Tongkat Ali and EGCG interactions

So there is a study showing EGCG lowered testosterone production in rats. However, there was a human study showing it had no effect on testosterone levels. That was in women, though. Then there is another study showing EGCG inhibits testosterone glucoronidation, which actually increased testosterone levels. The study that showed lowering of testosterone levels seems to be pointing to a slowing down of the conversion of cholesterol to testosterone through P450scc. That's only one part of testosterone synthesis. Its magnitude in humans might be small or positive. EGCG also has a positive effect on cholesterol as well, and may decrease LDL levels. So that might limit the negative effects of oxidized LDL on testosterone levels, too. This means it might be a net positive effect on testosterone levels. So there is conflicting data. EGCG does seems to have a very strong effect on breakouts, though. So there has to be some mechanism there, and it could very well be hormonal. It does affect sebum production via SEB-1 and has bacteriocidal effects, so those are more likely for the anti-acne mechanisms. I am currently taking tongkat ali and EGCG together, and have not noticed any decrease in the beneficial effects of tongkat, but that is not exactly a controlled study.

I think EGCG has either a positive effect, or net neutral effect, on testosterone levels in humans. I do not think it negates tongkat ali's effects. I also think it has strong anti-acne effects, which might be due to some hormonal modulation, but is more likely due to decreased sebum production and a direct antibacterial effect. Cutibacterium acnes feeds primarily on sebum, which gets created by converting carbohydrates into fatty acids through SREB-1. EGCG inhibiting SREB-1, consequently lowering sebum production, cutting off Cutibacterium acnes food supply, then having a direct bacteriocidal effect on C. acnes seems to be a very potent anti-acne mechanism. I have had multiple customers tell me now that our enteric coated EGCG is the most beneficial acne substance they have ever used, so I would not be surprised to hear it helps you, too. From personally experience, I do not notice a drop in beneficial effects from tongkat ali when on EGCG, so I would say it is worth a shot for you.