Polyrhachis vicina Roger (Black Ant extract 50:1) - 100 g

Product detailed description

Considered an excellent adaptogenic substance by TČM in the same categories as ginseng, rhodiola, schizandra, cordyceps, reishi, and gynostemma, the black mountain ant (Polyrhachis vicina Roger) is a traditional edible insect species in China. Known and used for over 3,000 years for its beneficial nutrients by Eastern tonic herbalism, it has also been used directly as a functional ingredient in various pharmaceutical products, tonics, dietary supplements or foods for hundreds of years in modern times, and is an integral part of TCM and Chinese pharmacopoeia writings.

Black ant extract at a strength of 50:1 is the most concentrated, strongest and most expensive extract of this type in the world. 50 times the source material was needed to produce the final product. For 100 g of this valuable and rare extract, 5 kg of large wild mountain ants Polyrhachis vicina Roger from Di Tao, collected at high altitudes in the Chinese mountains, were used.

100 g of this premium extract is then stored in the currently best storage technology for nutrition - biophotonic violet miron glass for maximum energy potency and protection of the contents.

The largest part of the black ants production from China is cultivated on special ant farms. However, this is far from ideal among experts and those who respect the so-called Di Tao philosophy, and the resulting ant extract has lower effectiveness due to the unfavorable environment and mass production.

As part of our commitment to providing the highest quality, our wild ant extract product, registered as a dietary supplement, comes from the pristine environment of the Changbai Mountains at an altitude of 1000 to 1500 meters, the level at which wild ginseng grows and where ants are wildly and sustainably harvested according to Di Tao principles. Mountain ants build their nests inside these wild ginseng roots. A true symbiotic relationship has developed between ants and the ginseng plant. Ants feed on ginseng and in return create ventilation for its roots. The Changbai Mountain area has a diverse climate, one area receives more moisture than another, which may have a certain effect on the structure and color of fresh mountain ants, therefore this unique natural extract - a product of wild harvest, may be subject to slight variations from batch to batch, unlike mass-produced, standardized and customized farm products.

While the West is almost completely unaware of this adaptogen, in China Polyrhachis vicina extract is even a traditional part of official pharmacopoeias and registered as a pharmaceutical substance prescribed in relation to libido and vitality. However, it (like cordyceps, for example) has no approved effects in the EU, so I recommend looking for relevant information in Eastern sources and/or proceeding logically from what the unique substances in its composition and also its micronutrients, such as the massively represented organic zinc or ecdysterone, can do.

Over 400 known species of ants have been studied in China (there are many more), but Polyrhachis Vicina Roger is the only species approved as a dietary supplement by the Chinese Ministry of Public Health.

Although EU legislation does not allow for a full description of the potential and no health claims (not even those supported by references) to be made, below you will find the maximum information background for this particular "tonic herb" of traditional Chinese medicine, which is so significant and valuable that it is assumed that each potential consumer will make the maximum personal effort to find all the most important properties documented by studies and manuscripts of ancient texts of Eastern herbalism. 

Notice:
This highly regulated natural product has undergone inspection and the complete export process in China as a dietary supplement, through the EU and for the exclusive distributor (www.AdamRaw.cz), and through the import process in the Czech Republic, where it was marketed as a dietary supplement by the Ministry of Agriculture and reported to the CAFIA. The product does not have medicinal effects approved by EU legislation and is not a medicine and does not serve as a substitute for a varied diet. Always keep it out of the reach of children. Mandatory dates are listed on the Czech label and the minimum shelf life is listed on the packaging. The purpose of the information provided on this product page is not to increase consumption and sales of products, but to provide colorful and visual information about its origin, acquisition, nature and composition. We do not encourage inappropriate, immoderate or unjustified use. Always read the label carefully and consult your doctor or pharmacist before using a supplement, especially if you are pregnant/breastfeeding. All information and translations of Chinese works in this article related to ancient texts and stories of TČM and TTM are only the shared personal opinion of Mr. Adam Raw.

Black Polyrhachis Vicina extract is a significant source of absolutely unique substances such as ant ecdysterone and aldehyde compounds (which, among other things, are attributed to the unique strength of the ant body), chitin, formic acid, triterpenes, S.O.D./superoxide dismutase (77,000 IU/100 g), raw ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the highest amount of zinc ever (more than concentrated oyster extract!), amino acids (40-67%!) including all essential ones, minerals and vitamins, trace elements and many others. Among other things, thanks to all these substances, the black mountain ant is considered gram for gram to be one of the strongest creatures ever. It can carry 50-100 times its own weight and push a load of thousands of times its own weight! In addition, he does not lack speed, stamina, and great tenacity and hard work.

