipoic acid, and magnesium to enhance absorption for metabolism support.
- States that Vitamin D needs K2, magnesium, zinc, B6, boron, and even vitamin A to do its job, emphasizing that vitamins rarely work alone.
- Recommends taking black pepper with turmeric because it helps the absorption of turmeric.
- Recommends pairing eggs with black pepper for the most nutrient absorption.
- Always adds black pepper and sea salt to his eggs to increase the absorption of carotenoids.
- Recommends getting plenty of boron when taking vitamin D.
- Mentions that boron is a crucial nutrient needed for vitamin D to go through its biochemical reactions and maximize its effectiveness.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Black Pepper · recommends
- Recommends seasoning turmeric with black pepper to help the body absorb more nutrients.
- Notes that black pepper, along with gentle heat, improves the absorption of curcumin in Paleovalley's turmeric complex.
- Recommends taking Boron if you have high sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) to lower it and increase free testosterone.
- Recommends taking curcumin with black pepper, specifically piperine, because it increases the absorption of curcumin.
- Uses black pepper with turmeric to activate curcumin.
- Mentions that sometimes antifungal medications like boronox are needed for fungal overgrowth.
- Lists boron as a critical nutrient for building strong bones.
- Recommends having fresh cracked black pepper with curcumin to activate the intestines and absorb more of the curcumin from turmeric.
- Mentions that boron is needed for bone formation.
- States that most people will still be lacking boron because it is very difficult to source in the diet, making it a great supplement to take.
- Explains that fresh cracked black pepper helps activate the intestines to absorb more curcumin from turmeric.
- Mentions there is some evidence that boron can be helpful for osteoporosis.
- Learned to see the effectiveness of adding turmeric to her smoothie with a pinch of black pepper for combating anxiety, and recommends it for lowering anxiety levels, noting that piperine in black pepper activates curcumin in turmeric and increases its absorption.
- Explains that fresh cracked black pepper helps activate the intestines to absorb more curcumin from turmeric, enhancing its inflammation-fighting properties.
Thomas DeLauer · Black Pepper · recommends
- Recommends taking black pepper with curcumin to increase its bioavailability, as curcumin gets metabolized before it can do anything without it.
- Recommends mixing curcumin with black pepper (piperine) for general inflammation, as piperine inhibits the breakdown of curcumin, increasing its bioavailability by up to 2,000%.
- Recommends black pepper with turmeric because its piperine blocks liver clearance, allowing curcumin to absorb and shut down inflammatory response.
- Black pepper makes curcumin actually absorb.
- Recommends utilizing black pepper in cooking or as a piperine supplement to improve autophagy, which is cellular cleanup and recycling, and can attenuate mTor.
- Recommends black pepper with curcumin towards the end of a fast because it allows curcumin to activate and bind to keep one, changing its structure so NRF2 escapes, leading to a long carryover anti-inflammatory effect.
- Recommends boron for helping with sex hormone binding globulin decreases, leading to more free androgens and potentially balancing estrogen.
- Recommends black pepper because its piperine activates curcumin in turmeric by about 2,000%, making it an easy and worthwhile hack.
- Uses a mix of magnesium, zinc, and boron, along with Tongkat Ali and Forskolii, to support testosterone levels and increase libido, especially during prolonged deficits.
- Recommends having black pepper along with turmeric, specifically for enhancing the anti-inflammatory response by allowing curcuminoids to become more bioactive.
- Suggests adding a little bit of black pepper to improve the bioavailability of turmeric.
- Notes that while black pepper is often recommended with turmeric for curcumin absorption, turmeric itself has other bioavailable compounds that work without black pepper, but it can be added if desired.
- Recommends that men try supplementing with 9 milligrams of boron to help release testosterone in the form of free testosterone by unbinding it from sex hormone-binding globulin.
- Recommends that males experiment with taking boron, possibly 9 milligrams, as it has been shown to unbind testosterone from sex hormone binding globulin, helping to balance estrogen and androgen levels.
