Tribulus

WHAT IS TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS?
Tribulus Terrestris, also known as Puncture Vine, is a plant which grows in some moderate climates and many tropical areas of the world. For many centuries, this herb has played an important role in folk medicine, used for example by the Greeks as a diuretic (which this herb is actually quite effective as) and a general mood-enhancing tonic. In india Tribulus has been used as a diuretic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, and in Chinese medicine as a therapy for numerous diseases affecting the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system.

WHAT DOES TRIBULUS CONTAIN?
Triblus is a rich source of numerous potentially significant biological substances including saponins, flavanoids, alkaloids and other nutrients. With all herbs, there is a variance in potency of the active ingredients from various areas of the plant, generally the above ground areas have higher concentrations such as the leaves and fruits. It is also of extreme importance to the herb where the plant is cultivated - the envioronment and harvesting processes.

Of prime importance to the athlete wishing to gain a pro testosterone effect from Tribulus it is interesting to note that in Bulgaria and the Balkan countries, Tribulus has been used as a compound to treat infertility and lack of libido, and has been extensively studied by scientists at the Chemical Pharmaceutical Research Institute in Sofia, Bulgaria. These studies date back nearly three decades. It has since become known that for specific testosterone boosting effects to work only a certain compound contained within the Tribulus is what causes the desired effect, namely Protodioscin. Contained and standardized extracts of protodioscin at a high level are actually the only part of this herb that have the effect athletes desire. Supplements proporting to contain Tribulus but not containing standardized extractions of this compound are useless herb.

HOW DOES TRIBULUS WORK? 
Unlike Pro-Hormones which provide the body with the raw material to convert directly into testosterone or a blend of testosterone, Tribulus increases Luteinizing Hormone (LH). LH is a pituitary hormone which instructs the body (turns on) natural testosterone production. Many studies have shown the benefits of this include increased sperm production and motility in animals as well as increased testosterone production and testicular maturation. Similar studies have been carried out on hundreds of human male subjects with similar positive results.

An increase in the body signals to produce more testosterone may be beneficial for several athletes. It is possible that the increase in testosterone from using this herb may be active and cause the obvious effects we should see from increased Testosterone levels such as increased strength, intensity of workouts and speedier recovery rates. Alteration of body composition may take place faster than usual with increased muscle gains and faster fat loss.

For the athlete with complications in supressed natural testosterone production, i.e. steroid users, tribulus can be a benefit to kickstart natural production at the end of cycle, with effects some report, to be nearly as potent as HCG.

Likewise, older men tend to experience the greatest benefits from Tribulus use as their natural testosterone has been declining yearly and the additional stimulation of greater output can cause much more dramatic results than for the younger user. In fact those below twenty years of age probably would see limited benefits from this herb.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I EXPERIENCE?
First of all women should not use this product as LH stimulation in women would only increase female sex hormones and not testosterone rendering it useless for athletic performance. 

It is possible, about one in ten people, may find Tribulus can upset the stomach, so taking it with food would correct this. Also anyone suffering from enlarged prostrate or other medical condition should first discuss this product with their physician.

As with any testosterone increasing supplement Tribulus may trigger a greater release of Estrogen in response to the higher levels of Testosterone. This may be a concern for some but in no way as high a level caused by some androgenic steroids. A mild Estrogen blocker may be a good idea to use alongside Tribulus, often included with the product in certain brands.

It has also been noted on many occassions that the frequency of erections can be greatly increased and more intense - whether this is a welcome side effect or not it is a possibilty.

WHAT DOSE AND WHEN?
Most tribulus products contain around 1000mg with a 10% Protodioscin content to be taken early in the morning and mid afternoon. It would be a sensible idea to use the supplement in cycles such as three weeks on, two weeks off, two weeks on, three weeks off and so on so as to avoid any feedback mechanism by the body.