Polyrhachis Vicina Roger is a species of black ant traditionally known in Chinese herbalism as the "mountain ant" because, as mentioned, it is found primarily among the roots of living ginseng in the Changbai Mountains of China. It is considered the leading tonic herb of TCM. Although ginseng (in whose roots Polyrhachis Vicina Roger naturally and notoriously occurs) is considered the "king of herbs", the black ant Polyrhachis Vicina is known in the East as the "herb of kings".

Entomophagy - the dietary practice of eating insects, was part of every ancestral pharmacopoeia across the planet. Imperial records state that Polyrhachis Ant was consumed for its adaptogenic properties by dynastic bloodlines throughout the ages, proving especially popular during the Zhou Dynasty with rulers and their noble elite in China.

QI and JING according to TČM

Polyrhachis Vicina extract has a reputation in TCM for its vitality-related abilities, being said to be a unique Qi and Jing tonic, which may be due, among other things, to the high amount of available raw ATP (adenosine triphosphate) - pure cellular energy contained within. For centuries, it has been used as a tonic herb for jing energy in the body according to TCM. Since this energy is so important and fundamental to TČM, take a moment to explore it more deeply:

Jing is that which is the matter for life, it can be transmuted and transformed into new life through the process of creation. Jing is the most refined substance in our body, forming the basis of all our tissues, especially male and female sexual fluids. Jing represents the body's reserve or stored energy, which is divided into two aspects, prenatal and postnatal. Prenatal is what we have genetically and hereditarily inherited from our parents and our families (genetic inheritance). Postnatal is what we accumulate throughout life through our diet and lifestyle. According to TCM, one part of our jing energy is inherited and the other is generated in our own life. It is our ability to create, store, and control this jing energy that, according to TCM, determines our strength and potential lifespan. According to TČM, jing has a huge influence on the quality and quantity of our being. Jing energy can be observed in the shine and texture of the skin, hair, nails, and tongue. Most importantly, according to TCM, jing energy can be observed in our fertility, sexual prowess, creativity, instinct, courage, will, inspiration, and athletic strength. Jing also plays a huge role in the strength of the skeletal system, as well as the production of bone marrow and stem cells. According to TCM, Jing energy is depleted by the process of living itself, but also by stress, excessive emotional behavior, physical and mental activity, and overwork. However, through proper exercise, diet, and the use of tonic herbs, we can replenish and conserve this energy.

According to TČM, Polyrhachis Vicina nourishes all three treasures: Jing, Chi(Qi) and Shen. This in itself makes it a true superstar tonic herb, but even more impressive is the fact that it nourishes both the yin and yang aspects of jing energy. Yin jingu is a deeply nourishing energy and is considered the cornerstone of youth, freshness, and the wax of the candle of life. Many consider its accumulation to be more or less building up energy reserves that are stored in the body for future use, thus providing long-term regenerative and rejuvenating properties. Yin tonic tends to nourish endocrine hormones that are noticeably depleted by aging, as well as bouts and extreme stress scenarios, whether the stress is physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. The process of life and aging depletes this yin energy, and it can also be depleted by overwork, fatigue, childbearing, excessive or chronic drug/medication use, illness, excessive emotionalism, and sexual excess. A deficiency of Jin Jingu can manifest as dark circles under the eyes, back pain, weak kidney and reproductive function, low resistance to infections, poor digestion, as well as other signs of premature aging. Yang Jing is deeply empowering and inspiring. According to TČM, Polyrhachis Vicina Roger is well tolerated by most people precisely because it contains both yin and yang, making it more balanced in its effects. Some herbs, such as ginseng or deer antler, can often be too warming or stimulating for certain people, which is why polyrhachis is considered a more stable and suitable alternative.

Polyrhachis Vicina Roger is listed as the "herb of kings" in the classical Chinese pharmacopoeia called "Ben Cao Gang Mu", written by the legendary herbalist Li Chi Zhen. Perhaps this is why mountain ant was considered a "tonic herb" of the highest level and was also popular among the ruling elite of ancient China, as documented in imperial records. 

BBC reports that "scientific research in China has shown that a certain species of Chinese ant, Polyrhachis Vicina Roger, increases longevity and vitality in rats - although this does not apply to humans (so it is not a reference to a possible health claim:)."