Ben Greenfield · Black Pepper · warns
- Advises watching out for black pepper, as it is eliminated in core AIP and many people are surprisingly sensitive to it.
- Recommends using hormone building blocks like boron for hormone optimization.
- Recommends combining black pepper with Triphala and Himalayan pink salt as a powder to brush with, as it is astringent, drives up inflammation and infection in the gums, is refreshing, and prevents plaque.
- Rubbed the beef with black pepper before searing.
- Recommends consuming boron as a building block for testosterone.
- Recommends boron as one of the foundational supplements to consider before TRT for testosterone support.
- Recommends boron as an important precursor for testosterone.
- States that boron is important for naturally increasing testosterone.
- Recommends checking boron levels and ensuring adequate intake if testosterone is low.
- Uses Boron, which he knows anecdotally helps with testosterone, but his cardiologist recommended it for heart health.
- Warns of boron deficiency on a strict carnivore diet, as it is not found in many meats or organ meats, and low intake has been linked to issues with bone health, brain health, and hormone production.
- Mentions black pepper as something that can help with quelling tobacco/nicotine addiction.
- Recommends black pepper extract, suggesting that smelling or tasting it, or using a Füm pen with a maple black pepper blend, can dissolve tobacco cravings.
- Suggests black pepper extract, or more specifically grains of paradise, as something that can increase metabolism and cause the shift of white fat to metabolically active brown fat.
Dave Asprey · Black Pepper · stopped
- Dave Asprey used to research black pepper extract but changed his mind about its use after a discussion with Christian DPO, who highlighted its downsides.
- Lists boron as one of the minerals needed.
- Dave Asprey states that black pepper is higher in aflatoxin and oxalate, neither of which is good for dogs.
- Dave Asprey warns against curcumin that comes with black pepper extract because studies show it pokes holes in the gut, allowing bacterial toxins to enter and cause inflammation, which is counterproductive to stopping inflammation.
- Recommends skipping black pepper when seasoning meals to avoid oxalates.
- Mentions using boron.
Andrew Huberman · Black Pepper · warns
- Recommends avoiding bioavailable curcuminoids like black pepper extract if someone's DHT is already low or if they have somewhat insensitive androgen receptors.
- Recommends boron, at a dose of 5 to 12 milligrams per day, to acutely help lower high SHBG, noting that it's depleted in soils in many countries.
- States that black pepper extract, also known as BioPerine, is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor.
- Explains that boron, an element found in rich soils, can help regulate SHBG, and is unlikely to have a bad effect, suggesting a dose of 3 to 6 milligrams once to twice a day.
- Discusses boron in relation to nettles, the prostate, and the blood brain barrier.
- Notes that there is scientific support for boron freeing up more testosterone, with people typically taking a couple grams a day, and encourages examining potential side effects.
- Huberman states he avoids black pepper fruit extract (Bioperine) like the plague because it is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor and affects liver cytochrome, which he believes caused his negative experience with turmeric.
- Andrew Huberman has long been taking boron, at two to four milligrams per day, as part of a cocktail for testosterone augmentation.
- Andrew Huberman recommends boron in a dose of 5 to 12 milligrams per day to acutely help lower very high SHBG, though it's not a sustained effect.
Bryan Johnson · Black Pepper · uses
- Adds black pepper to turmeric because a compound in pepper called piperine boosts the power of turmeric by slowing the breakdown of curcumin in the gut and liver, making its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits last longer.
- Takes 2 mg of Boron in the morning for longevity.
- Takes 6 mg of Boron in the morning.
- Takes 6 mg of Boron in the morning for longevity.
- Recommends boron as a mineral that, along with calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, is deposited to fortify the bone structure.
- Mentions boron as a potential therapy that could positively influence sperm health.
Siim Land · Black Pepper · neutral
- Lists black pepper as an herb or spice that is high in oxalates.
