(Q) In a nutshell, what is ActivaTe Xtreme™?
(A) ActivaTe Xtreme™ represents not simply a progression but a massive evolution from its predecessor, ActivaTe™. Still harnessing the awesome power of Divanil™, ActivaTe Xtreme™ goes significantly further by providing total testosterone support, adaptogenic support and estrogenic balance. ActivaTe Xtreme™ is the future of testosterone optimization.

(Q) What is so good about Divanil™?
(A) Divanil™ is a high-potency extract of stinging nettle root. Most of your circulating testosterone is bound or inactive. A plasma glycoprotein called Sex-Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) binds up most of your testosterone so that it cannot exert any anabolic effect. Divanil™ knocks out SHBG allowing your own testosterone to be free. This is significant because SHBG-bound testosterone cannot exert its muscle-building effects.

(Q) Can’t we just get this effect from cheap generic stinging nettle root extract products?
(A) As much as you’d like that, no.  While generic stinging nettle products contain all lignans found in the root, Divanil™ is standardized to 95% 3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran. It is this lignan that shows the highest affinity for sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and what was responsible for the hugely beneficial effects of the original ActivaTe™. Generic products also tend to have the typical 10% standardization, so to get one month’s worth of the product at the dosing equivalent to the recommended dosing of Divanil™ would require multiple bottles and likely not have the same effect in the event of other lignans in the root antagonizing the effect of Divanil™.

(Q) ActivaTe Xtreme™ contains something called icariin. I have never heard of this before. What’s the scoop?
(A) Icariin is a flavonol found in epimedium extracts more familiarly known by name horny goat weed. It is included in the product design because of its effects on mimicking testosterone and increasing levels of circulating testosterone, meaning it works in concert with Divanil™. In addition, it should also assist in increasing libido due to its effects on raising nitric oxide and inhibiting an enzyme known as Phosphodiesterase type 5 or ‘PDE-5’.

(Q) So will this help strengthen erections?
(A) Very possible, yes. It has been shown to in the research behind it.

(Q) So how does basella alba fit into the product design?
(A) Thought you’d never ask. In a first for the industry, Designer Supplements introduces you to a compound from Ceylon Spinach. Basella alba has been shown to stimulate Leydig cells directly, leading to increases in testosterone output. In combination with the synergy of icariin and Divanil™, you have a perfect “triple-threat” approach.

(Q) How does rhodiola rosea effect this?
(A) Rhodiola rosea is a marvelous compound known as an adaptogen. Adaptogens have the ability to balance the endocrine and immune systems, helping the body maintain homeostasis, while amazingly achieving this effect without negative effect on other biological systems. Rhodiola rosea was included in ActivaTe Xtreme™ for its performance-enhancing properties regarding ATP synthesis. This makes it excellent for promoting endurance and also excellent for recovery between bouts of exercise.

(Q) And I3C?
(A) Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a naturally occurring phytochemical found in vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage. While primarily a powerful antioxidant, I3C also supports the liver’s typical processes such as toxin removal. The predominant interest in I3C for ActivaTe Xtreme™, however, is its effect of modulating estrogen metabolism. Its effects include reducing “bad” estrogen metabolites, and promoting activity of the “good” metabolites. This helps take care of any unwanted side effects from the potent combination of Divanil™, icariin and basella alba.

(Q) Excellent. So what are the dosing recommendations?
(A) Two caps per serving, 2 to 3 times per day.

(Q) Spaced out, or can I dose all at once for practicality?
(A) Space them out. The effect of Divanil™ is much better this way.

(Q) How long does a bottle last?
(A) One month at recommended dosing.

(Q) Can I double dose the product?
(A) We recommend that you don’t, but understand if the heavier consumer prefers to increase the dosage.

(Q) How long can I use it for?
(A) We recommend four week cycles.

(Q) Can I stack it with creatine?
(A) Yep.

(Q) So there is potential for ActivaTe Xtreme™ to agitate those with existing gyno problems?
(A) The potential is always there with a product that will increase total and free testosterone as efficiently as ActivaTe Xtreme™, especially for users with existing conditions. However, we feel that the chances of aggravation are very, very slim. And the chances of actual gynecomastia development from use of the product to be near-impossible.