Protein, minerals, fiber

Black mountain ants contain up to 67% protein, with a very low fat content. The high protein content, including all essential amino acids, of black ant products makes it a suitable supplement for athletes as a source of unique proteins and other synergistic ingredients. Ant extract powder can be mixed with other powders or in shakes to increase protein and electrolytes. The protein contained in ants is of very high quality because the amino acids are in an excellent ratio.

Black ants are a rich source of minerals and in fact contain the HIGHEST natural amount of zinc of any known living organism. 1KG of black ants contains an incredible 227-311 mg of zinc, this amount is further increased several times in the dried concentrated extract. Oysters are known (especially as a concentrated extract, but also raw) to contain the most usable zinc of all natural sources (160-200 mg per 1KG) and much more than the next richest source - red meat, but polyrhachis vicina is the real king of zinc. Furthermore, this Zinc is naturally bound in peptides and amino acids with essential co-factors and is therefore extremely well absorbed. The other minerals (electrolytes) contained are also quite rich, especially iron, calcium, magnesium, selenium and chromium. As mentioned, they contain the highest known concentration of zinc in nature. Zinc is essential for a large number of processes in the body, including blood formation. Healthy blood = greater capacity to transport oxygen to muscles = better athletic performance. Ants contain only small amounts of carbohydrates, most of which is in the form of an insoluble fiber called chitin (exoskeleton). This is perfectly synergistic with high protein content, as it is well known that high protein content is ideal along with high fiber intake also with respect to the microbiome.

Unique ecdysterone

Ant bioactive ecdysterone: Ecdysterone (Ecdy) is an insect hormone found in arthropods that regulates their development. It is also synthesized by a number of plants (phytoecdysterone) to combat insect pests. It has a number of pharmacologically studied properties including anabolic and adaptogenic. Ecdysterone is widely marketed as a dietary supplement to enhance the physical performance of athletes. In addition to the estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta)-dependent anabolic effect of Ecdy in muscle, the molecular mechanisms of a large number of other pharmacological effects induced by Ecdy remain unknown. Structurally, ecdysis is very similar to androgens (male hormones such as testosterone), and many suggest its use as a safer and natural alternative to anabolic steroids.

BLACK ANT AND MY EXPERIENCE, USING IT FOR WORKOUTS

"Along with wild cordyceps, I consider black ant to be the biggest game changer in my training supplementation." It's such a strong ergogen for me and such a potent substance that I simply stopped taking it at one point, with great respect. I used the first course for about a month and a half, for all training sessions as part of my regular pre-training ritual with shilajit, cordyceps and other natural relaxation ingredients (including an ice shower), after which I always practice my training for a longer period of time in a completely meditative state and without stimulants. During the first few workouts, I always beat my old records by a few repetitions in the first few sets until I reached the point where I had completed the long-term goal set for my lowest summer weight and sets and reps in Ukraine (70 pull-ups in one set - https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ6mPZDlBBh/). The plan was to manage it last year at only about 88 kg and one meal a day, which I couldn't do anyway and was still holding somewhere between 55-60 pull-ups. With wild cordyceps and black ant, I finally filled it out at a heavy weight of about 94 kg and in winter, which in itself is something that is difficult to understand and unexpected (it was in the range of about 62,64,66,68,70 for about 2 reps each workout). I also noticed rapid regeneration and overall efficiency throughout the day, it was hard to get tired and I trained daily (daily sets) even while working 10+ hours. I realized how strong the substance polyrhachis vicina actually is, and that's why I subsequently stopped using it. I am determined to plan and utilize its use and incredible potential very well now, and I would like to advise/appeal to others to do the same, with discretion - this is a very powerful natural thing and it needs to be used wisely and as effectively as possible. I used very high doses and in combination with other adaptogens and ergogens from TČM and bee products. The problem is that you don't even feel like a human being, and that naturally raised questions and perhaps even some concerns about sustainability. One wants to preserve and protect it at all costs, one does not want to lose it, it is an incredibly energizing and invigorating cocktail of feelings and happiness from having a powerful natural tool/weapon in one's hands. Which is actually a trap because with every powerful weapon you need to know how to use it first. In my opinion, in terms of natural substances, Black Ant is something for which athletes should have great gratitude, humility, and respect. Start dosing gradually and test individually, first separately and then in combinations. It will certainly repay you with a very unexpected intervention in the performance regime of many an athlete, perhaps as massive as in my case. It is thanks to superfoods like this, shilajit, colostrum, pine pollen, cordyceps, and others... that I have found the perfect answer to physical optimization and, for me, an absolutely superior natural alternative to stimulants and/or banned substances such as doping/anabolic steroids.''