- Boron is a mineral that helps with bone density and vitamin D utilization, and also helps to increase free testosterone by reducing SHBG.
- States that boron is a superstar when it comes to hormone and bone optimization.
- Notes that prunes are the highest food source of boron.
- Prunes are an excellent source of boron, providing 1.5 to 3.0 mg of boron per 3 oz serving.
- Recommends Boron, calling it a "superhero mineral" that helps bone mineralization, improves vitamin D, improves testosterone/estrogen status, increases antioxidant defense, reduces inflammation, and reduces calcium/magnesium loss.
- Notes that Boron improves bone mineral density by improving vitamin D status and lowering inflammation, and increases testosterone and estrogen by reducing SHBG, but he stopped taking it as it didn't increase his testosterone or lower his SHBG, and it only works in particular conditions like high SHBG.
- Notes that Boron helps to lower SHBG but only to a certain degree.
- Recommends boron as a bonus to pair with a vitamin D supplement.
- Recommends boron, stating it's a mineral that helps with testosterone by lowering SHBG levels and also aids bone density, noting that many people are deficient.
- Recommends taking boron whenever taking vitamin D supplements to increase vitamin D utilization.
- Adds black pepper to his autophagy-boosting cocktail to promote bioavailability and slow down digestion.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Black Pepper · recommends
- Adds black pepper to her turmeric tea because the piperine in it stops enzymes in the liver from clearing out polyphenols, thus extending their half-life.
- Recommends Boron, stating it potentially reduces SHBG levels, freeing up bound testosterone, and is particularly useful at dosages around 6-12 mg daily.
- Boron may play a supportive role for optimizing testosterone. Supplementing with 6-12 mg per day can increase free testosterone by suppressing SHBG.
- Supplementing with boron may boost free testosterone by lowering sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). While boron won’t increase total testosterone production, doses around 6 to 12 mg daily may help free up more testosterone by modestly reducing SHBG levels.
- Suggests Boron as a safer choice for boosting testosterone due to its safety profile, and notes that it has also been thought to potentially be a longevity molecule.
- Takes a low dose of boron.
- She occasionally uses boron, meaning about twice a week.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 4 for Hormone Balance for Men
The 330 review count does not appear to belong to this product: the review research found zero ratings on iHerb and only one visible Amazon review, and the feedback it drew on came from the brand's separate Pumpkin Seed Oil softgels. Its reviews are set aside, so it is graded on its studies alone. Animal studies support Black Pepper, but there are not yet enough reviews to confirm it (0).
- Emerging: not enough evidence to rank higher yet.
Where the evidence disagrees: 8 of the 19 human studies found no effect.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Endocrine system, Reproductive system
Combine with: For male hormone support, this product pairs well with magnesium glycinate (supports sleep and free testosterone), boron, and an adaptogen such as ashwagandha (KSM-66) or tongkat ali. Vitamin K2 complements the vitamin D3, and omega-3 fish oil supports overall hormonal and cardiovascular health. If the real goal is adrenal support, add a separate adrenal-focused stack: vitamin C, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), rhodiola, holy basil and phosphatidylserine, plus magnesium. Take zinc-containing products with food, and avoid exceeding about 40 mg per day of total zinc without adding copper. Check with a healthcare provider if you take medications or have a hormone-sensitive condition.
Possible side effects: No major side effects reported. One boron study found blood estrogen rose at 10 milligrams a day.
Supplement Facts
Proprietary Blend 2280 mg · Boron 4.5 mg · Black Pepper Extract 3 mg
| Calories | 15 | |
| Total Fat | 1.5 g | |
| Proprietary Blend | 2,280 mg | † |
| Boron | 4.5 mg | † |
| Black Pepper Extract (Piper nigrum) (fruit) | 3 mg | † |
Other ingredients: Pumpkin seed oil, softgel (gelatin, glycerin, added color, beeswax, purified water).
Label source: Reverseagelab · Report a label change
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Graded November 4, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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