Tribulus

Tribulus Author: Technical Panel 26/03/2006
Also Known As:
Tribulus
Variations:
Related Items:
Testosterone
Type:
Pro-Testosterone

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.

References:


Related Articles Submitted by Our Visitors
Do you want to write your own article on this subject? Click here.


Supplements Ingredients Dictionary Supplements::Ingredients
Supplements Ingredients Dictionary
Supplements Ingredients Dictionary
Supplementing The Diet Supplements::Basic 28/02/2005
Supplementing The Diet
Supplementing The Diet
7-Keto Supplements::Ingredients 08/04/2006
7-Keto
7-Keto
Ecdysterone Supplements::Ingredients 02/03/2006
Ecdysterone
Ecdysterone
Rhodiola Supplements::Ingredients 25/04/2006
Rhodiola
Rhodiola
Tribulus Supplements::Ingredients 26/03/2006
Tribulus
Tribulus
Yohimbe Supplements::Ingredients 28/04/2006
Yohimbe
Yohimbe
Yohimine Supplements::Ingredients 29/04/2006
Yohimine
Yohimine
ZMA Supplements::Ingredients 06/04/2006
ZMA
ZMA
1 Test Supplements::Ingredients 17/02/2006
1 Test
1 Test
19 Nor Supplements::Ingredients 16/02/2006
19 Nor
19 Nor
4AD Supplements::Ingredients 18/02/2006
4AD
4AD
5_HTP Supplements::Ingredients 07/04/2006
5_HTP
5_HTP
7-Keto Supplements::Ingredients 08/04/2006
7-Keto
7-Keto
About creatine-ethyl-ester Supplements::Ingredients 27/02/2006
About creatine-ethyl-ester
About creatine-ethyl-ester
About Gakic Supplements::Ingredients 27/02/2006
About Gakic
About Gakic
ALC Supplements::Ingredients 19/02/2006
ALC
ALC
Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplements::Ingredients 26/01/2006
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Amino Acids Supplements::Ingredients 09/04/2006
Amino Acids
Amino Acids


A Selection of the Most Popular Shopping Pages in the Last Hour
Testosterone Booster Supplements

Testosterone Supplements:Testosterone Booster Supplements now amongst the most popular of all supplements. Testosterone boosters help e...

Increase Testosterone Levels Sci-Mentor Sports Supplements

Sci-Mentor Supplements :A straight approach to providing uncompromising quality. Top grade materials brought together in advanced form...

Sci Mentor Products
Cytosport protein supplement

Muscle milk protein:A protein that aids fast loss by encouraging your body to use fats as fuel. It helps spare protein for muscle ...

protein supplement Whey Isolate:Reflex Sports Supplement

Reflex Micro Whey Protein :When you need protein fast, then whey isolate is the only way to go. Reflex have produced probably the easiest...

Whey Protein Isolate
Universal Supplements

Animal Pack Supplements:Universal Animal Paks have been a frontline supplement tool used by the serious strength and weight trainer fo...

Universal Packs Science in Sports Supplements

Sports recovery drink :SIS are a specialist company providing high performance sports supplements to the endurance athlete. Rego is a...

Science in Sports REGO

All Store Departments
Affordable Supplements Training Equipment Martial Arts Supplies Gym Accessories Bodybuilding Tans and Oils Buy Training Technology Olympia Videos and DVDs
Supplements Equipment Martial Arts Accessories Competition Technology Media

BodyActive
0845 3 70 54 70
Lines Open 9:00 to 5:00 Mon-Sat
 
 
Contact Us
Our Stores & Locations
Add to Favorites
Mail a Friend
Login
Home Buyers Guide About Articles Services Nutrition Training Planner My Page