(Q) If this product increases testosterone, could I take it before training to get the best effect?
(A) We had several reports of this from users of the original ActivaTe™. They used one serving about 30-45 minutes before training, which apparently had a significant effect on strength, muscle pumps and motivation. We say apparently, because we cannot guarantee this effect. It is certainly worth experimentation though!

(Q) Does ActivaTe Xtreme™ cause HPTA shutdown?
(A) Not likely, it is “non-hormonal”.

(Q) Will ActivaTe™ give me extra acne?
(A) Again, with a product as effective as ActivaTe Xtreme™ is for boosting total and free testosterone, it is certainly possible. The majority of users report oilier skin and some increased acne, but nothing that makes your face look like a Goodfellas pizza.

(Q) Does it matter if taken with or without food?
(A) No.

(Q) Does ActivaTe Xtreme™ help you gain strength?
(A) For most users, absolutely.

(Q) Do you think ActivaTe Xtreme™ would be strong enough to retain muscle while cutting?
(A) Providing your diet is solid and your training not excessive, yep.

(Q) Do I need to taper ActivaTe Xtreme™ down at the end of the cycle?
(A) It is not necessary, no – the body seems to re-establishes homeostasis pretty quickly after ceasing use of ActivaTe Xtreme™. If it makes you feel better, however, you can taper down.

(Q) Will ActivaTe Xtreme™ lose effectiveness over time?
(A) There is nothing to suggest this to be the case. That said, we recommend cycle lengths of four weeks. Eight maximum for those who wish to experiment.

(Q) Since SHBG governs estrogens also, does that mean ActivaTe™ will free up estrogen also? I don’t want to turn into a girl.
(A) Yes, this is absolutely possible (not turning into a girl,) although SHBG has a low affinity for estrogens than androgens like testosterone, so not much will be activated in that regard. But its also why we included I3C.

(Q) What about aromatization?
(A) Some of the testosterone activated by the product will undoubtedly be converted into estradiol (a type of estrogen). The effect will not be enough to give you a big butt or make you cry at Titanic, but to will be enough to confer the multitude of benefits associated with estrogens in non-excessive amounts.

(Q) Estrogen has benefits?
(A) Yep. Don’t be fooled, it is a double-edge sword in some scenarios – gynecomastia being the worst of men (apart from a full sex conversion), but in smaller concentrations it will boost cholesterol profiles, increase IGF-1 conversion in the liver, promote glycogen synthesis and help boost water retention in the muscle, giving a muscle expanding effect allowing you to lift more weight. Not only this, but it helps lubricate joints to help you lift the extra poundage.
There are “bad” metabolites of estrogen, but the inclusion of I3C (see above) will help to eradicate this issue.

(Q) I feel warm about half an hour after taking my dose of ActivaTe Xtreme™. What is causing that?
(A) We expect this to be an inverse effect from the binding of SHBG by Divanil™. By lowering SHBG and raising free testosterone, we theorize that thyroid output is increased, causing the perceived rise in core temperature.

(Q) So is this a good thing or a bad thing?
(A) Tremendous. The active thyroid hormone, T3, regulates protein synthesis. Too much leads to protein degradation and loss of muscle, but just enough can boost tissue building rates and lead to a very nice anabolic effect. So much so, that we fully expect this effect to play a large role the overall anabolic nature of the product.

(Q) I’ve noticed some cool vascularity using ActivaTe Xtreme™. What is causing this?
(A) That will most likely be the nitric oxide (NO) boosting effect of Divanil™ and icariin. This also plays a large role in the pumps during training reported by most.

(Q) Last question – it is well documented how much Designer Supplements dislikes proprietary blends, so how come the product a proprietary blend?
(A) Excellent question. It is not that we dislike proprietary blends in general, we just despise the companies who utilize proprietary blends to significantly under dose compounds but include them on the label to “beef up” the product profile. It is usually quite obvious when this has been done as the products will list about 10-30 compounds in the product, and yet the serving size is maybe one-to-three caps.
ActivaTe Xtreme™ contains only five compounds, all dosed adequately (and generously). We have used our right to use a proprietary blend because this product has been in the design process for almost a year and we do not wish to continue going down the road of having our products ripped-off so easily. It has happened on almost every single product we have released to date. This is our way of making life more difficult for the rip-off artists who have no ability to research or design novel products on their own.

(Q) I have a medical condition. Will ActivaTe™ cause problems with any medication I am taking?
(A) Always consult your doctor before using any new products.