Me on pre-workout optimization: In fact, all "pre-workouts" (95% on the market) are built solely on the principle of kick-starting and stimulation with a strong dose of caffeine or other stimulants, and are also heavily flavored with chemicals (sweetener, coloring, flavoring). Subsequently, a mix of a few amino acids (usually in negligible amounts or in the wrong form) or a little creatine and in many cases other stimulants are added. The result is that the liver has to break down a lot of chemicals and at the same time is overloaded with a lot of stimulants (this later leads to excess estrogen in the body and disruption of tendon function because the liver controls tendons) - during training you feel great and undefeated because the CNS (central nervous system) was strongly stimulated to perform, but later the body has to deal with the consequences healthily and the burned-out CNS causes you to gradually decline physically and in terms of performance (instead of getting stronger naturally) and you have to use a "pre-workout" to achieve at least some normal results. Without it, it is not only difficult or emotionally "impossible" to exercise physically, but often difficult to even commit to exercising and get through it mentally. This creates a vicious circle and the user of a regular "pre-workout" becomes a victim and prey to his own ignorance and wrongdoing (this is often the case, for example, in the case of the abuse of steroids and anabolic steroids by ignorant individuals and beginners).

It is important to realize that everything has its price. And you can't expect that if I regularly take high doses of stimulants and get high on chemicals, it won't have any impact on my body. What chemistry brings you, it always takes back at least 3 times later. Therefore, I do not recommend that anyone who does not have special one-time goals (without a habit, a burst of stimulating formula can increase performance by a lot) or, for example, a purposeful competition routine, etc., use conventional boosters and regular pre-workouts at all. For smaller amounts of caffeine, if necessary, a strong tea infusion or quality coffee will suffice, to which you can add, for example, MCT oil or cocoa to lengthen and stabilize the effect and provide the right energy (of course, no sugar is added), etc. For example, coffee is also whole, so the substances it contains act in natural synergy.

True strength and art, however, is to perform completely without CNS stimulation. This provides free, sustainable and essentially unlimited natural development into the future, while minimizing the risk of injury. I appeal to this after more than 18 years of continuous training history, during which I caused all my serious injuries in top-level sports while on my way to it, precisely under the influence of CNS stimulants.

If a top or experienced athlete decides to use a pre-workout formula, they should focus only on functional ingredients without overstimulation of the CNS - i.e. really working substances (mostly free-form amino acids) that have been subjected to many real studies on real athletes. And also caffeine-free, because caffeine can be easily added to the formulation separately with quality coffee whenever needed. 

We need to focus on the effect on the muscles and body that we feel inside - on natural (not on the strength extracted) endurance, strength, resilience, regeneration and recovery after training. It's very easy to kick yourself, overshoot your CNS, and put on some weights or power, but the consequences are cruel and negative. However, going to exercise fully natural and prepared even without a kick, only supported by functional substances - that is the rational and logical action of an experienced athlete. Stimulation can then be used intermittently in case of necessity or a special event (and then has the appropriate effect), but it should not have a place in the supplementation of those who are trying to combine their sport and health (and future) hand in hand and have the right perspective.

The path of powerful natural tonic herbs and extracts without chemicals and stimulants certainly offers at least an interesting alternative with deeper added value, which hides many secrets and potentials that are waiting to be explored, discovered and experienced by every peaceful warrior open to perceiving their body, mind and spirit differently than just as an athlete.

In my opinion, Black ant extract is by far one of the best natural tonic herbs for athletes and for use especially during training (before or after) or before any heavy physical/mental activity.

DI TAO ACQUISITION - HONORING THE WISDOM OF THE ANCESTORS
In traditional Chinese medicine, there is the philosophy of DI TAO - a traditional Chinese concept of obtaining a tonic herb or adaptogen from its spiritual homeland, its authentic and true source and habitat. Only in this region, where the original environment is optimal, will the supersubstance grow to become chemically richest, strongest, and with the greatest potential.

The basic philosophy of Di Tao is that herbs and substances that grow/originate and are collected in one area will always be different from others because they come from their original environment. Throughout the life of an herb, factors such as the water that feeds it, the soil that nourishes it, the insects and microorganisms that live symbiotically with it, as well as the method of cultivation and final processing are taken into account to maximize its medicinal properties.

"HEALTH IS A GIFT OF GOD AND CARE OF THE BODY IS A SACRED DUTY, THE NEGLECTION OF WHICH IS A REAL SIN" -EUGEN SANDOW